The goal here is to help you be closer to your ancestors, regardless of beliefs or practices. It’s half research, and half introspection. If you don’t like something, you can always change it to better suit you. You can move the days around, repeat items, skip items… it’s just a guideline.
1- Set up a space for ancestor practice/ information. It can be a notebook where you compile facts, an altar where you pray and make offerings, or something else entirely.
2- Ask yourself what your goals are through this challenge. Knowledge? Spiritual fulfillment? Record your thoughts on the matter, and keep them in mind throughout the rest of the challenge.
3- Build a family tree. Work on as much as you can with names, lifespans, a brief description of personality, and whatever else you think is relevant, for each relative. More information can be added later as you discover it.
4- Research an ancestor of yours. When were they born? When did they die? How did they die? What were they like? What did they accomplish throughout their life?
5- Research someone who you feel close to, but you are not related to. This can be a member of a community you’re a part of, someone who has inspired you…
6- Talk to a living relative, especially an elderly one, and record their stories, advice, their passions, what they want to be remembered for, etc.
7- Research the cultures of your ancestors. Were they Indian, Scandinavian, Kenyan, mixed? What did they believe? Which cultures do you identify most strongly with? How do their cultures apply to you today, if at all?
8- Ask yourself what are your beliefs are regarding ancestors. Do you think they are in an afterlife? Do you think they live on any way? Do you think it is important to remember them or honor them at all?
9- Think about if your family has a legacy: shared morals, traditions, sayings, history. Record it.
10- If it’s something you’re interested in, get a gene test! Spit in a tube! Find out where your ancestors came from! You might be surprised!
