Faerie Animal Allies

Faerie Animal Allies are encountered on Vision Quests, in mundane life, and in dreams. When they appear, they can be powerful messengers from the Realm of the Faerie Folk. It is important to be able to acknowledge their presence and decipher the message they have for us. Here are a few attributes for some Faerie Animal Allies that you may encounter. The Faerie Celtic names for these animals are in parenthesis.

Adder, or Snake (Nadredd): wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. If you see a snake while Faerie Vision Questing, be prepared for the power of Transformation to enter your life. The snake represents the life-death-birth cycle.

Badger (Breach): tenacity and courage. The Badger will teach you perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. The badger is a powerful protector of both material possessions and ideals held close to the heart.

Bat: The bat is a messenger of the Shadow Worlds. The bat may portend a message from the Under World, or your sub-conscious.

Bear (Arth): strength and stamina.

Bee (Beach): The bee is industriousness, hard working, and very family/clan oriented.

Blackbird (Lon Dubh): The blackbird imparts mystical secrets. All Faerie birds are messengers from the divinities.

Boar (Bacrie): The boar is sacred to the Goddess. It is both cunning and ferocious.

Bull (Tarbh): strength and potency. The bull is the symbol of mobile power.

Butterfly: If a butterfly is seen while Vision Questing, no negative energy will be in the immediate energy.

Cat (Caoit): The cat is a strong protector in confrontational situations. As a prowling animal, the cat is also a strong guardian of inner powers.

Cock: The power of the voice to chase away the nights phantoms. i.e. the calling at dawn.

Cow (Bo): Sacred to the Goddess Brigit, the cow symbolizes contentness, nurturing and providing for daily needs.

Crane: Associated with both the Cailleach and Manannan Mac Lir, the crane was a bird of the Moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries. The crane also represents the logical mind, as well as patience while healing occurs.

Crow (Badb): Associated with Macha, Babd, and the Morrigan, the crow is a symbol of conflict, war, and death. Its skill is wisdom combined with trickery. It is also the protector of sacred records. All Faerie birds are messengers from the divinities.

Deer (Abhach) or Stag (Sailetheach): The White Stag is a messenger and guide from the Other Worlds. Following the animal often leads to a Quest through the Other Worlds. The deer represents grace, swiftness, and gentleness.

Dog (Abach, Mada) or Hound (Cu): Under World hounds are white with red ears. They chase and punish the guilty. They represent tracking skills, and companionship, as well as a protective companion.

Dolphin: Associated with Sea Deities like Mannan Mac Lir, the represent harmony, balance, and travelling from rough to smooth waters.

Dragon (Piastras, Horm): wealth, the raw powers of nature, the treasures of the sub-conscious mind.

Eagle (Iolair): wisdom and long-life. The eagle represents keen sight, knowledge of magick, and swiftness. The eagle is a strong ally when traveling into new territory. All Faerie birds are messengers from the divinities.

Eel (As-chu): adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defense. A good protector when defense is needed.

Fox (Mada Rua): cunning, slyness, perceptive. The fox makes fools out of those who chase it.

Frog: shamanism, magick, nasty illusion with something wonderful hidden within

Hare or Rabbit (Coinin): Sacred to Adraste, the hare is a symbol of virility, divination, and swiftness.

Hawk (Aracos): Connected to the willow, the hawk is a messenger between this world and the Other Worlds. It is of greater skill and strength than other birds and thus symbolizes clear sightedness and far memory. It teaches us how to receive and interpret inner and outer signals. All Faerie birds are messengers from the divinities.

Heron: Same as the crane: Associated with both the Cailleach and Manannan Mac Lir, the heron was a bird of the Moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries. The heron also represents the logical mind, as well as patience while healing occurs. Through the heron, one finds magick in nature.

Horse (Cab-all, Capall): stamina, endurance, and faithfulness. Sacred to Epona and Rhiannon, the horse was a faithful guide to the Other Worlds.

Magpie: omens and prophecies. All Faerie birds are messengers from the divinities.

Mouse (Luch): secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide. If you see a mouse in a Vision Quest, pay attention to the surrounding details.

Otter (Balgair): enjoying life, recovering from a crisis, faithfulness, friendliness, being helpful to others. The otter can provide valuable assistance in the Other World.

Owl (Cailleach): Associated with the Crone, the owl is a guide to and through the Under World. It has keen sight at night and is a flawless hunter. The owl teaches us to silently observe life and gather Information in order to gain understanding.

Pig (Muc): spiritual food for the shaman. The pig was the magickal, sacred food of the Tuadha De Dannan.

Raven (Bran): Associated with the Morrigu, it represents the battle cry of an upcoming life crisis. It is a powerful protector if one can gain its favor. All Faerie birds are messengers from the divinities.

Salmon (Brionnfhionn): Very wise and magickal creatures in Faerie Celtic Lore. The salmon helps you to get in touch with ancestral and archetypal wisdom. They represent wisdom, and the acquirement of knowledge.

Sow (Airc): Associated with the Goddess, the sow is a beast of death and rebirth, as well as fertility.

Swan (Eala): Swans help with the Interpretation of dream symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.

Wren (Dryw, Dreoilin): Sacred to the Druids, the wren's musical notes were used for divination. It is a messenger of the deities. It also represents the power of strengthening and cleansing.

