Ancestral Healing for White Allies: How to Begin Without Causing More Harm
By: Coco Steemer
In my work as a spiritual advisor, medium, and life coach, I’ve had many white clients come to me with a particular kind of fear.
They’re afraid to do ancestral work because they know racism runs in their bloodline. They know there’s violence back there. Harm. Oppression. And they’re scared of what they’ll find.
But here’s what I always tell them:
Just because you have racist ancestors does not mean you cannot do ancestral work. However, it does mean you need to be cautious in it.
In fact, it may be even more necessary for you to do it.
We cannot truly move toward collective healing if only the harmed are doing the work. The truth is, white people must also confront their lineage because white ancestors are part of how we got here.
Ancestral work is not about perfection. It is about accountability, awareness, and the willingness to meet your bloodline with honesty. Some of your ancestors may not have your best interest at heart. That is not unique to white folks. That is a spiritual reality for all of us. The key is discernment. The work is in learning who to build a relationship with and who to release.
Some ancestors want to make amends. Some are seeking healing just as you are. But none of this can happen if you avoid your lineage entirely.