Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Pagan Portals: Ancestral Healing is a great introduction to the complex and varied practice of ancestral healing, bringing together different authors from different perspectives and traditions to offer a useful overview for those who are just starting out or those who are intrigued and want to know more. As a concept, ancestral healing has been getting more and more popular, though some have been working in this field for years (e.g. Daniel Foor). The arrival of this book is timely, with everything our world is facing at present, and with many people — magical practitioners and otherwise — seeking ways of connecting with, and healing, any pain, suffering, and trauma collected through their ancestral lines. This little book is a great collection of essays covering various aspects of ancestral healing, whether it be funerary and bereavement processes, oppression and trauma, rage and our ancestors, challenging emotions, animism and the ancestral line, or reconnecting with our pasts. The inclusion of rituals is a nice touch, one which would appeal to both newcomers and more seasoned practitioners. ~ Heather K Veitch (Reviewer), NetGalley

When I picked up this book I didn't realise it was a series of essays but I have to say I loved that about it! It meant that I could read it in small chunks and digest each one instead of having a large mass of information rattling around in my head. Each one was interesting and thought-provoking, they gave me plenty to think on. ~ Krystina M (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Trevor Greenfield has been a practicing Shaman for over 25 years. The book is written as short stories by multiple authors all on the same topic. Healing in the Ancestral Soul by Kenn Day: The author talks about Family Constellation Work technique. He includes a very powerful paragraph about forgiveness that I have copied and read over and over. Walking the Bones: Reconnecting with our Ancient Past by Taz Thornton: She discusses animism and the belief everything has an energy or spirit. Intergenerational Silence: Witnessing Yesterday to Heal Today by Irisanya Moon: The author discusses trauma (including rape and abusive relationships) and how we as humans deal with it. Of Things Lost and Love Gained by Imelda Almqvist: She tells us about pain and trauma and how we can become more spiritual by learning from the past. Dealing with Ancestral Shame by Mabh Savage: The author explains how it is okay not to accept the past mistakes of our ancestors as our own. She also states that it is okay to cut someone out of your life if they have harmed you. Ancestral Healing by Elen Sentier: She talks about ancestral healing not only with connecting with our human ancestors but also with the land. Stuck in the Rage Stage? By Dorothy Abrams: The author discusses denial and the importance to move onto the next step of anger. She also provides rituals to help with this action. Looking them in the Eyes: Animals, Ancestry and Animism by Andrew Anderson: He discusses the importance of all life and how he became an ethical vegan to honor his animal ancestors. Recovering the Bones Healing the Past by Angela Paine: The author explains how mourning for a lost loved one allows both people to heal and move one. Saving the Tinkers’ Heart by Fiona Tinker: She provides a statement from her website which describes the Tinkers’ Heart as a space sacred to Scotland’s Travelling people. Schism & Split: Wounds that can never heal by Melusine Draco. The author provides explanations on how words can cause harm. Words become actions and damage can occur. When I first started the book, I didn’t realize the stories were written by separate authors since they flow together so well. Actually, had to start reading the book a second time so I could feel each story separately. The feelings and emotions along with forgiveness and love are brought to the forefront with this book. ~ Dawn Thomas (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Today is a time of trials and tribulations. More anger, more violence are all around us. I believe it is time for everyone to begin exploring other cultures and religions, so we can be better informed and understand on a more personal level how we can find similarities with each other and celebrate the differences.............This book, was in fact an interesting read to me, because it brought forth concepts I had either never considered before, or resonated as a connection to other cultures’ spiritualism concepts. Although this title was not necessarily written as an introduction to Paganism, I was able to tease apart what I believe are some of the core concepts. I felt the essays presented in the book were very pertinent to today and the challenges we are facing as a human race, from our disconnect to Nature, to impacts of Past traumas. Trauma truly shapes a person, and it was fascinating for me to read how studies are beginning to show how ancestral trauma can in fact mutate DNA for the next generation, and our experiences or traumas can be oftentimes linked with those who came before us. Peaking my interest, I intend to delve deeper into the concepts of Paganism. ~ Telicia Michaud (Educator), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Healing our wounds is an important thing that can help to live more successfully and peacefully, But what about the wounds of those who have long passed? Does their trauma live on in us and effect our lives? After reading this very interesting and practical book I can see how important it is to heal at all levels. I enjoyed reading this and found some ways to bring more peace . ~ Patrick Carmen (Reviewer), NetGalley

It is becoming increasingly recognised that when a traumatic event is experienced the effects of it, the post traumatic stress if you will, is still being carried many generations later. Therefore one of the most powerful things we can do for ourselves and for future generations, is to carry out ancestral healing in some form. Knowing how to go about this can be difficult to discover but in this inspiring and much needed anthology eleven authors share their perspectives on ancestral healing, including dealing with difficult or problem ancestors, and why it is so important for us and for our world to learn how to work with our ancestors whoever they may be. ~ Yvonne Ryves, author of Shaman Pathways: Web of Life

An empowering read, this book has a great deal to offer everyone. Human history is full of difficulties we need to deal with, and this anthology, with its many different perspectives and experiences, offers places we can start from. Essential reading for anyone who feels lost or disconnected. Nimue Brown, author of Druidry and the Ancestors ~ Nimue Brown

In an era when the ancestors have been ignored, even abandoned, for a millennium or more in the 'civilized' western world, it takes a great deal of work to move toward them again, to help them heal and, in the process, to heal ourselves. This anthology offers eleven perspectives on ancestral healing, from the why's to the how-to's, encompassing blood ancestors, ancestors of spirit, and even ancestral animals. This is a timely work, sharing with the reader the contributors' passion for honoring those who have gone before. It is my fervent hope that their words will inspire more people to work toward ancestral healing. ~ Laura Perry, author of Ariadne’s Thread: Awakening the Wonders of the Ancient Minoans in Our Modern Lives

This brilliant anthology addresses a core issue for affecting true healing; the weight of the ancestral woundedness we may be carrying. In this book, we are offered insights into these wounds, why we may have carried them in this lifetime, and how we can heal. The reader is treated to wisdom in understanding our place in familial constellations and how to shine our own divine light brightly. Each contributor in this anthology shares their expertise with compassion and caring, inspiring the reader to look deeply within to step out of limiting beliefs or diseases carried in the blood of our ancestors. ~ Janet Elizabeth Gale, author of The Rush Hour Shaman