Power Animals: Seeing The Signicance

It has always been without question in my life that animals were a big deal. Ive always been one to keep exotic pets and as a kid wanted to grow up to be a zoologist. Needless to say I felt a strong connection with all of the critters since childhood. It wasnt until my teens that I began exploring the spiritual signicance of animals directly through my immersion in shamanic practices. I met the leader of a shamanic group and did many sweat lodge ceremonies, constructed medicine wheels and did vision questing.

Today we will explore the meaning of animals within the realm of synchronicity. Most everyone feels some connection to at least one or two animals. Science Estimates That there may be between 2 million to 20 million or more species living on our earth. 1.8 Million have been given scientic names. Yes, the world is truly full of an immense diversity of life.

Power animals most often come to us in dreams, meditations, initiations, and visions. You can have more than one power animal. Your power animal at a given time can change depending on your lifepath at that time. Power animals are often attracted and help a person tend to ones emotional needs - they can be viewed as protectors who help overcome fears and empower us.

The concept of a Power Animal is universal to all cultures. Tribal cultures will recognize a Totem for the tribe, often one for the clan one belongs to, and then one for the family that one is born into. In the United States, and in other countries, the Tribal and Clan Totem still exists, although it is thought of in a slightly different manner. Think of the American Eagle.

There are also totems for our adopted cultures, such as clubs or societies which we may belong to, such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Lions Club.

Even Christianity, one of the three largest religions in the world, has maintained two Totem animals, these being the Fish and the Lamb. We also see totems used in sports team names. Example: Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Falcons.

The type of Power Animal or Totem that we want to focus on today is that which is personal to and for the individual. These Totems are protective spirits which help us in our everyday life. Everyone has such a Totem. The shamans once believed the power animals were the only reason children could survive to be adults, protecting them from sickness and bad luck. Most parents give a special protective Power Animal to their children and tell the child that it will be protected over night by that Power Animal. They dont realize that is what they are doing when they give a teddy bear to their little one.

We often unconsciously recognize the Power Animal affecting someone, and use terms which give away our unconscious recognition. Hes a real bear today. Shes timid as a mouse.

Our heavens/zodiac include animal references (Leo -- Scorpio -- Cancer -- Taurus).

It is important to honor your power animal. In many western cultures we are not taught to value animals or the gifts that they add to our life and the world around us. Many contemporary Christians take the view that as keepers of the animals, we rule in dominion over them. In shamanic work the power animal is essential, for a shaman who has no power - is not going to have very good results. On a personal level by honoring your power animal you let it know that its assistance is appreciated. When you attract and work with the spirit of your animal it is giving up its freedom to some degree in order to spend its time with you and assist you with your life. Also, by honoring the power animal we make a deeper connection with it. Honoring it can be as simple a

saying a thank you inside yourself, or getting an object which represents it and putting it where you can see it as you go about your day.

Shamanic practice honors and acknowledges the life and wisdom that exists in all things. Everything is believed to have something to teach you and animals are thought to have a wealth of wisdom and protection to offer you. This is perhaps what attracted me so much to shamanism when I began studying it.

Shamanism

The rst thing a potential shaman must do is to learn to travel in the other worlds, then to discover his or her Totem or Power Animal. That knowledge is necessary in order to start the long process of learning.

Power Animals are usually a reection of your deepest self and also represent qualities which you need in this world, but which are often hidden or obscured. You may have a favorite animal and hope that this will be your power animal, and that may not be the case. Sometimes people discover they have a surprising power animal, perhaps something like a mouse or a rabbit, and they get dissapointed saying that they had hoped it would be an eagle or a bear. Remember that in the spirit realm, size doesnt matter. Should you need the power of your power animal, it can be very strong even if your totem is a mouse or a rabbit.

Your personal Power Animal or Animals, you may discover more than one, may change several times in your lifetime, depending upon your specic needs. If you are dispirited, your animal is far away from you and needs to be brought back, or a replacement found. If you feel empty or depressed you may nd that reconnecting with your power animal or getting a new one can be a very curing experience.

When you make your rst exploratory journey you are likely to encounter spirits which may represent themselves as being your Totem or Power Animal. If you are already aware of what your spirit is it may greet you and give you additional power.

All animals, birds, reptiles, sh, amphibians, insects can be power animals. Any positive spirit may be your Power Animal. Your Power Animal may also be a mythical animal, such as a unicorn or Pegasus, or even one which does not exist in myth or legend.

