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Comment by Storm Raven on February 23, 2011 at 11:10pm

There's some beautiful country up that way. The mountains are gorgeous and the forests are thick and untamed with fish filled rivers and streams never more than a mile apart. Hot Springs, Arkansas is expensive but worth it, even with all the commercial tourism at the hot springs.

I know it would be expensive, but a trip to see these places is worth it. Even if you don't connect with your family the way you want, just experiencing a place like that is incredible. And, walking the streets where your ancestors lived is something beyond words too. I know, I walked the same paths as my ancestors when I went to Germany. There's something indescribable in it.

Do you have any living relative in the area? If so, can they help you out?

Comment by Mosby (Witchlet) on February 23, 2011 at 10:55pm

Forrest City Arkansas and Jackson Tennessee

Comment by Storm Raven on February 23, 2011 at 10:45pm

Where at down south?

Comment by Mosby (Witchlet) on February 23, 2011 at 10:37pm

It may be something simple like a post card from a relative, or an offer to do you genealogy. My communications tend toward the chills, the sinking feeling in the gut, a nervous energy or the occasional vision flashing before my eyes

 

This has all happened to me...some of it even on this site! the genealogy site help fell through, but it is uncanny that you said that. All my family is back down south...so that's a long trip but could be worth it. Sangraal said something about holding a candle over water????

Comment by Storm Raven on February 23, 2011 at 9:00pm

Animists deal with spirits of place and there is a stronger tie to hereditary places than to new ones, so yeah, it matters. But, animism is all about the relationships with the spirits. The stronger you grow those relationships, the stronger the bond.

I can give you suggestions on how to strengthen those ties, but I cannot tell you how to "make friends" with the spirits. That's a personal interaction just like you making friends with someone else. I can not tell you how strong those ties will be, or how well you will be able to interact. I can warn you that it will likely be minimalistic, especially at first.

For instance, if you know where your ancestors are buried, especially any that would know where you're from, then you might benefit from tending their graves and making offerings while asking for that information. Then it's just a waiting game till they get around to it. It may be something simple like a post card from a relative, or an offer to do you genealogy. My communications tend toward the chills, the sinking feeling in the gut, a nervous energy or the occasional vision flashing before my eyes.

You can try the same at home, with a home alter... drawing the spirits of those ancestors already with you more strongly in the hope they may have that information. Or you could try to tie the two together with yearly visits to the cemetery and a home alter. Again, its really just making room for them in your life, offering them energy and giving them the strength to connect while you reach out to them, growing together.

It's my experience, that we need to relax and let the information come to us, though. I have received some startling revelations to questions I asked weeks and even years earlier, when I stopped worrying about. And, sometimes, there is the information that is only for us to know for a short while, just long enough to reassure us that we had an answer and it made sense.

I can't say for sure that you will ever get your answers. I don't know, that's the thing about personal relationships, they're personal. And, talking with the dead isn't like picking up a phone. There is no direct line, and the only way to open up communication is to build on existing relationships, strengthening them to the point they have the ability to come to you... when they're ready.

Comment by Mosby (Witchlet) on February 23, 2011 at 8:40pm

I don't know where I come from...and no one in my family knows either...and apparently I should just get over it because who really cares anyway? But most of my family is sensitive to the spirit world...so how can I ignore that?

Comment by Storm Raven on February 23, 2011 at 8:32pm

You're starting to get into some seriously advanced stuff. Dream time can work, but it's hit or miss. Ouija or Talking boards are dubious at best, so is automatic (ghost) writing (you just never know who you're really dealing with). What's typically called Shamanic Journey's can take years to learn, and I would suggest, even then a trip to the land of the dead is dangerous for the advanced Shaman or Practitioner of similar arts... even guided and observed.

Calling them to you... that's more a summoning and falls outside the Animist realm and more into the Necromancy domain.

If you don't mind me asking, what's so important?

Comment by Mosby (Witchlet) on February 23, 2011 at 8:25pm

Yes I have check out Sangraal's page...I need methodology in detail. I want to establish a relationship and communicate with them. If verbal is not the best way then what is? Dream messages...meditation, divination?

Comment by Storm Raven on February 23, 2011 at 8:13pm

Sangraal has a group specifically set up for Ancestor Veneration. Have you looked at some of what he has up? I believe he even has a suggestion for how to communicate with the ancestors there.

 

Beyond that, I have to wonder what you're looking for. What kind of relationship are you looking to establish with your ancestors? If you're looking for a verbal exchange, I would say that's really, really rare. If, on the other hand, you are simply looking for the emotional connection and reassurance that they are there and willing to look out for you, that's just a matter of being open to them letting you know.

 

Comment by Mosby (Witchlet) on February 23, 2011 at 5:39pm

Hey hey hey!!! I know I'm supposed to take a break from magic but yes, I wanna know more about this...and practice! Me need to speak with ancestors right away

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