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.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Sepharial - A Manual Of Occultism
Aninymous - The Angelical Alphabet
Aleister Crowley - Alice An Adultery

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

Suggested free e-books to read:

Scott Cunningham - Earth Air Fire And Water More Techniques Of Natural Magic
Anonymous - Basic Technologies Of Witchcraft
Asbjorn Jon - Shamanism And The Image Of The Teutonic Deity Odin
Aleister Crowley - Basic Techniques Of Sex Magick
Frater Achad - Chalice Of Ecstasy

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.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Prentiss Tucker - In The Land Of The Living Dead
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
John Nash - Spirituality And Gender
Nevrom Ydal - Preparing The Ritual Area And Yourself
Raymond Buckland - Bucklands Book For Spirit Communications

Shamanic Festivals And Worship Days

The festivals are reckoned as they have been for centuries by most Southwestern tribes, by both the Sun and the Moon. The seasons begin on the first Full Moon after a Solstice or an Equinox. The Solstices and Equinoxes themselves are times of celebration as well, and perhaps the period between the two (which usually works out to be no more than a week or so) could be considered a time of Holiday. Lesser ceremonials are held on New Moons and Full Moons between the first Full Moons of the seasons. Optionally certain Pagan festivals could be celebrated in conjunction With Other groups, but they are not to be adopted as official Lifeway Fellowship Ceremonial days.

There are other ceremonials that are personal in nature, and can be held at any time, although synchronizing them with the Festivals and the New and Full Moons is advisable. They are Naming, where a newborn child is named in the presence of the group and their Life-beads given; Coming Of Age, where the child's physical maturity is acknowledged, and where, for a short time, they become Child of the Water (if a boy) or White Painted Woman (if a girl); Initiation, where a person becomes a full-fledged member of the group, given after a person becomes a legal adult; Joining, where a man and a woman consent to be married; Unjoining, where a man and woman who are married consent to have the bond dissolved, which is to be done only after four reconciliation attempts fail or after evidence of marital infidelity or abuse is given before the group; the Moonlodge, which is a special sweat for women in their Moon-time; and Release, where a ceremony for a dead member of the Fellowship is done to guide their soul Back Home. Other ceremonials that are dreamed or envisioned by a person or group are also encouraged.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Robert Ambelain - Martinism History And Doctrine
Nu Isis Working Group - Magical Scripts And Cipher Alphabets
Carroll Runyon - Magick And Hypnosis
Ro Winstedt - Shaman Saiva And Sufi

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.)

Suggested free e-books to read:

Anonymous - Meditation Of The Four Magickal Weapons
Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 23 July 2008 Vol 2 Power Animals And Totems
Everfool - You Know You Are A Chaote When

Myth Ritual And Religion

Book: Myth Ritual And Religion by Andrew Lang

The original edition of Myth, Ritual and Religion, published in 1887, has long been out of print. In revising the book I have brought it into line with the ideas expressed in the second part of my Making of Religion (1898) and have excised certain passages which, as the book first appeared, were inconsistent with its main thesis. In some cases the original passages are retained in notes, to show the nature of the Development of the author's opinions. A
fragment or two of controversy has been deleted, and chapters xi. and xii., on the religion of the lowest races, have been entirely rewritten, on the strength of more recent or earlier Information lately acquired.

The gist of the book as it stands now and as it originally stood is contained in the following lines from the preface of 1887: "While the attempt is made to show that the wilder features of myth survive from, or were borrowed from, or were imitated from the ideas of people in the savage condition of thought, the existence--even among savages--of comparatively pure, if inarticulate, Religious beliefs is insisted on throughout". To that opinion I adhere, and I trust that it is now expressed with more consistency than in the first edition. I have seen reason, more and more, to doubt the validity of the "ghost theory," or animistic hypothesis, as explanatory of the whole fabric of religion; and I present arguments against Mr. Tylor's contention that the higher conceptions of savage faith are borrowed from missionaries. It is very possible, however, that Mr. Tylor has arguments more powerful than those contained in his paper of 1892.

