The Deer

The Deer's keynote is that of Gentleness and innocence a gentle luring to new adventure. While its cycle of power is that of autumn and spring. The deer has always captured the imagination of humanity. It is one of the most successful families of mammals, native to every continent except Australia. They have been able to adapt to every sort of habitat. The white-tailed deer, the mule deer and the caribou are three that are prominent on the North American continent. The moose and the wapiti (Elk) are also part of the deer family, but they are described separately.

Each type of deer has its own special qualities and characteristics, while sharing some of the qualities of all deer in general. Caribou, for example, make long migrations twice a year, reflecting the need for those who have it as a totem to use that same pattern in their life. They begin running in fall and early winter, and these then are the power times. The mule deer is also a wanderer. It never follows the same path twice. This is part of its natural defense, making it less predictable to predators. Most of the Information in this section will focus on deer in general, and the white-tailed specifically.

The name "deer" has several variations on its origin. These may provide clues to past lives for those with this totem. The Anglo-Saxon word "deor" was a general word for animals and was often used just in the general sense. In the German language, it has its root in "tier", simply meaning wild animal also. It can also be traced to the Sanskrit "mriga", also meaning wild animal.

To many the deer is considered the most important animal ever hunted. The hunt of the deer is what transfers our civilization to the wilderness. There are many stories and myths of deer luring hunters or even kings deep into the woods until they are lost and begin to encounter new adventures. One such example is found in the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Gawain follows a white hart to many adventurous encounters. A reading of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur will also provide more examples.

The deer is also a central religious image for Buddhism. Buddha is often pictured with a deer, and legend tells how he first preached in a deer park. This image itself reasserts the meaning of the deer as representing innocence and a return to the wilderness.

The white-tailed deer is the most common in the United States. One of its most outstanding features is the set of antlers that the male develops. In other members of the deer family, i.e. reindeer and caribou, both the male and the females grow them. The antlers are solid bone, and they are shed every year. Antlers grow behind the eyes and are very protective.

Each year until the age of five, the antlers grow bigger and with more points. If you encounter a deer in the wild, try to make count of the number of points. This will tell you some of the significance the deer will have for you. Remember that numerology can help define the essence.

Antlers are symbols of antennae, connections to higher forms of attainment. Deer with antlers thus can be a signal to pay attention to your inner thoughts and perceptions, as they are probably more accurate than you think.

The antlers are shed every year, and each year they grow back larger and with more points, for five years. If a deer has entered your life, look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand for as much as the next five years. It can indicate that there will be opportunities to stimulate gentle new growth increasingly over the next few years.

One to two young are born. Fawns are born a color that protects and hides them. In the first few days, they hardly move, and the mother nurses them often. This is very significant for those with this totem. Many societies taught the importance of staying with the new-born for a prescribed period of time. No visitors, no family members other than the father were allowed to contact with the new-born. Even today in the Muslim religion, a mother who breast feeds for a prescribed time makes that child her own, whether or not it is her biological child. This kind of attention and separateness enables the child to link with the family more strongly and protects the new-born from subtle outside influences.

Our auras or energy fields are electromagnetic and exchanges of energy do occur With Other people and places. The kind of energy a child is exposed to can have strong effects. Until the child's energy is strong and firmly grounded, it should be protected from extraneous influences.

The deer leads us back to the primal wisdom of those old teachings. It reminds us to establish a strong healthy connection with the child before we expose it to many people and other strange energies. It is a reminder that there is a tradition that is natural and suitable for family units and for the health of the young. It is for the child's best interest.

After the first few days, the fawn can usually stand and follow its mother about. Doe fawns may stay with the mother for as much as a year. The buck or male will usually leave after a few months. The father takes no part in the rearing of the young; it is all the rule of the mother. Again this can be a reminder for us to move gently back to the traditional family unit and roles. It may indicate, if the deer has shown up in your life, that you have gotten too far away from the role that would be most beneficial to you at this time.

A deer's senses are very acute. Its vision is designed for clarity at a distance. It is especially effective at detecting contrasts and edges in dim light. Its hearing is equally acute. Anyone who has deer as a totem will find increasing ability to detect subtle movements and appearances. They will begin to hear what may not be said directly.

When deer shows up in your life it is time to be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Ask yourself important questions. Are you trying to force things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself? When deer shows up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.

CHANT

Woodland dreams of intuition come with the graceful deer.I greet you, graceful brothers of the forest. Your gift of magic will brighten my life. Transformation will come to me. Like you, I stand listening to the drum beat of life, Poised to follow my guiding spirits.

