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    Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

    So this is something that ive currently begun researching, is what properties different animals posses in their make up, it was while i came across some voodoo/hoodoo curios while on herb research. so ive found some ok sites so far like this one



    But what im not sure about is, are these properties just within the spirit of the creatures things we should learn from them or spirit guides in these forms, or are they within the animals themselves within the bones and skin, feathers and fur?

    Anyone have experience with this, or know a good site for me to check out?

    #2
    Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

    A lot of traditions will say the powers are within the animals themselves, thus carrying pieces of them can help you have that power, or, in another way of thinking, can help you connect to that spirit more easily to access that power. I'm not sure if that's a general consensus or specific to certain traditions, however. It is also highly dependant on how much respect you show. If you are a hunter, did you show respect when you killed the animal? Did you make sure to use absolutely everything you could or did you simply take the trinkets that you wanted? If you are not a hunter, did the piece you found come from the remains simply being found/shed?
    Even when you're dealing with physical pieces, there are still spirits involved and you need to be aware of that and take the appropriate niceties into mind.
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      #3
      Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

      Showing respect goes without saying but i mean like ok say like when i use a herb in my energy workings like.... dandelion for luck, would it be right to use a piece of an animal in the same way like a peice of shed snake skin for transformation, or a butterfly pod those sorts of things

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

        Originally posted by Kahlenda View Post
        Showing respect goes without saying but i mean like ok say like when i use a herb in my energy workings like.... dandelion for luck, would it be right to use a piece of an animal in the same way like a peice of shed snake skin for transformation, or a butterfly pod those sorts of things
        Of course all that follows is my own opinion and practice so it may differ from others.

        For me when I use bones, feathers, etc it is to join with the super spirit of the species and not that of the individual animal itself. Think about it would you want to use a rabbit that was run over for its speed or luck? In that case i'd actually use the part as a curse or hex upon another and call upon the specific animal spirit.

        I think an animal part also comes into play when you attempt to Shape-Shift or Shift-Shape. For instance in shape-shifting I might use a snake skin to influence my ability to connect with the snakes ability to shed its old skin and grow into its new skin. In that capacity it is not only the super-spirit of the species but also the individual spirit of the snake. One might also consider what type of snake, ie a viper or a non-poisonous snake and their respective attributes. Think about how a snake taste the air with its tongue or uses it's senses beyond seeing to see.

        A paw might be used to connect to say a wolf and it's ability to move on all fours. Then as a human you assume the aspects of the wolf by moving on all fours, licking water to drink, move in the nude to feel the sensations upon the entire body and all of ones senses vice just what you can see or smell. Heck even howling at the moon and possibly being answered by some local canine creature.

        For shift-shaping it's more of a mental thing where one might hold a piece or item of the creature to aid in changing ones astral form. To potentially allow for true transformation of ones body into that of another vice the playing at it that occurs in Shape-Shifting.

        One thing from my perspective is that many reference Ted Andrews book ANIMAL SPEAK as a primary source for animal spirits and their usage. To me it's an aid but not backed my most aboriginal or first nation practices or beliefs but those assigned by Ted Andrew's himself. As such I try to use my own judgement and perspective of what I see an animal doing or how it strikes me not what Ted Andrews says it means or should be read as. Sort of like using color equations, the books tend to suggest this or that yet it seldom matches what I feel or practices I am initiated into or aware of.

        I do think that many western practitioners have not understood how First Nation or Aboriginal people's use animal parts. Heck not even how our ancestor's used them in the past. We tend to rely upon holly-lore (Hollywood lore) about what a thing means or how to use it, which I think does not hold true in most instance. Sort of like the notion of a rabbits foot for good luck.

        Sort of like does one use a raptor's feathers for bravery? for Vision? for strength? for status? for Stature in the nation? Yet all of those we're valid and the different raptor's feather's indicated different things. Yet today it's pretty much illegal to have any of them and even Native American's have to request them.

        This to me also ties into the practice of creating an regalia. Basically a coat or skin that is made up of various animal parts to include toes, claws, skin, teeth, skulls, feathers, etc to convey the medicine of those upon the wearer.
        I'm Only Responsible For What I Say Not For What Or How You Understand!

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          #5
          Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

          Originally posted by monsno_leedra View Post
          Of course all that follows is my own opinion and practice so it may differ from others.

