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Badass Ancestors: Finding Your Power with Ancestral Guides
Cultivate Relationships with Your People for Empowerment and Healing This groundbreaking book shows you how to work with different types of ancestors to find, develop, and celebrate the personal power of your inner badass. By embracing the strength of your lineage―both blood relatives and those chosen by the heart―you can receive wisdom and guidance when you need it the most. Badass Ancestors provides a compelling series of rituals, meditations, mantras, and exercises that connect you with ancestral guides. You'll discover advice on genealogy research, the history of ancestor veneration in cultures around the world, ways to deal with problematic ancestors, and how to leave your own legacy for future generations. Each chapter offers unique calls to action―including crafts and recipes―that help you build self-confidence and overall badassery with your ancestors' assistance. When you develop relationships with your relatives and with spiritual or archetypal ancestors, you engage the process of healing trauma and achieving a deep sense of emotional and spiritual well-being.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2020
110 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 20, 2023
First Glance
I know you don’t usually judge a book by its cover, but a good cover design can get your attention long enough to have you reading the description. That happened here, where the cover art drew me in and then the details had me requesting an advanced readers’ copy on NetGalley.
I don’t work with ancestors in my current practice. My family is a far-flung mess of people, with my biological father’s side completely unknown to me. I’ve always wondered where you would begin to work with ancestors in that kind of situation.
Positive Bits
To be honest, I only made it to the end of Chapter 3 before pre-ordering a physical copy of this book. In the introduction, the author already drew me in with a discussion of chosen family, adopted family, and purposefully severed family ties. She then followed through with that promise from the start, covering different definitions of family and ancestors than just blood relatives.
This book provides both research guidance and ancestor rituals with equal balance between spiritual and mundane methods. I found myself browsing some of the suggested resources just to see what I could find, losing a few hours just poking around online. Thanks to prior family tree work, I know there’s one branch of Filipino heritage I can trace back to ship records, but the author provided suggestions that led to a local ancestor’s grave and a marriage to an actress in the 1930s. Neither of those details came up in previous searches, because I didn’t know where to start.
Meanwhile, the rituals are very approachable and intuitive. Her suggestions for tying in culturally relevant foods resonated with me the most, as I’m a foodie at heart and love trying unfamiliar recipes. The idea of integrating that love into something I can share with my ancestors to show them appreciation just made sense. Again, I found myself down a research rabbit hole as I looked into traditional Filipino recipes and clothing (prior to colonization), but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Less Enjoyable Bits
As with most books, there were parts that didn’t speak to me. As a polytheist, I couldn’t connect to Chapter 8 as the author discussed calling archetypes in place of unknown ancestors. The idea hadn’t sounded strange when it was mentioned prior to that chapter, but then she used deities as if they were archetypes throughout this section. That may work for a non-religious witch or someone who believes deities are archetypes of the Unnamed Divine. However, as a person who’s worked to develop relationships with individual deities along my path, I can’t connect to the idea of treating them like ancestors or symbols instead of actual gods.
I’ll admit that I felt a little lost and left out at times, though it’s not the author’s fault. My family is a tangle web of marriages and divorces, immigrants, lost records, and poor folks. I don’t have family heirlooms or anything older than my grandparents’ generation. We have almost no pictures older than that, either. And don’t get me started on how being poor means not putting down roots! All of that is to say, sometimes the author’s descriptions of how her research progressed (talking to elder living relatives, asking about family heirlooms or where traditions started, looking up local newspapers) felt unfamiliar and almost impossible.
Efforts were made to pull in options for those without steady family trees. They were imperfect, but I appreciate the attempt. By the end of the book, I could tell I’m still out of luck on some fronts when it comes to ancestor tracing and the related spiritual workings. Thankfully, there were plenty of other parts that spoke to me and gave me guidance for working with the ancestors I can reach.
I know you don’t usually judge a book by its cover, but a good cover design can get your attention long enough to have you reading the description. That happened here, where the cover art drew me in and then the details had me requesting an advanced readers’ copy on NetGalley.
I don’t work with ancestors in my current practice. My family is a far-flung mess of people, with my biological father’s side completely unknown to me. I’ve always wondered where you would begin to work with ancestors in that kind of situation.
Positive Bits
To be honest, I only made it to the end of Chapter 3 before pre-ordering a physical copy of this book. In the introduction, the author already drew me in with a discussion of chosen family, adopted family, and purposefully severed family ties. She then followed through with that promise from the start, covering different definitions of family and ancestors than just blood relatives.
