“A woman who rises up to her full potential transforms her lineage, becoming the ancestor who empowers future generations.“

I remember the first time I heard the phrase, “She has now become an ancestor.” I had received an email from a girlfriend of mine who had recently lost her dear friend to illness. I never understood the power and meaning of the term ancestor, until it hit me that in order to become an ancestor we must leave our loved ones in the physical realm.

Growing up I was always told stories by my papi about my great-grandparents and their lives in Mexico. At a young age, I was genuinely curious about my family members that were no longer with us and would ask questions about death and dying.

My parents shared a story to help me understand death, Estilo Mexico, Mexican Style:

Mictlán

“In the heart of Mexico’s most iconic celebration, Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, a special intention for humans arises.

When a person dies, their soul does not rest immediately. Instead, the deceased begins a four-year journey to Mictlán. This underworld was not easy to reach; filled with obstacles, trials, and challenges that would test the soul. The journey began after death, when the soul traveled across the Chiconahuapan, a vast river that separated the living from the dead. In this part of the journey, the deceased are not alone. The souls are accompanied by a Xoloitzcuintli—a sacred, hairless Aztec dog; its role is crucial as a guide, helping the soul to cross the treacherous river.”

Mictlán signifies the inevitable journey between life and death, a path where the soul, upon leaving the earthly realm, faces trials that purify it. In this Leyenda, death is not an end, but a portal to transcendence. This journey reflects the endless cycle of existence, whispering a reminder that living is about delving into the mysteries of the unknown, a process that leads us to reconnect with our deepest essence. Each challenge and experience becomes an opportunity for growth and evolution, connecting us with what we have always been and what we will always be.

As a Mexican American woman, I find this belief system deeply poignant and powerful, especially when reflecting on the legacy of the incredible women who came before us.

Many of our woman ancestors, including mine, faced unimaginable hardships, including the fight for self advocacy and basic rights. They lived in times when their power was often unsafe to use, unrecognized, and suppressed.

Dia de Los Muertos is more than just a celebration of life and death; it is a moment to honor the strength and resilience of the women who paved the way for the woman who stands in her light today. It’s a time to remember those who fought silently, who endured challenges with grace, and who continued to dream of a world where their voices could be heard and valued.

We carry their dreams and aspirations within us, and it is our duty to recognize the immense power that we hold as women. Remember, we lived inside the womb of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and the woman who carried her.

As we set up our altares and light candles in their memory, let’s also ignite a fire within ourselves. A fire of empowerment, self-belief, and reverence. Think of the women in your lineage. Think of the obstacles they overcame, the spiritual and physical battles they fought, and the hopes they carried for future generations. They were warriors in their own right, even if they didn’t always know it. Now, it’s our turn to honor their legacy by embracing our true potential as women who are in their power.

This Dia de Los Muertos, let’s make a vow to not only remember our ancestors but to also celebrate our power to uplift each other and create a world where every woman can thrive.

We are the continuation of a powerful story. A legend. A legacy in her own right.

A woman who rises up to her full potential transforms her lineage, becoming the ancestor who empowers future generations.

This Dia de Los Muertos is dedicated to my great-great grandmothers and the powerful women who have come before me.

May I keep you in my heart when I give birth to my soul in transition – when I too, cross the river to the other side.

Con cariño y amor,