Reclaiming and fostering an Animistic framework of seeing the world is a critical part of our Ancestral Healing journey, but also in returning to being in right relationship with Divine and the natural web of life.

In this episode, I heavily reference and quote the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer, whose beloved book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, became such an important piece to help me begin deeply shifting my own ethos around the living, natural world when I shifted from a Judeo-Christian framework.

In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin outlines the sacred principles of the Law of the Harvest, which I would like to include here for your reference:

* Introduce yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for life. Ask permission before taking. Abide by the answer.

* Never take the first. Never take the last. Take only what you need. Take only that which is given.

* Never take more than half. Leave some for others. Harvest in a way that minimizes harm.

* Use it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken. Share.

* Give thanks for what you have been given.

* Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.

* Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.

Upcoming Offerings

* Digging in the Deep: Ancestor-Guided Genealogy Research - This four-part class, offered through Ancestral Medicine, begins July 7, 2025. My colleague, Erica Nunnally, and I will co-weave teachings around blending genealogical research with Ancestral Healing and ancestral connection.

* Ancestral Lineage Healing Intensive - This three-day event will be held in Union, Washington, USA, October 30-November 2, 2025, at the Sacred Waters Center for Restoration and Retreat. I will be supporting the intensive with one of my mentors, Shannon Willis, along with a few of my other colleagues from the Ancestral Medicine practitioner network. I invite you to check out the details and join us if an in-person, immersive experience in the work calls to you!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healingwiththeancestors.substack.com

There are various methods of ancestral healing. I share what I see as core, foundational concepts to approaching the work in the most helpful, safe, and nourishing ways. I provide an overview of Ancestral Lineage Healing—the specific approach and method in which I am certified—and how healing entire lineage systems is impactful for deeper, more holistic healing.

As a follow-up note, in the editing process, I recognized a few instances where I referenced indigenous traditions in a past tense. This was because I was so focused on talking about my own lineage experiences, where indigenous (pagan) European cultures were dismantled and destroyed. HOWEVER, I want to fully acknowledge the many indigenous cultures and traditions that are very much alive and present today, and these cultures still have their own active ways of tending and relating with the ancestors. Kindness and apologies if anything I said in the episode lands poorly for Indigenous folks.

Learn more about working with me at: https://ancestralhealing.coach

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

Ancestral Medicine

Ancestral Lineage Healing Practitioner Directory

Ancestral Medicine Book (by Dr. Daniel Foor)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healingwiththeancestors.substack.com

We all have many ancestors! But not all the dead are equally well in spirit and safe to relate with. Learn the difference between the unwell dead, and who I refer to as the "capital-A" Ancestors!

I also discuss how many folks of European ancestors have what I call "ancestral amnesia" when it comes to thinking about pre-Christian, pagan peoples as actual, real, and viable ancestors.

Finally, I talk about other kinds of ancestors (such as land ancestors, knowledge/trade-lineage ancestors, etc.) and how they can provide important insight and wisdom for our land-tending and creative endeavors!

Learn more about my work at: https://ancestralhealing.coach.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healingwiththeancestors.substack.com

Colliding social, economic and political turmoil, coupled with ecological collapse and an extinction crisis create the conditions for scary times. At the heart of it all, is a deep crisis of belonging.

As humans, we have become separated and disconnected from the things that bring us a sense of wholeness, nourishment, and belonging. Ancestral Healing is a beautiful way for us to find our way back into right-relationship with the natural world and the spirit realms for the deep belonging we all need and yearn for!

Suggested resources:

Charles Eisentstein

Separation vs Interbeing

Book “The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible”

Dr. Zach Bush

“The Intelligence of Connection” Commune Blog

Podcast appearances (so many amazing ones!)

Learn more about my work at: https://ancestralhealing.coach.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healingwiththeancestors.substack.com

In this introductory episode, I share a little bit about my story as a gay person growing up in the Mormon religion and culture, along with the religious trauma I received from believing I was being possessed by an evil spirit of Satan.

I recap how I found the work of Ancestral Lineage Healing and how finding new spiritual practices rooted in animism and earth-honoring frameworks were life-changing for me.

Learn more about me at https://ancestralhealing.coach.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healingwiththeancestors.substack.com

Trailer for "The Ancestral Healing Podcast" with Joseph B. Shumway! Welcome! I look forward to you joining me on my journey!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healingwiththeancestors.substack.com