Journey to the Island of Ancestors
In this meditation, you will journey to meet an ancestor. Remember that an ancestor is a person from your past, who is no longer living, who has helped shape the person you are today; an ancestor may be a predecessor from your bloodline, a previous incarnation, a person who has given you a meaningful tradition or philosophical basis, such as an adopted relative, a teacher, a mentor. You will not choose who will appear to you and it may be someone you know or do not know. Now prepare for a journey.
(Pause)
You stand on a sea shore facing west. Count the waves as they come to shore. When the ninth wave comes in there will be a barge drawn by a white swan. Board the barge and you will be carried over the sea to the Island of Ancestors. The night is clear; the waxing moon rises over your shoulder, and you hear the gentle rolling of water past your barge.
(Pause)
You see an island emerging before you. The swan stops at the shore and you see a grove of apple trees. There is a moonlit path between the trees and you follow it. Ahead is a mound. In the center of the side is a doorway made of two immense upright stones topped by a massive lintel. There are two torches burning at the door providing light for the entrance into a passageway. At the far end of the passage is a faint red glow. Proceed through a corridor inclining downward.
(Pause)
You emerge into a shadowy great hall. In the center is a hearth with the glowing embers of a fire. Seated before the fire facing away from you is a hooded figure. Across the hearth from this figure is a bench. You circle halfway around the hearth clockwise and sit facing the figure. This is one of your ancestors. Greet that person.
(Pause)
You may now ask your ancestor one question. It may be about his/her contributions to your life or your family, it may be to clarify something about yourself, or about your future. (Pause) When you have finished, your ancestor gives you a token of help and guidance.
(Pause)
In a fair exchange, your ancestor now asks you a question. Answer as best you can.
(Pause)
You find that you have a gift for your ancestor. Look at it and present it to your ancestor with thanks.
(Pause)
Finish your circuit around the hearth, go behind the ancestor, and pass out of the mound and back along the path.
(Pause)
Boarding the barge, you return to these shores as the first light of dawn breaks over the eastern horizon. At your own pace, return to this circle bringing your experiences and token with you. Do not be surprised to find that your token manifests on a physical plane in the next few weeks.