LESSON 1 - Meeting Your Power Animal We all have power animals - spirit animals - that are connected to us as protectors. Many power animals are our spirit guardians that exist in other realms.

Time to nd your power animal.

Find or quiet place. . . Relax your mind . . . Do a progressive body relaxation...Feel the muscles in your body relaxing . . . your head . . . your shoulders . . . your neck . . . your jaw . . . the torso of your body . . . your arms . . . your legs (I actually begin at my toes and work up.)

Close your eyes . . .

Take 3 long slow deep breaths . . . breathing in through your nose . . . holding the breath as is comfortable for you . . . exhaling slowly through your mouth . .

Still your thoughts.

You are going to watch the screen just behind your eyes . . .

Imagine yourself going into a cave, a hole in a tree or into a deep forest. . .

Telepathically ask your power animal to show itself to you on the screen in your mind.

Be patient! It may take awhile for your mind to relax enough to be receptive.

Soon the image of an animal will appear.

It may - or may not - be the animal you are expecting - so have no expectations.

The image may come all at once or appear to move towards you. You may see the front view of the animal or see it at another angle.

The animal may not be your favorite animal!

Just allow the image to manifest before you!

Once you see the animal - watch it carefully to see what it does.

Listen with your thoughts to get a telepathic message from the animal.

It may seem funny to get a message in a human language - from an animal - but it can happen.

Your animal may appear in a scene that is signicant for you.

Focus as best you can . . .

Note the colors around the animal - colors have signicance.

When the image fades . . . slowly open your eyes and write - or draw what you have seen.

You may see more than one animal.

You may see an animal that seems mythological vs. animals in our reality.

You may nd that another day brings a different animal with a different message.

Things to consider:

Have you ever dreamed about this type of animal? What happened in the dream? Ask the animal to come to you in tonights dream time and interact with you.

Why would such an animal appear to you?

Perhaps you must seek the meaning of this animal.

LESSON 2 - Working with your Power Animal Prepare to meet your power animal - as you did in the rst lesson.

Going outside might give the best results!

Relax your mind and body.

Now close you eyes and take three long deep breaths - breathing slowly in through your nose - holding the breath as is comfortable for you - and breathing out slowly through your mouth!

Connect with your power animal as your mind relaxes and shows you images . . .

If you can see the animal in movement - follow the animal to see where it takes you and what messages it wishes you to learn.

Once you have connected with the animal - mentally tell the animal that you wish it to take you on a spirit journey so you can learn more about your soul journey at this time.

It will take you on a journey . . .

Make notes about your journey when you return.

LESSON 3 - Meditating with your Power Animal

Begin by calling your power animal to you and establishing a connection.

Tell the animal you wish it to remain with you today so that you can connect at various times. If you can physically go into nature - this would enhance your experience.

You may use music to enhance your experience.

Once you are ready - close your eyes.

Take three long, slow breaths (inhaling through the nose and - exhaling slowly through the mouth).

Feel totally relaxed.

See yourself slowly shape-shifting from your physical form - into your power animal. . .

Feel each cell in your body changing . . .

Go into nature - physically or in your mind Move through nature as your power animal would.

Listen to the sounds. Experience all of the sensations of nature - on a higher level.

Listen to the animals communicating with each other.

Sense portals that open to other realms.

You stop near a tree. Make a connection - physical or mental.

Pull in the energy of the white light from from God or the Universe.

Feel the white light surging through all that you are - the power animal, the shaman, your physical expression.

Allow yourself as a shaman/power animal - to see what needs to be healed today.

Heal by illuminating what you see in white light.

As you heal with the white light - cast off anything your percieve as dark or waste matter and send it to the core of the earth.

When you do this more often, you may encounter other shamans or healers who may show you how they work. Be sure to write down your experiences.

This may result in your initiation into higher realms of spirit and healing.

Types of Power Animals

What is a Power Totem Animal?

Native Americans believe that animals have much to teach us as they are messengers of Great Spirit In Native American Culture a Power Totem Animal is an animal symbol that is there to guide them through their entire life

While I will talk generally about power animals, there are three other types of totems:

A Journey Totem that is with you for a period or phase of your life perhaps anywhere from a week to a year

A Visiting Totem who comes briey with a message for the moment. It could be like a gentle nudge or a slap in the face calling us to awaken to a certain situation.

