Humans have a natural ability to communicate with deceased ancestors. In some countries this ability is taken for granted, but in “modern” western society, this ability has been largely lost.
Here is my ancestor Anschetil d’Harcourt’s explanation of how he learned to communicate with ancestors: “When my grandfather died, I was young. I was sad because I wanted to be close to him. I asked how I could talk to him. My father said: Think of your grandfather. Words will appear. That is your grandfather.”
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On Aug. 26, 2018, my ancestor Tobey Mathew (an early bishop in the Church of England) further explained:
"Bishop Tobey Mathew is speaking, if that is the correct word. Bishop Tobey Mathew will simply refer to himself as Bishop. Bishop understood, before he died, that he would be able to communicate with descendants. Bishop understood that descendants would have the choice. Bishop also understood that he had the choice to communicate with ancestors. Bishop knew, from an early age, that he could communicate with his mother. This was because his mother died when he was three years old. Bishop understood, because of this experience, that there was a clear reason for this. Children who lost the parents had the ability to continue in their time of need. Bishop never thought beyond this. Bishop simply understood that this was common. Bishop understood, because of his role in the Church, that Bishop had to accept the accepted teaching on this. This was simple: The ability existed, so God must have had a reason."
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Deceased ancestors appear unanimous in stating that, upon death, a separation of the soul into two parts occurs. As my father explained three days after his death:
"Roger knew, as Roger died, that there would be a change. Roger remembered hearing that there was a separation. Roger experienced this separation. Roger knew to expect it. Roger also knew, because of his training, that it is best to simply accept. Roger did not fight. The separation took place. Roger experienced a flash of memories. Things in Roger’s life that Roger did not have any recollection of went through Roger’s mind. Roger does not think that these memories still exist. Roger is certain that aspects of his life are no longer available. Much of Roger’s intellectual interest is simply not available. This suggests that the purpose of what Roger is in now is not related. Roger hopes that, as Roger experiences what he is experiencing, John will continue to make notes."
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Here's the beginning of the story of a medieval ancestor who observed his descendants through the centuries:
“Scrimgeour was a family that supported the Walase and the Brus. Scrimgeour was made standard bearer for the army of Scotland. Scrimgeour was not of a family that was known for wealth or power. Scrimgeour was known for swordsmanship. Scrimgeour was adamant. The son must carry on the lineage. Swordsmanship preserved on the battlefield. Scrimgeour was not cut in battle for six generations. Scrimgeour did not have bastards.
”Scrimgeour had to maintain in a lawful way, by excellent swordsmanship. Scrimgeour had a reputation for piety. Scrimgeour had a reputation for honesty. Scrimgeour was respected by almost all for five generations. Then, Scrimgeour was involved in a dispute during a period of the minority of King James. This led Scrimgeour into a battle that was not able to be won. Honor demanded sacrifice. Scrimgeour was cut and the land distributed among the brothers of the King. This was done with the intent of ruining a name. Scrimgeour survived. Scrimgeour did not dissipate.
"Scrimgeour remembers the word as a motto that was never understood. Scrimgeour dissipated the forces of the enemy on the battlefield, so they lost order and were a mass of men without leadership. Scrimgeour had this ability, as others with Scrimgeour were encouraged by the presence of the man with the reputation for swordsmanship.
“Scrimgeour was unable to preserve the reputation after the taking of the lands. Scrimgeour was also unable to preserve the reputation for honesty. Scotland was under the regime of the financiers who dominated the Stuarts after the interregnum. Scrimgeour became as another corrupt family of grasping men, who wanted what they could get, without remembering the sterling reputation that the family once had.
"Scrimgeour wants to recover this reputation. Scrimgeour understands that Wallace has been reawakened. Scotland is beginning to reawaken. Scrimgeour has to be of the reawakening. Scrimgeour understands that Brus will also need to be acknowledged as the progenitor of Stewart. Scrimgeour understands, because of the need, there will be a time when the man who is recording will be dominated by Scottish families who want to recover the sense of honor that accompanied the companions in arms of Wallace and Stewart at time of Scottish independence.”
https://soc.genealogy.medieval.narkive.com/mWKMFKNO/ancestral-memories-scrimgeour-and-wallace#post2
"Communicating with Ancestors" (part 1) is here:
https://theplanetsspeak.substack.com/p/communicating-with-ancestors-part