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An Invaluable Resource for Connecting to Your Ancestors
Presenting historical and cultural examples of ancestral veneration from around the world, Ben Stimpson shows you how to build a strong, healthy relationship with your ancestors. He teaches the concepts and considerations of this important practice, walks you through the ins and outs of ritual, and shares profound insight on building community.
Ancestral Whispers provides exercises and journal prompts specially designed to help you develop an authentic, living practice. Stimpson reveals the various types of ancestors and discusses the physical elements of practice, including sacred space, objects of power, and offerings. He also encourages you to explore the elements of pilgrimage and reflect deeply on your own beliefs. With this book, you can create a legacy for current and future generations.
Presenting historical and cultural examples of ancestral veneration from around the world, Ben Stimpson shows you how to build a strong, healthy relationship with your ancestors. He teaches the concepts and considerations of this important practice, walks you through the ins and outs of ritual, and shares profound insight on building community.
Ancestral Whispers provides exercises and journal prompts specially designed to help you develop an authentic, living practice. Stimpson reveals the various types of ancestors and discusses the physical elements of practice, including sacred space, objects of power, and offerings. He also encourages you to explore the elements of pilgrimage and reflect deeply on your own beliefs. With this book, you can create a legacy for current and future generations.
375 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
15 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 16, 2023
I’ve practiced ancestor journeying and connection each Fall for many years, so I was super excited to see this new book! I love the in-depth intro because it sets us up to really get to know the author's perspective and it’s fun to discover similarities, parallel influences or synchromysticisms. ✨🔮 This comprehensive book is overflowing with valuable information for people with a new or established ancestor practice. While I’m not new to this work, I plan to take Ben Stimson’s advice to regard his teachings as an opportunity to deepen or challenge my held beliefs. I’m open to changing the ones I’m not even consciously aware that I have.
Stimson has clearly done his research and it’s fascinating to read about the myriad of spiritual beliefs and traditions around the globe. While ritualistic practices and ancestor veneration can happen all year — it’s perfect timing for this to be publishing early Sept. It’ll set people up beautifully for what I feel are the strongest months to deeply connect with those who walked before us.
Stimson has clearly done his research and it’s fascinating to read about the myriad of spiritual beliefs and traditions around the globe. While ritualistic practices and ancestor veneration can happen all year — it’s perfect timing for this to be publishing early Sept. It’ll set people up beautifully for what I feel are the strongest months to deeply connect with those who walked before us.
December 5, 2023
This is the book I wish I had at the beginning of my journey into ancestor veneration. Stimpson covers everything from the expected areas of offerings and communication, to the depths of pilgrimage, and even diving into what it really means to be dead. This is an erudite, well-researched text that isn’t wordy but gets right to the meat of the topics presented, giving a comprehensive exploration.
Stimpson is far from didactic: he presents it all for the reader to make their own choices and assumptions. This is a book for anyone looking to build a deeper practice of ancestor work, to learn the foundations of what it means to practice ancestral generation, or someone who has never dipped a toe into the deep well of this practice.
And perhaps most impressively, Stimpson explores these practices from dozens of historical and cultural contexts. He does so through a sensitive and self-aware lens, employing sensitivity readers to assure his message is empathetic and well-aligned with sociopolitical complications. It’s no secret that problematic applications often arise in terms of cultural appropriation or otherwise insensitive misuse of techniques or practices in witchcraft, New Age, neopagan, or vague “spiritual” paths: this is the definitive book on a sensitive approach to ancestor work.
Stimpson’s voice and style as an author, and the way he imparts his own experiences as part of the wide tapestry of how ancestor work enriches one’s life, is so well-presented and wonderfully balanced, it makes Ancestral Whispers a true delight to read. There is no ego in these pages, only honest exploration and connection. Stories from his own path are shared to build connection and share examples, not brag or take the focus away from the topic.
Someone from any background can glean new information about their own paths from Stimpson’s diverse presentation of workings, beliefs, and practices. If ancestor work is something you’re interested or embedded in, don’t miss this delightful read.