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Locust On Trial

The discussion so far has put me in mind of a terrific book I once read on European animal trials, which were conducted up until I think the 17th century. One example especially pertinent to the topic at hand: if a plague of caterpillars or locusts or whatever infested an area, the local legal community would put the swarm on trial. A locust would be captured and taken to the courthouse. It would become the "defendant" , and would in effect stand-in for the whole swarm. The trial would be conducted with all pomp and circumstance, with a lawyer appointed to represent the swarm and etc. There were a number of standard defensive strategies, and sometimes the swarm was even judged innocent if their lawyer was especially able. If judged guilty, however, the locusts were ordered to get out of town. If the infestation abated, the trial was given credit. If the infestation continued, this does not appear to have been seen as an argument against conducting animal trials in the future. I trust the resemblance to the raindance ceremony is fairly clear here.

The author of the book (I cannot recall the title or author; I remember that it was published in the early 1900s and the cover shows a reproduction of an old print, portraying the public execution of a pig by hanging) argues that such trials are an attempt by the human community to intervene in the natural order, to exert its will over the world. I think this is a pretty insightful comment.

"Exerting human will over the world" could serve as a definition of the goal of science. Bacon sometimes describes science as the human "conquest" of nature, and certainly many modern critiques of science (feminist, for example) have taken this to be the self-defined goal of scientific inquiry. I'm not arguing for the ultimate truth of this particular position, but on the other hand if you look at things along these lines than certain aspects of religious and scientific thought seem to be closely related, at least in their purpose. Bacon's studies of heat are supposed to yield a (Universal) process for making heat, the shaman leading a raindance is trying to make it rain, the animal trial is an attempt to bring the plague to an end etc.

Note that the various rituals used for bringing about these interventions don't have to work very well in each case for the ritual to be accepted within the community. The community may simply accept that human powers are limited in what they can accomplish. I believe that within Alchemical studies this was a common view; even if all the processes were carried out correctly, you might still not create gold from lead or whatever, and in fact usually would not. Note also that the ritual might have multiple functions within the community. The rain-dance both be used for bringing rain and bringing about group solidarity. These are not mutually exclusive. Again, I have read something similar with respect to alchemical procedures; that the alchemist "purifying" metals with his various tools is also going through a process of spiritual purification. And certainly the animal trial, even if it does not drive out the infestation, makes the community feel better. The community is "doing something" about its situation, even if its acts are ineffective.

I also like the animal trial example because it muddies the waters here in interesting ways. The conversation to date has concerned itself with comparing/contrasting religious/scientific thought. Yet here we see legal institutions using their procedures in a way that suggests a religious ritual. Conversations on the distinctions/similarities between legal and religious thought, and legal and scientific thought, would also be good to have.

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What Is Shamanic Ecstasy

From the Greek 'ekstasis', ecstasy literally means to be placed outside, or to be placed. This is a state of exaltation in which a person stands outside of or transcends his or herself. Ecstasy may range from the seizure of the body by a spirit or the seizure of a person by the divine, from the magical Transformation or flight of Consciousness to psychiatric remedies of distress.

Three types of Ecstasy are specified in the literature on the subject:

1. Shamanic Ecstasy
2. Prophetic Ecstasy
3. Mystical Ecstasy

Shamanic ecstasy is provoked by the ascension of the soul of the shaman into the heavens or its descent into the underworld. These states of ecstatic exaltation are usually achieved after great and strenuous training and initiation, often under distressing circumstances. The resulting contact by the shaman with the higher or lower regions and their inhabitants, and also with nature spirits enables him or her to accomplish such tasks as accompanying the soul of a deceased into its proper place in the next world, affect the well-being of the sick and to convey the story of their inner travels upon their return to the mundane awareness.

The utterances of the shaman are in contrast with those of prophetic and mystical ecstasy. The prophet literally speaks for God, while the mystic reports an overwhelming divine presence. In mysticism, the direct knowledge or experience of the divine ultimate reality, which is perceptible in two ways, emotional and intuitive. While these three varieties of ecstatic experience are useful for the purposes of analysis and discussion, it is not unusual for more than one form of ecstasy to be present in an individual's experience.

However, it can be argued that, generally speaking, there are three perceptive levels of ecstasy.

