Ancestor Season

It’s been a whole generation!

The idea that a generation spans about 20 years just got way more tangible for me as I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary with Elizabeth.

Our own child is now a junior in high school. The children at our wedding are now young adults.

Along with our joy for these young people, the celebration brought up grief for those who have moved on from this life. 

As many of my elders age or transition beyond this life, I feel my identity and role slowly changing. 

When I started to think about this generational transition as a slow initiation, it started to feel more purposeful rather than lonely. 

Eventually, God willing, I will be the oldest living generation. I will be the one who remembers the ancestors most clearly. I will be the one transmitting the family and cultural linages. 

Every fall, as the leaves start to change and the squash and apples ripen, I return to reflecting on ancestors. 

Every year there are more people to remember. 

As the world keeps changing, I keep asking – how will I be a good ancestor of the future?

When we take time to remember and orient ourselves among past and future generations we connect us with meaning, support, and purpose. 

I’ve got TWO very special opportunities for you to tend your place in a lineage of ancestors:

Registration is now open for the Ancestor Celebration – a community gathering in a beautiful natural setting to honor the vast web of ancestors through music, dance and a shared meal. 

If you want to go deeper into topic, I invite you to sign up for the Fall session of Grandmothers’ Garden. Inspired by the teachings within the dances, the reflective process and sharing will help you:

• Create a tangible connection to the support and love for you from the web of ancestors

• Get inspiration and support to build or refresh an ancestor alter in your home

• Identify the unique contribution you bring to the lineages you carry

• Figure out how you want to pass on the linages or inheritances you have received. (If you feel stuck about an any lingering boxes of old family items this will help!) 

• Find a meaningful connection to future generations.

Can you hear the ancestors rejoicing? You are the one they have been waiting for.

Love,

emily