In her thought-provoking book Take Back the Magic: Conversations with the Unseen World, Perdita Finn pierces the veil between this world and the next. She assures us that our ancestors are standing by to help us overcome obstacles, seize opportunities and conjure miracles. This often includes those who were difficult in life, and are now eager to make restitution. The key to success, says the author, is to build an ongoing relationship with the dead. And that starts by giving them assignments.
“When I need things to grow,” Finn explains, “I ask my mother the gardener. We call on an uncle who had been a mechanic when we are trying to buy a used car. We invite a beloved grandmother to help us pull off a family reunion without a hitch. We can ask the dead to watch over our kids, help us with our work, and get us out of jams.”
In the book, Finn shares a down-to-earth example from one of her students, Allison R.: “We’d been in a drought for months, and some trees I’d planted that spring were withering. Everyone told me to mulch them with wood chips to help them retain moisture – but apparently everyone in our area had the same idea and none of the garden supply stores had any wood chips left. They were impossible to find. For some reason, I thought of an old uncle who always used to give me a quarter when he visited our house. I figured maybe he could help me get some wood chips. I found a photo of him, which I put on an altar, and then I went outside and found a piece of wood. I put it in front of the photo. As I was doing this, I heard the “beep beep” of a big truck backing up. My neighbor was having a huge load of yes, wood chips delivered to his house. I ran over and asked the driver if I could buy some. “Absolutely,” he said. “I can dump them in your yard right now.” Instant manifestation!
The upcoming Taurus Full Moon (November 5, 5:19 a.m. PT) is great for conjuring miracles, big or small. When the Moon in earthy Taurus opposes the Sun in shadowy Scorpio (at 13 degrees), it casts a powerful light on the realm in which the ancestors abide – helping us summon them. This lunation (and the Dia de Los Muertos period through early November) has long been honored by witches, magicians and ancestor worshippers. This grounded Full Moon has extra power as it happens during an exact trine between Jupiter in Cancer and Saturn in Pisces – a powerful combo for manifestation. Adding to its promise, the Moon’s ruler, Venus, strong in her own sign of Libra, squares growth-oriented Jupiter.
One caveat: Mars and Mercury are close together in early Sagittarius, which can prompt impatience, especially as Mercury is at a standstill, about to turn retrograde on Nov. 9. Fiery Sagittarius wants things to happen NOW, but manifestation may take time. Also, be sure that what you’re asking for is what you really want! If you’re patient, you’re apt to see results by early-to-mid December, when Mercury returns to early Sagittarius after turning direct.
Meanwhile, during this sacred timeframe, honor your ancestors. This can include people you knew in life, or others who came before; people of your bloodline, or those who aren’t. Frame photos of them, cook their favorite foods, ask for their help and express gratitude when they respond. Pay attention to subtle clues that they are with you. Recently at a coffee shop, a stranger became entranced with my garnet ring that was catching the sunlight. It was given to me by my beloved cousin Kerry, who passed seven years ago. And suddenly I realized that Kerry was trying to get my attention. This is how we keep those precious connections alive, whether or not we need that person’s help. Come to think of it, with five planets in Aquarius, Kerry was quite the rabble-rouser – and I believe I have the perfect patriotic assignment for her!
As Perdita Finn reminds us, “Our ancestors called on the dead for everything – from finding food and medicine to seeking shelter and warmth to reuniting with loved ones. We, too, can seek the help of those who have gone and call upon their generosity and expertise. When we do, we experience the lived reality that no one is ever lost to us, and no one is ever alone.” Happy manifesting!
Ha! Reading this I thought of my grandmother, Nana. And then you mentioned your garnet ring. I have Nana’s garnet ring!
Hi Laura, well it sounds to me like Nana wants you to start wearing her ring, and letting her make magic for you!
You are so welcome, Geri! How wonderful that you were able to visit your ancestors’ graves in Oregon for the first time; I’m sure they were very appreciative! Perdita’s work has been pivotal for me; I am re-reading Take Back the Magic and getting more and more from it each time. Such rich, meaningful work. Happy Full Moon! Cheers, Simone
Thank you, Simone, for such a thoughtful article. I keep thinking of my ancestors. I’m going to do the manifesting you have advised and I will read that book too.
Good for you, Sana! So glad the essay was helpful. The ancestors really want to help us!!
Simone, this is so timely. I’ve b een thinking about my ancestors a great deal lately. In early October, I visited my great grandfather and mother’s graves in eastern Oregon where I had never been before. It has helped me get in touch with their spirits for sure. Your article is so supportive of all the benefits we can experience from other realms. Thank you.