This book provides both research guidance and ancestor rituals with equal balance between spiritual and mundane methods. I found myself browsing some of the suggested resources just to see what I could find, losing a few hours just poking around online. Thanks to prior family tree work, I know there’s one branch of Filipino heritage I can trace back to ship records, but the author provided suggestions that led to a local ancestor’s grave and a marriage to an actress in the 1930s. Neither of those details came up in previous searches, because I didn’t know where to start.
Meanwhile, the rituals are very approachable and intuitive. Her suggestions for tying in culturally relevant foods resonated with me the most, as I’m a foodie at heart and love trying unfamiliar recipes. The idea of integrating that love into something I can share with my ancestors to show them appreciation just made sense. Again, I found myself down a research rabbit hole as I looked into traditional Filipino recipes and clothing (prior to colonization), but I enjoyed every minute of it.
Less Enjoyable Bits
As with most books, there were parts that didn’t speak to me. As a polytheist, I couldn’t connect to Chapter 8 as the author discussed calling archetypes in place of unknown ancestors. The idea hadn’t sounded strange when it was mentioned prior to that chapter, but then she used deities as if they were archetypes throughout this section. That may work for a non-religious witch or someone who believes deities are archetypes of the Unnamed Divine. However, as a person who’s worked to develop relationships with individual deities along my path, I can’t connect to the idea of treating them like ancestors or symbols instead of actual gods.
I’ll admit that I felt a little lost and left out at times, though it’s not the author’s fault. My family is a tangle web of marriages and divorces, immigrants, lost records, and poor folks. I don’t have family heirlooms or anything older than my grandparents’ generation. We have almost no pictures older than that, either. And don’t get me started on how being poor means not putting down roots! All of that is to say, sometimes the author’s descriptions of how her research progressed (talking to elder living relatives, asking about family heirlooms or where traditions started, looking up local newspapers) felt unfamiliar and almost impossible.
Efforts were made to pull in options for those without steady family trees. They were imperfect, but I appreciate the attempt. By the end of the book, I could tell I’m still out of luck on some fronts when it comes to ancestor tracing and the related spiritual workings. Thankfully, there were plenty of other parts that spoke to me and gave me guidance for working with the ancestors I can reach.
May 29, 2020
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this title for feedback and review purposes.
A phenomenal guide to everything an aspirant would need to begin working with the ancestors. Badass Ancestors covers all the bases...and then some. If you want to learn how to research your ancestors, set up an altar to them, cook for them, deal with problem ancestors and ancestral trauma, all that and more was within the pages.
I really like how open the author was, and it really seemed to me that she attempted to make the book as accessible as possible to as many people, cultures, and races as she could. There is definitely something for everyone within the pages of Badass Ancestors.
I highly encourage any interested in ancestor veneration to pick Badass Ancestors up when it hits shelves. It is truly a gem and very much informative and approachable. I couldn't find anything wrong with it, and, to my knowledge, Badass Ancestors covers a great deal more than any ancestor veneration book currently on the market right now.
A phenomenal guide to everything an aspirant would need to begin working with the ancestors. Badass Ancestors covers all the bases...and then some. If you want to learn how to research your ancestors, set up an altar to them, cook for them, deal with problem ancestors and ancestral trauma, all that and more was within the pages.
I really like how open the author was, and it really seemed to me that she attempted to make the book as accessible as possible to as many people, cultures, and races as she could. There is definitely something for everyone within the pages of Badass Ancestors.
I highly encourage any interested in ancestor veneration to pick Badass Ancestors up when it hits shelves. It is truly a gem and very much informative and approachable. I couldn't find anything wrong with it, and, to my knowledge, Badass Ancestors covers a great deal more than any ancestor veneration book currently on the market right now.
February 16, 2024
This was an enjoyable read, bringing together genealogical research and spiritual practices as complimentary ways to get to know your ancestors. While the genealogy part has some broad guidelines and tips, it would be most helpful to those with American ancestors as the author lists many databases and records from the USA.
I really enjoyed the author's various suggestions for honouring and working with ancestors through acts of service and daily rituals, divination, meals, meditations, etc. I also really appreciated the chapter on working with archetypes in addition to or instead of named ancestors in one's family. For those who know little to nothing of their biological ancestors, there are still plenty of suggestions for honouring your biological family, your chosen family, ancestors from your particular cultural background, and even ancestors whose names have been lost or forgotten.