          For me when I use bones, feathers, etc it is to join with the super spirit of the species and not that of the individual animal itself. Think about it would you want to use a rabbit that was run over for its speed or luck? In that case i'd actually use the part as a curse or hex upon another and call upon the specific animal spirit.

          I think an animal part also comes into play when you attempt to Shape-Shift or Shift-Shape. For instance in shape-shifting I might use a snake skin to influence my ability to connect with the snakes ability to shed its old skin and grow into its new skin. In that capacity it is not only the super-spirit of the species but also the individual spirit of the snake. One might also consider what type of snake, ie a viper or a non-poisonous snake and their respective attributes. Think about how a snake taste the air with its tongue or uses it's senses beyond seeing to see.

          A paw might be used to connect to say a wolf and it's ability to move on all fours. Then as a human you assume the aspects of the wolf by moving on all fours, licking water to drink, move in the nude to feel the sensations upon the entire body and all of ones senses vice just what you can see or smell. Heck even howling at the moon and possibly being answered by some local canine creature.

          For shift-shaping it's more of a mental thing where one might hold a piece or item of the creature to aid in changing ones astral form. To potentially allow for true transformation of ones body into that of another vice the playing at it that occurs in Shape-Shifting.

          One thing from my perspective is that many reference Ted Andrews book ANIMAL SPEAK as a primary source for animal spirits and their usage. To me it's an aid but not backed my most aboriginal or first nation practices or beliefs but those assigned by Ted Andrew's himself. As such I try to use my own judgement and perspective of what I see an animal doing or how it strikes me not what Ted Andrews says it means or should be read as. Sort of like using color equations, the books tend to suggest this or that yet it seldom matches what I feel or practices I am initiated into or aware of.

          I do think that many western practitioners have not understood how First Nation or Aboriginal people's use animal parts. Heck not even how our ancestor's used them in the past. We tend to rely upon holly-lore (Hollywood lore) about what a thing means or how to use it, which I think does not hold true in most instance. Sort of like the notion of a rabbits foot for good luck.

          Sort of like does one use a raptor's feathers for bravery? for Vision? for strength? for status? for Stature in the nation? Yet all of those we're valid and the different raptor's feather's indicated different things. Yet today it's pretty much illegal to have any of them and even Native American's have to request them.

          This to me also ties into the practice of creating an regalia. Basically a coat or skin that is made up of various animal parts to include toes, claws, skin, teeth, skulls, feathers, etc to convey the medicine of those upon the wearer.

          Thanks for the insight Monsno, and well i was thinking more the connecting to the greater spcies spirit rather than that of the animal itself, like say i was to do a spell to make me run faster, i may encorperate a cheetah bone, or hare's paw or some such into my energy working. but what im wondering is by doin gthat am i asking for a blessing from the species spirit, like i would ask for a blessing from an elemental, or are thouse energies already soaked into the object itself. there for me to use and mould into the construct

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

            Originally posted by Kahlenda View Post
            Thanks for the insight Monsno, and well i was thinking more the connecting to the greater spcies spirit rather than that of the animal itself, like say i was to do a spell to make me run faster, i may encorperate a cheetah bone, or hare's paw or some such into my energy working. but what im wondering is by doin gthat am i asking for a blessing from the species spirit, like i would ask for a blessing from an elemental, or are thouse energies already soaked into the object itself. there for me to use and mould into the construct
            For me I don't think it is asking so much for a blessing as to be touched or inspired by it. A cheetah runs fast because it can so I think what one ask's for or seeks is the inspiration to exceed their own limitations or abilities. If not exceed them then the sureness that they can rise to the situation and do the best they can. So in that regard your not really touching or using the medicine or energy but the sureness it gives to the one who touches or taps into it.

            It's like a tiger can pass unseen because of its markings and ability to blend into its environment. Of course we can't become invisible in that sense so we seek it's perception of being invisible in the world and it's strength that is conveyed by our understanding of that ability. Many times causing us to walk a bit slower to attract less attention to ourselves. To step a bit lighter and watch about us to avoid the item that will reveal us. To blend into the environment which also causes us to change our clothing, our mental focus, our outlook, perhaps even our smell by masking it.

            So I do not think it's a blessing as much as asking it to touch us and inspire us. To help us understand it's usage and application in our lives. To show us how to do it, how to let it inspire us, change us if needed and even guide us I suppose.

