Find Your Power Animal

Here is a guided meditation to find your power animal.
Enjoy!

A Simple Shapeshifting Exercise

Here is an exercise in trading places (mentally) with a dog, a cat, or other animal. Once you become adept at this exercise, you will find animal communication, animal healing, and contact with power animals and guides much easier to accomplish.

Setting: Home, Zoo, Wilderness, etc.

Instructions:

1. Relax your body as completely as you can. Calm your mind, eliminating all thoughts which do not relate to your intent and purpose. Sit so that you are comfortable, and as nearly as possible on the same level with the animal you will be working with. Lie down if you like. The important thing is that you are able to comfortably make eye contact with your animal partner in this exercise. It is also important to satisfy yourself that the animal is likewise comfortable and secure with you.


2. Take a deep breath. As you slowly exhale, look into the animal's eyes, and imagine that a part of your awareness is being transmitted through your breath into the animal's mind. Watch the animal breathe, and imagine that a part of its awareness is being transmitted into your mind.


3. Continue looking directly into the animal's eyes until you fell your consciousness merge with the animal's consciousness.

What to expect:

• You may begin to feel compassion for another species.


• You'll also probably recognize some of the artificial differences between the human and animal worlds.


• You may be able to feel or sense the actual flow of the animals emotions and mental imagery.


• As the boundaries between you and the animal dissolve, you may feel as if you've really traded places with a member of another species, as though a part of you has become the animal - this is the height of subjective merging.


• Should you accomplish this, then it should be no trouble for you to contract with the animal to serve as your magical partner or "familiar."

NOTE: Asking another to become such a partner also places upon you the responsibility of becoming its partner. I would not recommend contracting an animal to become your familiar and then treating the animal as a pet. A pet is something you possess, own. A familiar, is an individual who has entered into a mutually beneficial relationship (partnership) with you, and therefore should be afforded the respect and consideration due a partner.

Meditation to Meet Your Power Animal

(first letter here)This guided imagery is about meeting your power animal. Like the ancient ones, the power animals come from deep within the consciousness of our Earth Mother. Power animals are our deepest memories. We all share DNA with all the animals alive on earth. A lion has the same DNA as we do for many systems. We can, in our memories, see out of the lion's eyes. We are them. They call to us deeply, loudly.

Power animals are easier to contact than ancient ones. Their voices are louder. They are easier to see. They will come and speak to you when you need them. The animals are helpers. Like ancient ones they are guides. They tell you what you need to know. They give you their immense energy. No shaman would ever go into sacred space without their animal helper.

Read the following meditation a number of times, and then take the journey from memory. Alternatively, you could record it and play it back.

Close your eyes, take a couple of deep breaths, let your abdomen rise and fall. Allow yourself to become really relaxed. Think about a place, real or imagined, where you feel really safe, where you feel deeply connected with the earth. Now put yourself on a path. Feel your feet touch the earth, smell the fresh air, feel the warm breeze on your face. Walk down the path. It goes downhill slightly. The ground is hard and has small stones in the soil. It is solid and secure. Feel the ground and the grass that is on each side of the path. Walk down the path. It crosses a wooden bridge across a rushing stream. The bridge has stout railings. You can hear your feet echo on the bridge like a drumbeat as you walk across. If you need to drop something in the water that you want to get rid, of you can do that now.

The path now goes upwards slightly and comes over a rise. Below you is a large meadow. In the center of the meadow is a grassy circle. Sit in the circle and wait. Now ask for your power animal to come to you.

It might come from a distance or appear from nowhere. Whatever animal appears to you is your animal helper. It is your power animal. Allow the animal come towards you. Watch how it moves, listen to it speak.

You can stay in the meadow as long as you like to and feel connected to the earth. Your power animal is part of the earth. It has tendrils that reach deep into the earth, the sky, and you, and connect it all together. If you feel comfortable, you can invite your animal to come to you, touch you, even come into your body. You can merge with them and see out of their eyes.

When you feel complete, stand up and leave the meadow. The path goes out of the far side and you can walk down the path further. It leads to the edge of an ancient forest of old growth trees. Stand at the edge of the forest by a great ancient tree.

Find a tree that speaks to you and tells you to come to it. Now put your hand on the tree touch its rough back. Feel its warmth, it life. Now imagine that when you put your hand on the tree, you spiral deep into the spiral of your own being. You spiral deep inside yourself, into your heart. And inside your body, your heart opens with wings. A spirit eye opens within you and sees this experience.

Walk back to the meadow, then to the bridge, retrace your steps until you are back to where you started. Bring your spirit animal with you. Bring the connectedness with you. Now move your feet, your hands, your body. Look around. Your life has changed.

Finding Your Power Animal

Think about animals to whom you've always been attracted - and remember that "animal" includes birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects.

• Do you collect owls?
• Draw pictures of dragons?
• Live for the sight of horses?
• Swear that you would never want to live without a cat? (I believe that Cat is one of the most popular (and certainly one of the most accessible) power animals, closely followed by Dolphin and Wolf.)
• What animal do you feel is most like you?
• If you could be an animal what would you most want to be?
• What would you least want to be?
• Are there animals you dream about regularly?

If none of the above questions produce any inspiration, or if what you come up with doesn't feel quite right be open to and affirm that your power animal(s) (there may well be more than one) will show themselves to you soon.

• Before you go to sleep each night ask for your power animal to appear.
• Make the same request while in meditation.
• Be aware of the animal images you see in the course of the day.
• Someone sent you a card with a picture of a wolf? There's a special on the wolves in Yellowstone National Park on TV? This may be worth investigating.
• If you live in an area where wildlife abounds see who the most frequent visitors are.
• Which birds come most often to your feeder?
• Take out books on animals, preferably with pictures, from the library, and see whether any of them stir feelings within you.

You can also choose power animals based on qualities you would like to have in your life. For a listing of animals and their qualities, you can visit this post: Animal Symbols in Magic

Above all, be patient. You may be just opening up to the idea that animals have something to teach you. Your relationship with one will flower in its time, and you may find as you grow and evolve that your power animals change.

Animal Symbols in Magic

Animal magic is use of an animal for its symbolism and energies. Animals can also be animal spirit guides. Similar to spirit guides, they are used for their strengths, skills, and guidance. Using animal symbols in your spell work can be very effective. They can be used to represent persons or situations, and/or to add strength and ability to what it is you are working to achieve. Here is a listing of many common animals and the general properties associated with them. You can also use this list as an aid when decifering dreams, omens, shapes in tea leaves, etc.

