What is ancestral healing?
Ancestral lineage healing is a ritual framework developed by Dr. Daniel Foor and taught by his organization, Ancestral Medicine. Practitioners act as facilitators to support you in coming into direct relationship with your wise and healed ancestors. A step-by-step process is followed in which you will connect with an ancestral guide, get to know the gifts and challenges of your lineage, witness the healing of those on the lineage who are not yet well, and experience the healed energy of the lineage within yourself. This process is an initiation into healthy, conscious ancestral relationship that may become a lifelong connection.
Who are the ancestors?
In this context, the ancestors are those from whom you are directly descended and are no longer here on earth in physical form. Your DNA relations of blood and bone. Those who are still living are not considered ancestors, and not all the dead are considered ancestors. Only those who are vibrantly well and healed are ancestors.
What does an ancestral lineage healing session look like?
Sessions are held on Zoom. Initial sessions are 90 minutes, and following sessions are 60-75 minutes. Working with one lineage takes place over 5+ sessions, but there's no obligation to continue beyond the first session. An ancestral healing session will begin with a prayer and a discussion of what you know of your four grandparent's lineages, living family, and any relevant personal, family, or cultural issues. You'll then be guided into a state of grounded, embodied, intuition where direct observation and lineage connection will be established. The initital session will begin with an assessment of the state of your four primary lineages. During a session, you're invited to be in a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Ritual and psychological safety are the highest priority throughout the session, and sessions are 100% confidential and private.
Is ancestral healing a good fit for me?
Ancestral healing is sometimes described as the missing link for those who have done therapy and various spiritual practices but still feel that something else is needed. This framework is designed to work well for people of any cultural background - there are many thousands of folks around the globe who participate in ancestral healing work. It's also important to note that this work is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy, and is not appropriate for individuals who are experiencing an acute mental health crisis (psychotic break, suicidal ideation). If that's the case, please seek out a therapist and/or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Do I need to have any particular religious or spiritual beliefs to participate in ancestral healing?
Ancestral healing is an inclusive framework that welcomes people of all beliefs and backgrounds. The following are some of the foundational beliefs and values embedded in this work. 1) The soul/ human consciousness continues after the death of the body. 2) Living humans can communicate with humans who are no longer in bodies (the dead). 3) Death does not automatically elevate a soul to ancestor status. 4) The dead are capable of transformation and healing just like the living, and often it happens more quickly for them. 5) Those of us on earth and those on the other side influence and impact each other, whether we're conscious of it or not.
What if I'm adopted, or don't know anything about my ancestors?
Not a problem - since this work is largely intuitive you can still connect with wise and loving ancestors even if you don't know anything about them. Adoptees can choose to work with their adoptive lineages as well as their biological ancestors.
What is the training like for ancestral healing practitioners?
Training with Ancestral Medicine takes place over the course of about nine months with live practice sessions, supervised by experienced practitioners and mentors. Trainees then hold 40 public sessions while receiving continued mentorship, attending group supervision sessions, and completing a case study. As a practitioner with Ancestral Medicine, I've completed all requirements and engage in continuing education with the network. I also engage in ongoing exchanges with other practitioners to stay in connection and deepen with my own ancestors.
For more information, visit the Ancestral Medicine website.