            In some ways I always think of the old Phantom cartoons where he raises his ring and calls upon some creature aspect to aid him. The ever popular calls such as "The strength of ten lions!', "The speed of 5 cheetah's", etc which to me is all about mental stimulation and perceptions. He basically takes control over the body with the mind and makes the body do as he will under the precept of "Mind over Body". Yet the visible notion of what each is I think is used to step beyond his own limitations and gives the mind a concept of what he is calling upon.

            Of course that is just my opinion of things.
            I'm Only Responsible For What I Say Not For What Or How You Understand!

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

              Originally posted by Kahlenda View Post
              Thanks for the insight Monsno, and well i was thinking more the connecting to the greater spcies spirit rather than that of the animal itself, like say i was to do a spell to make me run faster, i may encorperate a cheetah bone, or hare's paw or some such into my energy working. but what im wondering is by doin gthat am i asking for a blessing from the species spirit, like i would ask for a blessing from an elemental, or are thouse energies already soaked into the object itself. there for me to use and mould into the construct
              When I use animal parts, I am generally connecting to the 'greater species spirit' as you say, or the 'super spirit' as Monsno calls it. I tend to call it the 'animal guide' or 'grandparent spirit' of the species and capitalize it's name... Rabbit or Wolf or Cheetah. For the most part, this is where the energy comes from, and I am using the animal part as a conduit through which to better make a connection with that energy. The animal part isn't necessary, but it makes it easier... kind of like having the animal guide on speed dial.

              On the other hand, certain remains have a residue of the individual animal spirit that resided within them. How much residue depends on the animal, the part, the way it was killed, how long ago it was killed and how processed it has been. Feathers don't have much residue, but skulls do. A vintage fur coat often doesn't have much residue, but a full, untouched pelt does. You can choose to work with the individual spirit of the animal, the grandparent spirit, or the two together. You can also choose to remove the residue and be left with remains that is purely conduit rather than individual.

              For example, I have a grey kangaroo pelt which retains a residue of the individual kangaroo it belonged to... I used this residue to connect to Grey Kangaroo and invite a spirit back into it to become part of my team of helpers. I now have a kangaroo pelt that has a kangaroo spirit residing within it - that spirit is not necessarily the spirit who was incarnated in that particular pelt, but it was sent to my by the grandparent spirit of the species. Conversely, I also have a drum that is made from kangaroo rawhide. There was a small residue in the drum, which drew me to it in the first place, but the spirit that was invited into the drum was sent to me by Eastern Brown Snake. Red Kangaroo was on board with this process and the result was that any residue of the original kangaroo was removed and my drum is now distinctly snake.

              The other thing to consider is that sometimes different animal parts connect us with different aspects of the animal guide. A shed skin from a snake would connect us to a different aspect than a fang would, or it's bones. Certain parts 'specialise' more so than others... they're like a direct line into that particular aspect of what an animal guide has to teach us.

              I don't know that the object itself has inherent power separate to the grandparent spirit. It's power comes from the grandparent spirit... so you can't really separate the two out. An owl feather holds within it the energy of silent flight... but that energy is intrinsically linked back into Owl. Incidentally, I believe exactly the same about plant energies. There are also plant guides or grandparent spirits for each plant, and when we burn or otherwise use plant matter we are tapping into the energy of the grandparent spirit. Even if you take the individual spirit out of a plant or a skull or a pelt, you can't take the grandparent spirit out of it.

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                Originally posted by Rae'ya View Post
                When I use animal parts, I am generally connecting to the 'greater species spirit' as you say, or the 'super spirit' as Monsno calls it. I tend to call it the 'animal guide' or 'grandparent spirit' of the species and capitalize it's name... Rabbit or Wolf or Cheetah. For the most part, this is where the energy comes from, and I am using the animal part as a conduit through which to better make a connection with that energy. The animal part isn't necessary, but it makes it easier... kind of like having the animal guide on speed dial.

                On the other hand, certain remains have a residue of the individual animal spirit that resided within them. How much residue depends on the animal, the part, the way it was killed, how long ago it was killed and how processed it has been. Feathers don't have much residue, but skulls do. A vintage fur coat often doesn't have much residue, but a full, untouched pelt does. You can choose to work with the individual spirit of the animal, the grandparent spirit, or the two together. You can also choose to remove the residue and be left with remains that is purely conduit rather than individual.

                For example, I have a grey kangaroo pelt which retains a residue of the individual kangaroo it belonged to... I used this residue to connect to Grey Kangaroo and invite a spirit back into it to become part of my team of helpers. I now have a kangaroo pelt that has a kangaroo spirit residing within it - that spirit is not necessarily the spirit who was incarnated in that particular pelt, but it was sent to my by the grandparent spirit of the species. Conversely, I also have a drum that is made from kangaroo rawhide. There was a small residue in the drum, which drew me to it in the first place, but the spirit that was invited into the drum was sent to me by Eastern Brown Snake. Red Kangaroo was on board with this process and the result was that any residue of the original kangaroo was removed and my drum is now distinctly snake.

                The other thing to consider is that sometimes different animal parts connect us with different aspects of the animal guide. A shed skin from a snake would connect us to a different aspect than a fang would, or it's bones. Certain parts 'specialise' more so than others... they're like a direct line into that particular aspect of what an animal guide has to teach us.

                I don't know that the object itself has inherent power separate to the grandparent spirit. It's power comes from the grandparent spirit... so you can't really separate the two out. An owl feather holds within it the energy of silent flight... but that energy is intrinsically linked back into Owl. Incidentally, I believe exactly the same about plant energies. There are also plant guides or grandparent spirits for each plant, and when we burn or otherwise use plant matter we are tapping into the energy of the grandparent spirit. Even if you take the individual spirit out of a plant or a skull or a pelt, you can't take the grandparent spirit out of it.

                ok so for a working example (im not planning on doing this specifically im just asking in gerneral but working examples hep me understand)

                say i wanted to do an increased eyesight spell, i dunno like help heal someones eye sight after an accident.

                while do the energy work or construct i wanted to tap into the energy of the eagals eye sight. i would have to roads, using say an eagal eye, to help use the power of the eyesight in the spell, or maybe use the feathers or a skull, to connect to the spicies spirit itself asking for its power and blessing to work into the magic.

                or better example.

                i want to rid myself of a habit or personality trait, so i use snake skin to within the energy working to "shed" the trait. and ask for the species spirit in helping my transform myself.

                while if i wanted to curse someone with an illness or whatever i could use the snake fang to help imbue the construct or energy working with the poison and illness of the snakes bite?

                if any of that makes sense

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                  Originally posted by Rae'ya View Post
                  For example, I have a grey kangaroo pelt which retains a residue of the individual kangaroo it belonged to... I used this residue to connect to Grey Kangaroo and invite a spirit back into it to become part of my team of helpers. I now have a kangaroo pelt that has a kangaroo spirit residing within it - that spirit is not necessarily the spirit who was incarnated in that particular pelt, but it was sent to my by the grandparent spirit of the species. Conversely, I also have a drum that is made from kangaroo rawhide. There was a small residue in the drum, which drew me to it in the first place, but the spirit that was invited into the drum was sent to me by Eastern Brown Snake. Red Kangaroo was on board with this process and the result was that any residue of the original kangaroo was removed and my drum is now distinctly snake.
                  I just want to say how cool it is that you work with Kangaroo spirits. I rarely used to meet any Australians of forums, and now there's one who's only 600 km away from me, and actually using native elements in her practise! YAY!
                  ThorSon's milkshake brings all the PF girls to the yard - Volcaniclastic

                  RIP

                  I have never been across the way
                  Seen the desert and the birds
                  You cut your hair short
                  Like a shush to an insult
                  The world had been yelling
                  Since the day you were born
                  Revolting with anger
                  While it smiled like it was cute
                  That everything was shit.

                  - J. Wylder

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                    Originally posted by Kahlenda View Post
                    ok so for a working example (im not planning on doing this specifically im just asking in gerneral but working examples hep me understand)

                    say i wanted to do an increased eyesight spell, i dunno like help heal someones eye sight after an accident.

                    while do the energy work or construct i wanted to tap into the energy of the eagals eye sight. i would have to roads, using say an eagal eye, to help use the power of the eyesight in the spell, or maybe use the feathers or a skull, to connect to the spicies spirit itself asking for its power and blessing to work into the magic.

                    or better example.

                    i want to rid myself of a habit or personality trait, so i use snake skin to within the energy working to "shed" the trait. and ask for the species spirit in helping my transform myself.

                    while if i wanted to curse someone with an illness or whatever i could use the snake fang to help imbue the construct or energy working with the poison and illness of the snakes bite?

                    if any of that makes sense
                    Yep, I'd say that's pretty much spot on.

                    - - - Updated - - -

                    Originally posted by Heka View Post
                    I just want to say how cool it is that you work with Kangaroo spirits. I rarely used to meet any Australians of forums, and now there's one who's only 600 km away from me, and actually using native elements in her practise! YAY!
                    Hehe cheers. Plus my staff is South Australian Blue Gum. And I connect with the local landvaettir and plant spirits.

                    If you ever go to Western Australia, visit the Valley of the Giants. It is 100% worth the 4 hour drive from Perth for anyone who works with land spirits or plant spirits. Those Tingle trees were the most amazing, ancient tree spirits I've ever met. They taught me that that spirit of a tree doesn't die when the tree dies, but continues on throughout the process of the tree being reabsorbed into the forest, and then becomes part of the land spirit complex itself. I met a 'dead' Tingle that was more vibrant and sentient than the hibiscus in my backyard.

                    It's a pity that the lack of information out there stops most Australian pagans from working with their local spirits. The animal guides sometimes get a look in, but the plant and land spirits are often overlooked. You just have to make a decision one day to do it, even if you feel crazy because you've never heard anyone else talk about Tingle or Spinifex Hopping Mouse or Mt Lofty Ranges. Next time you have a free weekend head down to the Flinders and meet Wilpena Pound. The Flinders is a good place to get your first introduction to a landwight.

                    - - - Updated - - -

                    You know... it's funny... I never really considered myself to be particularly 'Australian spirit focused' until just now lol. I do work with exotic animal guides also, but it just seems so natural to have a relationship with Australian spirits. Writing that reply just made me realise that it is a large part of my practice. Interesting the way we only notice some things when they are reflected back to us lol

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                      #11
                      Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                      Originally posted by Rae'ya View Post

                      Hehe cheers. Plus my staff is South Australian Blue Gum. And I connect with the local landvaettir and plant spirits.

                      If you ever go to Western Australia, visit the Valley of the Giants. It is 100% worth the 4 hour drive from Perth for anyone who works with land spirits or plant spirits. Those Tingle trees were the most amazing, ancient tree spirits I've ever met. They taught me that that spirit of a tree doesn't die when the tree dies, but continues on throughout the process of the tree being reabsorbed into the forest, and then becomes part of the land spirit complex itself. I met a 'dead' Tingle that was more vibrant and sentient than the hibiscus in my backyard.

                      It's a pity that the lack of information out there stops most Australian pagans from working with their local spirits. The animal guides sometimes get a look in, but the plant and land spirits are often overlooked. You just have to make a decision one day to do it, even if you feel crazy because you've never heard anyone else talk about Tingle or Spinifex Hopping Mouse or Mt Lofty Ranges. Next time you have a free weekend head down to the Flinders and meet Wilpena Pound. The Flinders is a good place to get your first introduction to a landwight.

                      - - - Updated - - -

                      You know... it's funny... I never really considered myself to be particularly 'Australian spirit focused' until just now lol. I do work with exotic animal guides also, but it just seems so natural to have a relationship with Australian spirits. Writing that reply just made me realise that it is a large part of my practice. Interesting the way we only notice some things when they are reflected back to us lol
                      firstly, bahahahahahahahha, cos I grew up in Hawker. Now reflect on that 600km away from you I spoke about once.....

                      Ive only just heard of landvaettir, and I'm very interested. I'm glad I'm helping you notice your Australian ties

                      No excuse me while I add you as a friend.....
                      ThorSon's milkshake brings all the PF girls to the yard - Volcaniclastic

                      RIP

                      I have never been across the way
                      Seen the desert and the birds
                      You cut your hair short
                      Like a shush to an insult
                      The world had been yelling
                      Since the day you were born
                      Revolting with anger
                      While it smiled like it was cute
                      That everything was shit.

                      - J. Wylder

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                        Originally posted by Heka View Post
                        firstly, bahahahahahahahha, cos I grew up in Hawker. Now reflect on that 600km away from you I spoke about once.....

                        Ive only just heard of landvaettir, and I'm very interested. I'm glad I'm helping you notice your Australian ties

                        No excuse me while I add you as a friend.....
                        Ha! I was thinking "Leigh Creek is close to the Flinders, it wouldn't be much of a trip to run over there to have a go at the landvaettir" lol. Should have asked first! Have been through Hawker several times, but never as far north as Leigh Creek. I love the Flinders, and there are several ancient and beautiful land spirits there. Have you ever climbed Rawnsley Bluff? If you haven't, then do it. We aren't very fit and I have several amusing photos of us standing at the top looking like we were about to drop dead of exhaustion, but it was an amazing experience. I have a particular affinity with mountain spirits... shall be meeting the Blue Mountains for the first time in August, which I'm really looking forward to.

                        Anyway... back to animal spirits... lol

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                          Originally posted by Rae'ya View Post
                          Ha! I was thinking "Leigh Creek is close to the Flinders, it wouldn't be much of a trip to run over there to have a go at the landvaettir" lol. Should have asked first! Have been through Hawker several times, but never as far north as Leigh Creek. I love the Flinders, and there are several ancient and beautiful land spirits there. Have you ever climbed Rawnsley Bluff? If you haven't, then do it. We aren't very fit and I have several amusing photos of us standing at the top looking like we were about to drop dead of exhaustion, but it was an amazing experience. I have a particular affinity with mountain spirits... shall be meeting the Blue Mountains for the first time in August, which I'm really looking forward to.

                          Anyway... back to animal spirits... lol
                          I've done every walk at Wilpena, but never the Bluff. I'm going to have to do that one Next time you visit you should let me know! I hope you enjoy your trip to the blue mountains (I've seen them at a distance). Have you ever been to snow topped mountains? ala Mt Hotham etc? They're nice too If I had to think of an affinity I had, it would probably be with the gorges... I think gorges are gorgeous! tehehe

                          But yes, animal spirits, sorry for hacking the thread!
                          ThorSon's milkshake brings all the PF girls to the yard - Volcaniclastic

                          RIP

                          I have never been across the way
                          Seen the desert and the birds
                          You cut your hair short
                          Like a shush to an insult
                          The world had been yelling
                          Since the day you were born
                          Revolting with anger
                          While it smiled like it was cute
                          That everything was shit.

                          - J. Wylder

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                            My first exploration into the path that eventually became my own started with Ted Andrews, a Native American spiritualist (though obviously not Native...named Ted...yeah). There was a lot of information in it that I didn't find useful but the way he LOOKED and STUDIED the animals and then applied that knowledge to his "craft" was something that never left me.

                            Animals all have "medicines," tendencies that give power to them and allow them to most efficiently navigate the world. If life is life then they too are the Universe having a certain experience -- if we all come from Undifferentiated Cosmic Consciousness and then we become Differentiated (by becoming a thing/noun) then we are but a fragment of the Universe experiencing different trials, blessings, and perspectives inherent to us. When I am disenchanted with work, I look to the bees and ants who know their place and cannot be swayed from their tasks. When I am feeling out of touch with my feminine side, a visit from moth can do wonders to restore my faith. When I am lost and in the dark, I meditate on owl, who can see perfectly through the shadows and whose talons will pierce to the heart of the matter.

                            When I wanted to find my animal mentor, I did a ceremony out in the woods and a song came to me. I walked through the little woods singing my song and then it was over. The next thing I know, I can't stop seeing bears everywhere. On the TV. On greeting cards. Painted in pictures in the waiting room of a physical therapy clinic. Sitting on the table as figurines. In songs that I hear on the radio. EVERYWHERE.

                            I absolutely think that you should check out some of Ted Andrew's works. "Animal Speak" was my first love, and is still the most used and worn book in my witchy library. I just got
                            No one tells the wind which way to blow.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Re: Animals and their Magickal Properties and meanings

                              Does Ted Andrews actually claim to be of Native American spirituality? I don't think that he does, but I could be wrong. I seem to remember reading a disclaimer of his somewhere specifically saying that he isn't, but I'm tired and I could be hallucinating that lol

                              Ted Andrews is a bit controversial in the world of 'animal-guide-workers'. Some of his research is dodgy, which has led to him publishing some factual inaccuracies about certain animal species. But I actually think that he does have merits aside from this. There are other 'totemists' whose research is just as dodgy. And to be honest, Andrews' groundwork and basic advice is far less dodgy than some other authors I've read.

                              Always supplement ANY author's interpretation with your own research. Or better yet, start with your own research on an animal, and then read a few different 'totem dictionaries' to supplement your research. That way you're more likely to get a well rounded view and weed out any inaccuracies or personal biases.

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