Stimpson is far from didactic: he presents it all for the reader to make their own choices and assumptions. This is a book for anyone looking to build a deeper practice of ancestor work, to learn the foundations of what it means to practice ancestral generation, or someone who has never dipped a toe into the deep well of this practice.
And perhaps most impressively, Stimpson explores these practices from dozens of historical and cultural contexts. He does so through a sensitive and self-aware lens, employing sensitivity readers to assure his message is empathetic and well-aligned with sociopolitical complications. It’s no secret that problematic applications often arise in terms of cultural appropriation or otherwise insensitive misuse of techniques or practices in witchcraft, New Age, neopagan, or vague “spiritual” paths: this is the definitive book on a sensitive approach to ancestor work.
Stimpson’s voice and style as an author, and the way he imparts his own experiences as part of the wide tapestry of how ancestor work enriches one’s life, is so well-presented and wonderfully balanced, it makes Ancestral Whispers a true delight to read. There is no ego in these pages, only honest exploration and connection. Stories from his own path are shared to build connection and share examples, not brag or take the focus away from the topic.
Someone from any background can glean new information about their own paths from Stimpson’s diverse presentation of workings, beliefs, and practices. If ancestor work is something you’re interested or embedded in, don’t miss this delightful read.
August 9, 2023
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This review was also posted on my blog
This book is a 'guide' in the fullest sense of the world. Its not an instruction manual that tells you to do x, y and z, rather it gently explores both fundamental and ancillary topics that focus on ancestral veneration which leaves you with a better conception of what an ancestral veneration practice could look like while giving you the tools to build your own. Stimpson also addresses some foils towards ancestral veneration that are commonly encountered and he walks you through processing them. Stimpson's narrative voice is that of a wise and experienced practical practitioner that inspires confidence while exuding humility.
In the Druid tradition, we often call to the ancestors of blood, place, and tradition, and Stimpson addresses all of these groups. Each of these ancestral groups creates issues in my mind that Stimpson helped me work through and understand better.
Regarding ancestors of blood, ancestral veneration is something entirely lacking from my familial background and runs in opposition to my living family's Christian beliefs. I have often shrunk back from attempting ancestral practices because I wouldn't want to cross the beliefs that my ancestors may have espoused in life. Stimpson's exercises helped me to process and more fully think through the issues at hand, leaving me with a better understanding and willingness to develop a practice. With ancestors of place, here in the Untied States, we have a troubled relationship with indigenous peoples, and Stimpson does an excellent job topically discussing some of the issues at hand. For ancestors of tradition, Stimpson thoroughly explores relationships between those who have influenced our thoughts, lifestyles, or health status in a way that I really appreciated. He also introduces the concept of fictional characters as ancestors/role models in a way that was new to me.
Some key themes of Stimpson's advice are respect, practicality, and consistency of communication, and really these are the main points of any relationship whether that be with the living or with those that have moved on. He addresses the importance of mutual respect between yourself and the ancestors, if you had an uncle in life who crossed lines, simply because he's moved on isn't a reason to allow him to cross them. Alternately, the ancestors aren't a vending machine with transactional buttons to push, ancestral veneration is about relationship and what springs naturally from relationship, which should be benefits for all parties involved.
I highly recommend this book. It provides an excellent foundation for further practice and study.
This review was also posted on my blog
This book is a 'guide' in the fullest sense of the world. Its not an instruction manual that tells you to do x, y and z, rather it gently explores both fundamental and ancillary topics that focus on ancestral veneration which leaves you with a better conception of what an ancestral veneration practice could look like while giving you the tools to build your own. Stimpson also addresses some foils towards ancestral veneration that are commonly encountered and he walks you through processing them. Stimpson's narrative voice is that of a wise and experienced practical practitioner that inspires confidence while exuding humility.
In the Druid tradition, we often call to the ancestors of blood, place, and tradition, and Stimpson addresses all of these groups. Each of these ancestral groups creates issues in my mind that Stimpson helped me work through and understand better.
