The Book of Ancestors: A Guide to Magic, Rituals, and Your Family History

by Claire Goodchild

Find spiritual healing and everyday magic in this beautifully mysterious guide to communing with your ancestors. Picking up where The Book of Séances left off, artist, author, and witch Claire Goodchild delivers a guide that is truly the first of its The Book of Ancestors,  a map for seekers looking to develop a relationship with their ancestors.
 
Through a combination of text and illustration,  The Book of Ancestors explores the history of traditional genealogy topics, such as “how to research and build a family tree” and “the history of cemeteries.” Alongside these practical measures, Claire provides rituals, spells, and crafts from her own personal practice, drawing on the British and Slavic traditions of her heritage, alongside contributions from fellow witches including Codi Popovich and Marjorie from The Punk Priestess for a broader, more enriched lens.

As the text progresses, Claire guides her readers through the creation their own “Book of Ancestors,” a family grimoire of sorts, blending together their own ancestral legacies with witchcraft that can be passed down to future family. Visually, The Book of Ancestors pairs with The Book of Seances, containing witchy, esoteric, and funerary images in a Victorian style with lots of floral embellishments and classic colors. Whether a seasoned witch, or a newcomer to the spirit world, readers will walk away from The Book of Ancestors feeling empowered to perform their own rituals and spells, research family history, and form a lasting relationship with those who came before.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magic, Occult, Death, Paganism

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Tarot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Ancestors is everything I hoped the author's first book, The Book of Séances, would be: comprehensive and inclusive with a plethora of personal stories and DIY Workings.

Since I adore Claire's decks but was disappointed with her first book, I wasn't sure what to expect this time. After all, if my generational trauma was going to end with me, why would I look to the past, at the people who hurt me and perpetuated that trauma, for solutions? After 20 years of cultivating a personal Practice of Divination, Witchcraft, Shamanism, and more, why would I need to Connect with Ancestors if I already have a whole support network of Spirit Guides?

But as someone who's been hesitant to explore Ancestor Work due to trauma from abusive parents and racism, I found this book to be a gentle guide inviting me to explore something I'd never deemed important before.

Claire's approach made me question my own misgivings and think of Ancestor Work as exploring a new facet of myself. I know I don't have to Connect with or honor certain people or Spirits, but that doesn't mean I can't find benevolent Blood, Community, and Archetype Ancestors to help me become my Highest Self.

I love that Claire took the time to include info, advice, and resources for and from multiple cultures and mixed race people.

I also like the DIY Acts of Service examples as a good reminder that Working with Spirits is just like any other healthy relationship: we all require reciprocity and kinship.

[Becky Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this a couple of months or so ago and loved the first couple of chapters so much that I stopped reading and fully intended to start my Book of Ancestors. Naturally, that did not happen in a timely manner. I picked it up again to read all the way through with an eye to using it as a reference in the future. This is probably the most useful book on ancestor veneration for modern pagans - particularly those in North America - that I have encountered. I am brimming with plans and ideas and will use this as a guide as I move forward. It also has some good tips for “tombstone tourists” including the meanings behind some of the imagery that one might encounter on a headstone and what stone you might expect to see used. Lastly, the book was illustrated by the author and is visually stunning.

[Paola Dunbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆ This is a very good book on ancestor veneration and the journey through death. It has to be the most in depth book I've read on the subject. Exploring topics form ancestor worship, rituals,creating your own book of ancestors, to organising your own death. I particularly loved the section on what the symbols on gravestones mean and creating a wee game out of it. It's an easy and fun read and I flew through it. It was engaging and she shares some of her own personal experiences which adds a nice touch to the book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Ancestors by Claire Goodchild is a beautifully crafted guide that seamlessly blends genealogy with witchcraft Through a combination of text and enchanting illustrations, Goodchild offers practical advice on researching family history, building a family tree, and connecting with ancestors through rituals and spells. This book is perfect for anyone looking to explore their heritage and incorporate ancestral wisdom into their spiritual practice. The Victorian-style artwork and thoughtful insights make it a delightful and empowering read. However, I wish it had gone more in-depth on the correct ways to conduct genealogical research on ancestors.

[Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book for anyone wishing to build a resource of ancestral information, as well as for those who wish to practice ancestral veneration as part of their spiritual practice. Even if you are not interested in the spiritual aspect, this book can teach you A LOT about how to go about gathering information, what might be important or useful to note down and keep record of etc. Claire did a great job not just on writing but also designing the art for this book and I'm sure this will be a very valuable resource as I go about making a "book of ancestors" of my own.

[Riley V. Thorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★☆☆

This book was okay. I didn't realize this was more of a research tool than a book geared toward ancestor magic. There are some spells and rituals in the book but they are so beginner friendly, I found them lackluster and disappointing. I didn't feel like I even needed to read a book to come up with those spells, those I did particularly like the Symbolic Graveyard Dirt, and the idea of soothing spirits with smoke rather than fumigaing them out entirely with something strong.

But the main purpose of this book is research, and it very much delivers in that front. The author gives so many tips, tools, and references to find out all you need to know about your ancestors, both in death, and in life. She also provides enjoyable and diverse lessons in history, that are presented without judgement or bias.

This book uses a lot of art, and normally I consider that to be unnecessary filler, but the images were quite enjoyable and really added to the mood of the book.

I'd definitely recommend this book for ancestor research, but you might was to go elsewhere for the magic and ritual.

[Witch of Brush Hollow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another book I can recommend by Claire Goodchild. It's the perfect mix of foundational basics, more advanced options, historical research, spellwork, personal stories, and practical advice, with Claire's distinctive artwork gracing some of the pages as well. This is 258 pages of solid information, with no fluff or filler. You can approach this book as a beginner or as a more experienced practitioner and walk away having learned something about ancestor work. One curious thing about Claire's writing is that it actually makes me want to get up and DO the things she writes about. Most witchcrafty books I read, I end up with a vague idea of a thing or two I might like to start incorporating into my practice at some point, but with this book (as well as with her Book of Seances) I end up gathering supplies to try some of the things out before I've even finished it. I'm impatiently waiting to see what she does next.

[Pinar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am familiar with Claire Goodchild's work through her Memento Mori deck, which is my favorite of all time. I wasn't disappointed AT ALL with her Book of Ancestors: it's a perfect blend of ancestor lore & work and actual genealogical research. When it comes to genealogical work, folks in certain countries where written records are better kept and are easily accessible have an obviously clear advantage and most genealogical tips are geared towards that. Claire gives a lot of ideas in addition to the better known avenues so that was a very welcome addition. And no matter how you'll approach the subject, a Book of Ancestors is such a beautiful idea and would make a valuable heirloom.

[Maria Dos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Ancestors is a great foundation to start ancestral work and truly a guide on how to start. It's a great book for beginners but also more experienced practitioners can benefit from reading this to refresh their bascis and add to their practice, but it's definitely targeted towards beginners. Besides an introduction, Claire also teaches important values and lessons surrounding certain cultural boundaries.

It feels like Claire takes you through the beginning of her ancestral practice and since she is from the USA, it may be hard to relate to certain aspects of the book if you're from a different part of the world.

[naturaviolenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally changed my life, as I started my path of Ancestral Work. Thank you so much Claire Goodchild for gathering all these useful and complex informations in such an accessible book. It’s still dense and you will understand it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. But the reward will be so big.

[Lua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally this book spoke to me so much. I have always had an interest in working with the ones before me, and this was the final push for me to do it. Ever since reading I have been on a deep dive on my family ancestry and tree, and managed to trace it back to the 1700s. I also set up an ancestor altar and Book of ancestors like Claire suggested. I plan to honor them with my actions!