Download Andrew Lang's eBook: Myth Ritual And Religion

Suggested free e-books to read:

John Fiske - Myths And Myth Makers Old Tales And Superstitions
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
Eliphas Levi - The Magic Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum
Eliphas Levi - The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
Andrew Lang - Myth Ritual And Religion

Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self

Book: Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self by Sandra Ingerman

Author Sandra Ingerman shares ancient soul-retrieval practices in very down-to-Earth terms in her pioneering book, SOUL RETRIEVAL. While the requirements for doing successful shamanistic healing are simple (requiring crystal-clear intention and complete faith in spiritual assistance), many of us raised within modern-day Western society are likely to face our own inner skepticism that this method of healing can be effective. Ingerman masterfully addresses this and other common pitfalls, as it takes the reader on a journey of rescuing soul fragments from one's past.

We often become physically ill following loss of soul or diminishment of essential spiritual energy, so soul retrieval is a healing art for one's entire being. Ingerman explains, "If the soul totally vacates the patient, the patient will die. It follows that, if the shaman can retrieve the lost soul parts, the individual can be restored to harmony and well-being. This retrieval is done by the shaman in an altered state of consciousness."

SOUL RETRIEVAL contains case studies of Ingerman's involvement with numerous patients who have requested her assistance, as well as fascinating Historical background on the ancient shamanic art of soul retrieval. Those who have undergone soul retrieval therapy claim as the author herself asserts, "Having my own lost soul parts restored to me brought me back to a place of wholeness. I experienced the fullness of life and a joy that I had not been sure I would ever feel again."

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in healing, shamanism, psychology, or consciousness.

Buy Sandra Ingerman's book: Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Jarl Fossum - Seth In The Magical Texts
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Feeding The Flame
Nevrom Ydal - Preparing The Ritual Area And Yourself

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.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Aleister Crowley - Alice An Adultery
Aleister Crowley - Amphora Or Hail Mary
Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 23 July 2008 Vol 2 Power Animals And Totems

Techniques Of Modern Shamanism

Book: Techniques Of Modern Shamanism by Phil Hine

The Techniques offered in this book are by no means definitive - just a beginning. There’s much more to be said on this subject, but you will find other works to help you. Probably the best way to use this book is to find some friends who are interested and try and explore the techniques together. You don’t need any fancy trappings, as your BodyMind is all that is needed at this stage. With Other people helping you, you’ll learn faster and have more fun too.

This book is a collection of practical exercises, the aim of which is to enhance awareness of the world around us. The first part of this book deals with basic sensory exercises, while the second half deals with trance states, and some of the basic group dynamics involved in helping other people into them. Using these techniques will not make you a ‘shaman/shamanka’, but they are drawing on the shamanic outlook - which depends from an enhanced awareness of our environment, and the ability to mediate between the everyday, and the sacred aspects of our experience. “Walking between the Worlds” requires that we learn to extend our perceptions from the ordinary, to see the extra-ordinary which lies within it. Many of the techniques require group exploration, since it is impossible to grow in total isolation from others.

Many of the exercises were originally part of the Shamanic Development Course run by Sheila Broun and myself in 1987. I am particularly indebted to Sheila, whose continuing work is a spur towards my own efforts. Also, to the course participants, who gave much in the way of enthusiasm, criticism, and their own experience, so that the course far surpassed our own hopes for its success. Also, I would like to thank Rich Westwood for supporting this project, and just about everyone to whom I’ve ever written to or talked with on this subject.

Buy Phil Hine's book: Techniques Of Modern Shamanism

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Phil Hine - Techniques Of Modern Shamanism Vol I Walking Between The Worlds
Phil Hine - Techniques Of Modern Shamanism Vol Ii Two Worlds And Inbetween
Phil Hine - Techniques Of Modern Shamanism Vol Iii Touched By Fire

5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before

Book: 5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before by Anonymous

Learn how to develop your own runic rituals updated to the 21st Century. RUNE-MAGIC allows you to develop your spiritual and psychic powers. With these new powers you can attract health-wealthhappiness into your life. Runes are an energy! As a Northern European you can now attract the virtues of your Viking ancestors into your daily life today. Strength (Rune UR) --- Courage (Rune Tyr) --- Victory (Rune Sig) --- Wisdom (Rune Os) and Individuality (Rune Is) They are very powerful Universal Energies of Creation. They reside in the infinite Quantum Ocean where time does not exist. There is no past present nor future. Only the NOW!

