Connecting to Ancestors

It's Vata time of the year (Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere). Following the lead of the natural world, there is an invitation for internal awareness offered in this ethereal season of letting go.

Vata is comprised of the elements Air and Space, and it's during the Autumn when the dry, light, cold, rough qualities become more prevalent as plants dry out, turn brown, and die back, sending their energy down to their roots. Our bodies respond similarly. We too have the opportunity to connect more internally and heal our roots. 

Many traditions around the world have rituals, holidays, or practices that are specifically enacted this time of year to connect and pay homage to the ancestors.

Here are a few examples:

 Obon in Japan (Aug 13-16, 2024)

 Pitru Paksha (Sept 17-Oct 2, 2024) in India

 Sukkot in Israel (Oct 16-23, 2024)

 Halloween (Oct 31, 2024) in the US,

 Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico (Nov 1-2, 2024) 

In our future-focused world, the Autumn's thin veil helps us to re-member, celebrate, and heal the past. It's no coincidence that ancestral healing is invoked at this time of year across cultures.

In the wisdom tradition of Ayurveda, there is a practice called Tarpana, a beautiful process of Ancestral healing. I have personally felt it to be very meaningful and profound. 

Through this lens, we either stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, allowing them to lift us up, or we carry them as weight upon our backs, accumulating their burdens with ours. This Ayurvedic perspective can be a powerful exploration for healing. 

During the upcoming Autumn Equinox Retreat happening next Saturday (Sept 21), one of the sessions I will be facilitating will be about connecting with the Ancestors and what we can learn from them at this point in our lives. This 4 hour online retreat for women will help you honor the season, receive deep nourishment, and connect with a supportive community. 

May we heal, re-member, and rest for a bit in deep support this Autumn!

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