Notes: Ancestor healing IS AND IS NOT.

• Using ancestors for healing work, known as ancestral healing or ancestor veneration (deep respect and honor) , is a practice that involves connecting with deceased family members for well-being. Rooted in the belief that ancestors influence the living, it aims to heal intergenerational trauma, access wisdom, and foster a sense of belonging. Common practices include ancestor altars, rituals, meditation, genealogical research, storytelling, offerings, and forgiveness work. Potential benefits include healing inherited trauma, self-understanding, ancestral guidance, breaking negative cycles, and improved health. It requires discernment, cultural sensitivity, and can complement other healing modalities.

What Ancestor Healing IS:

- Addressing intergenerational trauma: Recognizing and healing the impact of past ancestral experiences on present-day life.

- Breaking negative patterns: Disrupting harmful cycles passed down through families.

- Reconnecting with lineage: Understanding family history for identity and belonging.

- Honoring ancestors: Acknowledging and respecting past generations.

- Spiritual growth: Often a spiritual practice for self-awareness and peace.

When it is NOT Ancestor Healing:

- Replacement for therapy/medical care: Should complement, not substitute, professional help.

- Blaming ancestors: Avoids personal responsibility by solely focusing on the past.

- Avoiding present issues: Overemphasis on the past neglects current realities.

_ Lacking boundaries/discernment: Not all ancestral influences are positive; discernment is key.

- Ethically inappropriate practices: Misusing cultural traditions without respect.

* Causing undue distress: Pushing too hard without support can be harmful.

- Based on inaccurate info: Requires reasonably accurate family history.

_ Fostering unhealthy enmeshment/lack of clear boundary within family or close relationships: Maintaining healthy boundaries between living and deceased is crucial.