#18 - Ancestral Awakening: from spiritual orphanhood to ancestral belonging

In this powerful episode of Shapeshifter, we dive deep into the heart of ancestral awakening — an urgent and beautiful journey from feeling spiritually adrift to reconnecting with the wisdom of our ancestors. If you’ve ever felt that ache of disconnection or the longing to return to something deeper, this episode is for you.We explore the idea of spiritual orphanhood, a term that beautifully captures the sense of loss many feel when there’s no tangible connection to their ancestral roots. This conversation is an invitation to step away from external spiritual seeking and begin the work of remembering — remembering the land, the rituals, the songs, and the people who came before us.Through personal storytelling, ancestral wisdom, and embodied practices, this episode speaks to anyone who’s ever wondered where they truly belong. If you’ve ever felt the pull to dive deeper into your lineage, uncover your roots, or find a sense of home in the invisible threads of your ancestry — this is your invitation to join the journey. In this episode, you’ll hear about:The powerful journey of moving from spiritual orphanhood to a deep sense of ancestral belonging Why so many are drawn to external traditions (South East Asia, Africa, South America) and how that can sometimes distract from the rich wisdom in our own bloodlinesThe deep ache of not belonging and how that feeling of longing is actually a sign of rememberingThe wisdom of the land and how ancestral lines in the British Isles — and beyond — were violently severed and yet are waiting to be reawakenedHow we can start working with the body as a vessel of memory to build rituals and altars to reconnect with our ancestorsPersonal stories of how remembering our lineage can transform our relationship with the world around usHow Ancestral Awakening is a living work of art, requiring communal engagement and reverence for the process, not perfectionJoin the Ancestral Awakening journey:If something in this conversation stirred something deep inside you, you might be ready to take the next step toward your own ancestral remembering. Ancestral Awakening begins in September is a space for spiritual orphans to come home — a sacred journey that goes beyond timelines and limits.Join the waitlist for Ancestral Awakening hereResources mentioned in this episode:Franca's work – A special thank you to Franca, whose clarity, insight and oracle magic sparked the term “spiritual orphanhood”. Check out her work hereDREAMSCAPE aka the coolest cacao gathering ever – we’ll next commune with abuelita cacao during the summer solstice on the 21st June, book your spot here This episode is more than just words, this invitation is a LIVING WORK OF ART —to feel the pull, the ache, and the remembrance of your own roots. Your ancestors are waiting for you to remember them. And you already know the way back. Let’s walk this path of remembrance together.✨ Want more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram @carogomez_joywitch for deeper conversations on unconventional thinking, creativity, and spirituality!Spread the joy! Did this episode leave you feeling empowered or inspired? Help others find the same magic by leaving a rating and review on your favourite podcast platform. Your feedback is like fuel for the show, and it helps others discover the power within themselves.