1) The physiological response, in which the mind becomes absorbed in and focused on a dominant idea, the attention is withdrawn and the nervous system itself is in part cut off from physical sensory input. The body exhibits reflex inertia, involuntary nervous responses, frenzy.
2) Emotional perception of ecstasy refers to overwhelming feelings of awe, anxiety, joy, sadness, fear, astonishment, passion, etc.
3) Intuitive perception communicates a direct experience and Understanding of the transpersonal experience of expanded states of awareness or consciousness.

While the physiological response is always present, the emotional response may or may not be significant when intuition is the principal means of ecstatic perception. Some have argued that beyond the intuitive state there is a fourth condition in which the holistic perception exceeds mental and emotional limitations and understanding.

The ecstatic experience of the shaman goes beyond a feeling or perception of the sacred, the demonic or of natural spirits. It involves the shaman directly and actively in transcendent realities or lower realms of being.

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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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Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness

Book: Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness by Pam Montgomery

This is a profound work. Written with a clarity and depth of Understanding that only someone deeply attuned to their subject could master. Pam Montgomery weaves indigenous wisdom, modern research, science, and quantum physics into a vibrant testament of the sacred and powerful nature inherent in plant medicine. The message transmitted through every page in this amazing book is bound to change our perception of herbal healing--and of medicine in general.

This accessible yet comprehensive book is a tremendous gift of both wisdom and practical application on how the universe actually works and how to tap in and play a part yourself. Plant Spirit Healing is about the difference between knowing about a plant (available through book learning and use) and experiencing its spirit - where you merge with it, communicate through an exchange of insights, and achieve a full and lasting relationship. This book benefits from Pam Montgomery having taught and honed this material many times. If you cannot take Montgomery's apprenticeship program and experience her own ebullient spirit, this book is the next best thing.

Emphasizing that each person's knowing and experience of different plants may be different in what is really a Both/And, rather than an Either/Or, universe, Montgomery guides you to find your own plant spirit guides appropriate for this time in your life journey. Chances are who they are will surprise you.

This remarkable book takes the reader on a journey from (possibly) skeptical interest in plant spirits, to plausible, to possible, to practical. At no point does the journey include religious overtones or spacey far-out suggestions.

Montgomery builds a foundation based on physical and energetic qualities of both people and plants. Each new parcel of knowledge is presented in a flowing sequence based upon previously explained information. The trip is full of "of course" moments where you recognize that you already knew what she is presenting, but perhaps did not know where to place it in your established body of knowledge. As much as anything this book greatly expands and updates your established body of knowledge.

Fine-tuning gathered from years of teaching workshops and apprentice programs has honed Montgomery's understanding of the pace and paths by which people can not only learn, but can experience and assimilate deeper knowledge. Her expertise allows her to lead the reader through these layers of knowing in the transparent, uncluttered, way that characterizes the best of guides.

The Theme is Relationships.

Despite years of loving plants, I would not have thought that there were so many ways to understand plants, or so many tools for deepening my relationships with them. Indeed, relationship is what this book is all about, including establishing, fostering, and nurturing actual relationships with plants. This includes being open, observant, respectful, and enjoying. It involves appreciating plants and learning from them and moving those relationships on to partnerships. This carries on the theme of Montgomery's previous book, Partner Earth (1997) in which she encourages humans to take responsibility and action to be co-creators and partners with Earth, rather than passive children of Mother Earth.

At one point in Plant Spirit Healing Pam likens establishing a new relationship with a plant to a relationship with a potential lover. Just think about that. It includes breath exchange, attention, respect. One is open, observant, eager to learn all one can about this person who suddenly seems to glow with light. One is gentle and respectful and wants to spend every available moment with the new love, gently growing knowledge and love and a shared history, exploring all facets and aspects of the beloved.

Organization and arrangement

The book's organization is clear and accessible. Different learning modes are accommodated as each chapter presents the material in three modes. Chapters begin with a journal entry from Montgomery's daily interactions with nature and how it feeds her developing wisdom. We catch a glimpse of her slipping into communication with plants and the landscape. Next, the bulk of the chapter is a descriptive exposition of the topic. This is followed by examples which illustrate the ideas and techniques just presented with experiences Montgomery has had with her clients, or that her students have experienced.

