Sometimes, experiences with recent ancestors puts a damper on our trying to connect with previous generations of ancestors. I have struggled with this on my father’s side of the family as he, his mother, and a few siblings were not what I would qualify as good people. Yet I heard that the grandfather I never met was a humorous soul and I can see that in one of my most beloved uncles. I eventually came to the conclusion: “They can’t all be assholes, right?” I’d never recommend honoring a recent ancestor that caused you harm in any way, but you might try reaching back and seeing what strengths you might have gained from farther down the line. Sometimes, even genealogy can be healing. We all have things to embrace as well as reject in our heritage.
Blessings!
ANCESTORS – The love and legacy of our DNA
I walk in their footsteps
Their wisdom inside me remains
I am unique, yet carry a legacy
Their blood runs in my veins
Whether or not we know our ancestors, we are the product of those who have lived before us, DNA-wise. Externally, we may have the body type of our father, our mother’s eyes, our grandmother’s nose, our great-grandfather’s skin tone.
On the inside, it gets even more interesting. We know now that we can “inherit” the way our body works, blood types, genetic disorders, even propensities for aspects of brain function like introversion, musicality, and mathematics.
Many Pagan paths associated with Halloween believe that we are born perfectly imperfect to be exactly what we are meant to be. What does this mean? It means that the gifts our ancestors left us and the unique synergy of the combination of the physical, mental, and physical that is created within us, sets us up perfectly to achieve our ultimate purpose.
Should the Ancestor card bring itself to your attention, know that you are ready and able to action your birthright of power. You have the support of those who came before you. There may be challenges or struggles but you have everything you need to overcome them. You will prevail!
The Halloween Oracle by Stacey Demarco, art by Jimmy Manton
Parting the Mists 
Really love this card, and I don’t recall seeing this deck. I’ll definitely look it up.
As for ancestors we feel an aversion to, one thing I have learned to rid myself of the energy or memory they left is to remember that if they had known better, they’d have done better. Doesn’t always absolve the issue, but it does open things up a little. Lovely post!
I enjoy this deck immensely and would recommend looking at the rest of the cards. It’s unique, sometimes warm, sometimes cool, and yet fits the season so well.
That is so true! Many wounds are generational, and the trick is stopping the cycle.