A Shadow Totem is an animal who intitialy you may fear. They represent the hidden side of yourself and willsoon become your allies after certain initiations giving you the oppurtunity to overcome your fears

Some Power Animals and Their Meaning

Armadillo - Boundaries.We learn from the armadillo, which, by rolling into a ball, can be completely armored against attack, how to consciously dene our own emotional and physical boundaries.

Bat - Rebirth.Shaman initiates undergo a ritual death in which they face their fears and are reborn without their old identities. Bat medicine teaches us to release fear and any pattern which no longer ts in with our pattern of growth.

Bear - Introspection.Bear medicine teaches us to go within, in order to digest our experiences and to dis-cover that we contain within ourselves the answers to all of our questions.

Beaver - Builder.Beavers work in cooperation to build their homes and domes, and this medicine teaches us that we can create and fulll most powerfully when all involved appreciate the talents of each and work together in harmony.

Buffalo - Prayer and Abundance.Buffalo teaches us that true prosperity comes when we are grateful for what we have and when we live in harmony and love with all other beings.

Bumblebee -Community, Celebration, Personal Power For the ancient Druids the bee symbolized the sun, the Goddess, celebration, and community. At festival times, people often drank mead, whose main ingre-dient is fermented honey, and in later Christian times monks lived in beehive-shaped huts, symbolizing the goal of a harmonious community, whether it included oneself and Spirit or other people as well.

Buttery - Transformation.Buttery fearlessly leaves the safety of its cocoon to meet a new world in a new form, trusting its untried wings to allow it to y. It is a powerful symbol for anyone whos contemplating or in the midst of a major change.

Canada Goose - Sacred Circle.The migration of Canada Geese marks the passages of the Great Circle of the Year, and reminds us of the sacredness of the cycles of our own life. We can also learn from the co-operative and communal behavior of these birds, who never abandon a sick or wounded member of the ock, and who know when to lead and when to seek guidance and follow.

Cat - Wholeness.The cat, a creature which combines a high degree of sensuality with a deeply psychic and spiritual nature, teaches us that the physical and spiritual worlds are not separate, but one.

Cheetah- Speed and Focus. Unlike other felines, who stalk, then pounce on their prey for the kill, chee-tahs, the fastest four-footed animals alive, run down their prey. Their lesson to us is that of accomplishing our goals with speed and focus. When we feel stuck, cheetah medicine can launch us into motion. If we are moving with great speed but little direction, cheetah energy helps us to keep our eyes on our goals and to nd the most direct way of achieving them.

Chimpanzee - Living in Harmony. Chimpanzees are close to humans on the evolutionary scale, and the medicine of this animal can help to restore to us the simple ways of life that create joy. Chimpanzee medi-cine can nurture in us playfulness, curiosity, and self expression. It also fosters our ability to be full mem-bers of the human and natural community.

Coyote - Trickster.When were being too serious about life Coyote may come along to teach us to laugh at ourselves. It is also the karmic enforcer, reminding us that whatever we do to others will be done to us.

Crow - Sacred LawCrow teaches us to know ourselves beyond the limitations of one-dimensional think-ing and laws. This animal teaches to appreciate the many dimensions both of reality and ourselves, and to learn to trust our intuition and personal integrity.

Deer - Gentleness.The power of Deer medicine is that of unconditional love. Only love, both for ourselves and for others, can dissolve the barriers which prevent us from realizing wholeness.

Dolphin - Breath of Life.Dolphin teaches us that in attuning to the rhythms and patterns of nature we can learn true communication with the wisdom of All That Is and share this wisdom with others.

Dove - Peace. The peace symbolized by Dove is that of the deepest kind. It quiets our worried and trou-bled thoughts, and allows us to nd renewal in the silence of mind. In such moments of stillness we are able to appreciate simple blessings.

Dragon - TransformationThough Celtic tradition gives specic qualities for dragons of the elements of earth, re, water, and air, in general terms, Dragons power is that of shedding its skin and emerging as a new, transformed being.

Dragony - Illusion.When weve tricked ourselves into believing that the limitations of physical existence prevent us from changing and growing Dragony medicine teaches us to pierce our self-created illusions.

Eagle - SpiritEagle ies fearlessly, bridging heaven and earth, and teaches us to courageously face our fear of the unknown in order to y as high as our hearts joy can take us.