Regarding ancestors of blood, ancestral veneration is something entirely lacking from my familial background and runs in opposition to my living family's Christian beliefs. I have often shrunk back from attempting ancestral practices because I wouldn't want to cross the beliefs that my ancestors may have espoused in life. Stimpson's exercises helped me to process and more fully think through the issues at hand, leaving me with a better understanding and willingness to develop a practice. With ancestors of place, here in the Untied States, we have a troubled relationship with indigenous peoples, and Stimpson does an excellent job topically discussing some of the issues at hand. For ancestors of tradition, Stimpson thoroughly explores relationships between those who have influenced our thoughts, lifestyles, or health status in a way that I really appreciated. He also introduces the concept of fictional characters as ancestors/role models in a way that was new to me.
Some key themes of Stimpson's advice are respect, practicality, and consistency of communication, and really these are the main points of any relationship whether that be with the living or with those that have moved on. He addresses the importance of mutual respect between yourself and the ancestors, if you had an uncle in life who crossed lines, simply because he's moved on isn't a reason to allow him to cross them. Alternately, the ancestors aren't a vending machine with transactional buttons to push, ancestral veneration is about relationship and what springs naturally from relationship, which should be benefits for all parties involved.
I highly recommend this book. It provides an excellent foundation for further practice and study.
October 26, 2023
This book was deeper than what I'd originally expected. In my culture, Ancestors and their veneration is a very very serious business. So this book was just a pleasant read for me - and one of my biggest feeling at the end of it, was that our ancestors, are ours, and not an entity to be feared.
The book is written warmly and covers a lot of ground - it is a good read to understand your own attitude and approach and develop a practice if that is what you want.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.
The book is written warmly and covers a lot of ground - it is a good read to understand your own attitude and approach and develop a practice if that is what you want.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.
July 10, 2023
ARC NETGALLEY REVIEW
I absolutely loved this book, with so much attention on the trauma of our ancestors, I think sometimes we forget to connect in good ways and have beliefs that not everything is trauma. This emulated this from page one to the last. The author does something I find when reading these types of books, he references and note credit, he absolutely has substance to his writing. The journal prompts we thoughtful and so well articulated for anyone. I would absolutely add to my Ancestral Trauma Yoga (& spirituality) classes as a recommendation reading and activity.
I absolutely loved this book, with so much attention on the trauma of our ancestors, I think sometimes we forget to connect in good ways and have beliefs that not everything is trauma. This emulated this from page one to the last. The author does something I find when reading these types of books, he references and note credit, he absolutely has substance to his writing. The journal prompts we thoughtful and so well articulated for anyone. I would absolutely add to my Ancestral Trauma Yoga (& spirituality) classes as a recommendation reading and activity.
July 27, 2023
Exploring The Facts of Ancestral Connection and Practices
The author provides indepth information on the existence of souls prior to life on earth. He states that the Great Before is where souls take on personalities and talents before living. He further states that, in some traditions, there are spaces between life and final death, spaces between reincarnations, and spaces of pre-life where the eternal spirit can take time to pause and reflect on the lessons learned or yet to be learned.
He discusses the difference in the traditions and nature of pre-life spaces for various cultures,stating that some traditions view the prelife setting as an in-between space where souls rest for a while before taking on a new body via reincarnation, while other traditions see the space as the origin point of souls where they plan out their coming lives on earth.
However, based on his studies, he identified the following three broad categories of where different traditions seem to fit on the issue of a before-life:
1. Traditions where souls exist before life, particularly in re-incarnation based traditions or in religions such as Mormonism where all souls were created at the beginning of the universe and wait for a corporeal body to house them.
2. Traditions where the soul is created and delivered upon conception or birth.
3. Traditions where the soul or parts of the soul are given at a point within life.
He states that other various animistic traditions where rites of passage are also times when aspects of personhood are attained through rites such as naming ceremonies, vision quests, confirmations, and initiations; and in Islam it is taught that all souls were created in adult form at the same time as the first man, Adam, and exist before life, waiting to be born. The soul is delivered to the body at birth by angels or God and develops into a living human.
