Ancestral Healing
Many Native traditions including Native American have used sacred objects to string a connection to the Ancestors and bring healing to the present moment. Creating a sacred space by the ritual of burning sage or cedar smudge sticks to cleanse away negative energy and flood in positive energy is a healing practice used frequently. At times a dry smudge is recommended rather than burning and rattles may be used for this purpose quite effectly. Some people find additionally that when meditating and asking questions, their guides answer by shaking the rattle on the altar.
There are a number of herbs such as copal and bear root which can be burned in an abalone shell for specific healing purposes.
Listening to drumming or Native American flute playing can be transformative- allowing us to enter a place of heightened awareness where our ancestors voices can resonate.
Another powerful way to bridge the ethereal gap is by creating on or around our altar a place for a swatch of buffalo hide to rest. It has been said the sacred buffalo brings us humility for his giveaway and opens the doorway to hear from the Grandfathers and Grandmothers.
Whatever means we use effectively to communicate with our Ancestors the end result is to receive this healing power and presence from them. And to know that they are always available and waiting just for us to ask!
