For those of you on your own spiritual quests, this post may inspire you to explore even deeper. Our contributing writer Stephanie – shares more about her shamanic journey and connection with the spirits that walk alongside her.
Building up my spiritual connection
My name is Stephanie Rodriguez Bathgate. I am first-generation Canadian; born and raised in the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
I have spent the majority of the past two years of my life focusing on building up my spiritual knowledge. And trying to understand the deeper connection I have always had to the natural world that surrounds us; the world of trees, plants, animals and Spirit.
Walking the middle path of two cultures
Ever since I was a child, I have walked the middle path of two cultures. Having been brought up hearing stories about the mountains and history of Guatemala from my father. Alongside memories of the small English towns where my mother was raised.
I’m also a mixed race person living in a country that doesn’t have any ties to my ancestors. So my ideas of the spiritual world have been formed by the continuous blending of the two traditional backgrounds I carry.
I utilise Mayan Mythology to guide my shamanic practices, and I pay attention to the Pagan Wheel of the Year. This enables me to honour all the guides that walk with me on my path to remembering my ancestral homes.
Honouring the many spirits that walk alongside me
When I first began to honour the spirits of those whose blood flows through my veins, I was conflicted in the belief that I had to pick a specific tradition to learn from.
However, once I began to explore the various peoples and places that make up my individual bloodline, I realized that the key to walking in my power lies in building relationships with the many ancestors that have guided my spirit throughout my life.
The history of the Mayans that lived and continue to live in Guatemala is so unique and fascinating to me. And I walk proudly knowing I am connected to their energy.
While my mother’s parents both have rich ties to the lands of Scotland and England. And this helps me to feel at peace with the druidic nature of the Celts/Pagans that populated the area.
Connecting with my great-great grandmother
In many of my recent shamanic journeys, I have been able to connect most with my great-great grandmother on my father’s side. She was a community healer from a Quiche village in northern Guatemala.
This ancestor has been a great teacher when it comes to Spirit. She helps me connect with the spirit of Quetzalcoatl. And the various plant/animal allies that I come into contact with in the Lower/Middle worlds.
I believe the connection I share with my great-great grandmother stems from the fact that she worked with Spirit in her village by blending the traditional beliefs of the Mayans with the Catholic beliefs that were brought to her land; creating a parallel to my situation of learning about Mayan Mythology alongside the druidic practices of the Pagans/Celts.
A path of remembering the spirits
Although I am still beginning my journey of shamanic work, I look forward to being able to share what I’ve learned and am learning along this path of remembering the spirits that walk with me each and every day.
Many of us are walking a path where we exist within cross-cultural traditions. Whether it be from our parents immigration, familial ties, or the rich indigenous histories of the lands we were born on.
This highlights a need for more understanding of who our ancestors were. And how we might create a personal connection between ourselves and those who have passed down their knowledge to us.
It is my belief that our blood carries lessons. And it is up to each of us to learn all we can about ourselves and our histories while we have this life.
Our ancestors are just waiting for us to reach out and ask for guidance.
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