[Glorantha] Heortling ancestor knowledge and magic

[Greg Stafford]

> From: Rob Helm <parental_unit_2 at yahoo.com>
asks about
> Subject: [Glorantha] Heortling ancestor knowledge and magic?

> I'm curious what kinds of knowledge and/or magic Heortling Ancestors can
> supply to their worshippers. From _King of Dragon Pass_ and _Thunder
> Rebels_, I get the impression that clan Ancestors can generally approve or
> disapprove of a clan's course of action.

Yes, this is so. Contributing to this are several reasons:
1. the current clans are the maerial world/biological extensions of the
ancestors.
2. There is a direct spiritual connection and common ground between the
living and dead.
3. The natural conservatism of people living close to the edge of survival
generates a harmony between living and dead.
4. People's deeper spiritual parts are recycled, maintaining some continuity.

> But could the Ancestors provide
> other kinds of information or help? For example, could one use a
> divination to the Ancestors to learn something about the clan's history,
> or gain the aid of a known ancestor who was famous for some ability?

Generally not.
This is because people's identity fades away after death. The "deeper
spiritual parts" do not include the memory of previous lives. "Ego" and
self indentification are lost shortly after death.

Some people retain their individuality. These are those who are
worshipped--fed by sacrifice and memory and the visits of descendants and
even other non-related worshippers.

Exceptions exist.

YGWV.

=====
Sincerely,
Greg Stafford

Issaries, Inc.
2140 Shattuck Ave., pmb #2030,
Berkeley, CA 94704