Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
There is a great amount of wisdom within the indigenous – i.e., Native American – spiritual belief systems. One belief that has always touched my heart is the practice of honoring their ancestors. Likewise, many major world religions and other belief systems hold a reverence for loved ones who have died, performing rituals rich in meaning and sending prayers for their souls. When someone becomes a Reiki practitioner, often she experiences growth in spiritual openness to unlimited possibilities. It seems when a person accepts the reality of the loving and healing powers of Universal Life Force Energy, a whole new world view is revealed.
Frequently, Reiki practitioners begin to explore new areas such as reincarnation, mediumship, shamanism, and other related topics. For myself, my life has been greatly enriched by meeting practitioners in these arenas, and reading books and articles regarding previously unfamiliar topics.
The idea of having an ancestral support system has been very appealing to me. I have always had an interest in genealogy and eventually traced my ancestors back to small, rural villages of northeastern France – a dream fulfilled. Several relatives gave me old photographs of my grandparents and great-grandparents. My mother told me many stories about her parents, her grandparents and other relatives. What a treasure!
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One day, during meditation, an inspirational thought came to me. Why not ask my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents for their loving support and guidance regarding a worrisome personal issue. I knew all their names, what they looked like and some facts about their personalities and lives. Starting with my parents, adding my four grandparents, and then my eight great-grandparents, I called each of them by name. I felt their loving energy surround me, and I shared my concerns with them. Then, I expressed my appreciation for their lives on earth and the family values that were passed down to my generation. I became much calmer; it was a beautiful experience. I named this group of relatives, the Fourteen.
I have called upon the Fourteen many times since that first experience. Not only do I feel their love and support, but it also reminds me of the tremendous support system in Spirit World. This system includes our entire ancestral lineage, angels, spirit guides, Ascended Masters – the list is endless. This practice has expanded my understanding of the spiritual support that is always available to us.
Cherishing our ancestors is only one way of bringing the reality of the Spirit World into our everyday lives. Reiki is a powerful way to connect to the Universe, and there are countless other ways. Some of these ways may be beneficial to us for a short period of time, and then we move onto another meaningful modality. Other ways to connect to Spirit may stay with us for our entire earthly lives. That is how spiritual journeys grow, evolve and morph over time. This is how transformations are created. The most important lesson is considering an ancestral practice in your life is the same one when you were contemplating Reiki! Being open to the guidance of Spirit, and acting upon this wisdom, always results in the highest good for you.
Many blessings on your spiritual journey!
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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
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