I also gifted a copy of this book to someone who recently became interested in ancestral work but had never read anything on the topic before. They found the book easy to understand, interesting, and helpful in getting started. Whether you are new to working with ancestors or looking for inspiration and ideas to add to your current practices, I believe this book is worth a read.
I really enjoyed the author's various suggestions for honouring and working with ancestors through acts of service and daily rituals, divination, meals, meditations, etc. I also really appreciated the chapter on working with archetypes in addition to or instead of named ancestors in one's family. For those who know little to nothing of their biological ancestors, there are still plenty of suggestions for honouring your biological family, your chosen family, ancestors from your particular cultural background, and even ancestors whose names have been lost or forgotten.
I also gifted a copy of this book to someone who recently became interested in ancestral work but had never read anything on the topic before. They found the book easy to understand, interesting, and helpful in getting started. Whether you are new to working with ancestors or looking for inspiration and ideas to add to your current practices, I believe this book is worth a read.
April 5, 2021
Although this book was informative in some regard, and definitely could be used as a primer to ancestor worship (it propounds various methods and rituals by which someone could practice, as well as introductory ideas about genealogical study) it was general, and vaguely Eurocentric
To give credit where it's due, there would be some references to Indigenous and other cultures practices, and connecting with ancestors when you may have a fraught family history (adopted members of family or self, enslavement, lost records, etc), which is nice to mention in passing, but these end up being tangential subjects that, although briefly addressed, aren't given the focus that they really need (generational trauma, cultural awareness, appropriate practices kind of go by the wayside). Instead, the "badass ancestors" that are spoken of result as those that you can identify and generally hearken back to Europe or colonial sources. In addition, we are given examples of archetypal ancestor work or deity work in lieu of ancestor worship when it's not available which, again, is interesting when mentioned, but without delving into the subject we're left with a very vague impression of Ancestor worship that to me was reminiscent of calling the experience of going to the Disney park Epcot the equivalent of traveling the world. You get the novelty, but not the authenticity, of experience...
...which is fine, as this book is really a primer. In terms of being a useful reference material, I think this could have been formatted to convey the same information in a better way as a series of YouTube videos or blog posts as opposed to a book--and, to be honest, I may take one ritual or two to apply to my own ancestral worship practice (making an oracle card deck with photos of family is a very cool idea Wigington proposed) and general familial connection--but I won't be keeping this book on my shelves, and unless you're an absolute beginner to ancestral worship and are open to eclectic sources, I'm not sure I would recommend it, especially if you don't have an American/European/generally culturally White background. That being said it's still an ok introductory guide with a particular practitioner in mind, and my recommendation or experience reading doesn't necessarily affect your own, so read as you like.
Read for the Book Witches March/April book club.
To give credit where it's due, there would be some references to Indigenous and other cultures practices, and connecting with ancestors when you may have a fraught family history (adopted members of family or self, enslavement, lost records, etc), which is nice to mention in passing, but these end up being tangential subjects that, although briefly addressed, aren't given the focus that they really need (generational trauma, cultural awareness, appropriate practices kind of go by the wayside). Instead, the "badass ancestors" that are spoken of result as those that you can identify and generally hearken back to Europe or colonial sources. In addition, we are given examples of archetypal ancestor work or deity work in lieu of ancestor worship when it's not available which, again, is interesting when mentioned, but without delving into the subject we're left with a very vague impression of Ancestor worship that to me was reminiscent of calling the experience of going to the Disney park Epcot the equivalent of traveling the world. You get the novelty, but not the authenticity, of experience...
...which is fine, as this book is really a primer. In terms of being a useful reference material, I think this could have been formatted to convey the same information in a better way as a series of YouTube videos or blog posts as opposed to a book--and, to be honest, I may take one ritual or two to apply to my own ancestral worship practice (making an oracle card deck with photos of family is a very cool idea Wigington proposed) and general familial connection--but I won't be keeping this book on my shelves, and unless you're an absolute beginner to ancestral worship and are open to eclectic sources, I'm not sure I would recommend it, especially if you don't have an American/European/generally culturally White background. That being said it's still an ok introductory guide with a particular practitioner in mind, and my recommendation or experience reading doesn't necessarily affect your own, so read as you like.
Read for the Book Witches March/April book club.
