“Ancestral Tarot – Uncover Your Past and Chart Your Future” is a 202-page book whose intention is to act as a guide to using the Tarot to connect with our ancestors. In doing so we are gifted with their wisdom, their insights, their ability to heal, and their power. They are there to help us understand ourselves, to heal, and to find our own power.
In her foreword, Theresa Reed talks about perceptions that we may have about the family that we know, and how we can expand those perceptions by looking into our ancestry. Tarot can be used to address the past, as well as the future. Having always felt that I was the “black sheep” in my family, that I didn’t really belong, this was great news! I use the Tarot and dreamwork to connect with family that I knew that have passed on, but now there is a way to connect with ancestors that I did not know. Reed notes that tending to the roots of our past assures that the future of our families will flourish.
In her introduction, Hendrickson notes that she knew at a very young age that her ancestors were part of the special tribe that she belonged to. As she grew older, she knew without a doubt that there was a world beyond the world that we know. She also notes that ancestral work is multi-faceted and that while some of our ancestors are willing to work with us, some are not. Ancestral work can trigger memories – hurtful ones, as well as loving ones. She reminds us that our ancestors were real people with real dreams. She also reminds us that ancestral work is sacred work.
Tarot spreads are included throughout the book, but the most important spread may just be the one that she asks the reader to do before moving into the book. It is a seven-card spread called The Journey Spread. She strongly suggests that the spread be kept in a journal for reference after the reader has completed reading this book. It is a powerful spread and sets the tone for the work ahead.
One of the first things that the reader finds out is that there are three major types of ancestors: Ancestors of Blood, Ancestors of Place, and Ancestors of Time. It is up to the reader which ancestor they want to work with at any given time. Instructions are given on meeting and working with your Spirit Guide, as well as creating a team of spirit helpers. Each chapter includes a Tarot spread relevant to that chapter, as well as journal prompts.
To work with this book you will need one or more Tarot decks, a journal to write in, and a pen or pencil to write with. I make my notes in an e-file because my handwriting is not easy for even me to read. Come to this work with an open mind, and the exercises in this book will give you a deep knowing of yourself and your ancestors. A bonus to this work is that Hendrickson shows the reader how to develop their own Tarot spreads, which is very empowering. She also addresses Sigils, Runes, working with a Pendulum, Oracle decks, and sacred tools (such as Petitions, A Personal Devotion, Gratitude, and Prayer.
At the end of the book, there are resources: Appendix A: Tarot 101, Appendix B: Tarot Practice Resources, and Appendix C: Genealogy Resources.
I found this to be a very profound book, and the Ancestral journey to be a very sacred one. This journey can bring up memories – both good and bad. If you hit a bad spot, put the work down for a short time. Work through it at your own speed. This is all internal work, and you will be a changed person if you choose to take this journey.
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From the Publisher
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The Ancestors Are Closer Than You ThinkYou may not realize it, but you receive ancestral messages all the time. Although this book focuses on using tarot for ancestor work, there are many ways our ancestors communicate with us. Once you recognize and open those portals, tarot will enhance them tenfold. |
FeathersTo communicate with the ancestors, you’ll need to be receptive and begin asking questions. You’re going to get plenty of practice with tarot, but why not request a message the next time you see a feather? And there’s always a message. It may not always be from the ancestors, but when you chance upon a feather, someone’s trying to get your attention. |
Waking Up at the Same Time NightlyBefore my mom passed away, she told me that after she was gone, she would communicate by coming to me in the night. And do you know what? I wake up almost every night at 2:00 a.m. If your ancestor is waking you up at the same time nightly, maybe it’s because they can’t get your attention any other way. |
SmellIf you’ve smelled a fragrance from someone who has passed over, they’re letting you know that they’re close to you. As in my mom’s situation, the fragrance may be an aftershave, or it could be roses, lily of the valley, or cigarette smoke. We pick up on those fragrances as a reminder that someone we loved is with us. They want to let us know they’re around. |
Which Ancestors Do I Want to Work With?
Time to discover something about working with the different types of ancestors. Remember that the group of ancestors you work with today is going to change over the course of time. You always have the choice of working with whomever you choose—or not. This spread is just an intro to what you might expect from each of the three types of your ancestors. Think of this exercise as a version of speed dating—which contestant do you want to spend more time with right now?
Shuffle the entire deck and draw three cards, asking what you need to know about working with each type of ancestor. Who might be best for you at this time?
As you go deeper into Ancestral Tarot work, it’s likely that you’ll want to invite more ancestors onto your team. I have created, while inner journeying, my own version of a Council of Elders. These are the ones in Spirit (human and nonhuman) who came forward when I asked for help.
Members of the Council are volunteers who can come and go at will. In fact, once a “job” is complete, the one who helped with it often gets up from where they’ve been sitting and walks off down a trail.
If you haven’t created an Inner Sacred Space or taken an inner journey, now is a good time to do that.
In my own meditative journey, I go to a place with many portals. One of them is a wooden door that leads into a forest. Beyond the door is a clearing and a fire ring. There I can find the ones in spirit who have come forward to work with me. Three of them are always there while others come and go.
As you continue this work, your journeys will take you to places you may not recognize or even conceptualize. Your guides may live in a cave, up a tree, in a spaceship, in an old urban building, or under the sea. If you see your stuffy and staid Uncle Mart in a tree house, climb up and join him.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023
The author's gentle and compassionate approach helps readers to explore ancestral patterns that may be holding them back in life, and to work towards a future of greater harmony and fulfillment. With its practical and hands-on approach, Ancestral Tarot is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the connection between tarot and ancestral healing. The book offers a unique and invaluable perspective on how to use tarot as a tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and healing of the generational wound. Highly recommended for tarot enthusiasts, genealogy buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the deep spiritual wisdom of our ancestors.
Groundbreaking book
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023
Ancestral Tarot: Uncover Your Past and Chart Your Future by Nancy Hendrickson is a powerful guidebook that merges the practice of tarot with ancestral healing and self-discovery. The book offers a wealth of practical tools and exercises for readers to identify and access the gifts, messages, powers, and protectors of their ancestors through the use of a tarot deck. As a tarot enthusiast and expert, Hendrickson provides step-by-step guidance on how to navigate the confusing maze of DNA and ethnic heritage to uncover the stories and wisdom of our forebears. Each chapter includes journal prompts that encourage self-discovery and healing around ancestral gifts, wounds, and patterns.Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2023
The author's gentle and compassionate approach helps readers to explore ancestral patterns that may be holding them back in life, and to work towards a future of greater harmony and fulfillment. With its practical and hands-on approach, Ancestral Tarot is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the connection between tarot and ancestral healing. The book offers a unique and invaluable perspective on how to use tarot as a tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and healing of the generational wound. Highly recommended for tarot enthusiasts, genealogy buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the deep spiritual wisdom of our ancestors.
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Top reviews from other countries
Katja Peck
If you want to discover your ancestry - this is the book
Reviewed in Australia on June 11, 2023