The book is divided into three parts, The Theoretical Basis for Plant Spirit Healing, The Practical Application of Plant Spirit Healing and Plant Allies, a section on specific plants. Christian Hummel recently wrote "We are living in a time when ancient principles that have been espoused for ages from Vedic texts to Native American philosophies are being validated by science - a meeting point between science and spirituality where these principles are being tested and proven to be true." [July 2007 Wisdom magazine p. 28 "Accessing the Creative Matrix: The Secret to Healing the Earth" ] Montgomery presents much of this material in Part One by distilling and presenting the essence of a large and varied body of new scientific information in an accessible format that relates to plant spirit and communication. She has gleaned Knowledge From others - both ancient traditions and recent science - and incorporates it straightforwardly for easy absorption without being academic. Part Two is a practical journey where actually meeting and getting to know plants is facilitated with a range of different techniques. Part Three introduces the plants as their fully embodied selves giving a sense of the expansive beings they are.

Plant Spirit Healing teaches about how sprit moves in the world, thus bringing spirit into reality, instead of keeping it in the abstract realm of religion. We are given a handbook to understand the wonder of plants, and a guidebook of practical techniques and exercises to form personal, intimate, real relationships with plant beings whose importance, variety, beauty, gifts and outright wisdom are usually ignored. The result reminds me of my joy at the animal tracks revealed by the first snowfall in what has been a gray and lonely November landscape. The joyful feeling of not being alone. The deep knowledge that I share this landscape with other beings who are aware of themselves, who live full and interesting lives, and who are open to knowing me and interacting with me.

Plants have been calling to many of us for the past several decades. Chances are they are somehow calling you as well. This is a guidebook to answer that call, probably in a deeper way than you ever imagined. By the time you have read it you will have established relationships with plant beings, taken a deep journey and found missing parts of yourself.

Buy Pam Montgomery's book: Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness

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Power Animal Eagle

EAGLE's medicine includes courage, spirit.

"EAGLE, CARRY ME INTO THE SKY,
TO RISE ABOUT MY DOUBTS.
SET ME FREE TO REACH MY SOUL'S DESIRE."

Eagle rises above everything, he is ambitious and reaches for the stars. Eagle is thought of as being the closest to the Creator. He flies above the material things to see the spiritual. This gives Eagle a great amount of insight and Spiritual Wisdom.

An Eagle person is tenacious, in control, and very brave. They often "rise above" the chaos below them to reach spiritual solace. As long as Eagle follows his intuition, he will be heading in the right direction.

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A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

Book: A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa by Damon Leff

A Pagan Witches Touchstone is an important publication for a number of reasons. Certainly one of the most important is that for the first time, self-defining Pagan Witches bring into open debate their own perspectives and experiences that result from the negative consequences brought about by the dominant construction of the ‘witch’ as a practitioner of evil. These constructions mostly emerge in African religious traditions wherein witchcraft is understood as an explanatory cause behind personal and community misfortune, illness, and untimely death; and within many Christian traditions that have historically associated the practice of magic, occult traditions, and alternative conceptions of the divine, with a form of diabolic heresy. In this worldview, a person who engages in some, or all, of these practices, can be labeled 'a witch.'

The authors of TouchStone raise these issues in an undoubtedly subjective and impassioned fashion. As Pagan Witches they, and others in their community, have been negatively stereotyped and are also subject to the criminalization of their beliefs and practices under any form of witchcraft legislation. They are vehemently committed to participating in dialogue and finding a role in attempts to seek a solution to the injustices incurred through witchcraft accusations and violence.

Download Damon Leff's eBook: A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

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Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide

Book: Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide by The Troth

Many people in Reconstructionist groups enjoy dressing in period costume, trying traditional crafts or foods or games or combat styles, and so on. Some gain spiritual satisfaction from doing so—and besides, it can be a lot of fun. But our religions are meant to be meaningful to us, here and now. We’re modern people, With Modern-day concerns: we can never be Egyptians of 1300 BC, or Vikings of 800 AD, or Romans of 100 AD—nor should we try. Furthermore, there are Some Aspects of ancient cultures that really should not be brought back, such as slavery and human sacrifice. But we believe that our ancient religions, and the cultures of which they were integral parts, do contain much that is deeply true for us now, and that should be brought back into the world.

Download The Troth's eBook: Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide

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Power Animal Lizard

LIZARD's medicine includes dreaming, regeneration.

"LIZARD, TEACH ME YOUR MEDICINE.
LET ME SLEEP IN YOUR SKIN,
AND SEE THE DREAMTIME
THROUGH YOUR HEART."

When Lizard comes to you, he is telling you that it is time to start paying attention to your dreams. When you accept Lizard as your power animal, you will see that your dreams are more vivid, more lucid, and much more meaningful. Lizard teaches us to think about the deeper meaning of our dreams. What are our dreams trying to tell us?