The author discusses the various traditions of how there is a time between life and death when the individual is still tied to their body but is not considered fully alive. This state might be in the time between physical death and the funeral or for a period where the spirit lingers until moving on to their next life. In such traditions, no matter how decomposed the body may be, the etiquette of the culture is for the individual to still be treated as if alive in some way. In particular, he explains that among Tibetans and Mongolians (and other cultures associated with Vajrayana Buddhism) the spirits of the dead are often believed to remain for forty days in their bodies until certain rites are performed, and then the physical body is removed and delivered to the burial grounds.
The author states that the Torajan people of Indonesia’s South Sulawesi region keep the bodies of dead loved ones at home in bed until it is possible to perform a lavish funeral, and the bodies are often treated as if they are sleeping or ill but very much alive. These elaborate funerals can sometimes take up to twenty years to occur, as the family must raise enough money to put on a spectacle, especially if the deceased was a notable member of society. In the intervening time , the body of the deceased stays in the home with the family and is treated as if they were alive.
Ben Stimpson discusses who our ancestors are by stating that it is easy to just say, “Ancestors are our dead blood relatives,” but he contends that an ancestor is someone who has a direct connection to us in some way, whether they be blood relatives, adopted relatives, lineage ancestors, ancestors by group affinity, or any other direct association with an individual.
He discusses ancestor veneration, in terms of whom shall one honor with veneration, the morality of it, and some of the various forms of veneration.
I found this book to be extremely informative regarding life before birth, what happens after death; and more importantly, who are our ancestors and how do we honor them.
I highly recommend this book, not only for beginners, but for advanced spiritualists seeking a great reference book.
The author provides indepth information on the existence of souls prior to life on earth. He states that the Great Before is where souls take on personalities and talents before living. He further states that, in some traditions, there are spaces between life and final death, spaces between reincarnations, and spaces of pre-life where the eternal spirit can take time to pause and reflect on the lessons learned or yet to be learned.
He discusses the difference in the traditions and nature of pre-life spaces for various cultures,stating that some traditions view the prelife setting as an in-between space where souls rest for a while before taking on a new body via reincarnation, while other traditions see the space as the origin point of souls where they plan out their coming lives on earth.
However, based on his studies, he identified the following three broad categories of where different traditions seem to fit on the issue of a before-life:
1. Traditions where souls exist before life, particularly in re-incarnation based traditions or in religions such as Mormonism where all souls were created at the beginning of the universe and wait for a corporeal body to house them.
2. Traditions where the soul is created and delivered upon conception or birth.
3. Traditions where the soul or parts of the soul are given at a point within life.
He states that other various animistic traditions where rites of passage are also times when aspects of personhood are attained through rites such as naming ceremonies, vision quests, confirmations, and initiations; and in Islam it is taught that all souls were created in adult form at the same time as the first man, Adam, and exist before life, waiting to be born. The soul is delivered to the body at birth by angels or God and develops into a living human.
The author discusses the various traditions of how there is a time between life and death when the individual is still tied to their body but is not considered fully alive. This state might be in the time between physical death and the funeral or for a period where the spirit lingers until moving on to their next life. In such traditions, no matter how decomposed the body may be, the etiquette of the culture is for the individual to still be treated as if alive in some way. In particular, he explains that among Tibetans and Mongolians (and other cultures associated with Vajrayana Buddhism) the spirits of the dead are often believed to remain for forty days in their bodies until certain rites are performed, and then the physical body is removed and delivered to the burial grounds.
The author states that the Torajan people of Indonesia’s South Sulawesi region keep the bodies of dead loved ones at home in bed until it is possible to perform a lavish funeral, and the bodies are often treated as if they are sleeping or ill but very much alive. These elaborate funerals can sometimes take up to twenty years to occur, as the family must raise enough money to put on a spectacle, especially if the deceased was a notable member of society. In the intervening time , the body of the deceased stays in the home with the family and is treated as if they were alive.
