Month of the Ancestors

Although we honor the ancestors or work with them to resolve generational patterns throughout the year, the veil between our world and theirs is especially thin in October.

This time of year – throughout cultures – is a time of doing ancestral work, whether it’s healing or honoring. The idea of souls of the dead returning home on one night of the year has ancient origins and is found in many cultures throughout the world. In October and first two days of November we celebrate Samhain, Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Soul’s Day, and All Saint’s Day.

How might you work with the ancestors?

Ancestral Tarot

In my book, Ancestral Tarot, I show multiple spreads for using the cards to communicate, honor, and work through family issues with those who have departed. It doesn’t matter if you know who those ancestors were, because the ancestors know who you are. (Ancestral Tarot is now available for pre-order)

One spread I’m particularly fond of is asking an Ancestor help or advice. This is a simple three-card-spread, with positions of:

1. Which Ancestor wants to work with me on this issue?
2. What do I need to understand about this Ancestor?
3. What advice does the Ancestor have for me?

You might feel challenged to identify the Ancestor in Spread Position #1. Don’t be. This is a time to go with your gut. Look at the card and trust what you hear. For example, I asked about completing a book proposal project. My cards (DruidCraft Tarot) were 4 of Swords, King of Pentacles, and the World.

This spread told me that my Ancestor was a male who was engaged in work that was mentally taxing. And, at times, he felt like abandoning a project (just like I do). However, what I need to understand was that he stepped up to the plate (King of Pentacles) and made sure the projects were completed to the absolute best of his ability. The advice for my issue is that I’ve already completed the work, so the heavy lifting is done. I just have to polish it off by putting it down in writing. The experiences, the knowledge – they’re already here.

Does this help me? Yes, it tells me that I had at least one Ancestor who also did mental work and got tired of it. As you can see from the 4 of Swords, he’s taking a time out. Perhaps, before taking on that last little bit of my own project, a brief respite would do me a ‘World’ of good.

What Would You Like to Communicate With Your Ancestors?

Please leave a comment and tell me what you would like to say to those who have departed, or what you would like to ask.