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Shamanism Archaic Techniques Of Ecstasy

Book: Shamanism Archaic Techniques Of Ecstasy by Mircea Eliade

First published in 1951, Shamanism soon became the standard work in the study of this mysterious and fascinating phenomenon. Writing as the founder of the modern study of the history of religion, Romanian emigre--scholar Mircea Eliade (1907-1986) surveys the practice of Shamanism over two and a half millennia of human history, moving from the Shamanic traditions of Siberia and Central Asia--where Shamanism was first observed--to North and South America, Indonesia, Tibet, China, and beyond. In this authoritative survey, Eliade illuminates the magico-religious life of societies that give primacy of place to the figure of the Shaman--at once magician and medicine man, healer and miracle-doer, priest, mystic, and poet. Synthesizing the approaches of psychology, sociology, and ethnology, Shamanism will remain for years to come the reference book of choice for those intrigued by this practice.

This book is the ultimate book for understanding the beliefs and practices of Shamanism, written by one of the world's foremost experts on religion and sociology. I cannot stress to you enough how thoroughly Eliade manages to cover the subject. A good portion of the book focuses on the Shamanic traditions of Siberia and Central Asia, the heartlands of Shamanism. Amongst the Mongols, Yakut, Chuckchi, Saami (Lapps) and other people of that region Shamanism was first observed, and is stil practiced today in many regions. Eliade goes into great depth about the beliefs and symbolism, about the clothing and ornamentation, about the meaning of ritual tools and amulets and much more. Everything from the axis mundi to ecstasy and trance states to helper spirits to Shamanic ideas of death and illness is covered in superb detail. But Eliade goes far beyond a simple survey of Shamanic beliefs and practices, almost literally taking you into the world of the Shaman. After reading this book, you will understand the Shamanic mindset and world view far more than you ever thought. And, as I said, Eliade goes far beyond the traditional forms of Shamanism in Siberia and Central Asia. In this encyclopedic work, Eliade explores the Shamanic traditions of the Americas (North and South), Australia, Indonesia, Oceania, Tibet, China and beyond. Even the Shamanic traditions of the ancient Indo-Euorpeans, such as the Greek myth of Orpheus, Persian views of the after world and the Germanic God Odin, are given treatment. This book is very lengthy, well written, extensivily bibliographed and filled with detailed accounts and accurate information on virtually all facets of Shamanism. I cannot recommend this book enough. Even after all these years, "Shamanism" remains perhaps the definitive book on Shamanic beliefs and thought. To truely understand Shamanism and its role in Siberia/Central Asia, you must read this book.

Buy Mircea Eliade's book: Shamanism Archaic Techniques Of Ecstasy

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Ritual To Find Your Spirit Guide

Items Needed:

Altar Candle, Day Candle (Monday-white, Tuesday-red, Wednesday-purple, Thursday-blue, Friday-green, Saturday-black, Sunday-yellow) , Offertory Candles - 3 Violet Candles, 3 White Candles

Tools

Athame to inscribe candles
Crystal ball or clear glass of water

Incense

anise, cardamom, and coriander.

Oil

jasmine, lemon, rose and sandalwood

Timing

Best done during the Mercury hour of the day, although any hour should work. Any moon phase is appropriate.

Preparation

Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you. While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your Spirit Guide when you make contact.

Ritual

Enter the circle in the Hour of Mercury. Light the incense. With the oil, dress the Altar Candle and the Day candle while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light your Altar Candle and Day Candle and state your intent:

I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide, and to acknowledge him or her.

With your Athame, inscribe Violet Candle #1 with the word "Spirit." Dress it with oil. Light the Violet Candle #1, direct your energies into it and say:

Here do I light the first Lamp of Spirit. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit into which we will eventually enter.

Take your censer or incense wand and swing it around, sensing the whole area around the altar while rhythmically repeating the word "Merge" and building up energy to focus. Replace the censer and pick up Violet Candle #2.

Inscribe it with the word "Spirit" and dress it with oil. Put it back on the altar, light it and say:

Here do I light the second Lamp of Spirit. May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next? May it make contact with that World of Spirit and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds.

Again take the censer or incense wand and sense the entire area around while chanting the word "Merge." Build up your energy to focus. Take Violet Candle #3, inscribe it with the word "Spirit," dress it with oil, charge with your energy, light it and say:

Here do I light the third Lamp of Spirit. May the light from these three lamps blend and grow, dispelling all darkness and lighting the way that my Spirit Guide may come to me and speak with me here today.

Inscribe the three white candles with the word "Truth" and anoint each candle with oil. Light the three candles in the order of 1, 2, 3, and say:

Here do I build Truth.

As these candles burn throughout this ritual, Their Power generating nothing but truth in all that transpires between this world and the next. Through these candles there is truth in all Communications that come to me. Again cense the altar area while chanting "Merge." Replace the censer and continue chanting. Sit comfortably while chanting, and gaze into the crystal ball, or the clear glass of water. Continue chanting until you feel it is right to let the chant taper off. Continue to quietly look into the crystal ball or glass,
not trying to picture anything. Keep your mind blank, so whatever comes will appear and will come in it's own free will. Gaze into the center of the crystal, there is no need to try not to blink. Look into the crystal and blink naturally. Try not to notice anything in your peripheral vision, just the center of the crystal. Eventually a face or figure will appear. This may take a long time, or it may appear almost immediately. If it doesn't come at all within approximately 20 minutes, abandon this attempt, extinguish the
candles in the order in which they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try this ritual again in three days.

You should have results within a month at most. When a figure does appear, ask if he/she is your Spirit Guide. You will hear an answer, you may not hear it out loud, or even see the figures lips move, but you will be aware of the answer. This is how most conversations will proceed. You will ask your questions mentally (or out loud) and the answer will be clear inside your mind. Ask if you have more than one Spirit Guide. If yes, ask them to appear also. You may ask anything you wish to know, but it is better to establish a
connection first where your Spirit Guide may appear to you at any time, or at specific times, so that you can converse with any other spirits through him/her. When you have finished speaking with your guide, thank him/her, then sit for a moment with your eyes closed, meditating on all that you have learned. Extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the circle.

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Handcrafted Ritual Tools

Book: Handcrafted Ritual Tools by Pangaia

Like the magic baubles from childhood stories, each of us has a stone, a tool, a box, a work of art that we hold sacred. Its power addresses us daily and in doing so, connects us closer to our awareness and knowledge of self. Most of us have purchased an item at some time or another. At stores and in street fairs, from online auctions and at gatherings we are drawn to the beautiful, the functional, the piece that says, "this is exactly what you are looking for."

Who makes these special magical tools, and why? Is it only for financial gain or does something else drive them? Melbourne, Australia is a city full of glorious handcrafted magical items and here I began to seek out and talk with a group of artists who, using their own
skill, toil and craftsmanship, produce magical tools cherished the world over.

Buy Pangaia's book: Handcrafted Ritual Tools

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Whither Werewolf

"Even a man who's pure of heart
and says his prayers by night
May become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms
and the Autumn Moon is bright." - Curt Siodmak

Modern film makers and writers have done much to make the werewolf a pitiable creature. A man trapped by his own baser desires, unable to control the change or the urges that come upon him when the Moon shows Her full form each month. But deep in our hazy past there was a time when the 'werwulf,' (spirit-wolf or man-wolf) was honored among our ancestors. The Wolf and those able to take her shape were worshipped as Goddesses and heroes.

Belief in shapeshifters was found throughout the range of the wolf's former habitats: from Europe and Asia as far east as India and China and throughout North America. What ties the legend if the werewolf together in all of these places is the fact that the wolf was the largest predator indigenous to those regions. The violence and aggression of were-beasts make this seem on the surface to be a hunting and warfare legend. True, it is this, but also much more.

Prehistoric peoples learned the ways of the hunt from the animals around them, and they learned the concept of time from watching the phases of the Moon. The Moon phases also concurred with the female menstrual cycles and so hunting, sex and time became totally enmeshed. The Full Moon was also the time in which the women of the tribe bled, in effect, canceling all sexual activity. The men's minds turned to the Hunt, knowing that sexual activity would resume after they had brought enough meat home to supplement the diet of grains and berries the women provided.

It is this circular reasoning that created the association of a female deity concerned with hunting, and in many cultures She was a Wolf. Apollo Lycaeus (Wolfish Apollo) was mated to Artemis as the "divine Wolf-bitch." The Sabine Goddess Feronia was "Mother of Wolves." Perhaps the most well-known of all was Diana, Mistress of the Hunt. Gaulish Diana under her totemic name Lupa, "She Wolf," was Mother of wild animals. Young men learned magic and shapeshifting from Her and She guided and protected them (provided, of course, that they never set foot inside a Christian Church.) Her follower's shapeshifting ability followed the Moon phases and the Moon was another form of the Goddess.

Shapeshifting abilities usually lay within the realm of one person in the tribe, the shaman. It was reasoned that at the moment of death, the animals that the hunters killed and/or emulated took themselves to the spiritual "other-world." For the shamans to 'speak' to these animals, so that they could intervene on behalf of the humans, the shamans themselves must lose their own bodies and take on the aspects of the animals. And so the first shapeshifters were born.

Down through the years the werewolf was known in almost every culture. The title of the shaman who held high position in the life of the Slavs was 'volkhvi.' Variants are the German Volk, 'people' and the Russian Vrach, 'physician.' This indicates that the werewolves were people, shamanic healers in wolf masks.

It wasn't until Christianity came on the scene that the werewolf became the demonic creature that he is today. Christ was known as the Lamb of God and the enemy of the lamb is of course the wolf. The shift toward the imagery of the Lamb of Christ led in natural sequence to the wolf as satanic. The werewolf whose first meaning in biblical Translations meant 'outlaw,' devolved from that into 'ravening wolf,' as in Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Werewolves were captured and tortured by the Inquisition alongside accused Witches.

And so the werewolf descended throughout the centuries; from deity to demi-god, from shaman to satanic. The noble wolf, whose only crime was to howl at the Moon and teach awkward humans to hunt was demonized by those who would rather be led by a lamb than a true king or queen of beasts.

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The Life Power

Book: The Life Power by Paul Foster Case

These pages contain the substance of my talks at the Hotel Astor during December, 1922, in a form which is better suited for study and reference. What is here given in a few pages might easily be expanded into a good-sized book, hence it must be studied and pondered upon, not merely skimmed through.