Ben Stimpson discusses who our ancestors are by stating that it is easy to just say, “Ancestors are our dead blood relatives,” but he contends that an ancestor is someone who has a direct connection to us in some way, whether they be blood relatives, adopted relatives, lineage ancestors, ancestors by group affinity, or any other direct association with an individual.
He discusses ancestor veneration, in terms of whom shall one honor with veneration, the morality of it, and some of the various forms of veneration.
I found this book to be extremely informative regarding life before birth, what happens after death; and more importantly, who are our ancestors and how do we honor them.
I highly recommend this book, not only for beginners, but for advanced spiritualists seeking a great reference book.
August 27, 2023
I don't tend to do book reviews but I've really took my time reading this as its given me so much to think about I have to say I have been impressed with it from start it's very well researched and written in a way that's both personal and reflective.
This isn't going to tell you what to believe or do, its completely agnostic or opensource as I prefer as instead the focus is on guiding you to consider your own beliefs and practices
While it will share few examples from a mix of cultures and beliefs as well as his own, the purpose is to form your own practice that's both personal and relevant to you and your ancestors.
You may find you've already been practicing a form of this already without even realising it and this will help you build on this in a way, which is even more meaningful and help to form a deep and healthy relationship with your Ancestors.
It discusses various types of offerings, tools, alters, blood and adopted relatives, even ancestors who have passed into legend.
I've gotten quite alot from reading this and will be incorporating some into my own practices within Anglo Saxon Heathenry.
I would 100% recommend ordering a copy and working through it.
This isn't going to tell you what to believe or do, its completely agnostic or opensource as I prefer as instead the focus is on guiding you to consider your own beliefs and practices
While it will share few examples from a mix of cultures and beliefs as well as his own, the purpose is to form your own practice that's both personal and relevant to you and your ancestors.
You may find you've already been practicing a form of this already without even realising it and this will help you build on this in a way, which is even more meaningful and help to form a deep and healthy relationship with your Ancestors.
It discusses various types of offerings, tools, alters, blood and adopted relatives, even ancestors who have passed into legend.
I've gotten quite alot from reading this and will be incorporating some into my own practices within Anglo Saxon Heathenry.
I would 100% recommend ordering a copy and working through it.
August 13, 2023
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review. I would have given this 4.5 stars, but rounded it up, because it was better than only 4 stars. I had not realized there was a term for one of the things I have started practicing, so this book helped me to expand on what I had kind of been doing on my own. My biggest complaint is that since this was a Kindle version, I wasn't able to write notes in the margin, or that there wasn't a workbook to go with it. I will be purchasing the printed version so that I can easily reference the portions I want to go back to study. The author does a great job of making the practice of ancestral veneration easy to understand. And also has great advice on trying to avoid possible pitfalls. I look forward to exploring this practice more.
November 2, 2023
Book 39 of 2023 (finished on Tuesday) was Ancestral Whispers by Ben Stimpson (@benstimpsonauthor)
This was a fitting book to read in this season of Samhain, All Hallows, and All Souls.
Ancestral Whispers consists of two parts: the first part asks readers to explore their beliefs and worldview surrounding death, how we define "ancestors," and how those beliefs will affect whether and how we venerate our ancestors.
In the second part, Ben leads readers through different aspects of ancestor veneration practices with a respectful eye for the variations present in varying traditions. I particularly loved his remarks on orthodoxy vs orthopraxy.
This is another book I'm going to highly recommend folks look into.
This was a fitting book to read in this season of Samhain, All Hallows, and All Souls.
Ancestral Whispers consists of two parts: the first part asks readers to explore their beliefs and worldview surrounding death, how we define "ancestors," and how those beliefs will affect whether and how we venerate our ancestors.
In the second part, Ben leads readers through different aspects of ancestor veneration practices with a respectful eye for the variations present in varying traditions. I particularly loved his remarks on orthodoxy vs orthopraxy.
This is another book I'm going to highly recommend folks look into.