May 22, 2020
This is great book for a beginner wanting to research their family history and to develop a deeper spiritual connection with their ancestors. Author Patti Wigington also demonstrates how to incorporate ancestral worship into your own magickal practices. There is something here for every beginner genealogist including how to approach this subject as an adoptee. The genealogy resources listed by the author also includes advice on how to research enslaved ancestors.
Heads up, most of the genealogical advice and resources are USA centric.
I also appreciated the authors honesty about their own heritage which includes individuals involved in human enslavement and how she approached this difficult discovery from a spiritual perspective.
*eARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley for review purposes
Heads up, most of the genealogical advice and resources are USA centric.
I also appreciated the authors honesty about their own heritage which includes individuals involved in human enslavement and how she approached this difficult discovery from a spiritual perspective.
*eARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley for review purposes
June 1, 2020
This book is built around the idea that forming relationships with dead ancestors is beneficial because they can be a source of protection, money and healing. The reason ancestors are termed badass is that they have survived long enough to transmit genetic material that finally made its way to the reader. After a chapter on ancestor worship, Wigington includes a short chapter on genealogical research. Next comes building an altar to serve as a focal point for ancestral pictures and offerings. This chapter also covers grave rubbings and incense-making. Relationship-making follows. I liked the author’s suggestions to do good deeds in the ancestor’s name and to be polite when requesting help. She has included a moving ritual for the forgotten dead in the book as well. In addition to working with people one is related to, Wigington suggests working with family of choice and working with archetypal and historical figures. To communicate with the dead, she instructs readers to use scrying, tarot and oracle cards, pendulums, or runes. There is a chapter on recipes for cooking meals ancestors might have eaten. Near the end of the book, there are some good projects for honoring one’s legacy from writing family history to constructing a time capsule. This would be a good book for someone just starting to be curious about their ancestors and toying with the possibility of getting to know them. Because intergenerational trauma is only mentioned in passing in this book, and troublesome, lingering spirits (the real badasses) aren’t mentioned at all, readers need to exercise caution. Readers who have experienced spirit visitations and are serious about spirit communications will find it more useful to seek out a book on mediumship development such as Medium: A-Step-by-Step Guide to Communicating with the Spirit World or You are a Medium: Discover Your Natural Abilities to Communicate with the Other Side.
February 18, 2022
Badass Ancestors by Patti Wigington is a book I’ve been needing in my life for awhile. As a witch who has been doing ancestral work and diving into researching genealogy, it is an imperative guide in showing how to work with one’s ancestors to help heal ancestral trauma.
Here are some of the quick pros and cons of the book.
PROS:
- Gives beginner info on how to start w/ genealogy
- How to on building an ancestor alter
- Details many rituals & meditations for working w/ your ancestors
- Discusses how to work w/ problematic ancestors
- Accessible to people of different cultures and backgrounds (author had inclusivity in mind)
CONS:
- Most of the genealogical advice & resources is US centric
Rating & Would I recommend?
5/5 Stars! I would highly recommend this book for beginners as well as anyone who has experience working with ancestors as it covers a wide range from starting out to more in-depth practices. I haven’t seen a book like this on the market yet!
I liked Badass Ancestors SO much that after reviewing the electronic ARC provided to me by the author, Llewellyn Publications, and Netgalley, I had to grab a hard copy for my own library.
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Here are some of the quick pros and cons of the book.
PROS:
- Gives beginner info on how to start w/ genealogy
- How to on building an ancestor alter
- Details many rituals & meditations for working w/ your ancestors
- Discusses how to work w/ problematic ancestors
- Accessible to people of different cultures and backgrounds (author had inclusivity in mind)
CONS:
- Most of the genealogical advice & resources is US centric
Rating & Would I recommend?
5/5 Stars! I would highly recommend this book for beginners as well as anyone who has experience working with ancestors as it covers a wide range from starting out to more in-depth practices. I haven’t seen a book like this on the market yet!
I liked Badass Ancestors SO much that after reviewing the electronic ARC provided to me by the author, Llewellyn Publications, and Netgalley, I had to grab a hard copy for my own library.
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2022
I was looking for a nice general book on ancestor workship and this definately fits the bill. I liked that she gave a lot of broad examples and didn't focus on just one culture, because I am very concious of being respectful of cultures or traditions that aren't "mine" per say. It was easy to ready, well edited overall and concise. A great starter book for those interested in working with their ancestors.
