Ancestors, Spirit & Bone
A time to honor those that came before
Happy Samhain! In this time of reflection, I’m thinking a lot about my ancestors. Both those tied to me by blood, and those tied to me by spirit and community.
I’ve been researching my genealogy, hoping to fill in stories from the women of my family tree. I’ve actually had some luck with that, now that many historic documents are searchable online. However, if you go back far enough, women are sometimes not even named on the census data, just “wife” or “daughter”. It’s only the male head of the household that has his name written for “his”tory.
Every person, every being, is connected to one another in this existence. Sometimes we recognize the connections and sometimes we don't even know about them.
Recognition of those that came before, even if we do not know their names or stories, is important to feeling connected to each other. In connection, we find empathy and kindness to all who share this Earth.
Daily Ancestors Prayer by Moine Michele
With the morning sun, I greet you
With the lengthening day, I honor you
With the close of night, I thank you for your many gifts
I ask for your blessing, protection, and guidance today and all days.
You are my roots, my history, my belonging,
I am the living face
of the work of your hands, your hearts, and your minds.
What is remembered, lives
Mothers of my mothers
Fathers of my fathers
Ancestors of spirit
Ancestors of flesh, bone-blood, and spirit
I greet and honor you
I ask for your blessings, protection and guidance
Today and all days.