September 22, 2024
“Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices” by Ben Stimpson, is a useful launching point for considering and evaluating your own personal perspective upon ancestral veneration. It daws upon a range of global practices but rather than being a textbook on those practices, or even a how to guide, it provides the foundational framework for you to develop and explore your own perspective. It reads in an easy conversational style, more TED Talk presentation than academic textbook. It offers a list of resources and further reading in addition to the bibliography. Hopefully it should prove of use for points of reflection for someone who has been following ancestral veneration practices as well as an inroad for a beginner.
August 23, 2023
The one inevitability in life is death, leaving some to feel powerless. In Ancestral Wisdom, author Ben Stimpson empowers us to maintain relationships with those we love and forge new relationships with those we have never met. By truly getting to know those who have walked before us, we are given new understanding into who we are as a whole. The healing possible with these ideas, on a personal and community level, is limitless. The background information given makes the suggestions workable regardless of your family dynamics, or spiritual and world views. It really is a light at the end of the tunnel. Read towards it.
October 20, 2023
Ancestral Whilspers by Ben Stimpson is a non fiction work centered in the practice of ancestor work and veneration.
What I liked
-Well researched
-organized in an easy to digest format
-good utilization of external resources
What didn't work as well for me
I would have liked some more looking into veneration and ancestor work as it relates to those who have discovered their ancestors were not great people.
Who I would recommend the title for
Ancestral Whispers is a great read for those looking to actively engage with the practice of Ancestor veneration but maybe not a good fit for those just looking for academic info on the topic.
What I liked
-Well researched
-organized in an easy to digest format
-good utilization of external resources
What didn't work as well for me
I would have liked some more looking into veneration and ancestor work as it relates to those who have discovered their ancestors were not great people.
Who I would recommend the title for
Ancestral Whispers is a great read for those looking to actively engage with the practice of Ancestor veneration but maybe not a good fit for those just looking for academic info on the topic.
August 16, 2023
I have long included my ancestors in my practice and rituals. I adore this book hat bringing this practice to the forefront and providing a guide. Since I am a sole practitioner and eclectic witch, I have what was handed down and what is my own practice. When someone asks me for guidance, it’s nice to be able to say, these are my practices, but here’s a great book on the topic. It makes it a bit easier to have a book to refer them to.
Well written and easy to follow, this is a great book for anyone’s toolbox and a gift for those who may be interested.
August 25, 2023
This is easily the best 'how to' book that I've read about a spiritual practice. Ancestral Whispers combines history, experience, and deep thought on a variety of world traditions involving ancestral worship. While it draws on many traditions, it doesn't rely entirely on one belief system. Instead, it synthesizes common themes and delivers them in a way that allows the reader to construct their own practice in a way that works with their own personal beliefs. Grab a physical copy of this book because you will be re-reading it several times!
August 31, 2023
An elegant repository of passion, experience and comprehensive knowledge, Ancestral Whispers is an informative guide that takes us by down the path towards meaningful connections with our Ancestors. With every aspect covered in a way that is both culturally sensitive and fused with personal experience, Ben Stimpson provides the perfect foundation for any beginner looking to foster connection with their Ancestors through a practical, refreshing and accessible approach. It truly was a joy to read from cover to cover.
September 8, 2023
This is really the perfect book for anyone interested in ancestor veneration or even just better understanding the concept. It covers everything you could want to know about the beliefs and practices around ancestors, how to connect to them, why you'd want to, and offers a lot of food for thought about the what and why of it all. I think this would be a great book for beginners or more experienced people. Highly recommend.
January 23, 2024
At times hard to read as they have an academic style of writing I prefer a more personal writing style about this practice
Lots of different religions and cultures discussed which pleases my omnist heart
Very soft and easy to hold and read because of that doesn't hurt to read
Has very practical ideas of ways to connect with non blood ancestors and spirits which I loved makes it easier to put into practice
Amazing resources section with further reading on different topics they covered
Lots of different religions and cultures discussed which pleases my omnist heart
Very soft and easy to hold and read because of that doesn't hurt to read
Has very practical ideas of ways to connect with non blood ancestors and spirits which I loved makes it easier to put into practice
Amazing resources section with further reading on different topics they covered
August 30, 2023
ANCESTRAL WHISPERS by Ben Stimpson is a wonderful roadmap for practicing ancestral veneration in a way that fits your belief system. I found the book very interesting, and the author very knowledgeable. I found it easy to understand, and I liked the exercises. I have put into practice a lot I learned from this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a deeper understanding.