Elephant - Commitment. Elephants can teach us the power of gentleness, commitment, and communica-tion in relationships. They are are deeply committed to all creatures with whom they have relationships, are powerful when protecting others and gentle in nurturing them. The matriarch of a herd practices leadership in a way that is both gentle and inclusive. Elephants ability to communicate telepathically can

teach us how to truly listen to others.

Elk - Stamina.This medicine teaches us the best use of our energy, helping us to take on no more than we need to accomplish, and to endure on our chosen path until weve reached our goals.

Fox - Camouage.Foxs greatest gift is not being able to outrun the hounds, but to know in advance when theyll be on the hunt. When we learn to detach from our surroundings and to observe with all of our senses, we, too, will be able to anticipate and create the future.

Frog - Healing. As water cleanses the arid earth and returns life to it so Frogs medicine can wash away any physical and mental energies which deprive us of harmony and peace, and helps to replenish our own ability to heal ourselves on all levels.

Gazelle -Awareness. Gazelles, as the intended dinner of the big cats, are vulnerable, and maintain a high alertness to what goes on in their surroundings. Because cheetahs can run faster than them, gazelles have evolved the ability to nimbly dart from side to side, thus putting themselves out of the path of the chee-tahs straight-line dash.They teach us that with awareness and skill, we can be comfortable in our own vulnerability.

Giraffe - Grounded Vision. The giraffe, the tallest of animals, may be as tall as 18 feet, with a neck as long as 7 feet. Ungainly as this animal may seem, its weight is well distributed, and its vulnerable only when it bends down to drink water. Giraffe teaches us to view our lives in a way that is both grounded and expan-sive and that in our desire to evolve spiritually, we must always remember we are physical creatures.

Hawk - Messenger. Hawk teaches us to be observant and to pay attention to what we may overlook. This could mean a talent we dont use, a blessing for which we havent expressed gratitude, or a message from Spirit.

Hippopotamus - Emotional Depths. The hippopotamus, sacred in Egyptian and African traditions, is the second largest mammal on earth. Its name means Water Horse, and it spends most of its day in water. This animal, very substantial in physical terms, can guide us in grounding ourselves so we can face and dissolve emotional issues (the power of water).

Horse- Power.Personal power is our servant, to be neither abused, squandered, nor kept to ourselves. When we share our power with others and teach them how to nurture their own power, our journey be-comes faster and more joyful.In Celtic tradition the horse-goddess governs the life cycle of birth, death, the afterlife, and rebirth; thus, to work with Horse medicine enables us to feel comfortable with all aspects of this cycle.

Hummingbird - Joy.Hummingbird darts lightly through the world, spreading its message of joy and beauty, and teaching us to appreciate the wonder and magic of everyday existence.

Jaguar - Solitary Path. Like the tiger, this solitary hunter stalks patiently and strikes with lightning speed. Thus, it symbolizes the importance of knowing when its preferable to take the solitary path in stalking ones own dreams. For the native people of the rainforests, everything contains Jaguar.

Lion - Courage. The Lion symbolizes the astrological sign of Leo, which rules the heart (coeur in French). Courage comes from the heart and from ones deep sense of personal authority, which creates the power to act in a way that accords with ones spirit. One who acts truly from the heart is capable of leadership, achievement, and the kind of success that encourages the accomplishments of others.

Lizard - Dreaming.In our dreams we imagine different futures and choose which we will materialize. Liz-ard teaches us the importance of respecting and remembering our dreams.

Moose - Self-Esteem.Moose represents expressing the joy of accomplishment, not to boast or seek recog-nition, but in a spirit of sharing, born of the understanding that joy is contagious.

Mouse- Scrutiny.Mouse teaches us to pay attention to the little details which might get overlooked in our mad dash to see the big picture, and reminds us not to overlook the obvious.

Mountain Lion Leadership.To be true to oneself, allowing neither fear of responsibility nor the jealousy and insecurities of others to divert one from ones path, is the mark of a genuine leader.

Otter- Woman Medicine.Otter is receptive, playful, and free of jealousy. As both women and men begin to express the highest qualities of this medicine the world can become a joyful place where all can play without fear of harm or loss.

Owl- Wisdom.Owl, the night hunter, has the ability to see what others may miss. The gift of this medicine is to be undeceived by external appearances and to discover the truth beneath them.

Peacock - Wholeness.This bird, honored around the world for the beauty of its feathers, has also an as-sociation with resurrection. For us it can help in sheedding the old and drab feathers of the past and to claim our the true beauty of our individual natures. As such, it helps to enhance condence and self-es-teem.

