Spiritual Forum

by Skye Alexander

Our ancestors' lives depended on interpreting nature's signs accurately. Early human beings were well-versed in reading weather patterns, the ocean's tides, animal behavior, and so on. Today, most people have lost this ability. If you pay attention, however, you'll soon notice that the universe regularly sends you signs to help guide you along your path in life — it's a bit like relying on road signs along the highway.

One way your higher self speaks to you is through animal appearances. Whether you see a physical animal in the wild (or in an unlikely spot), come across an unexpected image of one, or meet one in a dream, consider the visitation a message. The more alert you are to animal messengers, the more likely they are to show up to aid you and the better your communication with your higher self will become.

Spirit animals are similar to angelic guardians. These non-corporal beings guide, protect, and assist in both the physical and the non-physical worlds.

The Kahunas of Hawaii and Polynesia say that the spirits of animals live inside people. These spirit creatures endow human beings with special talents or skills that are in line with the animals' characteristics. For example, someone who has a spirit eagle inside him might possess keen eyesight. A graceful dancer might embody the spirit of a gazelle.

Everyone has at least one spirit animal who acts as a guide and guardian throughout the person's life. (The term “animal” in this case is used to refer to birds, reptiles, and insects as well as mammals.) This lifelong spiritual companion is often called a totem animal. At times, additional spirit animals may show up to help in certain circumstances. These creatures frequently referred to as power animals, lend their special energies or qualities to you temporarily. If you must overcome a formidable obstacle, for instance, an elephant might come to you to offer its strength and tenacity.

Remain open to nature's voice and avoid anticipating what animal might be your own totem. In some cases, your totem may possess qualities similar to your own. A busy, hardworking witch might have a bee or ant as a totem. In other cases, your totem might display traits you've repressed or rejected, and need to reawaken within yourself.

Connecting with Your Animal Guides

Meeting a power animal or totem often takes place in a ritual setting. Or the animal spirit may reveal itself to you through a seemingly chance encounter with its physical counterpart. If you notice an animal you've never seen in your area before or in an unusual situation, it's probably significant. Sometimes a spirit animal will come to you in a dream, visions or daydreaming or through repeated sightings in a variety of media. If you are fiercely protecting and nourishing a pet project, for instance, you might suddenly start seeing pictures of bears in magazines, on television, and so on.

You can also choose to meet spirit animals through a process called journeying. This visualization technique usually involves going into a light meditative trance and imagining you are tunneling into the earth, perhaps by entering a cave or following a tree's roots down deep into the ground. As you journey, mentally ask animal helpers to present themselves to you. When an animal appears, ask it what it wants to tell you or offer to you. A deer might advise you to be gentle with yourself and others. A lion may bring you courage. Try to become one with the spirit animal and feel what it's like to be that animal. The more you can involve your senses, the better. Remember to thank the animal for its friendship and help, before saying goodbye and returning to your ordinary awareness.

An animal's symbolism corresponds to the whole creature, both its positive and negative aspects.

“Terrestrial animals have always had a strong symbology associated with them. They have represented the emotional side of life, often reflecting qualities that must be overcome, controlled, and/or re-expressed.”

—   Ted Andrews

Each person has nine animal essences or totems that walk through life with them, teaching and guiding them and in some cases, protecting them. These nine totems usually remain the same throughout your lifetime; however, major life alterations can cause some or all of your totems to change. These totems are around your spirit: East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within. The last two animals are walking beside you at all times; your Right Side (male) and your Left Side (feminine). While sometimes the living animal is around you, most often they are only the essence of the animal.

At different times in your life, you may also have Special Helpers and/or Special Protectors. These stay with you for a limited period of time, depending on the challenges that you must face. They usually appear in person, in dreams or during meditation.

There are three different types of animal’s spirits: the high protector animal spirit, the familiars, and the lower animal spirits. There are only four high protectors: Dragon, Phoenix and Unicorn/Pegasus, Griffins (whose totems are interchangeable) and are connected only to older souls. The familiars are animal spirits that are connected through an energy link to only one person, usually someone who has psychic or magical abilities. There is nothing evil about them and they are not demons in way, shape or form. They are simply animal spirits that have formed a bond with one person. Familiars are hive spirits -- seven in total. They are usually of the cat and dog genus (incl. tigers, wolves, etc.). People who work with Magic sometimes have birds familiars, usually Ravens, Crows, Magpies or Owls. Whales and Dolphins are higher souls than animal souls but younger souls than human souls. They are sentient beings.