September 17, 2023
Well done, it talks about the ancestry worship in different era and cultures. It's full of food for thought and helps to create a personal ancestry worship.
Well written and researched, useful and informative
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well written and researched, useful and informative
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 15, 2023
This was a very well researched and written book. I was very interested in a lot of what was covered and learned a lot. I will be incorporating into my practice. Also loved how much detail was given to additional material and the bibliography.
February 6, 2024
This book is destined to go down as the best and most credible source for ancestral worship. Stimpson is well-researched, in addition to his own experiences which range from Welsh witchcraft to Lukumí.
October 31, 2024
Respectfully done! I learned tons about various divination and veneration practices across the globe and different cultures. The writing is mostly personal and close as the information is well researched and sourced, which I appreciated. Re-readable but a little dense to consume linearly.
October 4, 2023
Loved this book. What a great reference to have in any witches collection
February 6, 2024
An excellent book for anyone looking to build an ancestor veneration practice.
October 24, 2023
Ben Stimpson's Ancestral Whispers is an incredibly well researched non-fiction which discusses in-depth historical and cultural connections to ancestors. There is much information about how many different religions think of their dead. Do they have spirits, if so where do they go, can we connect with them, and if so how. Some people visit a loved one's grave, some go to a place that reminds them of their loved one, while others just need to look at an object given by or once belonging to their deceased loved one. This book is steeped in so much knowledge. It was incredibly interesting, and I loved learning about the different practices around the world pertaining to our dead loved ones and ancestors. I really enjoy the decorative design at the beginning of the chapters.
A worthwhile read regardless of your practising religion, or lack thereof.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A worthwhile read regardless of your practising religion, or lack thereof.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 24, 2025
I recommend this book. This was an amazing book, 5 out of 5.This is Ben's first book and I'm hope there will be a second one. I saw an interview where he mentioned that this book is not a how to step by step book. The book gives concepts to think about so you can craft your own practice.
I was concerned that book might be to abstract for me therefore I wouldn't be able to utilize the book in the way it was intended for. Not at all. This book was so ground and full of information. I'm going to reread again slowly. There are so manly thing that I what to take more time to digest.
Part one focus death and grief and the different ancestors. Of course the authors talks about blood ancestors and adoption. The book talks about ancestors of group that have lineage that you have be initiated, ancestors of land, sea, sky and one that I have not considered fictional ancestors
Part Two of the book goes into the more practical. Topics scared space, colour, physical representation, object of power (different than representation objects), offerings, ritual, magic, communication (my favourite)....etc
Two things that I would like to highlight is that each chapter ends with question to think about. These questions are thought provoking and are not a throw away. The second thing that I would like to highlight is the recommend reading at the end of the book, well done.
This book is a must read!
I was concerned that book might be to abstract for me therefore I wouldn't be able to utilize the book in the way it was intended for. Not at all. This book was so ground and full of information. I'm going to reread again slowly. There are so manly thing that I what to take more time to digest.
Part one focus death and grief and the different ancestors. Of course the authors talks about blood ancestors and adoption. The book talks about ancestors of group that have lineage that you have be initiated, ancestors of land, sea, sky and one that I have not considered fictional ancestors
Part Two of the book goes into the more practical. Topics scared space, colour, physical representation, object of power (different than representation objects), offerings, ritual, magic, communication (my favourite)....etc
Two things that I would like to highlight is that each chapter ends with question to think about. These questions are thought provoking and are not a throw away. The second thing that I would like to highlight is the recommend reading at the end of the book, well done.
This book is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews