Geneology

It is the belief of Shamanism / Druidism worldwide that knowing the stories and histories of one's ancestors and one's ancestral lands and totems, etc., are very important in terms of knowing one's self and being connected to the universe through time and space. Shamanistic traditions, like Jungian psychology, believe in the concept of collective consciousness. Collective consciousness means that we spiritually and physically inherit the memory and experiences of our ancestors, or progenitors, going back in time until the first cell. Shamans and druids often consciously work upon remembering not only their own personal past lives, but the past lives of their ancestors. It is also believed by shamans that it is important to connect to one's biological ancestors as guides and teachers.

In Jungian psychology, geneological research is encouraged because often we inherit the complexes, problems, and issues of our ancesters going back many generations. Rodney Karr, through his 22 years of Jungian analysis, researched extensively both his matriarchal and patriarchal family lines, going back many generations. His ancestral research confirmed that ancestors seven or eight generations previous were manifesting issues and patterns which his own parents extended family as well as himself continue to manifest. His geneological research has been helpful in understanding his own personal psychology and behavior. The geneological research has also helped him to feel much more connected to himself, his ancestors, his family, and the land. Some of his geneology follows, as an example of his process. He encourages anyone involved in shamanistic work, to persue their own geneological research in order to better understand themselves, their ancestors, and the land.