I have Highlander, Viking, Pioneer, Revolutionary, Immigrant, and royal blood in my veins. A lot of strong fearless women, some whose names have been lost to history and some who go back a century or more Before the Common Era. My line of mothers only can be traced back 5 generations and then the names stop. We have some stories and things that have been passed down. But we know almost nothing about our Scandinavian heritage. We have names but no stories. We know where too. But my grandfather died when my dad was 11, so the stories weren't told. He (my grandfather) was 11 when he immigrated so he may not have remembered much either.

My Ukrainian Jew side is a bit mysterious and still unfolding. My Scottish/Irish side is more clear but I admit I haven't given nearly enough energy to either gene pools. Although, with conviction I guarantee that for myself not knowing anything would feel like a deprivation of an authentic life. And I am grateful I can define and redefine myself on the backbone of courageous women in difficult times, from the seeds they sewed. Beautiful art, Chandra.

I love reaching back and finding the stories of my ancestors. I have a clear record of the paternal Welsh & Scottish lineage on my mother’s side dating back to the late 1600s (she comes from Wales, Scotland and very possibly has Native American roots from in and around the Oklahoma area), but know little about my matrilineal line. On my father’s side the matrilineal line is pretty clear dating back to the 1600s. Our tribe is considered by some to patrilineal, but when we look at the writings, stories and song, there is a clear matrilineal emphasis. “The Earth is said to be a woman. In this way it is understood that woman preceded man on the Earth. She is called Mother Earth because from her come all living things. Water is her life blood. It flows through her, nourishes her, and purifies her.“ Sky Woman (Geezhigo Kwe) or Sky Woman who is “Lowered from Above” on the back of a turtle to create earth. The Anishanabek word for Mother is Dodem which also means Clan. Fortunately I can trace the female ancestors in my tribe back for several hundred years. In addition, I am a direct descendant of Chief Buffalo, a great chief who, in his 90s, traveled with his braves by horseback across several states to meet with President Filmore to demand preservation of his people’s land, traditions and sovereignty.
It’s interesting because when I sit in meditation, I can feel the blood of these ancestors surging through my body. It has a signature and vibration that’s different, almost as though it’s an entity of it’s own that lives in my body. Anyhow, I’m grateful to know what I do—it’s helped me in the quest to connect with my ancestors which has been a difficult thing for me. Thanks for both of your feedback. I’m grateful to read about your experience.