• Alligator-aggression, survival, adaptability
• Ant-team player, worker
• Armadillo-active, nocturnal, protection
• Bat-guardian of the night, cleaner
• Bear-power, adaptability
• Bear Paw-strength, mobility
• Beaver-builder, gatherer
• Bobcat-fierce, loner, intensity
• Buffalo-sacredness, life builder
• Bull-strength, warning
• Butterfly-metamorphisis, carefree, transformer
• Camel-weary, enduring
• Cat-independence, grace, healing
• Cougar-leadership, courage
• Cow-patience, stoicism
• Coyote-prankster, insight, playful
• Crane-solitude, independence
• Deer-love, gentleness, kindness
• Dog-loyalty, protection
• Dolphin-kindness, play, bridge man to ocean
• Dragonfly-flighty, carefree
• Eagle-divine spirit, connection to creator
• Elephant-long life, self-preservation
• Elk-strength, agility, freedom
• Fox-cunning, provider, intelligence
• Frog-connection with water element
• Giraffe-watchfulness, mobility
• Goat-stubborn, omnivorous
• Gorilla-brute strength, adaptibility
• Goose-faithful, communicative, traveler
• Grizzly Bear-hunter, nature's pharmacist
• Hawk-messenger, stopper of time
• Hippo-linking water and earth, survival
• Horse-stamina, mobility, strength
• Hummingbird-messenger, stopper of time
• Kangaroo-feisty, funloving
• Lion-power, strength, respect
• Lizard-conservation, agility
• Loon-solitude, song, romance
• Manatee-peaceable, unassuming
• Monkey-playfulness, agility
• Moose-headstrong, unstoppable, longevity
• Mouse-timid, secretive, sneaky
• Orca-focus, power
• Ostrich-fickle, fast moving
• Otter-laughter, curiosity, truth, patience
• Owl-wisdom, perseverance
• Panda-playful, kindness
• Pelican-ever watchful, grace
• Penguin-playful, loving
• Pheasant-confidence, attraction, perseverance
• Pig-intelligence, hunger
• Polar Bear-fearlessness, power
• Quail-sacred spiral, ceremonial, Holy
• Rabbit-alertness, resourceful
• Raccoon-bandit, shy, determination
• Ram-new beginning, teacher, hoarder
• Raven-trickster, mischievous
• Rhino-durability, strength
• Road Runner-speed, agility, cleverness
• Salmon-instinct, persistence, determination
• Seahorse-confidence, grace
• Shark-hunter, survival
• Skunk-wary, conspicious, intense
• Snake-shrewdness, transformation
• Spider-creative, pattern of life
• Squirrel-trusting, innocence
• Swan-grace, balance, festive
• Turkey-smart, elusive
• Turtle-self-contained creative source
• Water Buffalo-enormus strength, hard working
• Whale-wisdom, power, cleanser
• Wolf-loyalty, success, perseverance
• Wolf Paw-freedom, success, guidance
• Zebra-family-oriented, alert

About Power Animals

Power animals are great advice givers, often representing our higher selves that we haven't been paying attention to lately. In a meditative state you can ask for their assistance on problems that have been nagging at you. Sometimes, if they want to, two power animals might work in conjunction with each other.

Power animals can assist you in the waking state as well. Perhaps you are trying to teach someone a particular theme and they are having difficulty understanding. Power animals are not limited to mammals. The reptilian and insect kingdoms can be just as helpful.

• Ask wolf for assistance; she is the great teacher.
• Remember the old adages: clever as a fox, strong as an ox, etc.
• Perhaps you need camouflage - then ask Brother Fox for assistance.
• If you seek wisdom, ask the Eagle.
• Lynx knows the art of keeping secrets.
• Swan guides one into dreamtime.
• Panther is a good protective animal, though she does have a sarcastic, laid back nature.
• Dragonfly tells us how to break through illusions & how to gain power through our dreams and goals. She teaches higher aspiration.

Children can also be taught to work with animals and have a great ideal of success with them.

The energy of the animals, birds and other creatures that assist us should be honored. For too long, we have subjugated these creatures who are our equals in the system of the Universe. The act of honoring an animal is not an act of worship, but is the acknowledgment of their power and their being as brothers and sisters of the entire universe.

When honoring - leave a gift of some sort. The Native Americans leave tobacco as a gift, scattered on the ground. You could also burn incense in honor of the animal. You might also consider donating to The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, or other organization committed to the preservation of our wild family.

Love Spell

Follow whoever it is you wish will love you. When they step into a piece of soil and leave their footprint, scoop up the dirt and put it into a flowerpot. Plant a sunflower in the pot and as the flower grows so will his/her love for you!

Apple Energy Banishment Spell

• Cut an apple in half horizontally, so that the star in the center is exposed.
• Rub one half of the apple with a mint leaf while visualizing what needs to be banished.
• Write your problem on a slip of paper.
• Dip the paper into essential oil of mint and place it between the apple halves.
• Put the two halves of the apple back together again with a skewer...so they remain joined.
• Tie the pieces securely together with black silk or satin ribbon.
• Bury the apple. Your problem will dissipate as the apple rots...
  
  source: Rose Ariadne

An Easter Monday Bìcáben

In the old days (back in the 1800's), this is how the Hungarian Gypsies celebrated Easter Monday. They made a wooden box or receptacle called the bìcáben, pronounced like the English gypsy word bitchapen and meaning the same, that is ~ a sending, a thing sent or gift.