Lizard is perceptive and he can see the shadows of our souls, our doubts, fears, uncertainly, frustration, and worries. He wants us to see these things and learn to overcome them. Lizard encourages us to face our fears.

Lizard has the unusual ability to regenerate something which has been lost. When a Lizard loses his tail, he can grow it back. This is a lesson to us. There is nothing that is so easily lost. We can regain things through repair and regeneration.

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Power Animal Spider

SPIDER's medicine includes we weaving destiny.

"SPIDER, WEAVER OF THE WEB,
SHOW TO ME THE CONNECTION
BETWEEN ALL THING.
OPEN ME TO THE UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS."

Grandmother Spider was the weaver of the cosmic web which is the very fabric of the universe. Spider has a great and very important lesson for us. She teaches that a delicate web connects everything in the universe, when we ourselves have a weakness, the entire web is that much weaker and thus everything we do affects existence as a whole. When we can be stronger and more honorable, we make everything else stronger and more honorable.

Spider represents two sides of the Goddess, the creatrix and the destroyer.

A Spider person tends to draw people into their "web". Those who become close to Spider are engrossed, enchanted, captivated, raveled in Spider's beautiful enigma. People love Spider and find her hard to turn away from, even when she wants them to be gone. She fascinates them so much that they willingly tangle themselves in her web in hops of understanding her better. But, the person who really gains Spider's affection is the one who can escape.

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The Powerful And Deadly Spells Of The Javanese

Book: The Powerful And Deadly Spells Of The Javanese by Lau Soon Wah

A very rare text with actual spells from these Indonesian peoples originally from the isle of Java. This booklet includes some of the most potent spells known from that region! Many Sorcerers jealously guard their copy of this text and rightfully so! 24 pages

Buy Lau Soon Wah's book: The Powerful And Deadly Spells Of The Javanese

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Power Animal Coyote

COYOTE's Medicine includes shapeshifting, intelligence, cunning.

"COYOTE, TEACH ME THE PARADOX OF LIFE,
THE BALANCE OF THE DARK AND LIGHT,
THE Sacredness OF WHAT IS NOT SACRED AT ALL."

While one may imagine that Coyote represents a trickster (and he does), he also represents one worthy of trust. This is just one way he is a symbol of duality. He teaches us the importance of balance by being foolish and wise, silly and serious, simple and complex, happy and sad.

Coyote is humorous and funny, but sometimes his laughter is a mask for his sadness and desolation. His laughter is really at the very brink of teats. He will do anything to make people laugh, even if it means being a Complete fool, as long as nobody discovers his secret pain.

The important lessons Coyote teaches us are to love our children, laugh at our mistakes and appreciate the paradox that is life – all is sacred, yet nothing is sacred at all.

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Bats Should Not Be Pests

Over the last few decades, much has been learned about bats and how they help to keep our environment healthy. Many species of bats, such as those known as flying foxes, are also surprisingly appealing and intelligent. Ironically, though, bats continue to be among the most misunderstood and feared of all our wildlife. This fear and ignorance have contributed to the almost total destruction of sever bat species and threatened the existence of many others. Such loses can seriously harm ecosystems and reduce the quality of life for more
living things. Including humans. But with our help, bats can continue to function as one of nature's most beneficial creatures.

Bats are mammals, and like all other mammals, the females possess mammary glands where milk is produced and fed to the young. Baby bats, called pups, are born alive and have to be taken care of for an extended period of time. The body of a bat is covered by hair, as is true of other mammals.

Bats fly, which does make them different from most mammals. Bats belong to the Chiropterea, which means "hand-wing". Species in this order are divided into two suborders. Megchiroptera, which includes the various species of flying foxes, and Microchiroptera. Flying foxes use echolocation, a kind of natural sonar for locating prey and other objects. Megachiropteran bats are found only in Europe, Asia, etc. Microchiropteran bats do echolocate and are a much more diverse and widely distributed group.

Bats are indeed beneficial to people. In many cultures, bats are a symbol of good luck and fortune. In our own western culture, this for the most part is not so. Many view bats as unclean, disease carrying, symbols of evil. In reality, bats are actually very gentle, and will only bite if attacked or threatened or improperly handled. They are no more likely to carry disease then a bird. Rabies, as with any other wild animal is a valid concern. Use caution if you must handle them, wearing gloves, and even better, have a rabies vaccination
prior to handling. Fortunately, there is no reason to handle them.

As predators of nocturnal insects, pollinators of flowers, and distributors of seeds of many plants, bats are a crucial to echosystems. Consuming volumes of insects, they are worth their weight in gold, in many areas where humans are finally Learning of the benefits. Fortunately for the bat, many humans are learning just how valuable they can be!

