From Elder to Ancestor

“Harrell has given us the most important book in the entire landscape of ancestral healing—the one that clarifies what is ours to do. She continues with a path through the beauty and complexity, heartbreak and joy of our time to offer how we can do what is ours to do, do it now, and do it in a way that restores our relationships with self and life around us. This is not just one more responsibility in our overly full, possibly exhausting lives. It is about how we live each day.”

“Western culture is death-phobic and age-phobic. We have jettisoned the ancient concept of eldering, leaving older individuals to feel “past it.” Unfortunately, little effort is made for our communities to tap into the Well of Wisdom (Mímisbrunnr in Norse cosmology) that elders draw upon. I only wish this important book had been available decades ago! It offers a roadmap for restoring ancient pathways in the human psyche. Bless the collective by living well and dying well, becoming a well elder and well Ancestor.”

“I have followed S. Kelley Harrell’s work since her early beginnings as a shaman, healer, and author. In From Elder to Ancestor, Harrell’s innovative style of pedagogy, goodwill toward diverse communities, and visionary directives are clear, prescient, and ready to inspire and motivate all who partake. If you seek a greater understanding of matters of the spirit and your role, you must read this book.”

“From Elder to Ancestor offers essential guidance for those of us living in the fallout of settler colonialism, the abandonment of ritual, and the violent disruption of our relationship to our bodies, the land, and our more-than-human allies. Harrell compassionately guides us in exploring the wounds this forced separation has left in us and with great care and wisdom illuminates pathways through those wounds back into deep, joyful relationship and true community. She provides a clear blueprint for becoming an elder and Ancestor our descendants would be proud of through inspiring reflection questions and practical exercises and teaches us to become someone capable of being a bridge to a future worthy of the next generations who are coming. This book is a much needed antidote to the poison of divisiveness and disconnection that characterizes so much of the times we are in.”

“From Elder to Ancestor is a breakthrough and the first book I have encountered that skillfully describes animism—our interdependence with nature and the spirit world—as inseparable from our journey to becoming true elders and Ancestors. Harrell takes an in-depth look at colonialism as ‘the broken path’ and, with integrity and compassion, offers wisdom on healing trauma, claiming the Sacred Self, ‘eldering well,’ cosmology, lore, reciprocity with nature, and ancient practices on the land. Thank you, S. Kelley Harrell, for a brilliant book that captures the essence of our vital reconnection to Earth, soul, and the perennial cycles of life.”

“From Elder to Ancestor offers the path to be remembered back into a “real person”—one who is aware of being irrevocably woven into the fabric of all that is. In being consciously connected again and aware of your internal speed bumps, you will be able to find your own way to implement positive, creative action in the world in harmony with all the rest of our Naturekin.”

“This book is a fascinating deep dive into a worldview that embraces wholeness and the sacredness of the world, encouraging each of us to find our place within both our present and future community. It frames elderhood not as a title but as an action—a role that we can fill through compassion and right action.”

“A must-read for anyone who cares about themselves, others, the world, the present, and the future. This book draws you into the very real and often neglected conversation about how we are, and have always been, Nature and bound to each other as such. Separation is an illusion and a tool of oppressors, and by encouraging a deep and thoughtful journey, Harrell helps us begin to break free from limited thinking. This conversation is important and vital. From the Rite of Heartbreak to revaluing reciprocity and community, Harrell has us step back into where we should have always been: a part of creating a future and being a good Ancestor.”