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book for anyone wanting to do ancestor work or even those of us wanting to take it to the next level! I loved the historical information and how practical the prompts for creating a book of shadows for close ancestors are! Highly recommend this book it's beautifully put together

[Christina Sizemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads I've had in a long while. Great for both witches and general genealogy studies. Gives so much great advice and suggestions to get started. I've highlighted and marked soooo many pages.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gorgeous and well-written work!

Claire's writing style is approachable and down-to-earth. This made for a wonderful reading experience.

I will be keeping this book in my collection for a long time!

[Kaelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to start you on learning about and building a relationship with your ancestors. I really appreciate the different aspects of how different cultures celebrate death. I very much enjoyed her Book of Seances. This book pairs perfectly with it

[Elion Ferret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well made book, and I thought it was very thoughtful and documented with care! I read it at a very fast pace and I'm usually a slow reader! It made me really eager to find out more about my ancestors, and it gave me the right resources to do so.

[C.M. Stenquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and unique book that as it says seeks to transport you back to your roots and ancestry. Recommend

[Bekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire has done it again! Her advice and insight is practical, adaptable and filled without knowledge!

[Annathena K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Claire writes and going through how to get genealogy information was incredibly valuable to me. I loved this book wholeheartedly

[Charles Palella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great companion book for people interested not only in ancestor veneration but in ancestor research in general!

[Spookythingz · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good writer
have 2 books of her, she does not disappoint!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive an advance copy of author and artist Claire Goodchild’s comprehensive book, The Book of Ancestors, and I can confidently say that Goodchild has outdone herself with her latest work.

Goodchild takes readers on a beautiful journey through death and ancestor veneration. As The Book of Ancestors illustrates, this path is immensely personal and may include traumas, both personal and ancestral, known and unknown. However, the reader is never meant to feel frightened or alone, but empowered.

Goodchild guides readers through creating their own family history grimoire or book of ancestors (BOA). Not only does she provide information on how to establish a BOA, from the pros and cons of different formats to creating a ritual ink, but she advises readers on how to continually add to their BOA as a perpetual work-in-progress.

To help readers create a BOA, Goodchild outlines working with three types of ancestors (blood, community, and archetype). Each ancestor class is thoroughly explained, with information on how to identify and honor them. Not only does she detail more complex actions, like building an ancestor altar, but she includes simpler but no less important methods of ancestor veneration, such as inviting them into one’s daily activities, lighting candles to recognize their birth and death dates, and just living well.

In addition, Goodchild explains how to create a family tree to incorporate in a BOA. She includes ample information on both scientific and metaphysical methods, from genetic testing and researching family histories with records available from a variety of sources to rituals and divination (which she goes more in depth with in her first book, The Book of Séances).

Goodchild never presumes to know any reader’s experience or situation in The Book of Ancestors. She provides resources for beginners, but also for advanced practitioners. In addition, she offers information for the LGBTQ+, adopted, and BIPOC communities. No one is excluded from recognizing and honoring their ancestors.

Finally, I would be remiss to not mention the artwork in The Book of Ancestors. It’s hauntingly breathtaking, and each image is created with care.

In short, this unique resource is essential reading for anyone interested in genealogy, death, history, and establishing a working relationship with their ancestors. I can’t recommend it more strongly, and it’s an essential asset in my collection.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every so often, I like to explore books that touch on witchcraft, ritual, and spiritual practices and The Book of Ancestors caught my attention with its focus on ancestor veneration.

What I loved most was how much ground it covered on connecting with those who came before us, from understanding the journey through death to practical rituals and set ups you can try yourself. It even touched on thought provoking topics like planning your own funeral, which I appreciated for its empowering perspective on an inevitable part of life.

This book reframes death not as something purely to fear, but as a way to reclaim power and deepen connection with loved ones both past and present.

One quote that stayed with me was:

"I learned that my ancestors were multifaceted and complex. They lived, loved and sometimes suffered. Remembering them for only one negative aspect of their lives had not only held them back, but it held me back as well."

While I didn’t connect with every part of the book, I found it to be an informative and meaningful resource for anyone looking to explore ancestor work and bring a deeper sense of history and remembrance into their practice.