I imagine that a lot of people wonder where their spiritual path came from.
For some the answer is obvious: the environment they were raised. But some are drawn
to other paths, perhaps through conscious choice, perhaps through cultural
exposure. I was adopted with no family information but did DNA testing last year with some fascinating results.
I've done some research on the connection but it has led to more questions
not many answers. More below the squiggle.
When I was adopted, the records were sealed, I knew that my mother was of Irish descent and that the birth name she gave me was a variation of an ancient Celtic goddess. For my entire life horses have walked beside me in spirit.
Over the years I've been interested in ancient history and in Celtic lore.
After a couple of very traumatic events in my life 10 years ago I started down the path of Celtic traditions and shamanism. Along every step of that journey many of traditions were already a part of my belief system. As I got more deeply immersed more of what I learned was 'oh of course, this is the way it's supposed to be'.
To make a long story short, last year I had my DNA tested commercially with fascinating results. My maternal lineage traces back to Ireland, before that
to the Caspian sea and before that to a small province in Siberia known for
two things, shamanism and horses both of which are still parts of traditional
the local life. So I postulate, did this come through my DNA?
I did some research and found all kinds of theories on the subject, from
the true believers who discuss the 'God DNA' to support their own beliefs, a
lot of writing about 'junk DNA' which is the approximately ten strands that
at this time cannot be shown to contribute to our physical being. There are
also a lot of apparent quacks who can 'awaken' your DNA to create a new
spiritual life.
What I can't find is anything that tries to make a direct link between
spirituality and DNA ancestry. Are people drawn to the Eastern traditions
likely to have some connections to the Mid-Far East? Do those with Native
American blood who were raised by others outside of the tradition have
a gravitational pull to the shamanic beliefs?
I do not have answers, but am posing the question. Perhaps it can stir
some thought and/or discussion. I plan to continue looking for hard information and if I find some will update this at at later date. Dr Steven Farmer has written a book called Ancestral Karma which goes partly down this path. I want to read some of the other things he's written.