Sometimes there may be a problem with bats getting in where they are not wanted. A safe solution to keeping bats out of your attic or garage, is to see where bats leave the building at dusk to feed. Then identify the specific holes or cracks during the day by looking for brownish stains at the exit sites. These sites will Frequently be found where a wall meets a roof or a chimney, behind a loose board or in holes made by other animals. Wait until the young can fly or the bats migrate, then hang bird netting over the exit points, allowing it to hang at least 2 feet below the nesting site exit. Wait three more days after the netting has been in place, and close over the holes with screening, caulking or boards. Please refrain from using chemical or ultrasonic device Techniques or repellents.

There are now organizations to assist in protecting bats, and in fact, more and more people are becoming concerned with the conservation of bats, through private as well as governmental organizations. The increased awareness is most certainly die to the efforts of the Bat Conservation International, and numerous other organizations that emphasize education, which is ultimately the key to conserving our bat friends.

You can invite bats to your own backyard and become active in bat conservation by using an artificial roost to attract bats. Bat houses are enjoyed by a variety of bat species that also use natural crevices and tree hollows. Even if the house is not used by bats, its presence causes visitors to ask about the house which provides the owner an excellent opportunity to educate friends about bats.

Bat houses are inexpensive and easy to build. You can buy these at garden centers, order them from conservation groups, or build your own.

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Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples

Book: Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples by Kveldulf Gundarsson

This is not a dry academic book. Gundarssons' writing flows like the sagas themselves, covering subjects such as norse deities and rituals. It describes the structure of the spiritual realms in which the Norse Magician would walk. It is no wonder that this book is considered the classic text book of anyone who would study runes or the Northern tradition.

Download Kveldulf Gundarsson's eBook: Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples

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Calling Your Power Animal

There are different names for this exercise in different cultures. It is a way for a person to get in touch with their animal aspects through dance. Keep in mind that a Guardian Spirit can appear in animal or human form.

Undertake this exercise in a quiet, half darkened room which is free from furniture that can hamper your movements. It is helpful if you have the use of one or two rattles, but these are not necessary.

There are two parts to this exercise, 1- The Starting Dance, and 2- Dancing your animal. In both dances, you loudly shake a rattle in each hand and dance in time to the rattle. In all dancing, you keep your eyes half closed. This allows you to cut down on the light and at the same time enables you to know where you are in the room.

The Starting Dance

Standing still and erect, face east and shake one rattle very rapidly four times. This is the signal that you are starting, ending or making an important transition in serious shamanistic work. Think of the rising Sun and the power it brings to all living things.

Still standing in place, start shaking one rattle at a steady pace of about 50 beats per second. Do this for about half a minute in each cardinal direction while thinking of the element or Power Animals of that direction. For example, you can think of an Eagle in the East, a Lion in the South, a Serpent or Dolphin in the West, and a Bull in the North. Move clockwise.

Return to the East and shake the rattle above your head at the same rate for about half a minute. Think of the sun, moon, starts and the entire universe above. Now shake the rattle towards the ground and think of the earth, our home and the gifts she gives to us.

Still facing the East, begin shaking both rattles at the same rate and dancing along with the beat as if you were jogging in place. In this starting dance, you are giving proof of your sincerity to the power animals wherever they may be, by making a sacrifice to them of your own energy in the form of dance. Dancing is a form of praying and evoking the sympathy of the Guardian Spirit.

Stop dancing and stand still. Shake one rattle four times to signal that you are about to make an important transition.

Start shaking your tattles loudly, but in a slow tempo of about 60 beats per minute. Start dancing around the room in time to the rattle. Move slowly and in a free form. Try to pick up the feeling of some kind of mammal, bird, fish, reptile or a combination of these. Once you feel the sense of Something, concentrate on it and slowly move your body in accordance with the creature. Be open to the Experience and emotion of the creature.

Don't hesitate to make noises or cries. By keeping your eyes half closed, you might be able to see the non-ordinary environment in which the animal is living. You may even be able to see the animal. Do this for about 5 minutes. Without pausing, shift to a higher state of rattle shaking and movement. Do this for about 4 minutes. Another shift to a still faster pace of rattle and body movements. Do this for about 4 minutes.

Stop dancing and mentally welcome the animal into your body. To do this, shake the rattle four times and draw it and the animal towards your solar plexes.

Face the East and shake the rattle four times, while standing still. This is the signal that your work has ended.

Once you have successfully gained your power animal, make it content enough to say with you. This is done through exercising your animal through dancing and singing songs of the animal.

Guardian animals usually only stay with a person for a few years, and then depart. So in the course of a life long shamanistic practice, a person will have a number of animals.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Tommie Eriksson - Tree Cults In Northern Magic
Anonymous - Healing Gemstones And Crystals
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Living With The Lama
Anonymous - Reaching Out To Wiccans

Power Animal Snake

SNAKE's medicine includes change, immortality.

"SNAKE, YOUR VENOM IS SWEET.
MY FEAR IS GONE,
I AM READY FOR CHANGE.
I FOLLOW YOU DOWN THE NEW PATH
YOU HAVE GUARDED."

Snake medicine is rare and is most often presented to the person using the approach of fear. A person with Snake medicine will find that they are fearful of this Shadow Animal most of their lives. But after Surviving many venomous snake attacks, they conquer their fear and are opened to the world of Snake's medicine.

Snake comes to you at a time when you are heading for change. You are ready to explore the mysterious, voyage where you have never gone before, whether in the Physical world or in the depths of the mind and soul. People with Snake medicine know the power of renewal. Snake sheds his skin leaving it behind and slithering away completely renewed. Snake people can do the same, shedding their dull layers to reveal a brilliant new self underneath.

Snake people are also creative and have strong psychic intuitive powers. Snake represents the silver cord that connects the physical body to the astral body, so Snake people may also be especially adept in astral travel.

The snake is a symbol of Goddess energy and he will protect you from religious persecution.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Lesslie Hall - Beowulf An Anglo Saxon Epic Poem
Sri Swami Sivananda - Brahma Sutras
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Tibetan Sage
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
Aninymous - The Angelical Alphabet

The Power Of Familiars

I am sure you are familiar with the typical figure of the witch and her black cat. Witches have been using animals to help them with their magickal works for a very long time. It is said that the familiar is the animal that the witch has. The familiar lives with the witch and assists him/her in magickal works. Traditionally cats are associate with witches. Other animals, like dogs, rabbits, horses, and snakes, can be familiars too.

However, your pet is not necessarily your familiar. I have a small fish tank with a Beta fish in my room where I perform most of my magickal works. Even though I love it dearly, my red Beta fish is not my familiar. A familiar represents all the good qualities of that animal, and it is attune to the witch. It provides the witch with a link to the animal kingdom and the essence of their power.

Totem/Power Animals

Witches cannot always work with Physical familiars due to many reasons. Perhaps the most common one will be space limitation. Let's face it, who can keep a tiger in his/her house? Sigfried and Roy do NOT count! Therefore, many witches work with their totem animals in the astral. Totems are not specific animals but mystical powers. Totem animals are sought in the astral world. Witches choose those Power Animals that closely represent their higher selves. In other words, power animals are chosen by their affinity to the witch. Power animals are used for specific purposes too. For example, a Witch may choose the animal that lends to a specific kind of magick. Maybe the spell needs some "medicine" from the Snake. Some animals are associated with the quarters. Sometimes these energies are activated with the quarter calls. Totem animals are great advisers. So if you are confused about something, call the
Wolf!

-part of the Information was taken from: "Indian Power Animals and Totems" by Marguerite Elsbeth, To Ride a Silver Broomstick and To Stir a Magick Cauldron by Silver RavenWolf

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Rabbi Michael Laitman - The Path Of Kabbalah
Ea Wallis Budge - The Book Of Am Tuat
Edna Kenton - The Book Of Earths
Yacki Raizizun - The Secret Of Dreams
Aleister Crowley - The Book Of Lies

Power Animal Turtle

TURTLE's medicine includes Earth wisdom, protection.

"TURTLE, TEACH ME YOUR MAGIC.
I FOLLOW YOU TO THE SOURCE OF POWER
TO LEARN THE EARTH'S GREATEST SECRETS."

Turtle has many Mystical powers – earth magic, water magic, psychic protection, healing. Turtle can allow you to find balance in Your Life as well as freedom from struggles. He teaches carefulness, tenacity, and patience as the keys to Reaching your goal.

