Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices
Build a strong, healthy relationship with your ancestors using this guide to the concepts and considerations of ancestral veneration. This tradition non-specific book presents historical and cultural examples of veneration from around the world, the ins and outs of ritual practice, and inspiring stories related to grief and building community. Ben Stimpson shows you the role ancestors can play in daily life and encourages you to explore deeper questions about the living and the dead. Sharing meditations and journal prompts, Ben helps you connect with your ancestors and develop an authentic, living practice. He introduces you to the various types of ancestors, such as blood, adoption, and affinity, and discusses the physical elements of practice, including sacred space, props, and offerings. This book encourages you to explore your beliefs and create a legacy for current and future generations.
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“My ancestral work transcends simply honouring the dead and informs how I show up in the world, my own preperation as an ancestor-in-waiting, and my own eventual death.”
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…Praise for Ancestral Whispers…
"It is a great pleasure to find a book about an important topic that is erudite, thoughtful, original, wide-ranging and multicultural, and yet also deeply personal. This is such a book."
—Ronald Hutton, historian and author of The Triumph of the Moon
“Ben Stimpson’s extensive knowledge and experience of his subject, lend this book richness and depth. Full of fascinating and diverse examples of living traditions of veneration, Ben’s approach is never prescriptive but through insightful journal prompts and a respectful exploration of the challenges and blessings, Ancestral Whispers encourages the reader to get to the root of what a meaningful and authentic relationship with their Ancestors might be.”
—Philip Carr-Gomm, author of Druid Mysteries
“This is an important, intelligent book that beautifully and profoundly articulates the nature of the ancestors. Stimpson leaves no stone unturned in his examination of ancestral concepts and practises, ancient and modern and in doing so he reveals a depth to ancestor work that is new, challenging and refreshing. His comprehensive examination of ancestral concepts is both fascinating and illuminating, and has deepened my own understanding of what and who an ancestor might be. The section on forming living practise is both insightful and useful, whilst his discourse and advice on communicating with the dead is particularly brilliant. If you buy any book on working with the ancestors, it needs to be this one.”
—Kristoffer Hughes, Head of the Anglesey Druid Order, author of Cerridwen & The Book of Celtic Magic
“If you are drawn to working with your Ancestors but only have a vague idea of how this might take shape, Ancestral Whispers will prove to be an invaluable resource in helping the reader to craft deep and respectful connections to those who have gone before. Intelligently written with great insight and sensitivity, Ben Stimpson’s book illuminates the importance of our Ancestral bonds and empowers us to be the very best Ancestors for those yet to come.”
—Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids
“Ancestral veneration is a core aspect of a variety of spiritual and magical streams of practice. In this accessible and practical new work, Ben Stimpson offers us a thoughtful and in-depth guide to forming relationships with our ancestors. Filled with practical, hands-on approaches, this book will act as a leaping board for those who wish to approach this often inaccessible aspect of spiritual practice. Thoughtful, practical, and immensely personal, Ben has gifted us with a book that I am certain many will treasure for years to come.”
—Mhara Starling, Author of Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales
"Ancestral Whispers is a heartfelt journey into the world of ancestral veneration, masterfully weaving together timeless wisdom and personal experience. Ben Stimpson's captivating guide transcends cultural boundaries, providing a solid foundation for building authentic ancestral practices rooted in cultural understanding and personal exploration. With its compassionate approach and extensive knowledge, this book is an essential addition to anyone's spiritual library. Highly recommended for those seeking to strengthen their ties to the past, present, and future generations, and discover the transformative potential of ancestral bonds in their own lives."
—Mat Auryn, bestselling author of Psychic Witch and Mastering Magick
"Ben Stimpson's 'Ancestral Whispers' offers what many other books don't, a discussion of every aspect of ancestor veneration from what it is and why its important to how and where it can be done. With practical tips for how to actively connect to ancestors as well as engaging questions that challenge readers to define those connections for themselves, this book gives us a holistic look at what relationships with those who've come before have been and can be."
—Morgan Daimler, author of 21st Century Fairy
"In a world full of uncertainty and rapid change, it's more important than ever to have a meaningful practice that connects you to your roots. This is exactly the medicine contained in Ancestral Whispers. Timely, personal, and intersectional, this book is everything you need to build meaningful connection to your ancestors and claim the gifts that such a practice brings to your spirit."
—Nicholas Pearson, author of Crystal Basics and Flower Essences from the Witch's Garden
“Honoring our relationships with the ancestors is foundational to personal, family, and cultural wellness. In this easy to access guidebook, Ben Stimpson offers a deeply personal, psychologically grounded, and culturally mindful roadmap for reclaiming one's place in the larger human community. Highly recommended!”
—Daniel Foor, Ph.D., author of Ancestral Medicine: Rituals for Personal and Family Healing
“Ancestors are like prayers; we can never have enough of them. In Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices, Ben Stimpson lays out a simple, direct, and very effective set of foundational techniques and practices to assist anyone in communicating with the ancestors. A deep respect and attention to detail make this an excellent work for any beginner in ancestor veneration, as well as anyone who just wants to think about their connections to the rest of the people in our universe, including those who have walked on. Even for those of us who were blessed to have been born within cultures where our ancestral connections are less impacted by the typical ancestor-averse mindset promoted by our industrial/capitalist world will find valuable information and ideas in these pages. Ben has done a great service in writing this book, not only for his own ancestors but for all of the ancestors. I am deeply grateful this book exists in the world, and I will recommend it to everyone without hesitation.”
—Mambo Chita Tann, author of Haitian Vodou
“Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices by Ben Stimpson is a comprehensive guide that lays a strong foundation for building a meaningful and authentic ancestral veneration practice. Stimpson's approach is grounded in the importance of aligning our spiritual practices with our underlying beliefs, and through the use of exercises and prompts, he takes the reader on a journey of self-reflection to explore those beliefs, worldviews, and concepts of the ancestors. He then provides practical guidance on how to apply these insights to build a personalized practice of veneration, which includes creating sacred space, using tools for connection, and engaging in ritual. Stimpson beautifully expands the concept of "ancestor" beyond biological or affinity ancestors, as he encourages readers to also consider the ancestors of land and tradition in their devotions.”
—Jhenah Telyndru (MA, Celtic Studies), founder of the Sisterhood of Avalon and author of The Ninefold Way of Avalon: Walking the Path of the Priestess.
“This book is a rare treasure on a subject which is close to my heart and on which there are far toofew good resources. Written with a great depth of insight, excellent research and a can’t-put-downable ease and flow, this is a book I really enjoyed reading, and a resource I’ll be returning to again and again. A rich and reliable study of a subject which by its nature is deeply personal and profound for all practitioners, of all ages, localities, ancestry, shades and paths. Highly recommended 5 stars!”
—Danú Forest, MA (Celtic Studies) traditional seer and bean feasa (wisewoman), Celtic Scholar and author of Wild Magic and Celtic Tree Magic