Samhain - When we have Problematic Ancestors

Samhain is a time for gratitude and honouring the dead. We create altars, bring out the family photos, make food, gather around the fire and reminisce and share stories about those who went before us. We remember and give thanks for their influence on our lives.

In recent times though, we’ve been reminded that for some, our forebears were horrible people who did terrible things. What if some of our ancestors were violent abusers, homophobes, or even genocidal racists, slave traders?  

If our ancestors were not and are not people we would welcome into our lives or at our hearths, we owe them no gratitude.

We are under no obligation to venerate them just because they came before us.

Instead, we focus on our own efforts to break the cycle.

What can we do instead to build a better legacy for our future generations, to do and be better than those ancestors were?

We are the ancestors of the future, so honour and celebrate this fact in whatever way you see fit. Perhaps create a meaningful ceremony to reflect this dedication.

Burning rituals are really effective for this.

Lighting a fire or using a fireproof receptacle to light a candle or charcoal disc, we can write what we wish to banish on paper or bay leaf and cast it into the flames while thinking about the future being free of these things or circumstances. You may find yourself writing a list or needing a whole bag of bay leaves!

Part of my own ceremony also honours those who were unjustly killed by those who colonised and invaded other cultures. None of my own ancestors did that according to my family tree, but in my country’s past, many were invaders and genocidal. By honouring and acknowledging those who were hurt and killed by those actions we also set an intention that it never happens again.

I also acknowledge all who were and still are persecuted in the witch trials all over the world.