September 7, 2020
Incorporate Your Ancestors into Your Spiritual Practice
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! I've been reading Llewellyn titles for decades, so when I see one at one of my favorite book review sites, I want to snap it up even if I am not 100% sold on the topic just by the cover, title, and description alone. I am so glad I went with my instincts on this one. I have long been a student of genealogy as well as metaphysical topics. Why hadn't I thought to marry the two before? The author has a friendly and engaging writing style that is a pleasure to read. The book goes into so many ways about how you can integrate an appreciation for those who went before you into your spiritual practice. The book starts by looking at the history of ancestor veneration and offers direction about how to research your family's genealogy; the author provides resources for the latter in the back. Now that you've learned more about your family, the book dives into setting up a family altar, working with your family including rituals and meditations, dealing with problematic ancestors, and including ancestors of the heart. I particularly liked the last one, because I think it is a great idea to incorporate those friends and mentors who have passed even if they are not of our blood. The author also explores how to work with archetypes like the Warrior or the Rebel. She goes into a little about divination and even has a chapter about eating with your ancestors—including recipes that sound pretty tasty. She ends the book by looking at your own legacy that you will be passing on.
I liked that the author acknowledged several difficult aspects of ancestor veneration, like if you have an absent parent or are adopted—and even problematic ancestors you don't want to acknowledge, let alone venerate. Because she included all these considerations, I was surprised that, in the legacy section, she didn't fully acknowledge that some of us will have no legacy, with no children or grandchildren to remember us in any way after we’ve passed. I would have loved to have seen a section in the legacy chapter about how you deal with that. Other than that, I found this to be a delightful book connecting you to not just some mystical past, as we often do as when interested in the metaphysical or non-traditional spirituality, but our family's actual past, the people on whose shoulders we stand, without whom we would not be. Even if the concept of ancestor veneration doesn't sit quite comfortably with your 20th-century outlook and practice, I recommend this book because it will open you to ideas that are worth considering and integrating into your spiritual practice. It feels grounding in a way that few ideas do.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! I've been reading Llewellyn titles for decades, so when I see one at one of my favorite book review sites, I want to snap it up even if I am not 100% sold on the topic just by the cover, title, and description alone. I am so glad I went with my instincts on this one. I have long been a student of genealogy as well as metaphysical topics. Why hadn't I thought to marry the two before? The author has a friendly and engaging writing style that is a pleasure to read. The book goes into so many ways about how you can integrate an appreciation for those who went before you into your spiritual practice. The book starts by looking at the history of ancestor veneration and offers direction about how to research your family's genealogy; the author provides resources for the latter in the back. Now that you've learned more about your family, the book dives into setting up a family altar, working with your family including rituals and meditations, dealing with problematic ancestors, and including ancestors of the heart. I particularly liked the last one, because I think it is a great idea to incorporate those friends and mentors who have passed even if they are not of our blood. The author also explores how to work with archetypes like the Warrior or the Rebel. She goes into a little about divination and even has a chapter about eating with your ancestors—including recipes that sound pretty tasty. She ends the book by looking at your own legacy that you will be passing on.
I liked that the author acknowledged several difficult aspects of ancestor veneration, like if you have an absent parent or are adopted—and even problematic ancestors you don't want to acknowledge, let alone venerate. Because she included all these considerations, I was surprised that, in the legacy section, she didn't fully acknowledge that some of us will have no legacy, with no children or grandchildren to remember us in any way after we’ve passed. I would have loved to have seen a section in the legacy chapter about how you deal with that. Other than that, I found this to be a delightful book connecting you to not just some mystical past, as we often do as when interested in the metaphysical or non-traditional spirituality, but our family's actual past, the people on whose shoulders we stand, without whom we would not be. Even if the concept of ancestor veneration doesn't sit quite comfortably with your 20th-century outlook and practice, I recommend this book because it will open you to ideas that are worth considering and integrating into your spiritual practice. It feels grounding in a way that few ideas do.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
November 14, 2023
I was a bit nervous about picking this up to be perfectly honest! I checked out the author's website and went back to said metaphysical store to grab this book after seeing the first blog post being about why she was getting email hate for saying that you shouldn't be putting foreign 'spiritual' objects in you at all, and ingesting oils and crystals will not help you.
The author Patti Wigington is no-nonsense and very open and direct in her writing. And I'll likely look for her other work!
Now onto the book: This is a great guide to starting ancestor veneration/work. From how to do genealogy, setting up an altar, rituals and spells, even recipes from various places around the world and various times to help you in conducting dumb suppers, and which divination methods work for communication.
Pros: I was VERY impressed with the amount of detail for various places around the world she covers, not to mention she actually labels things as African Traditional Religions!! It was very refreshing.
She also covers how to deal with the ancestors and history you will not be proud of, what ancestor guides are, what to do if you're adopted or don't want to work with your own blood ancestors for whatever reasons...and mentioned ancestor archetypes, which I don't see covered too often!
Cons: The only two legitimate gripes I have is her use of the word smudging. She does however mention that white sage smudging is limited to certain regions/religions and it clears a space of all energy, so it's best left not used at all. And a nail ward is mentioned that uses iron, please don't shove iron spikes in your yard, that messes with the soil's ph and throws things off. Don't ruin the ground for a century or two for a ward!
This book I'm gonna rate 9/10. It's very good, sucks you in quickly and is never too dull even when covering the steps of genealogy...which can get boring. It's gonna be a permanent mainstay on my witchy bookshelf.
The author Patti Wigington is no-nonsense and very open and direct in her writing. And I'll likely look for her other work!
Now onto the book: This is a great guide to starting ancestor veneration/work. From how to do genealogy, setting up an altar, rituals and spells, even recipes from various places around the world and various times to help you in conducting dumb suppers, and which divination methods work for communication.
Pros: I was VERY impressed with the amount of detail for various places around the world she covers, not to mention she actually labels things as African Traditional Religions!! It was very refreshing.
She also covers how to deal with the ancestors and history you will not be proud of, what ancestor guides are, what to do if you're adopted or don't want to work with your own blood ancestors for whatever reasons...and mentioned ancestor archetypes, which I don't see covered too often!
Cons: The only two legitimate gripes I have is her use of the word smudging. She does however mention that white sage smudging is limited to certain regions/religions and it clears a space of all energy, so it's best left not used at all. And a nail ward is mentioned that uses iron, please don't shove iron spikes in your yard, that messes with the soil's ph and throws things off. Don't ruin the ground for a century or two for a ward!
This book I'm gonna rate 9/10. It's very good, sucks you in quickly and is never too dull even when covering the steps of genealogy...which can get boring. It's gonna be a permanent mainstay on my witchy bookshelf.
May 28, 2020
* This review is based on an e arc received from net galley
What I liked
1. Amazing resource for pagans and witches who haven’t done genealogy before but would like to get started.
2. Acknowledged and addressed the ancestors most of us have and are not proud of for all kinds of reasons.
3. Actually talked about spiritual ancestors and archetypal ancestors outside of your direct blood line.
4. Talked about adoption and how it can relate to our ancestor journey.
5. Touched on that heart breaking truth that sometimes our decedents join the ancestors before us.
What I didn’t like
1. The Author seems largely unconcerned with the cultural appropriation that can occur when people start working with ancestors not of their blood.
2. My kindle app had trouble rendering some sections but I do think that was the app itself and not an actual formatting issue.
Who would I Recommend this Book For?
Honestly I do think most if not all witches could benefit from giving this book at least a casual read. Our current generation tends to be somewhat separated from our family line weather through trauma or physical distance and this type of research can be profoundly healing.
What I liked
1. Amazing resource for pagans and witches who haven’t done genealogy before but would like to get started.
2. Acknowledged and addressed the ancestors most of us have and are not proud of for all kinds of reasons.
3. Actually talked about spiritual ancestors and archetypal ancestors outside of your direct blood line.
4. Talked about adoption and how it can relate to our ancestor journey.
5. Touched on that heart breaking truth that sometimes our decedents join the ancestors before us.
What I didn’t like
1. The Author seems largely unconcerned with the cultural appropriation that can occur when people start working with ancestors not of their blood.
2. My kindle app had trouble rendering some sections but I do think that was the app itself and not an actual formatting issue.
Who would I Recommend this Book For?
Honestly I do think most if not all witches could benefit from giving this book at least a casual read. Our current generation tends to be somewhat separated from our family line weather through trauma or physical distance and this type of research can be profoundly healing.
August 2, 2020
I received an advanced digital copy of this title for the purpose of reviewing and critiquing. Being an avid genealogist, the title immediately drew me in. Not only does the author provide great resources for the beginning family historian to start searching for their badass ancestors, Patti Wigington discusses how to set up an alter area where you can speak with them, have dinner with them, and ask questions of them.
Although I may not physically practice many or any of the ways suggested to connect with my ancestors, reading the book made me contemplate whether conversing with deceased family members could truly be done, and how I would set up my altar if I decided to give it a try. The book also discussed how to set up boundaries with problem badass ancestors, or how to rid you of someone altogether. Much of what was said could be applied to those living as well.
I enjoyed reading through the book, as it is something I don’t normally gravitate towards.
Although I may not physically practice many or any of the ways suggested to connect with my ancestors, reading the book made me contemplate whether conversing with deceased family members could truly be done, and how I would set up my altar if I decided to give it a try. The book also discussed how to set up boundaries with problem badass ancestors, or how to rid you of someone altogether. Much of what was said could be applied to those living as well.
I enjoyed reading through the book, as it is something I don’t normally gravitate towards.
Read
August 11, 2020I flew through this book! It was exactly what I wanted and needed for someone that is new to tapping into ancestry work.
Wigington starts out touching on different cultures and their respect for the dead. She explains a few customs and rituals. I personally liked this because the reader can see the similarities and differences easily and can make a connection to their own family ancestry.
Wiginton also goes over basic genealogy. She continues the book with how to connect to those ancestors and work with them in spiritual ways.
I have already recommended this book to a friend who was working on her genealogy and working with ancestral guides!
Thank you NetGalley and Llwellyn for the read!
Wigington starts out touching on different cultures and their respect for the dead. She explains a few customs and rituals. I personally liked this because the reader can see the similarities and differences easily and can make a connection to their own family ancestry.
Wiginton also goes over basic genealogy. She continues the book with how to connect to those ancestors and work with them in spiritual ways.
I have already recommended this book to a friend who was working on her genealogy and working with ancestral guides!
Thank you NetGalley and Llwellyn for the read!
August 21, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this title. This was an awesome & comprehensive introduction to the many ways to get to know and work with one's ancestors. I'm fortunate to be the child of an amazing genealogist, and appreciated the author's thorough and clear directions on how to do that work.
She covered many traditions and life circumstances in the text, and it felt very inclusive. I learned a lot, and also feel as though I'd have to keep going back to actually perform all the rituals and work with all the tools discussed. I'd highly recommend this for anyone who wants to begin developing a relationship with their ancestors!
She covered many traditions and life circumstances in the text, and it felt very inclusive. I learned a lot, and also feel as though I'd have to keep going back to actually perform all the rituals and work with all the tools discussed. I'd highly recommend this for anyone who wants to begin developing a relationship with their ancestors!
October 7, 2020
Un libro bastante completo y simple de seguir sobre cómo indagar en la historia familiar y desenterrar a los ancestros (metafóricamente hablando). La autora te da innumerables tips que debes considerar al investigar tu árbol familiar, cómo hacerlo de la mejor manera y recomienda varios recursos que pueden ser de utilidad en el proceso.
A fairly comprehensive and simple to follow book on how to dig into family history and unearth ancestors (metaphorically speaking). The author gives you countless tips that you should consider when researching your family tree, how to do it in the best way, and recommends several resources that can be useful in the process.
A fairly comprehensive and simple to follow book on how to dig into family history and unearth ancestors (metaphorically speaking). The author gives you countless tips that you should consider when researching your family tree, how to do it in the best way, and recommends several resources that can be useful in the process.
September 7, 2021
I enjoyed this a lot. While I thought the first half was very western/Euro-centric (a reflection on the author's family backgrounds and the research she went through), the second half opens up considerably. I also found the information on ancestral archetypes to be invaluable, especially for those who don't know their ancestors or don't want to work with them. The last chapter, while largely irrelevant to me (it looks like my siblings and I will be the last of our specific line), was interesting to think about how you'll leave information about you for your future relatives if/when they do their own ancestor work.
November 4, 2023
"Badass Ancestors: Finding Your Power with Ancestral Guides" by Patti Wigington is a powerful exploration of ancestral connections and their potential to empower our lives. Wigington's insightful approach to working with ancestral guides offers readers a transformative journey. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, this book provides a roadmap for harnessing the strength of our lineage. It's a must-read for those seeking to tap into the wisdom and resilience of their badass ancestors. Embrace this book and embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me a free digital ARC (e-book) of Badass Ancestors by Patti Wigington.I love books about history and I am proud to add this to my collection. This book provides very cool insight into ones ancestry and helps the reader make sense of what that truly means. It places importance on honoring your ancestors, through research and spiritually, to connect ourselves to the past and live authentically. This lovely little book explores the meaning of ancestry, and explains why it should matter to you.
October 7, 2024
Good Info for more than ancestors work
This book offers a lot of information. It's mostly geared towards ancestor work, but after reading through it, it lends a lot to just simple ancestry search stuff. It lists lots of good research tools and sites and tells you good items to use like charts and things. Offers tools for slave or indentured servant searches and lots more. Overall a good thing to check out if you're into your ancestry or working with your ancestors in your magick.
I received a copy of this from my local library. All opinions are my own and honestly stated.
This book offers a lot of information. It's mostly geared towards ancestor work, but after reading through it, it lends a lot to just simple ancestry search stuff. It lists lots of good research tools and sites and tells you good items to use like charts and things. Offers tools for slave or indentured servant searches and lots more. Overall a good thing to check out if you're into your ancestry or working with your ancestors in your magick.
I received a copy of this from my local library. All opinions are my own and honestly stated.
May 17, 2020
This book is great tool if you are pagan/Wiccan are trying and wanting to connect with your ancestors. I would love to connect with a couple of my ancestors that are no longer with us. Patti Wigington does a great job going into detail how to research and prepare to you finding a long lost ancestor. I will be buying a copy of Badass Ancestors when it come out.
July 12, 2020
Part ancestor magic, part genealogy guide this book is great for those who need guidance on how to find and honor their ancestors. Whether you wish to request your family's aid in magic or just want to know where to start and how to organize your family tree this is a wonderfully detailed introduction.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.
Thank you Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.
February 16, 2021
Great reference
This is a great reference for starting your journey on discovering your genealogy. It also has a lot of wonderful ideas for how to incorporate ancestor veneration into your practice. I cannot recommend this enough. I can see myself referencing this book going forward in my practice.
This is a great reference for starting your journey on discovering your genealogy. It also has a lot of wonderful ideas for how to incorporate ancestor veneration into your practice. I cannot recommend this enough. I can see myself referencing this book going forward in my practice.
February 28, 2023
Love the content and learned a lot - honestly I don't know how many times I can read the phrase "badass ancestors" in one book though. I get that's the title and the point of the book but oh my goodness it gets so repetitive and monotonous! I did learn a lot and do value the teachings for my practice, but it was pretty hard to get through the verbiage at times.
August 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this volume about ancestor veneration. It was more empowering than other books on the subject that I've read. It also helped me with some questions I had had in regard to certain aspects of the practice I have struggled with in the past. It is a great addition to my spiritual library.
September 1, 2020
An interesting and well written book, informative and engrossing.
I learned a lot about how to interact with my ancestors and I liked how the book is organised and the style of writing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I learned a lot about how to interact with my ancestors and I liked how the book is organised and the style of writing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 2, 2021
Great Information
This book contained a treasure trove of information with specific examples. I've done genealogy for a long time now and it's always exciting when I dispel a family myth or discover a missing link. May your ancestors be with you!
This book contained a treasure trove of information with specific examples. I've done genealogy for a long time now and it's always exciting when I dispel a family myth or discover a missing link. May your ancestors be with you!
June 2, 2023
This book was super basic and felt like a lot of fluff. Will not be keeping this one. May be okay for a beginner but most of this is just common knowledge to most people across most cultures and belief systems.
October 19, 2023
This is a fine intro to ancestor work. But it focuses far more on genealogy than the magical side of things.
I also think a lot of the perspective comes from a place of privilege. Not everyone is gonna have ancestors that did great things.
I also think a lot of the perspective comes from a place of privilege. Not everyone is gonna have ancestors that did great things.
February 15, 2025
This focuses mostly on veneration, but also offers a variety of suggested prayers and meditations, meant to help you connect more deeply and effectively with your ancestors. I found this to be pretty straightforward and easy to grasp. It’s not exactly a deep dive into anything in particular, though it is a decent overview of the topic. Three and a half stars.
August 6, 2025
Gave me some good ideas, but I’d pick and choose what’s for you and what isn’t. Certain things just sat a little off with me so… yeah. Got me started in some sort of direction but I wouldn’t follow it step by step
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