Rabbit- FearThe more we focus on our fears the more we attract them to us. Rabbit medicine teaches us to attract to us abundance, love, health, and a warm, dry burrow.

Polar Bear -Integration. To the Eskimo and Inuit peoples this animal is a source of both physical and spiritual sustenance. Spiritually, Polar Bear is considered the embodiment of the spirit of the North, an animal who holds ancient wisdom and has shamanic powers. One of the largest land carnivores, Polar Bear is, nonetheless, capable of great speed on both ice and earth and can swim one hundred miles with-out stopping.

Raccoon - Dexterity, DisguiseThough Raccoons mask is commonly associated with its so-called ban-ditry (it has been know to open house doors with its clever hands in order to appropriate human food) the mask has a deeper meaning. It teaches us that none of us are quite what we seem, even to ourselves, that in our lives we can experience the freedom of many identities. This medicine helps us to assume and release the many roles we play.

Robin - Growth and Renewal.Like many birds, robins are good parents, and one aspect of this power ani-mal is the ability to nurture oneself into true adulthood. This concept also relates to Robins traditional connection to spring. This is the season of renewal, and when we let go of the past (much of which comes from childhood experiences) we are renewed, and free to nurture and serve both ourselves and others.

Seal - The Inner VoiceThe seal reminds us of our connection to our deep inner rhythms, feelings, and knowing, as represented by the sea. When we fear drowning in these depths, Seal reminds us how to swim.

Salamander - Transformation.This animal helps to connect us to the mysteries of the earth and to feel

grounded in the present moment.Some salamanders are terrestrial, others and aquatic; while in magical traditions, Salamander also relates to the element of re,

Skunk - Self-respect.When we fully accept who we are and learn to express the essence of ourselves, with-out ego, we attract those who share our path and repel those who dont. Skunk medicine is the original Walk your talk.

Salmon - Wisdom.Salmon journeys to its ultimate goal against all obstacles in its quest to be reunited with the Divine. The energy of this animal helps us develop the wisdom to nd the meaning and purpose of our lives, and to move with perserverance on our spiritual path.

Snake- Transmutation.As Snake sheds its skin so we can shed our illusions and limitations in order to fully use our vitality and desires to achieve wholeness.

Spider- Weaver.As Spider weaves her web so we weave our realities. This medicine teaches to remember that we are the creators of our lives.that we are the creators of our lives.

Squirrel - Gathering.Squirrel, in preparing for winter, gathers only what it needs. This medicine teaches us to discard not only unnecessary physical objects but those negative beliefs which limit our trust in love and abundance.

Swan- Grace.Swan teaches us to trust the grace of our being as it operates in both the physical and spiri-tual planes, and urges us to rejoice in the gifts of our physical bodies and our intuitive minds.

Tiger -Being in the Now. The tiger is one of the most powerful of the big cats. A solitary, silent hunter, it symbolizes removing all distractions from the mind and being purely focused on the present moment. Thus, Tiger is able to call on all of its abilities in order to achieve success.

Turtle- Mother Earth.By following the example of Turtle we can learn to ground ourselves in the nurtur-ing and protective energy of the earth and to ow with its energies at a pace which assures completion of our tasks.

Whale - Record Keeper.Through the rhythm and patterns of sound Whale teaches us to hear our inner voices, to be in touch with our personal truths, and thus to know the wisdom and feel the heartbeat of the universe.

Wolf- Teacher.Though the moon rises every night Wolf always nds something new to learn from it. We, too, in exploring the hidden paths of consciousness, may discover new truths to share with the rest of our clan, the human race.

Zebra - Individuality. The zebras distinctive stripes serves as a protective camouage against predators, who are often unable to pick an individual out from the herd. For herd members, the stripe patterns, unique to each zebra, have the opposite effect of helping to identify individual zebras. This power animal thus helps us to both maintain our individuality in group settings and helps us to be supportive members of our communities. A third spiritual meaning for the stripes has to do with the integration of opposites, thus enabling us to see a deeper truth.

Homework this week:

1. Perform all exercises in this workbook at least once. Write down details of your experiences.

2. Get outside and look around. What animals do you see? Write these in your journal.

3. Perform the Human Totem Pole Exercise and write down the details. Revisit the totems and begin a dialogue with them.

4. Pay attention to what animals or animal references you see, hear or dream about.

Coming next week:

Dreams!