In this, at the bottom, two sticks were placed across, "as in a cradle," and on these were laid herbs and other fetish, or meaningful stuffs which every one touched with the finger; then the whole was enveloped in a winding of white and red wool. The box was then carried by the oldest person of the tribe (or family) from tent to tent; after every one had spat upon it, it was borne to the next running stream and left there.

By doing this, all the diseases and disorders which would have befallen them during the coming year were conjured into the box. But woe to him who might find the box and open it, instead of throwing it at once back into the stream! All the diseases exorcised by the gypsy band will fall upon him and his in full measure.

Spell to Encourage Sunshine

You will need:

• suntan lotion
• carnelian or red jasper
• orange candle

Light the candle. Rub suntan lotion into your hands and toss the stone from palm to palm seven times as you say:

"Golden Sol
bless and decree
that the sun shall shine on me"

Do this every morning leading up to your holiday or event that you want sunshine for.

Source: Magic Spells

For Sunny Weather and Clear Skies

Take a small blue container and pour some water into it, preferably mineral water or spring water but any will do. Then put some salt in it and leave it in a warm place near (or on) a windowsill.

As you pour the salt into the water, imagine it (the salt) evaporating the water into clouds. Then visualize the clouds lifting, thinning, and drifting away - leaving clear skies and bright sunshine.

Now leave the container of salt water to evaporate. Do not remove it until all the water has gone. When the container is dry, say thank you to the sun and enjoy the sunny weather coming your way.

Source: Magic Spells

House Protection Spell

You will need:

• 1 glass bottle or jar with cap
• mixing bowl
• funnel (you can make one with a rolled up piece of paper)
• 9 herbs of choice from list: (Acacia, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Ash, Basil, Birch, Blackberry, Blueberry, Broom, Caraway, Carnation, Cedar, Cinquefoil, Clover, Cotton, Cypress, Dill, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Flax, Foxglove, Grass, Hazel, Heather, Holly, Irish Moss, Ivy, Lilac, Mandrake, Marigold, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mulberry, Oak, Olive, Pine, Primrose, Raspberry, Rice, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Spanish Moss, Thistle, Valerian, Violet, Willow)

Pour the nine selected herbs into the mixing bowl one by one. As you pour each one in say
these words (replace the blank with the name of the herb):

"________ that protects,
protect my home and all within."

Once all of the herbs have been added to the bowl, mix them with your hands. Visualize your home being safe and secure as you mix. Cap the bottle or jar and bury it outside, in front of your front step. If you live in an apartment or other place that would prevent you from doing this, place the jar some where out of view but still near your doorway.

To Bring A Storm

For this spell you need:

• Broom (the plant) It is a gorse type plant with prickly yellow flowers (here's a picture)
• Rice
• Salt
• Water
• A small bowl
• A red candle - the red candle is for lightning, if you do not want lightning don't use the candle

Light the candle. Pour the water into the bowl and say:

"Rains of time for what it's worth
empty thine eyes upon this earth."

Stir the water with a spoon imagine a huge storm cell forming.
Place the broom into the water, broom brings the winds. Say this:

"Winds shall follow effortlessly
tearing through every limb of tree."

Continue to stir the mixture imagining the storm getting bigger. Add the rice, this is to cause the downpour. You don't have to say anything for the rice, just start stirring really fast. Add the hot wax from the candle... and say:

"Lightning strike quick and long
make it last make it strong."

Add the salt (the salt seals the mixture) and say:

"By the powers
of three times three
let it be."

Take the mixture and throw it outside into the wind. Now if I were you, I would seriously make a (house protection spell). There is not a way that I know of to stop the coming storm .. so be prepared.

Source: Magic Spells

Water Witching

If rain is your desire, whipping pond water with a hazel stick is believed to invoke a downpour. This is known as "water witching."

From: The Good Spell Book

To Bring Rain

Take some water in your hands and say: "Rain, rain, come our way. Fill the sky, soothe the land. I give you water from my hand."

Source: Magic Spells