Article published in Pathways magazine

This is an article I wrote for Pathways magazine
SO let me know what you think I tried to keep it fairly simple and write it in a newspaper type style


The Beginner's Guide to Finding your Spirit Animal




The spirits can and will make their selves known to us. If we open our minds and
hearts and truly see what is around us we can learn much from the animal
kingdom.
Many pagan paths believe in animal helpers, totems,familiars, guides or
spirits.
From a simple worm to the fiercest wolverine, the smallest ant to the mightiest
blue
whale, information from many different paths is there to guide us.
For instance, some guides appear only briefly to impart information or
acknowledge a situation then leave soon after.
Shortly after moving to my new house in my home town I saw cicadas
everywhere! Not only the larvae or adults, but also a lot of larvae holes and
even shed
shells in the house. I was drawn to research cicadas by this. I learned that
they can
mean happiness from the past, a gift, or opportunity. Also renewed happiness
with
old ties. Very appropriate considering that our move and our new home has been
very
happy so far! While this is not a world changing experience; occurances such as
these can be an affirmation of our beliefs and ideas.
There are many ways to begin to open yourself to nature guides. Here are some
of the simpler but effective way i have found to acquaint myself with guides.
The simplest way is to actually GO Outside! Even in the 'dead" of winter life is
all
around us. You don't have to head for the hills. Parks , nature trails, and
lakes offer
us a serene place to enjoy nature.
A couple of places that have great energy are Horseshoe Lake in the metro-east
area and lone elk park outside of Fenton, MO.
At Horseshoe lake in January and February it is quit, peaceful, crisp, and cold.
Eagles
fish and roost there and their hunting cries carry in the frigid air. The last
time my
daughter and I were there a large blue heron fished from the shore while several
eagles soared overhead. Talk about clearing out the cobwebs!
Lone Elk is outside of Fenton, Mo. I have heard it described as a mini-vortex,
similar to Sedona and I can well believe it. We have spent hours walking around
the
various trails and lake side. During the week in the late afternoon is the
quietest time
to go. There are elk, deer, buffalo, birds of prey, wading birds and many
different
small mammals.
Another way to learn from animal guides is to begin researching the animal
associated with your various astrological signs. many suggest paying close
attention
to your moon and rising sign also. Consider also the Chinese, native American,
Celtic
and South American astrological signs. usually an animal associated with one of
these
will strike a strong chord within you.
Yet another way is guided meditations. There are some excellent classes offered
in the area. To gain the most from these classes enter them with an open heart
and
mind. leave you pre-conceptions about what animals are 'cool', 'dirty', 'ugly'
or 'pretty'
at the door. Those words have no value in the animal kingdom. Any information
you
receive hear with that open mind and heart I mentioned.
There are also many books and tapes on the subject that i have found to be
invaluable. If you cannot afford them petition your library to start carrying
them.
Discernment is important too in what we read. I consider myself an Eclectic
Pagan: I
can learn wisdom through many different sources. However be cautious in following
your
path. Just because someone is published doesn't mean they are the only source of
inspiration.
This is one of the last ways to seek an animal guide but it can be quite
enlightening if done properly.
There are readers who use animal tarot decks and layouts different than the
usual ones that are designed to help you in finding you path. The Medicine Card
Deck
is an excellent source for spiritual readings. The Animal-Wise Tarot deck can be
used
for many types of readings and is a beautiful deck just to look at too. The Wolf
Cards
are simplistic but very insightful.
Remember only you can truly decide how this information will benefit you. Any
of these methods can start you on your path to natural knowledge. What you do
with
it is up to you. Learn with an open mind and loving heart.

Books recommended:
-Animal Speak
-Animal Wise
both by Ted Andrews
-Spirit Animals
by Victoria Covell
-Animal Magick: The Art of Recognizing and
Working with Familiars
by D. J. Conway
Totems: The transformitive Power of
-Your personal Animal Totem
by Brad Steiger

Tarot Decks recommended:
Medicine Cards
by Jamie Sams
Animal Wise Tarot
by Ted Andrews
Celtic Totem Animals
by John Matthews
Druid Animal Oracles
by Carr-Gomm
Wolf Pack Cards
by US Games
Shamanic Oracles
by US Games
Australian Animal Tarot
by Ann Williams-Fitzgerald


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