Animal Totems and Power Animals
This month we will be looking at the world of Animal Totems and Power Animals. We will take a brief look at the history of the connection between humans and animals over the centuries. We will also explore some of the above cultural belief systems with regards to communication and their relationships with animals and/or animal spirits. In addition we will investigate some ways to develop the connection between yourselves and your power animal. I have also channelled some guidance from an animal guide who wishes to assist readers during August. As well as this, I will be offering one lucky reader the chance to receive a free Animal Oracle reading in the coming month.
Many cultures over the centuries have honoured the spirits of animals and birds. The ancient Egyptians believed that some of their gods and goddesses came to earth in the form of various animals and birds. It was thought that to honour the animal or bird would please the gods associated with them. These representations of the gods were depicted in the hieroglyphics found in their temples and on their treasures. Some of the Egyptian gods are as follows:
• Horus – Falcon/Hawk – depicted as the falcon headed solar god Horus.
• Ra – Cat (The Great Cat of Heliopolis)
• Sekhemet – depicted as a lioness or lioness headed women
• Anubis – A man depicted with the head of a black jackal or dog.
The Greeks and Romans also maintained some links with animals and the gods. In Greek mythology, Artemis also known as the Roman goddess Diana was associated with the natural world, wilderness and wild animals. She was considered to be a nurturer and protector and was highly protective of the animals entrusted to her.
The Druids have always attributed magic to animals and the natural world. They believe in working in harmony with these for the greater good and have many rituals that involve working with the natural world. It is possible to purchase a druid animal oracle deck to assist you to develop the skills of linking to the animal kingdom working with the Druid belief systems.
Totem and Power Animals are mainly attributed to the Native Americans. The Native American belief is that a totem is an animal master or protector. This is then sacred to, or representative of, a family, group or clan. However, a power animal can be the spirit or essence of an animal, a guardian spirit or master guardian.
Native Americans believe that certain animals can be called upon during rituals, songs and dances to assist them. For example, the wolf would be called upon when going into battle. It is believed that a power animal chooses to work with you, not vice versa, and then helps you on your life path.
Below is a visualisation to assist you to connect with your power animal and see through its eyes:
• Begin by grounding your energy, centring yourself and asking for protection for your highest good.
• Next, close your eyes and imagine a small pathway appearing in front of you.
• Step on to the pathway and walk along it until you reach a clearing. The grass is a deep green and the air is fresh and crisp.
• Sit down on the grass in the clearing and take a few deep breaths and relax.
• Softly speak and ask your power animal to draw near. Feel its presence and hear it speak to you.
• It tells you that it is going to let you feel and see the true essence of its species.
• It circles you and the energy begins to build up. When it stops it lightly touches you on the shoulders.
• Your focus shifts and you begin to view the room through the visionary field of you power animal.
• The spirit of the animal speaks to you. It tells you that you can draw on their connection with you for strength and support whenever you feel the need in the future.
• Relax and sit in the energy of the species and ask one or two questions if you have any.
• When you are ready, tell your power animal that you are now ready to return. As it moves away, ground your energies, get up and step on to the path again.
• Slowly, walk back along the path and back in to the room. Take some deep breaths and wiggle your toes and fingers.
• Now open your eyes when you are ready and note down your experience in your journal.
You can complete this visualisation whenever you would like to connect with and consult your power animal in the future.
I have completed the above exercise whilst working with my power animal, a wolf. It was a very powerful experience and gave me another layer of insight and understanding of this amazing species.
I have channelled some wisdom for the month of August from a species that would like to connect and assist our Bellesprit readers.
The frog represents happiness, regeneration and transformation, fertility and productivity. It is associated with the element of water and the direction of the East.
The appearance of a frog is connected with change and slow, steady transformation. It is beneficial to work with frog when undergoing a life change, especially an emotional one.
The Frog Totem asks you to call upon its energy to assist you with any changes that invoke uncomfortable emotions. It asks that you let it wash away your troubles. The Frog Totem also asks that you allow it to bring in new energy and transformation on a deeper level. It reminds you that the change that is occurring around and within you is necessary for your growth and reminds you that it can help to make this more bearable. It will help you to see the hidden treasures that are awaiting you when these changes have been made.
I will be offering one lucky reader the chance to receive a free Animal Oracle reading in the coming month. If you would like to be considered for this, then please e-mail me at tinamcnaughton13@gmail.com . Animal Oracle Readings and Faery Readings can also be purchased by contacting me via the e-mail above.