The purpose of our work is the Unfoldment of a higher consciousness, in order that we may obtain a better Understanding of cosmic law expressed through human personality. When this higher Consciousness and better understanding take form in action, we shall develop more skill in applying our knowledge of cosmic law to the solution of every-day problems.

To succeed in this understanding we must learn how to control and direct a force which, although it is occult, is really "hidden in plain sight," inasmuch as everything in our environment is a manifestation of it. The first step toward gaining the knowledge which shall enable us to control and direct this power is to learn that although many names have been given to it, all these names are attempts to describe a single reality.

Download Paul Foster Case's eBook: The Life Power

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The 12 Steps And Shamanism

Recently a local character in Alcoholics Anonymous here in the Worcester MA. area died. His name was "John the Indian" (he identified himself this way) and he was well known as an AA speaker all over the world, although he lived near central Massechu-setts. John had about thirty years of sobriety and was a great power of example to many people including Betty Ford who told him she had listened to tapes of his talks while she was in detox.

John's story intrigued many people. An Indian who had been orphaned on the reserva-tion when Tuberculosis wiped out his family, he had ended up on skid row after serving in the Canadian army during World War II as a dishwasher. He came to AA in his mid-twenties, an illiterate wine. (my note - this is NOT to imply that most alcoholics are on skid row. In fact most of them are people with nice families, a place to live, a car or even two, a job, etc. etc. etc. Less than 2% of the alcoholics in this country are on skid row). He ended up owning his own construction business after learning to read (from an elderly woman in AA who was a school teacher) and marrying a lady in AA with whom he raised a lovely family.

Because John had inspired me and so affected my life with his gift of simplicity, I was inspired to do a shamanic-style rite in his memory. I had always felt sorry for John because, in the process of his recovery, he seemed to have lost touch with the beauty of this heritage. Then it hit me; John WAS a shaman and anyone who truly worked a 12-step program was one too.

In BIRTH OF A MODERN SHAMAN by Cynthia Bend and Tayja Wiger (Llewelyn Publication box 64383, St. Paul MN. 1988) it states " A shaman is hard to define. There are no two alike..... what happens, a shaman goes through a catastrophe or a string of catastrophes that enhance certain abilities within him ( or her! )

.....Most often the Shaman has to go through a severe trauma, a severe illness or a severe psychosis and recover from it before he learns the recovery process that he can use."

The authors are quoting Tsonkawa, Tayja's teacher on the Shamanic path. (A Native American Medicine person)

Many other authors on Shamanism; Sunbear, Lynn Andrews, Amber Wolfe and Michael Harner, to name a few: echo this truth. A shaman is a person who goes through great suffering, usually in the form of a mental or physical illness, and then goes on to heal himself or herself. They are then able to use that same process to heal others.

This is what happens in a twelve-step fellowship. Through the process of healing oursel-ves, we come to the point where we can help others by "carrying the message" after having had a "spiritual awakening" as the result of taking the first eleven steps.
Here are some books that can help any Pagan, Shaman, Druid, Witch, Practitioner of Feminist Spirituality, or other Magickal folk as they walk the steps in the process of recovering, while retaining their own unique Spiritual Path.

TRUTH OR DARE by Starhawk (San Francisco, Harper and Row, 1987) This contains many references to the 12-step programs, especially Alcoholics Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics, in a work on Wicca by a well-known priestess of the Craft who is also a Psychotherapist.

CRYSTAL CLEAR by Connie Church (Bew York, Willard books 1987) It contains a good section on how to use quartz crystals to help in relieving yourself of bad habits, compul-sions, and obsessions, specifically for use with the various twelve-step programs. (note - amethyst is traditionally said to help in all these areas)

BIRTH OF A MODERN SHAMAN, mentioned above, tells the story of a blind Native American woman who was a survivor of Child abuse and had been Psychotic as well as Alcoholic. This is the story of her complete recovery, including her eyesight, (document-ed by doctors) and the discovery of her Psychic gifts with her Native roots. Her healing occurred through a process that began for her in Alcoholics Anonymous.

THE TWELVE STEPS FOR EVERYONE published by Compcare (Minneapolis MN.) This is a non-sexist book on the steps by a grateful recovering member of Emotional Health Anonymous written in non-sexist language. The author draws heavily on the Eastern traditions of spirituality as well as the traditional Western monotheistic ones.

EVERYDAY A NEW BEGINNING Published by Hazelden corp. (Also in Minneapolis, MN. I believe) This is a daily meditation guide BY women in Anonymous fellowships and FOR women in these same self-help groups. Unlike the TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY book (published by the same company and widely used in AA) it doesn't use quotes from the Bible. Instead it uses quotes from various women authors. Many men also claim to have benefited from it due to its non-religious approach.

PAGANS IN RECOVERY a networking newsletter for Magickal folk, Shamans, Druids, Feminist Priestesses, Witches, Pagans, Pantheists, etc. who are in recovery via a 12-step fellowship of any type. It has contacts, reviews, articles, recovery techniques and more. It is a great source of support and inspiration to any Pagan in any of the Anony-mous support groups. It is $8.00 a year and the address is P.I.R. c/o Bekki 6500 S.R. 356 New Marshfield, OHIO 45766 ADDITION TO READING LIST

REFLECTIONS IN THE LIGHT by Shakti Gawain, published by New World Library, San Rafael, California 1978. While not ONLY for the 12-step programs this book does go into the problems of addictions in light of the New-Age, Psychic Awareness as well as many other subjects. It provides a inspirational message and/or a creative visualization exercise with a non-sectarian affirmation for each day. The book is neither sexist nor sectarian and is truly a beautiful aid to anyone seeking to work the program of recovery. It is also a great way to share what you are doing with friends who share your spirituality but not your program, as it makes no direct references to the 12-step groups at all. It is very useful to those of us who prefer a daily meditation to the "prayer" people in the monotheistic Churches and Synagogues tend to use in their application of the program to their lives.

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Power Animals Totem Animals And Spirit Animals

The use of a totem animal is not part of traditional Wiccan practice. However, as Wicca and other modern Pagan Practices evolve and blend together, many people who follow non-mainstream spiritual paths find themselves working with a mix of many different belief systems. Because of this, someone following a Native American or Indo-European shamanic path might find themselves working with totem animals. While totem animals or power animals have nothing to do with the Wiccan Religion, some people do incorporate them into non-Wiccan shamanic practices.

It should be pointed out that sometimes, the use of totem animals and other Native American practices is sometimes seen as cultural appropriation when it's done by non-Native American individuals. Some European shamanic systems do connect with animal spirits, but the use of the specific word "totem" implies a Native American connection. It has a very specific, anthropological meaning, and chances are that if you have made a spiritual connection with an animal entity, it does not qualify as a true "totem." Be cautious what you call your beliefs, because you may find yourself taking ownership of a heritage that's not actually yours to claim. If you're not Native American, but are practicing some other form of shamanism, you may want to consider using the term "power animal" or even "spirit animal" instead.

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. Our Guide to Healing, Phylameana lila Desy, has a great piece on different types of animal totems and what they mean: Animal Totems.

Unfortunately, as often is seen in the Pagan Community, many times the connection to a power animal is simply the result of wishful thinking. When someone tells you they have a spirit animal, they'll almost always tell you it's the bear, the eagle, or the wolf. Why? Because these are animals that exemplify the characteristics we'd really like to see in ourselves -- we want to be strong and formidable like Bear, independent and mysterious like Wolf, or all-seeing like Eagle. No one will every tell you their "totem animal" is the wombat, the hedgehog, or the three-toed sloth.

There are a number of books available that discuss the spiritual nature of animals. Nearly all will tell you to "choose" your spirit animal based upon which animals you want to see first at the zoo or which ones you just find really interesting. Generally, in true shamanic practice, one meets their power animal through meditation or a vision quest. Often, it's an animal you never expected to encounter. If you are fortunate enough to have this take place, do some research on the animal you've connected with, and find out why that particular creature has attached itself to you. Animals have different symbolism in different cultures and societies. Take the time to do some research, and you may end up learning something new about yourself.

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An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

Book: An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism by John Campbell Colquhoun

Modern doctrine of Animal Magnetism, which, indeed, was, until lately, entirely unknown. Facts are generally related and attested by various authors of reputation and credit ; and they have been laid before the reader of this work with as much accuracy as a diligent inquiry could insure. The various authorities for these facts have been adduced when possible ; so that the reader may have an opportunity of testing the accuracy and the value of the evidence upon which the different Narratives rest. With these prefatory Observations, the author submits his labours to the judgment of the inquisi- tive and candid reader. Some time after the preceding portion of this Preface was written, my ingenious and respected friend, Dr BRAID of Manchester, was kind enough to transmit to me a copy of his recently published " Observations on Trance, or Human Hyber na- tion;" in which some curious cases are narrated of individuals who permitted themselves to be buried alive.

Download John Campbell Colquhoun's eBook: An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

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Do You Know Your Animal Totems

Begin the process of discovering your animal totems by examining the animals you have been most interested in & the times of your life that interest was piqued. Use the following questions to help determine which animals are probably totems to you in your life.

1. Which animal or bird has always fascinated you? (We are drawn to That Which most resonates with us. Those animals which fascinate us have something to teach us.)
2. When you visit the zoo, which animal do you wish to visit the most or first? (esp. children)
3. What animal(s) do you see most Frequently when you are out in nature? Have you had encounters with animals in the wild? (The animals we encounter, in their city environments or in the wild, have significance for us. We can learn from them, even if only about survival within that environment.)
4. Of all the animals in the world, which are you most interested in now? (Our interests in animals change. Yes, we usually have one or two that are lifetime, power animals, but others become prominent when there is something importance or specific to teach us.)
5. What animal most frightens you? (That which we fear the most is often something we must learn to come to terms with. When we do that, it then becomes a power. Some shamans believe that fears will take the shape of animals, and only when we confront them without fear do their powers/medicine work for us instead of against us. Such an animal become a shadow totem.)
6. Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal? (Historically, if a shaman survived an attack, it was believed that the animal was the shaman's spirit totem and the attack was the totem's way of testing the shaman's ability to handle the power.)
7. Do you have Dreams With animals in them or are there animal dreams you have never forgotten? (This is especially important if the dreams are recurring or if at least the animal image in the dream is a recurring one. Children often dream of animals, & attention should be given to these animals. They will often reflect specific spirit totems of the child.)

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Code Of Ethics For Spiritual Guides

People have long sought to enrich their lives and to awaken to their full natures through spiritual practices including prayer, meditation, mind-body disciplines, service, ritual, community liturgy, holy-day and seasonal observances, and rites of passage. "Primary religious practices" are those intended, or especially likely, to bring about exceptional states of consciousness such as the direct experience of divinity or of cosmic unity.

In any community, there are some who feel called to assist others along spiritual paths, and who are known as ministers, rabbis, pastors, curanderas, shamans, priests, or other titles. We call such people 'guides': those experienced in some practice, familiar with the terrain, and who act to facilitate the spiritual practices of others. A guide need not claim exclusive or definitive knowledge of the terrain.

Spiritual practices, and especially primary religious practices, carry risks. Therefore, when an individual chooses to practice with the assistance of a guide, both take on special responsibilities. The Council on Spiritual Practices proposes the following Code of Ethics for those who serve as spiritual guides.

1.[Intention] Spiritual guides are to practice and serve in ways that cultivate awareness, empathy, and wisdom.

2.[Serving Society] Spiritual practices are to be designed and conducted in ways that respect the common good, with due regard for public safety, health, and order. Because the increased awareness gained from spiritual practices can catalyze desire for personal and social change, guides shall use special care to help direct the energies of those they serve, as well as their own, in responsible ways that reflect a loving regard for all life.

3.[Serving Individuals] Spiritual guides shall respect and seek to preserve the autonomy and dignity of each person. Participation in any primary religious practice must be voluntary and based on prior disclosure and consent given individually by each participant while in an ordinary state of consciousness. Disclosure shall include, at a minimum, discussion of any elements of the practice that could reasonably be seen as presenting physical or psychological risks. In particular, participants must be warned that primary religious
experience can be difficult and dramatically transformative.

Guides shall make reasonable preparations to protect each participant's health and safety during spiritual practices and in the vulnerable periods that may follow. Limits on the behaviors of participants and facilitators are to be made clear and agreed upon in advance of any session. Appropriate customs of confidentiality are to be established and honored.

4.[Competence] Spiritual guides shall assist with only those practices for which they are qualified by personal experience and by training or education.

5.[Integrity] Spiritual guides shall strive to be aware of how their own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations affect their work. During primary religious practices, participants may be especially vulnerable to suggestion, manipulation, and exploitation; therefore, guides pledge to protect participants and not to allow anyone to use that vulnerability in ways that harm participants or others.

6.[Quiet Presence] To help safeguard against the harmful consequences of personal and organizational ambition, spiritual communities are usually better allowed to grow through attraction rather than active promotion.

7.[Not for Profit] Spiritual practices are to be conducted in the spirit of service. Spiritual guides shall strive to accommodate participants without regard to their ability to pay or make donations.

8.[Tolerance] Spiritual guides shall practice openness and respect towards people whose beliefs are in apparent contradiction to their own.

9.[Peer Review] Each guide shall seek the counsel of other guides to help ensure the wholesomeness of his or her practices and shall offer counsel when there is need.

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The Way Of The Shaman

Book: The Way Of The Shaman by Michael Harner

'The Way of the Shaman' is a profound look into shamanism. The author knows his subject both as a researcher and from within the magical world of the true shaman. He does not merely explain, he opens doors into mystical places, and gives many practical avenues the reader can use to enter the shamanic world. He empowers the reader, as only one who truly understands the mystical world can, to discover the power within oneself. This is both a primer for those who are curious, and a veritable Encyclopedia for those who have some Understanding of nonordinary realities, of how to access power through those explorations, and apply that power to benefit both oneself, and others. Although there are specific exercises and methods in this book, the fact that they don't rigidly conform to any one tradition is what makes it great. It is rather like the approach of Chaos Magick, which doesn't rely on precise traditional incantations, sigils, etc, to perform magick. Instead, the idea is that this power is latent within us, and is basically archetypal within the framework of the psyche.

In cultures with Shamanism, every once in a while a shaman is born; they are discovered to be "special" (in a way specific to that culture) and/or predisposed to this sort of thing. Even though the modern Western world doesn't have any significant "place" for these sorts of individuals, they are still are born into our society. I like to call them (us) the weirdoes. These are latent shamans or mystics. Books like Harner's just might be a key to helping us "weirdoes" find our "place".

If you have any curiosity about shamanism, this book will answer your questions. If you have some Experience in shamanic explorations, this book will help to deepen your understanding, and guide further exploration. If you are a Shaman, give this book to people! It will save you a lot of explaining! Castaneda recommends it, and so will anyone who is familiar with the worlds to be explored through Shamanic work. I highly recommend it! Go for it! Working on developing your own shamanic ability? This book is indispensible! Definitely a must-have! Don't miss it!

Buy Michael Harner's book: The Way Of The Shaman

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Big Dreams

Dreams from a Shamanistic point of view are of two types, 'ordinary' and 'non-ordinary' or 'Big Dreams'.

Big Dreams are ones that occur several times, or ones that are so vivid that they almost seem real. Big Dreams are considered to be communication from your Guardian. These are not symbolic, but are literal.

Should you have a Big Dream that has negative connotations, e.g. an automobile accident, you should immediately enact the dream once you are awake. The dream is not symbolic, but your enacting of it is. Just go Through the notions of the incident in a simple way and get it over with.

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Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas

Book: Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas by Alberto Villoldo

Anthropologist Villoldo has studied shamanic healing techniques with the descendants of the Incas for more than 25 years. Perhaps more than any westerner, he has mastered the ancient art of "seeing," which gives more direct insight into the true causes of disease than can be revealed through all the technological advances of Western medicine. He has written ten previous books chronicling his adventures on the path to becoming a master shaman, and teaches energy medicine to thousands every year. Now he reveals the concept of working with the "luminous energy field" that surrounds our physical bodies in a practical, easy-to-Understand format. Although shamanism is often shrouded in riddle and mystery, Villoldo has managed to present the Basic Principles in a step-by-step program, beginning with a series of simple exercises to cleanse and activate the chakras, the key entry points of the luminous body. By interweaving Stories From his personal journey, he makes energy work accessible to a broad audience, and paves the way to its acceptance by the medical community.

This book has completely changed my life, as well as the lives of the many people I have touched, since reading Shaman, Healer Sage in late 2003. After finding myself (totally unexpectedly) on the path of shamanism, I found and read this book. I will admit, I did have many reservations on much of the books teachings. Frankly, it just didn't seem possible that such a profound level of healing, could be so simple. I mean, if it was this easy, why hadn't I heard of it before, or come across someone who was a shaman and could do these wondrous things. At 50 years old, I really didn't know what a shaman was, short of the 1992 Sean Connery movie "Medicine Man", in which the diminutive shaman (who Connery had made very angry) scared the hell out of me. Not a good start for me.

Anyway, I had just spent several months, looking for someone to teach me about shamanism. After reading his book, I decided that the good Dr. was probably a very good place to start. I read two more of his books, just because I'm an eternal skeptic, then I reread Shaman, Healer Sage again. Did I mention that I'm a skeptic???

I began formal study with Dr. Villoldo and his staff of shaman instructors in July of 2004. The work of the south was true to the teachings of the book, and I saw (and experienced) healing work that I still find unbelievable. The teachings are just as simple and eloquent as the book that led me to these classes. I found the same to be true about the next two classes. The gifts of healing I have learned so far, have allowed me to heal people of both physical and psychological ailments. In some cases, these people have been treated for, and suffered from these illnesses, for several years. I do not take credit for this work. If you have read the book, you will know why.

I am leaving for two more weeks of study in March of 2005. I read Shaman, Healer Sage before I leave for every class. I noticed that many of my fellow students who took the class on the teachings of the west, seemed to have their copy of the book with them. I believe that not only does the book serve as a helpful reference to what we are learning, but it also serves as an inspiration to those of us who have dedicated our lives to this calling.

Before I close this, I would like to say that I do not intend what I write in this review, to make anyone think this road is an easy one to follow. Much to the contrary. To learn, and apply Dr. Villoldo's teachings take total commitment, and intentions that must be pure. It isn't something you do on a whim, as your entire life will never be the same, and you won't either. This is a serious way of life, that is sometimes a heavy weight to carry. I will say that to be able to do something about someone's suffering, instead of standing by and watching them suffer, is a gift that goes beyond any gift I could ever imagine. I can think of nothing more wonderful to do for someone, than to remove their pain.

If you are going to read one book on shamanism, read Shaman, Healer Sage. You will be glad you did. To Dr. Villoldo, who has taught me so much, as well as all of the teachers who taught him, and the people who are instructors in his classes, I (and the people I have healed) thank you.

Buy Alberto Villoldo's book: Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas

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Faerie Quest To Regain Balance

-Close your eyes and begin breathing in a slow and steady manner. Use whatever methods you need to achieve your Shamanic state of consciousness.

-You materialize in a small clearing with a well in the center of it. Stand for a few minutes and gaze at your surroundings and become familiar with them. Approach the well.

-Allow all of your cares, worries, and stressors to materialize as small pebbles in the palm of your hand. Drop them into the well, and watch them disappear into the darkness. When you hear the sound of them hitting the waters, turn and walk away.

-You walk down a path into the woods. Small woodland creatures and faeries play and frolic in the greenery. Perhaps your Faerie Guides and Animal Helpers approach you and join you on this quest. You enter a small clearing and sit on the earth.

-You see four great trees before you. Each tree has a different symbol glowing in its bark. The first has a red spear, the second a blue cauldron, the third a yellow sword, and the fourth a green stone. Look at the images. Get up and go over to touch them if you wish. Are any of them dimmer or brighter than the others. How does each make you feel? Are you drawn or repelled by any specific symbols. Knowing the basis behind the symbols, intuitively analyze them. Do any of them need to be brightened? Send your power into them and make them burn stronger. Do any need to be dimmed? Transfer some of its power into the healing earth. Use all of your Faerie Shaman skills to achieve a sense of balance in these symbols. Remain here for a while.

-When you are done, return back down the path. Tell your Spirit Friends good-bye and return to the clearing by the well. Look up into the sky. The sun is setting to the west and the moon is rising to the east. A glowing light surrounds you as you return to your body.

-Record your Observations and thoughts in your diary.

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Shamanic Fellowship Theology

As our Fellowship is inherently Religious, we must declare a The(a)ology. (The strange spelling refers to the fact that we acknowledge a Goddess as well as a God) This is summed up very easily. There are three main powers we Worship, Usen' the Life Giver, The Earth Mother, and The Sky Father. The latter Two are Emanations of the First, as all, including the God and the Goddess, are emanations from Usen', which is the primeval First Cause.

Usen': One cannot look upon The Life Giver as either Male or Female, for The Life Giver is beyond those distinctions. Usen', and The Life Giver, are names for this First Cause, this Force that pervades all and caused all to come into being. From Usen', the God, Sky Father, and the Goddess, Earth Mother, emanate, as the lesser Deities emanate from Them.

The Earth Mother: We live and walk and are sustained from The Earth Mother, which is our Earth. She is alive, and we all exist within Her as part of Her structure. Science, through the Gaea Hypothesis, has finally acknowledged Her existence, and some even have learnt the lesson that our duty in this life is to care for and honor Her. This is a lesson that all must learn, for as long as we despoil Her, we risk Her wrath. She is expressed through the faces of White Painted Woman, Who is The Woman Warrior, through Corn Mother, Who is The Nourishing Mother, and through Spider Woman, Who is The Wise Woman, The Ancient One, The Custodian of Wisdom. Women are acknowledged as being human representatives of The Earth Mother.

The Sky Father: Just as among we Humans, there is both Man and Woman, so there is no Earth Mother without Sky Father. Sky Father is the air we breathe, the flame that gives us warmth and cooks our food, and brings forth the rain that fertilizes Our Mother and allows Her to provide us with the crops and animals that sustain us. Sky Father is also express-ed as The Hunter, The Warrior, and First Shaman, and is also expressed in Killer Of Enemies and The Child Of Water. He is also present and acknowledged as being present in every Man.

There are other spirits that exist in the Universe, some beneficent, some maleficient. But most important is Usen', Earth Mother, and Sky Father. By walking in harmony with the God(esse)s, one can tell the Good from the Evil, welcoming in Good, and protecting each other from Evil.

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Power Animal Fox

FOX's Medicine includes cleverness, camouflage.

"FOX, SHARE WITH ME YOUR WISDOM,
TO SEE THE UNSEEN,
AND UNSEEN, SEE."

Fox reminds all people to stay in touch with their Feminine side. Fox people often have an affinity for faeries, elves, gnomes and other Magickal creatures of the faerie kingdom.

Fox has a keen sense of small, so you may notice odors more then most people or have a stronger sense of taste that allows you to pick up subtle flavors in foods.

A master of camouflage, Fox can blend in to any background. A Fox person can enter a room and meld into the surroundings, going unnoticed for a long while. This "invisibility" allows Fox to silently observe his surroundings and use his conclusions to his advantage.

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Badger Guardian Of The South

Zuni name: Black Mark face

Wide, bulky, compact body, spread out along the ground, legs and tail barely suggested. Narrow, blunt face, prominent nose. (Describing the fetish itself)

AS TALISMAN:

This fetish helps you focus your attention and deepen your passion. It is an antidote to passivity and 'victimized' feelings. It helps you become more tenacious and grounded, for achieving any goal.

PERSONALITY TYPE:

If you are a Badger person, you are aggressive, highly goal oriented, able to concentrate on a single task or mission for long periods; and a good provider.

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Numbers Their Occult Power And Mystic Virtues

Book: Numbers Their Occult Power And Mystic Virtues by William Wynn Westcott

Pythagoras, one of the greatest Philosophers of ancient Europe, was the son of Mnesarchus,an engraver. He was born about the year 580 B.C.,either at Samos, an island in the Aegean Sea, or, as some say, at Sidon in Phoenicia. Very little is known of his early life, beyond the fact that he won prizes for feats of agility at the Olympic Games. Having attained manhood and feeling dissatisfied with the amount of knowledge to be gained at home, he left his native land and spent many years in travel, visiting in turn most of the great centers of Learning.

History narrates that his pilgrimage in search of wisdom extended to Egypt, Hindostan, Persia, Crete and Palestine, and that he gathered from each country fresh stores of information, and succeeded in becoming well acquainted with the Esoteric Wisdom as well as with the popular exoteric knowledge of each.

The school of Pythagoras has several peculiar Characteristics. Every new member was obliged to pass a period of five years of contemplation in perfect silence; the members held everything in common, and rejected animal food; they were believers in the doctrine of metempsychosis, and were inspired with an ardent and implicit faith in their founder and teacher.

No person was permitted to commit to writing any tenet, or Secret Doctrine, and, so far as is known, no pupil ever broke the rule until after his death and the dispersion of the school.

The most striking peculiarities of his doctrines are dependent on the mathematical conceptions, numerical ideas and impersonations upon which his philosophy was founded.

Download William Wynn Westcott's eBook: Numbers Their Occult Power And Mystic Virtues

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What Is The Role Of Personal Trauma Or Crisis For Shaman

A common Experience of the call to shamanism is a psychic or spiritual crisis, which often accompanies a physical or even a medical crisis, and is cured by the shaman him or herself. This is a common occurrence for all three types of shamanic candidates described above. The shaman is often marked by eccentric behavior such as periods of melancholy, solitude, visions, singing in his or her sleep, etc. The inability of the traditional remedies to cure the condition of the shamanic candidate and the eventual self cure by the new shaman is a significant episode in Development of the shaman. The underlying significant aspect of this experience, when it is present, is the ability of the shaman to manage and resolve periods of distress.

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