Turtle people can feel at home anywhere they go because they carry their protective shell with them. But when Turtle finds himself in an uncomfortable situation, he tends to retreat into his shell instead of facing the problem. While sometimes this keeps Turtle from learning valuable lessons, it also means that people with Turtle medicine are survivors. They can chase new opportunities but feel safe knowing that they can withdraw into the refuge of their "shell" when trouble rears it's head.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

William Frederick Poole - Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 23 July 2008 Vol 2 Power Animals And Totems
Mama San Ra Ab Rampa - Flor Silvestre
Lyall Watson - Supernature

The Wiccan Shaman Druid Song

Lyrics by Eran (with help from Roisin)
to the tune of "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy"

I'm a Wiccan-Shaman-Druid,
I am new age through and through.
Decked in crystals from my head to toe,
With feathers and pyramids, too.
My spirit-guide is from Atlantis.
He's a Zen-Aztec guru.
Come and spend the weekend with us,
For two thousand dollars
You'll be a Wiccan-Shaman too.

I'm an Elvis-Loki-Viking.
I channel Ashley Montague.
In a former life I was a gypsy clerk,
Bull fighter, and troubadour, too.
I know five Illuminati,
They're a strange and motley crew.
There's a priest from ancient China,
He lives in my basement.
He is an Elvis-Viking too.

My coven is part Rosicrucian,
Mixed With Some Theosophy.
Add in some stuff from the Golden Dawn,
`Cause Crowley's just all right with me.
I've got twelve initiations,
I've seen all there is too see.
And watch out for those strange Co-Mason-Santaria-Druids,
They'll cement your chickens to a tree.

I've got a pipe ceremony,
Adapted from the O.T.O.
I use a sweatlodge for my Beltane rites,
The Maypole is just there for show.
I have got a glass athame,
With batteries to make it glow.
It's just great for calling quarters
In my new tradition:
The Lynn Andrews-Buckland-Starhawk Grove.

NOTE: This was the song sung by members of the MorningStar Coven during the Talent Show at DragonFest '95. I don't think they would mind you using it, just be sure to give credit, where credit is due!

Suggested free e-books to read:

Alice Bailey - Initiation Human And Solar
Max Heindel - The Rosicrucian Mysteries
Harold Macgrath - The Pagan Madonna

Animal Speak The Spiritual And Magical Powers Of Creatures Great And Small

Book: Animal Speak The Spiritual And Magical Powers Of Creatures Great And Small by Ted Andrews

Want to learn how to speak the language of critters, large and small? Easy-to-read and understand, Ted Andrews's bestselling Animal Speak shows readers how to identify his or her animal totem and learn how to invoke its energy and use it for personal growth and inner discovery. Nature lovers will love this insightful compendium, chock-full of touching stories about animals, natural history, and animal folklore. Readers will also learn magical animal rites and how to read omens. Animal Speak includes a Dictionary of bird, animal, reptile, and insect totems, which describe each creature's meaning. For example, if a person's totem is dragonfly, he or she was most likely excessively emotional and passionate in early years, learning with age to balance it with mental clarity and control. If a dragonfly suddenly shows up in your life, it means you may need to gain a new Perspective or make a change.

Totems are Spirit Guides (spirits who help you along on your journeys through life) that come to you in the form of animals. A Totem can be any animal that you have a strange connection to. This book is very good when it comes to the topic of Totems. Trust me, I've done a lot of studying and have seen a lot of information, but this has the most extensive collection of knowledge.

The best part of the book that is original that you can find few other places is it's huge dictionary of animal Totems. You can look up your Totem animal in the dictionary and it will give you the animal's history and folklore. It will also give you suggestions for someone who has that Totem. But that isn't the only good thing about the book. This book teaches you to find Totems if you don't yet knoww how. It tells you how to meditate to find your Totems, or, for the less patient, it gives other ways, too. Animal Speak also teaches you to read Totems in your life. Other topics include Things That you won't find in other books like the Preadator and Prey Theory, magic with bird feathers, honoring your animal Totems in many ways, and working with TOtem medicine. All of these are extremely useful and you can learn about the topic greatly. This good and all, but the book is not reccomended for beginners on Totem study and preferable for advanced people serious about the subject. The book is okay for starters, but some things are not explained as well as they should be for those who know nothing about Totems. Totems are a very interesting topic and this book is very good for the adventerous one that you know.

Buy Ted Andrews's book: Animal Speak The Spiritual And Magical Powers Of Creatures Great And Small

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Nevrom Ydal - Preparing The Ritual Area And Yourself
Adolph Von Menzel - Historical And Literary Studies Pagan Jewish And Christian
Sirona Knight - A Witch Like Me The Spiritual Journeys Of Today Pagan Practitioners
Medieval Grimoires - Libellus Magicus Or The True Magical Work Of The Jesuits