Creating my Ancestral Medicine collages using the #Februllage daily prompts has been one of the highlights of my week because I get to surrender and become a divine vessel of expression for Creator and my loving + wise + well ancestors. That alone brings me so much JOY and GRATITUDE.
The creative process has also empowered me as I tune in and listen to my ancestors’ wisdom, revisit stories I was told about my them, and discover new information about their lives, families, and/or communities.
All of it brings me closer to them and deepens our connection. What a blessing!
Check out my #Februllage Day #7 (PROMPT: Rain) that is entitled The Johnson Men: Xango’s Sons Rain Down Blessings on Me.
I started with a black and white photo of my Johnson family ancestors (left to right): great-great grandfather William Ernest Johnson, great-grandfather John William Johnson, Sr. (“Big John” and Grandpa Johnson), and great-grand uncle Richard Johnson of North Vernon, Indiana. They remind me to stand in my power and take action to pursue my dreams.
While working with the photo on Canva, I started thinking about the connection I have to Shango/Xango, the Yoruba orisha/Candomble oxisa of thunder, lightening, power, leadership, justice, royalty, and masculine energy.
Shango/Xango is symbolized by a double-headed ax, the colors red and white, and number six.
I placed the ax above my ancestors’ heads and included six red thunder bolts to highlight Shango’s presence in their lives.
My thoughts about Shango/Xango stayed with me for a few days. During this time period, I revisited a reading I had with a Candomble priestess when I visited Salvador da Bahia, Brazil in 2023. Her reading helped me embrace Shango/Xango as one of my guiding Orishas/Oxisas.
Later in the week, I asked Shango/Xango and my ancestors for guidance. They revealed that my three Johnson ancestors are sons of Shango/Xango.
The rain represents the blessings of my Johnson ancestors. I included my baby photo and placed it at their feet to symbolize them raining down blessings on me.
The six cowrie shells represent the wealth of love, wisdom, and guidance they provide.
YOUR INVITATION
Click on the video below and listen to my song, “Ancestral Medicine” that is featured on my debut album, Thriving Mindfully As Theresa’s Daughter as you reflect on the question below.
1) What loving + wise + well ancestors remind you to stand in your power and take action on your dreams?
2) How did your ancestors stand in their power and take action on their dreams?
Ananda Leeke 