It’s the season of Family! From honoring deceased relatives & loved ones on October 31st, to gathering together and sharing in November & December, this is the season that is all about family, friends, & community. Whether you go your own way or get wrapped up in social engagements, we are always surrounded by the energies of others – in life & in Spirit – and we can easily forget to take time for ourselves.
This article is aimed at reminding you to slow-down, take a deep breath, gather your energy, & honor the unseen forces around you. You may be bombarded by phone calls, emails, or social engagements, or you may be very much a reclusive loner who may or may not be estranged & distanced from family & relatives. Still, there are unseen energies around you and within you which seek your conscientious attention. The fact is your DNA came from somewhere. The Ancestors are there. Also, no matter how alone you are or feel, it’s guaranteed there is more unseen energy around you than you realize or care to notice. The point is, slow down and honor the fact that you are here, you exist, and there is so much more to Life than meets-the-eye.
Set Up An Ancestor Altar
Start by honoring the fact that you came from somewhere. Clear an end-table, a mantle-piece, or other surface, and place some symbol or picture that you feel connects you to who you are on it. It can be a picture of your favorite place, your favorite picture of yourself, your favorite flower(s) in a vase, a spiritual or religious symbol, an heirloom or memento, etc. If you are blessed enough to have it - place a picture, piece of historical paperwork (like immigrant or citizen documents, an old letter, or an old marriage license), or some other representation of an ancestor or family history. Even a bit of on-line research can yield images of family history or records. Then, if it is safe to do so, place a candle in a heat-safe container on the table next. I find that an inexpensive tea-light candle or small votive candle is easiest to deal with and find a small glass or ashtray to hold it.
Add Some Herbs
Next, if you are so inclined, take a small bowl or dish, place in it 3-5 tablespoons of course sea salt, rock salt, or kosher salt. (It is okay if all you have is table salt or even bath/Epsom salts.) With that, blend in a tablespoon each of 2 or 3 of the following herbs (which may be in your kitchen, for sale online, or at your nearest herb shop): myrrh, frankincense, gold copal, rosemary, fennel seed, pine needles, thyme, patchouli, lemongrass and/or clove. You can use ground powders or whole dried herbs & resin pieces. This is merely an offering dish of aromatic energies that have been used throughout human history in one form or another. The energies offered by these herbs are for drawing attention & support of the Ancestors, protection from harmful influences, cleansing & raising vibrations.
Take Time To Meditate
When setting intentions, remember to welcome your Ancestral visitors graciously. Give gratitude & honor them – right or wrong, honor their courage & fortitude to be here, living life. Value & heal your self & your life by showing value & gratitude to those who have come before you.
If you or your family seem to suffer from or have a “family history" of any kind of dis-ease relatable to genetics, DNA, and heredity – such as heart disease, diabetes, addictions, or depression – you may need to heal some family, or generational, karma. One way to begin this process is to focus on facing, cleansing, & releasing the attachments to the pattern. After honoring the Ancestors, ask for guidance understanding the truth behind the issue or disease. Allow you meditation to reveal things to you & journal them. Allow yourself to feel whatever you feel, but do not hold on to the feelings. Cleanse them out & smudge yourself & your energy field with sage & lavender for peace & cleansing, or frankincense & myrrh for protection & raising vibrations.
Keep Moving Forward
This process will not resolve the issue in one swoop. It will start you on a healing journey from which you can release old patterns & limitations that are holding you back, and even alleviate some physical symptoms which will allow your body the energy to continue healing whatever long-term, chronic, or hereditary challenges you may be experiencing.
As your healing journey begins & continues, remember to seek help when you need it, remember you’re supported by your more ancient Ancestors, and remember to work with your medical practitioners in safely treating any physical illnesses according to your truest inner guidance.
May peace & blessings permeate your healing journey as you courageously take on the task of changing your life – past, present, & future!
If you have any questions of a spiritual nature or seek clarification on this article, please comment below or email me at cynthia@cassadaga.com.
Peace & blessings, Cynthia
Set Up An Ancestor Altar
Start by honoring the fact that you came from somewhere. Clear an end-table, a mantle-piece, or other surface, and place some symbol or picture that you feel connects you to who you are on it. It can be a picture of your favorite place, your favorite picture of yourself, your favorite flower(s) in a vase, a spiritual or religious symbol, an heirloom or memento, etc. If you are blessed enough to have it - place a picture, piece of historical paperwork (like immigrant or citizen documents, an old letter, or an old marriage license), or some other representation of an ancestor or family history. Even a bit of on-line research can yield images of family history or records. Then, if it is safe to do so, place a candle in a heat-safe container on the table next. I find that an inexpensive tea-light candle or small votive candle is easiest to deal with and find a small glass or ashtray to hold it.
Add Some Herbs
Next, if you are so inclined, take a small bowl or dish, place in it 3-5 tablespoons of course sea salt, rock salt, or kosher salt. (It is okay if all you have is table salt or even bath/Epsom salts.) With that, blend in a tablespoon each of 2 or 3 of the following herbs (which may be in your kitchen, for sale online, or at your nearest herb shop): myrrh, frankincense, gold copal, rosemary, fennel seed, pine needles, thyme, patchouli, lemongrass and/or clove. You can use ground powders or whole dried herbs & resin pieces. This is merely an offering dish of aromatic energies that have been used throughout human history in one form or another. The energies offered by these herbs are for drawing attention & support of the Ancestors, protection from harmful influences, cleansing & raising vibrations.
Take Time To Meditate
When setting intentions, remember to welcome your Ancestral visitors graciously. Give gratitude & honor them – right or wrong, honor their courage & fortitude to be here, living life. Value & heal your self & your life by showing value & gratitude to those who have come before you.
If you or your family seem to suffer from or have a “family history" of any kind of dis-ease relatable to genetics, DNA, and heredity – such as heart disease, diabetes, addictions, or depression – you may need to heal some family, or generational, karma. One way to begin this process is to focus on facing, cleansing, & releasing the attachments to the pattern. After honoring the Ancestors, ask for guidance understanding the truth behind the issue or disease. Allow you meditation to reveal things to you & journal them. Allow yourself to feel whatever you feel, but do not hold on to the feelings. Cleanse them out & smudge yourself & your energy field with sage & lavender for peace & cleansing, or frankincense & myrrh for protection & raising vibrations.
Keep Moving Forward
This process will not resolve the issue in one swoop. It will start you on a healing journey from which you can release old patterns & limitations that are holding you back, and even alleviate some physical symptoms which will allow your body the energy to continue healing whatever long-term, chronic, or hereditary challenges you may be experiencing.
As your healing journey begins & continues, remember to seek help when you need it, remember you’re supported by your more ancient Ancestors, and remember to work with your medical practitioners in safely treating any physical illnesses according to your truest inner guidance.
May peace & blessings permeate your healing journey as you courageously take on the task of changing your life – past, present, & future!
If you have any questions of a spiritual nature or seek clarification on this article, please comment below or email me at cynthia@cassadaga.com.
Peace & blessings, Cynthia
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