Hello, I am brand new to the craft and just beginning to practice. I followed a recommendation in a book I’m reading about calling on my ancestors for help and protection. I started doing the ritual and while I was doing it I remembered that any of the ancestors I know are for the most part either violent or religious zealots and I don’t actually think they’d protect me or want to be involved. Now I’m concerned that I opened myself up to something and I feel kind of nauseous when I think about it. So I guess I’m asking for advice. Can I shut the door? Do I need to shut the door? And if I can’t call on my ancestors for guidance and protection who can I call on? Thank you so much!
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Welcome Jenny!
Well, well well… I’m no longer the only “Wren” here. I never thought this would happen. 
Regarding your question - as someone who didn’t have entirely the most peaceful ancestors (the Germans and the Norse) I had to deal with this too.
But here’s the thing - if your wording was along the lines of “whoever wishes to help me” - well, that will only attract the best of your ancestors to you anyhow. I’d say you’re entirely fine. If your call was heard (and it likely was) you’ll start to see what I mean - and if the matter continues to concern you, just alter your wording in the future. I wouldn’t attempt to “close the door” until you see what comes through.
Cheers. 
[Edit: To clarify, I expect what will come through for you will be what wound up happening with me - much, much older ancestors that are more closely connected to paganism and who were frankly better people, are who wound up coming through.]
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Fabulous Friday JennyWren,
I will address your question right away as this seems to be an emergency. If you have only recently called them and do not feel certain in what you have done, no worries.
A protection spell is what you need. I rely much on the spoken word so I have numerous chants, the ritual itself is up to you. For myself, I cast a circle, light my incense and candle, then do a ritual as the mood moves me, so do as you wish, but here are the chants that I use.
I have a consecrated word. You take a word, phrase, what-have-you, and in your certain, bless the phrase, word…with your intent, what it means, and why it means that. You state that this word/phrase, is all that is needed for immediate protection.
This is my Word Ward: DOME. When I made this word, I consecrated it as meaning Don’t Obscure My Energy! After, I made certain what it meant and why it needed use, I also added to this word that not only would it protect my energy it would also be “a DOME for my temporary HOME” Meaning that it would guard and protect me as if I was in a fortress (a temporary home), for the duration needed. It has worked immediately on numerous occasions. After I call it down to protect me, once I feel that the danger has passed, I release it’s hold on me (basically put it back on the shelf) and thank the god/desses for the protection.
I also like the longevity, hardiness, and safety of turtles (in some cultures the world in the back of a turtle), so I use this chant sometimes: Turtle, safe in your shell; protect me very well. Use this in the morning, before bed, when you feel that you may not be safe.
Here is a banishing spell, but it looks as if the words will match for what you need. Since you are not sure if you summoned something you did not want, this chant may be very helpful. Again, the ritual is your own, here is the chant:
- Banish all who mean harm;
- Hear these words, this my charm,
- I demand STAY AWAY;
- Now! You heed what I say!
I have other options if you wish. I have a “return to sender” and some knot spells.
I hope this helps you out sweetheart.
Lady Gene 
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I was typing the previous post and Wren beat me to it.
I have 3 basic books, easiest to read to more ritualistic/in-depth.
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner–Scott Cunningham—this is very easy to read, very simple, and totally understandable. It gives a great basis for someone to decide what they want/believe before thinking about joining a coven. Who knows, maybe a coven is not for you.
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft–Raymond Buckland–you may hear this referred to as “Buckland’s Big Blue”–this is easy, has short exercises, and gives easily understood explanations on the different “denominations” of Wicca.
A Witches’ Bible: The Complete Witches’ Handbook–Janet and Stewart Farrar–this follows Gardnerian Wicca very well; whether you agree with Gardner or not, this is a very “factual” book on what Wicca is. It is extremely informative, and many of us who do not follow the Gardnerian path, still keep this close at hand, because like the title says, it’s “A Witches’ Bible”—loads of information. As Sedim pointed out, there is much to see on this site.
I have started a tarot thread called Tarot Tribute July 2026. Please stop by, it is just a thread to talk tarot, learn, share, and I post a question, too.
There is much to “see”, I hope to hear from you soon.
I agree with Wren that you probably do not have anything to worry about, and also, you should be able to see signs and that will help you know what/who has been summoned.
Lady Gene 
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LOL sorry!! Sometimes I think I respond too quickly…
I was too tempted to reply to this one quickly because - like you said, she made it sound pretty urgent. I’m glad you agree!
LOL… I outta take a break though. Give someone else a chance.
Cheers.
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Thank you so much. I believe I said “my ancestors, named and unnamed” so that sounds similar to what you suggested. Yeah, my Germanic ancestors are a lot, and plenty of Celts in there too. Somewhere there’s a pagan who’s been waiting. 
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Thank you so much.
I am reading, reading, reading so I appreciate the recommendations. I have a different Scott Cunningham book on the way “Earth, Air, Water, Fire”. I think I tend to prepare and read everything I can ad nauseam before I do anything and I was trying to take small steps and actually do something. Back to reading! lol
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Welcome to the forum!
(Can’t read right now, gotta shut down the PC lightning storm means power outage soon & crashed PC)
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That sounds pretty good. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Just look for the signs, like Lady Gene said.
I also have one small but not insignificant Welsh line of ancestry too. You’re right that the Celts aren’t all roses too, but the ancestor I got from that line is incredible so I am not complaining lol.
For sure! How exciting! 
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Jenny, I have that one too by Scott Cunningham, his writing is so easy to follow. Lady Gene 
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When it comes to working with ancestors, the outcome is not guaranteed to be benevolent. It is a 50-50 situation. You may encounter ancestors who are supportive and protective, or you may encounter those who are malicious. It can be a gamble.
Your wording and intentions do not matter at all. An ancestor from your lineage may step forward to assist you, but that does not mean they don’t have their own agenda, and can still cause real harm in your life.
I know of a story where someone had malicious ancestors. Their partner spent seven to eight years seeking help from multiple practitioners and professionals, trying to remove or neutralize these ancestral forces. The problem with malicious ancestors is the blood ties, so any banishing do not work on them.
The door to your ancestor work has not yet opened, so there is no need to panic. I recommend that one develops a foundation of spiritual experience first before engaging with ancestry.
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Really - so you’re of the opinion nothing can be done to affect your outcome?
Interesting.
If that is in fact true, then with odds like 50/50, and especially after sharing that hell-story, it sounds like you’re implying that not only is it enormously risky, it’s actuality a terrible idea to pursue. A bit like playing Buckshot Roulette with no chances to check the chamber. Yikes.
Hmm…
I am of course aware of having dangerous or toxic ancestors, but as far as everything else you’ve stated, I have so many questions. I guess our mental link is gone, lol. 
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I just ordered these books from Bookshop.com. It’s not difficult to get me to buy books tbh. 
A few weeks ago I started with a book that had activities I could do with my grandkids (Flying Teabag) and was disappointed. The second book was 0-60 and way out of my league at this point (maybe ever). I am glad I found this sight, where a less than social bookworm can get support and guidance. Other than a single card tarot pull I write about each morning and then reflect back on before bed, I haven’t really done much else. Should I just keep reading and hold off on any other practice for now? Thank you.
Super Saturday Wren,
Thank-you for saying it, I was not sure how to address this.
I have to be blunt!!! If word and intentions do not matter, why are you in the Craft?
Not gonna go further, I think the question answers itself.
Lady Gene 
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I think his meaning is ‘Your wording and intentions do not matter at all with Ancestors.’
That’s how I took it, I’m sure that’s the case here. Blood is blood, no choice.
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I’m aware that was likely his meaning. My questions and observations were regarding exactly that.
I’ve always been of the opinion that wording, actions and intentions always matter - regardless of whether you’re doing magick, working with or calling on your ancestors, or making a phone call with your long-lost cousin!
Sure, there are no guarantees when you are dealing with other beings, but to make such a strong statement that
is way too much for me.
It’s how I was taught when I asked this exact question years ago when I wanted to work with my ancestors and was in the same position as Jenny. The answer I gave her is exactly what I was told. I have ancestors in my family that could qualify as violent, abusive, everything under the sun. Was I really just playing buckshot roulette - playing at completely random chance, or did perhaps my very carefully curated call actually matter, or did perhaps my karma play a factor, or what? lol
It just doesn’t make any sense why that would be an exception. I don’t follow that line of thinking.
Cheers.
[Edit: I will also add that if karma is the deciding factor for nearly every outcome of our lives, and by definition an outcome built up by the sum of your previous actions and decisions - then that means even if the ultimate outcome of your ancestral call boils down to karma, it’s still relying on actions and intentions - just occurring at a different point in time.]
[More edits for clarity.]
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Nothing. In most cases where people encounter malicious ancestors, it begins with them simply asking for help in their lives. They reach out for guidance and blessings and instead they invite in ancestral forces that are not benevolent.
Sometimes appeasement works and you can persuade the ancestors to step back. In other cases, it’s not so much. When that happens, the situation can become difficult to resolve.
The problem is when the practitioners consulted for help have little to no experience with ancestor work. If the person seeking aid goes from one practitioner to another who does not understand ancestor work, it is pretty much a lost cause until they finally find someone who truly knows how to work with blood ties. This can span many years and extend over an entire lifetime.
Many people hold a simple view, assuming that “asking the ancestors” simply means a kindly grandmother or grandfather will appear to bless them. In reality, your ancestral field includes far more than just your recent relatives. You must consider your mother’s line, your father’s line, and all those connected to them by blood, generation after generation. When you trace back through those lines a few hundred times, you are opening the door to a vast number of individuals, some benevolent and some are not. In other words, anyone can come through.
You can bring forward some questions on your mind.
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You are taking my words out of context, so reread the entire thing again.
I am speaking from spiritual knowledge, not just personal experience. It is possible for one person to have a supportive relationship with their ancestors, while another person encounters outright harm. A good experience in one case does not guarantee the same outcome for someone else, and this occurs far more often than most people realize.
When we talk about ancestor work and spiritual contact, ask difficult questions rather than assume everything is benevolent. Who do you think was responsible for the nightmares you had in the past?
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Здравейте,
радвам се че мога да ви пиша. Относно нашите предци, аз свързвам семейството с Космоса. Всички ние имаме Небесни семейства и въпреки че не случайно сме попаднали в тези земни семейства меродавно е Космическото Небесното ни семейство и ако вие сте вече на Пътя на Магията ( Пътят на Съвършеното Знание) то някой ваш много близък ви очаква в Духовния свят. Въпрос на време е да го откриете.
Желая ви здраве!
Щастливи дни и успехи!
Тихо - Тихомир Вълчев 
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