Meeting Your Animal Guide/Totem

Exercise to Meet Your Animal Guide/Totem

 

Relax, Take a few deep breaths. You will find yourself growing lighter and lighter.. Your surrounds seem to be fading around you, and you are wrapped in the warm darkness of your inner self, your own energy and mind. It is safe, warm and comfortable.

You begin to see a very soft light, and slowly the picture opens. You find yourself by a clear pool of water. The sky above is blue, and there is a soft haze in the far of distance.

Above you, you can see the Sun and Moon together in the sky. You are not sure if it is Dawn or Dusk, but you know it is one of those powerful “Between Times” a time in which there is a thinning of the veils between the physical and the spiritual.

To your right, at the end of this clear pool of water, is a waterfall. The spray from this waterfall is a cool, refreshing mist. And where it touches the pool, water ripples outward, distorting all of the reflections in the pool.

You look about you at the green grasses and the distant trees, and all is quite. It is as if Nature is in a state of Quietness.

You look back at the waterfall, and you notice that there is a cave behind it. You step carefully behind the Falls, into a dark, muted cave. You are surprised, because the cave is lit by soft, glowing torches, which gives the cave a sense of warmth and security. You slowly begin to travel down the path of this cave, still feeling safe and warm.

You feel happy, and a small childlike laughter slips out. For the first time in a long time, you feel like a child, about to explore the wondrous treasures of the world.

The walls of this cave feel warm as you touch them. As you go further into the cave it begins to widen and grows taller. The torches are fewer and more distant, and you pass a few that aren’t even lit. You can see the glowing of the sun at the end of the cave.

You walk out the exit of the cave, the sun feels warm against your face. You also see a river before you, and lush, green grass.

Across the field is the edge of a rich, deep-green forest. You pause only for a minute, and then you burst through this beautiful meadow, feeling the warmth of the sun against your face. You feel very happy.

The grass is soft beneath your feet, and you can smell the rich fragrance of honey and wildflowers. The air is sweet, and you tilt your head back and stretch your arms wide.

Next to the river is a large, ancient oak tree. Surrounding it is the lushest, and greenest grass you have ever seen. You run to it and sit down beneath it. You stretch out, and roll in its softness, and you inhale its sweetness.

You sit up and notice a stone near the tree that looks as if it were almost a chair. You sit down on it and you find that this stone fits your form perfectly. You breath deeply, and from this chair you look about you.

It is quiet and peaceful, and you know that this meadow is a place where wildlife must come, and for a moment you envy the Animals and the Birds for having such a place of beauty.

You sit quietly and enjoy the beauty of this meadow. It is as if with each breath you become more and more a part of it, and it becomes more and more a part of you.

Suddenly you see a movement out of the corner of your eye near the edge of the forest, your breath catches. You think to yourself, that maybe you will see some wildlife after all. Then from among the trees comes movement. It may soar above you or it may step out into the meadow. You sit quietly, and very still.

Watching, as an animal appears in your vision, don’t force it. Allow it to show itself to you. And as it does, its eyes seek you out and hold your gaze. Never have you seen anything so wonderful, so unique. Such Animals have always seemed so wild and out of touch.

There is no fear as the animal draws closer, only recognition and wonder. Surely you think that this must be a dream! Then, as if in response to your thoughts, it makes a sound, a movement, a gesture and you fix your eyes upon it.

In that moment, you begin to understand. You catch glimpses of memories of how it has helped you in the past. You know now, why you have always been so fascinated with it.

And then it begins to move toward the cave. It pauses and looks back at you, as if telling you that it is time to go. You stand up and begin to follow it. As you approach the mouth of the cave, it waits. It is so close to you that you can almost touch it.

Carefully, and gently you extent your hand out to it, but before your hand gets close enough to touch it, it jumps and runs back to the edge of the forest. It pauses, looking back at you once more, and then disappears into that lush, deep-green forest.

You understand, that it will take time to develop a relationship with it. There is much you have to learn from each other. Until then you must be patient. You smile a sweet sadness, and then follow the cave back to the waterfall.

You step from the cave, and out behind the waterfall. You look into the clear pool, and see your reflection rippling. And then behind your reflection you see the form of your Animal Totem. You catch your breath and you laugh, thanking it for opening to you. As you do, the image disappears, and the scene around you begins to fade.

You are again in the warm darkness of your own mind. The image of your Totem is strong within you, as you breathe deeply and allow yourself to come back to your surrounding.

 

Source:

BearToe Corner

 

Snow Leopard As A Totem – Visionary/Renewal

Snow Leopard

Visionary / Renewal

By

Messages and Meanings: Past Life Connections, Secretive, Agility, Awakening
Snow leopard is a member of the leopard and jaguar wild cats. Snow leopard, smaller in size, that other leopards, is the loftier cousin that resides in the mountainous regions of Asia. Asia is an ancient land and for this reason the snow leopard has the reputation of possessing higher knowledge or past life connections.The snow leopards multi-colored coat give it a camouflage effect, allowing it to stay hidden. This gives it an advantage over its prey but on a spiritual level it gives it a perspective from a distance. If snow leopard is your totem then you have the ability to learn how to step back and see the bigger picture.

This spotted cat is extremely agile due to its environment, scaling mountain ranges and leaping over rocky cliffs. Be grateful if snow leopard totem surfaces when you are struggling, this spirit can teach you how to move past any troubling obstacles that have been blocking your path.

Also, invite the snow leopard to accompany you during meditation if you are interested in getting glimpses into your past life or wishing to become enlightened.

 

Cougar As A Totem

Cougar

Alternate Names: Puma, Panther, Mountain Lion

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Messages and Meanings: Personal Power, Assertiveness, Acknowledgement
Talking about the cougar could easily be equated it with a “coming of age” story. Cougar will show you when it is time to review the lessons you have learned from the past and how to best utilize them to come into your personal power. When cougar medicine surfaces it is a time to take action rather than sitting on the sidelines. Own it!The cougar does not wait when opportunities arise, it leaps. However, it does not do this nilly-willy, it has the knowledge and tools to be efficient in its making advances.

Bobcat As A Totem – Keeper of Secrets

Bobcat

Keeper of Secrets

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Meanings and Messages: secrecy, lonliness, meditation, trust, loyalty

The bobcat keeps to itself, enjoying a solitary life. Males and females come together for mating purposes in the wintertime but do not live as a family. The loner male is nomadic… and may have several mates stretched out over several different regions. Whereas the females do not wander far from home.

Bobcat has keen senses: seeing, hearing, and feeling. These abilities make the bobcat an excellent nocturnal hunter. Don’t even try to hide your true self or keep secrets from a person aligned with bobcat energies, they will see right through you.

People with the bobcat as their totem do tend to be loners or have a few select friends. They value being isolated from others but need to be careful not to become overly reclusive. They are trustworthy individuals and are often told confidences by close friends and mere acquaintances.

 

Domestic and Feral Cats As Totems – Instinctual Healer

Domestic and Feral Cats

Instinctual Healer

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Meanings and Messages: independence, curiosity, unpredictability, perceptive
The domestic cat is a favorite pet in peoples’ homes. Personality traits of domestic cats can vary depending on the breed. Cats are said to have nine lives, able to get themselves out of dangerous predicaments as easily as they got into them. People with a domestic cat as their totem are often curious and unpredictable. Cat medicine teaches independence and the okay-ness of not following someone else’s lead. When a cat totem appears look to see where you can take a leadership role.Cats in the home often serve the role of healer and will sit near anyone in the household who needs healing, speeding the recovery period. A cat’s purring can help reduce his owner’s stress or anxieties. Cat purring can ease discomforts such as stomach pain, and also help boost immune systems.It is also important to pay attention to the health of your cat. Cats will often take on the symptoms of ailments being suffered by their humans. When this happens, appreciate their talents as diagnosticians, so take heed. Get your cat to the vet AND make an appointment for yourself to have a health checkup.

Feral cats born on the farm or abandoned on the roadside of a rural setting have a different meaning. When a feral cat makes its appearance ask yourself if you have any abandonment issues to work on. Also, a feral cat as a totem can indicate the wild nature of your personality. A feral cat messenger could be signaling caution, reminding you to be wary of anyone who tries to come near you who you don’t know very well.

Lion Totem – King of the Jungle

Lion Totem

King of the Jungle

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Meanings / Messages: nurture, power, cooperation, community, expressing yourself (Roar!)
The lion as a totem carries a group or family energy. They roam the countryside within a pride. Community is very important to them. If lion is your totem then you will have a strong sense of community or a desire to belong to a group.The lion is known for its magnificent mane and ferocious roar. The roar is a predatory warning. The lion does not wish to fight, but will take a stand to protect the lionesses and cubs in his pride. The lioness’ role is hunter and caregiver for the cubs. The young cubs are allowed to play and enjoy life.

When lion totem appears, notice if it is a lion, lioness, or cub. If it is the male then you may need to make sure you are protecting the members of your family. This doesn’t mean that you must fight, but to stand up and be seen as strong and willing to fight for them if needed. If it is the lioness, then you may need to review your role as provider and caregiver. Are your children getting their nurturing needs met? If it is the cub that appears, ask yourself if you are allowing enough play into your life?

 

Tiger Totem – Passionate Endeavors

Tiger Totem

Passionate Endeavors

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Messages and Meanings: power, devotion to offspring, past life connections, adventuresome
Tiger totem symbolizes power and passion. Tiger medicine is flamboyant with its bold and sleek look. Sensuality and sensitivity are characteristics of tiger medicine. The tiger is not necessarily drawn to family life, but its mating is magnetic and passionate, and mothers are very devoted to their young.Anyone with the tiger as their totem is likely to be drawn to water. If you look to their natal chart in astrology the water element will be prominent. The tiger prowls at night time. If you are drawing from tiger medicine your best productivity will be in the evening and into the early morning hours.

If tiger makes its appearance you could find yourself drawn to another person with strong karmic ties. Tiger energy is not gentle… you will FEEL things, emotionally deep stuff. But, in the end it will be worthwhile. Tigers are adventuresome animals, so get ready for the ride of your life.

 

Cat Totems

Cat Totems

Nocturnal Felines

By , About.com

 

A cat’s nature to prowl after dark. Cats have keen eyesight and are also very instinctual. People with cat medicine tend to walk on the dark side and delve into mysterious depths. They are curious and make good detectives.

Tigers

Tiger totem symbolizes power and passion. Tiger medicine is flamboyant with its bold and sleek look. Sensuality and sensitivity are characteristics of tiger medicine. The tiger is not necessarily drawn to family life, but its mating is magnetic and passionate, and mothers are very devoted to their young. The tiger prowls at night time. If you are drawing from tiger medicine your best productivity will be in the evening and into the early morning hours.

Lions

The lion as a totem carries a group or family energy. They roam the countryside within a pride. Community is very important to them. If lion is your totem then you will have a strong sense of community or a desire to belong to a group. The lion is known for its magnificent mane and ferocious roar. The roar is a predatory warning. The lion does not wish to fight, but will take a stand to protect the lionesses and cubs in his pride. The lioness’ role is hunter and caregiver for the cubs.

Domesticated Cats

The domestic cat is a favorite pet in peoples’ homes. Personality traits of domestic cats can vary depending on the breed. Cats are said to have nine lives, able to get themselves out of dangerous predicaments as easily as they got into them. People with a domestic cat as their totem are often curious and unpredictable. Cat medicine teaches independence and the okay-ness of not following someone else’s lead.

Bobcats

The bob cat is solitary and highly instinctual in nature. Males and females come together only during the winter mating season. Females do not roam far from home, whereas the males are nomadic and will mate with half a dozen females from different territories. There is a mystical aura surrounding those with bob cat as their spirit totem, they are empathic, secretive, and knowing.

Cougars

Other names for the cougar include puma, mountain lion, and panther depending on the region. The lesson of the cougar is to come into your own power, flex your muscles, and show your assertiveness. The cougar is likely to show up in your life when you are struggling with indecision… to spawn action.

Pantherns

Not to be confused with the cougar, the name panther is associated with both leopard and jaguar cats. These animals are loners, quietly pursuing their lives. People with panthers as their spirit guides are often introspective and exude their power from the background. If you have lost your personal power invite panther to teach you how to find it.

 

 

What is an Animal Familiar?

What is an Animal Familiar?

By , About.com

In some traditions of modern Wicca and Paganism, the concept of an animal familiar is incorporated into practice. Today, a familiar is often defined as an animal with whom we have a magical connection, but in truth, the concept is a bit more complex than this.

History of the Familiar

During the days of the European witch hunts, familiars were “said to be given to witches by the devil,” according to Rosemary Guiley’s Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft. They were, in essence, small demons which could be sent out to do a witch’s bidding. Although cats — especially black ones — were the favored vessel for such a demon to inhabit, dogs, toads, and other small animals were sometimes used.

In some Scandinavian countries, familiars were associated with spirits of the land and nature. Fairies, dwarves, and other elemental beings were believed to inhabit the physical bodies of animals. Once the Christian church came along, this practice went underground — because any spirit other than an angel must be a demon. During the witch-hunt era, many domestic animals were killed because of their association with known witches and heretics.

During the Salem witch trials, there is little account of the practice of animal familiars, although one man was charged with encouraging a dog to attack by way of magical means. The dog, interestingly enough, was tried, convicted, and hanged.

In shamanistic practices, the animal familiar is not a physical being at all, but a thought-form or spiritual entity. It often travels astrally, or serves as a magical guardian against those who might try to psychically attack the shaman.

Today, many Wiccans and Pagans have an animal companion that they consider their familiar – and most people no longer believe that these are spirits or demons inhabiting an animal. Instead, they have an emotional and psychic bond with the cat, dog, or whatever, who is attuned to the powers of its human partner.

Finding a Familiar

Not everyone has, needs, or even wants a familiar. If you have an animal companion as a pet, such as a cat or dog, try working on strengthening your psychic connection with that animal. Books such as Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak contain some excellent pointers on how to do this.

If an animal has appeared in your life unexpectedly — such as a stray cat that appears regularly, for instance — it’s possible that it may have been drawn to you psychically. However, be sure to rule out mundane reasons for its appearance first. If you’re leaving out food for the local feral kitties, that’s a far more logical explanation. Likewise, if you see a sudden influx of birds, consider the season — is the ground thawing, making food more available?

If you’d like to draw a familiar to you, some traditions believe you can do this by meditation. Find a quiet place to sit undisturbed, and allow your mind to wander. As you journey, you may encounter various people or objects. Focus your intent on meeting an animal companion, and see if you come into contact with any.

In addition to familiars, some people do magical work with what’s called a power animal or a spirit animal. A power animal is a spiritual guardian that some people connect with. However, much like other spiritual entities, there’s no rule or guideline that says you must have one. If you happen to connect with an animal entity while meditating or performing astral travel, then that may be your power animal or it may just be curious about what you’re up to.

Waiting

Fantasy Graphics=
Waiting

Can you not see me?
Sharing your thoughts
Watching your dreams
Always here with you

Can you not hear me?
Singing silly songs
Crying when you cry
Laughing when you laugh

Can you not feel me?
Touching your inner soul
Feeling your pain
Embracing your joys

Do you not know me?
Life long memories
Constant companion
Privy to your deepest secrets

Have you abandoned me?
Spark of life gone dark
The thrill of living a distant memory
Stranger to yourself

Who am I you may wonder?
Lost in the darkness
Waiting to return
Just beyond your reach

I am the soft kiss whilst you sleep
I am the beat of your heart
I am the eternal youth
I am the child within you
Author: Crick
As you have probably noticed, a lot of Crick’s work is showing up on our site. He agreed to let us use his work and I was very honored when he did. The first time I read any of his work was on Witchvox. His writing spoke to my soul. He is a wonderful writer and a very wise man. I have come to admire him and his writings very much. I hope you will also enjoy his work as much as I do.

A Little Humor for Your Day – Keeping Summoned Beings as Pets is a Bad Idea

Keeping Summoned Beings as Pets is a Bad Idea

They may be cute and cuddly when they’re little, but they tend to grow. Fast. To something large.

You can’t flush your overgrown summoned pet down the toilet and no pound will take one. (Trust me on this one. )

Unless you spay or neuter them, they will breed, quickly.

Good luck trying to find a vet that will spay or neuter one…

The feeding costs are astronomical. New Age shops are very expensive. Oh, sorry, I meant “astrological”.

An exotic summoned pet is very difficult to feed. Museums start suspecting your interests in ancient cultures rather quickly.

Getting them used to gourmet food is a bad idea: there aren’t that many virgins around, you see!

Cats sitting on the chest of a sleeping child sucking their life-force out may be a myth. With summoned pets, it isn’t.

No insurance will cover it if your summoned pet bites your guests.

They may even eat your guests while you pop into the kitchen for tea.

When they nibble your toes on Sunday morning, it does NOT feel nice. Besides, you need those toes for proper balance.

Clipping their toenails to save your sofa from being torn into shreds is pretty damn hard.

You think a pet stealing your stuff is bad? Summoned pets steal your stuff and hide it to the astral plane!

Summoned pet dung is difficult to get rid of. They won’t accept it at the toxic waste plant anymore …

Cat’s hairballs are easy to clean away. Try dealing with astral slime puke.

They don’t stay in their cage unless you remember to seal it magickally properly. Every single time.

It also gets a bit tedious to keep that triangle of salt intact in the corner of the living room.

A summoned pet possessing your grandmother is NO fun, I can tell you!

A summoned pet possessing your stereo system may be painful.

Having them play with your altar tools is not cute.

Having them play with your Book of Shadows is even less cute.

Smell of sulfur wafting in the apartment tends to deter Jehovah’s Witnesses and other pests, though… But it does make breathing labored in the long run.

Landlords tend to dislike the “things that go bump in the night” routine you have going on in your flat.

Landlords will detest finding out that paying residents in your block are disappearing as if by magick.

On the other hand, the police may become a tad too interested in the very same phenomena.

It’s not fun to have your pet deciding to “hump” your neighbor’s dog in the middle of your daily walk.

It’s practically impossible to find new, caring homes for the resulting Cerberoses, too.

While it may be cute to have a pet that actually does talk back to you, it’s not nice when they start throwing curses.

It may be nice to have a pet that can retrieve your e-mail along with regular post, but it’s NOT fun having them actually posting replies…

Advanced summoned pets may summon pets of their own. That means BIG trouble.

Last but not least: If you’re not quite careful, you may one day wake up realizing that it is in fact YOU who are the pet in this deal.

 

Source:
by Faerie K.
Website: The Cauldron, A Pagan Forum

Today’s Quiz: What Is Your Soul Type?

What Is Your Soul Type?

 

Are you a Hunter or a Visionary? A Peacemaker or a Bright Star? Find out with this fascinating quiz that helps you understand more about who you truly, deeply are.

You may want to share this quiz with friends and loved ones. Learn more about your own soul-nature here:

First, take this Soul Sign Quiz to find out which element–Fire, Earth, Air, or Water–you most closely embody.

If you are a FIRE SIGN, do you
* Sometimes feel negative and often find something to complain about?
* Find that you are either extremely encouraging or extremely discouraging of others and their actions?
* Dream of the perfect mate even though you are disappointed again and again when others let you down?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a RETROSPECTIVE SOUL. (Retrospectives get their name from their tendency to look backward, sometimes holding on to old hurts.)

Or do you
* Feel compelled to express your artistic temperament?
* Think you are sometimes unrealistic in your expectations of people and situations?
* Find that you often look through rose-colored glasses to try to see only the best in someone?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a DREAMING SOUL.

Or do you
* Think of yourself as positive and outgoing, especially in difficult circumstances?
* Love to be center stage, even if it is at the expense of others?
* Need accolades and a partner who gives you their full attention?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a BRIGHT STAR SOUL.

——————————
IF you are an EARTH SIGN, do you
* Love a challenge and strive to conquer it at all costs?
* Motivate others with your enthusiasm but move on if they hold you up or disrupt your plans?
* Need freedom and flexibility in any personal relationship?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a HUNTER SOUL.

Or do you
* Take a while to decide on the right career path?
* Think of yourself as a social organizer who will call others even if they don’t call you?
* Need reassurance and security, as you’re not always sure of your own value?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a VISIONARY SOUL.

Or do you
* Naturally take charge of most situations?
* Find that you are usually the first one to volunteer?
* Need to be involved with your partner and have real communication?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a WARRIOR SOUL.
——————————
IF you are an AIR SIGN, do you
* Very often wonder if the grass might be greener someplace other than where you are?
* Not really need the security of a house, home, or family?
* Consider yourself romantic and love the idea of romance but find it difficult to commit to a single relationship?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a TRAVELER SOUL.

Or do you
* Feel content to be wherever you are at any given moment?
* Avoid conflict of any kind in order to keep stability both at home and at work?
* Need a stable partner who is totally committed to you, even if the relationship is not perfect?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a PROPHET SOUL.

Or do you
* Need the opportunity to try out new and innovative ideas?
* Value stability and almost always feel like things are stable?
* Openly and easily share your emotions, and need a grounded home life?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a NEWBORN SOUL.
——————————
If you are a WATER SIGN, do you
* Always find yourself interested in others?
* Like to involve yourself with worthwhile projects, and love to philosophize and intellectualize things?
* Want a relationship, but like to hold back, and find it hard to share inner feelings?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a SEEKER SOUL.

Or do you
* Feel like your main focus is on marriage and family, even on social occasions?
* Work with children, or in a teaching, caring, or nurturing profession?
* Enjoy nurturing your family?
If this sounds most like you, then you are a PEACEMAKER SOUL.

Or do you
* Like company, but feel you can be just as happy doing your own thing by yourself?
* Get involved with several projects at once, finding it hard to say no?
* Like to make the rules in your relationship?
If this sounds most like you, then you are an OLD SOUL.

 

Daily Feng Shui News for April 28th – ‘Biological Clock Day’

If you’re hearing the tick tock of ‘Biological Clock Day’ and you’re trying to get pregnant, then you might want to consider this powerful Feng Shui fertility cure. According to this tradition, sleeping on green sheets will heal any malady or remove any energy blockages that might be preventing pregnancy from occurring. Take it from personal experience — this tip really does work!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for Monday, April 28th is The Tet

Your Charm for Today

The Tet

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect is influenced by someone who finds you irresistible, yet they will say nothing of it.

General Description:
The Tet, or Tat, amulet was most popular with the ancient Egyptians, among whom the power of charms was believed to be irresistible. They were worn to protect the human body, living and dead alike from evil influences, and from attacks of invisible and visible enemies. The Setting up of the Tet (the reconstruction of the body of Osiris the god of vegetation and everlasting life) was a religious ceremony, celebrated annually at Abydos, in Upper Egypt, and in the Delta at Busiris. Worn as a talisman for protection from evil also for strength and stability.

Your Animal Spirit for Monday, April 28th is the Owl

Your Animal Spirit for Today
April 28, 2014 

Owl

Many cultures associate Owl with death, while others see Owl as the “night eagle”—the bird that embodies shamanism. Owl has exceptional hearing, and his medicine is one of clairaudience—the ability to hear spirit. If Owl has silently glided into your life today, he is asking you to face your own fears, and listen to the messages spirit is sending you.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 28th is The Cat

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Cat

The Cat represents the need for stealth and the freedom to act without restrictions. Acting stealthily in no way implies the need for underhanded behavior. Instead the suggestion here is to move quietly towards your goals and reach out for them when they are within range. It also denotes a need to free yourself from restrictions imposed by others.

As a daily card, The Cat suggests that the opportunity to attain your goals is very strong at the moment. However, you need to keep your intentions to yourself and shed whatever limitations have been put on you by others.