"The murmuring Runes of the Universe, the sacred symbols of Salvation of the Cosmos are deeply buried within ourselves, in our soul as inherited memories. They call, murmur and rush within us, and we could not get them outside of us by imitation, if they were not built into us since eternity. You will find on this page Rune Magic as practiced by Ragnar Storyteller. I am a Practicing Rune master using Rune Magic in my everyday life.

May the murmur of the Runes Call us to action.

Download Anonymous's eBook: 5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before

Suggested free e-books to read:

Jim Reeds - John Dee And The Magic Tables In The Book Of Soyga
Eliphas Levi - The Magic Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum
Anonymous - 5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before

Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism

Book: Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism by Alberto Villoldo

Although the authors of this provocative Exploration into the spiritual realms of healing are trained in the orthodoxies of Western medicine and psychology (both have doctorates and are researchers and scientists in San Francisco), their inquiries into "mind over matter" phenomena have led them to conclude that science alone is inadequate in treating human illness. (On this subject, they note the question put to them by a Peruvian shaman: "In the training of your healers, what steps do they take to attune Mother Earth and the Great Spirit?") By observing diverse parapsychological and metaphysical methods of mediums, spiritists and others following "indigenous" healing from ancient to contemporary societies, Villoldo and Krippner enhance our concept of health by incorporating ideas that are ignored by allopathic medicine, a process advocated by the World Health Organization. The freshness of their approach results in a steady level of stimulation.

This book takes one deeper into the Spiritual Practice of mediumship and Shamanism. Mediumship and healing is not meant to be separate, and this book teaches that, and teaches the spiritual practice of the healer or true psychic. Much as many do not see or know it, truth this is what we are ment to use our abilities. This is awesome book and an easy read! I finished the book in one setting I got so enthralled with it. It is an excellent book discussing Villado's Experiences with various healing traditions in particular shamanism.

Buy Alberto Villoldo's book: Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Solomonic Grimoires - The Greater Key Of Solomon Part 3 The Order Of The Pentacles
Sharynne Nicmacha - The Star Of Life A Historical And Spiritual History Of The Pentagram
Michael Osiris Snuffin - Aleister Crowley And The Legend Of Pasiphae
John Frederick Charles Fuller - The Star In The West A Critical Essay On The Works Of Aleister Crowley
June Johns - King Of The Witches The World Of Alex Sanders

Shamanism Faq

Summary: This FAQ contains a general overview on shamanism. It should be read by anyone interested in Understanding what is meant by shamanism and what differentiates shamanism form other forms of ecstatic experience
Keywords: shaman, anthropology, ethnography, consciousness, spirit, oobe

NOTE: The following general overview of shamanism is not intended to be the last word or the definitive work on this subject. Rather it is, as its title implies, intended to provide the participant or reader with a set of guidelines that will familiarize them with the general use of the terms shamanism, shaman and shamanic in the trends, study and practice of historic, traditional and contemporary shamanic experience. The word 'shaman comes to English from the Tungus language via Russian. Among the Tungus of Siberia it is both a noun and a verb. While the Tungus have no word for shamanism, it has come into usage by anthropologists, historians of religion and others in contemporary society to designate the experience and the practices of the shaman. Its usage has grown to include similar experiences and practices in cultures outside of the original Siberian cultures from which the term shaman originated. Thus shamanism is not the name of a religion or group of religions. Particular attention should be paid to the use of qualifying words such as "may" or "usually". They indicate examples or tendencies and are not, in any way, intended to represent rigid standards Please send comments to deane@netcom.com (Dean Edwards).

Table of Contents:

1. Terms used in this FAQ
2. What is shamanism?
3. The Relationship between shamanic traditions and culture
4. The role of Shamanic Ecstasy
5. The origin of the term "shamanism"

1. Why were the terms used in this FAQ selected and do they have special meanings.

There is an extensive literature about shamanism that has been compiled since the late Eighteenth Century. Like any field of study and religious practice, shamanism has developed a specialized vocabulary. