How to Find Out What Your Animal Spirit Is
In shamanic practice, spirit or power animals live close to our own spirits and act as guides and protectors throughout our lives. When we journey to seek out our spirit animals we are asking for the wisdom of those animals to enter our consciousness so we may learn from their teachings. Many people begin this spiritual practice by working with a shaman who helps guide their journeys, but individuals can begin this work on their own. Not everyone finds their animal spirit on the first attempt so do not be discouraged if this is the case for you.
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Instructions
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Find time when you will be undisturbed and your surroundings are as quiet as possible. You can begin your journey at any time of day as long as you can be completely focused on the work ahead. Your journey can take place in an outdoor environment or in your home. Turn off your cellphone so you won't be interrupted.
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Create a sacred space, whatever that means for you. Some people like to burn sage or incense to cleanse the spiritual space around them. Others will light a candle, say a prayer or call in the four directions to prepare the space.
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Set your intention. This is very important. Begin by taking a deep, cleansing breath and either write down or say aloud what your purpose is with this journey. Be clear and say that you are asking for guidance and assistance to find your spirit animal.
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Get comfortable and begin to focus on your intention. Many shamanic practitioners use a small drum or rattle to help draw the focus into the journey. Clear your mind of outside distractions and concentrate on conjuring a natural image. This can be of a woodland, ocean or riverfront. Your mind may naturally choose the image where your spirit animal dwells.
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Concentrate on the natural image that comes into your mind and keep your focus there. Use your senses to listen to the sounds of the scene, the rustling of leaves or the ocean waves. Smell the breeze. Envision yourself walking through the scene easily, feeling the ground beneath your feet.
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Look and listen for your spirit animal to come to you. Remember that your spirit animal may be as large as an elephant or as small as a mouse. Every animal has wisdom and should not be discarded based on size or a bias you may have. You may be surprised what animal presents itself to you.
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Greet your spirit animal when it reveals itself to you. Ask it specifically, "Are you my spirit animal?" Wait for a response and remember that it may not answer you verbally or in a language you understand. If this is truly your spirit animal, you will intuitively be aware of the correct answer.
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Thank your spirit animal for revealing itself to you and come out of your journey. Remember to thank the spirits for their guidance before you close your sacred space.
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- Photo Credit antelope image by hugy from Fotolia.com
