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! 
Jenny, I have that one too by Scott Cunningham, his writing is so easy to follow. Lady Gene 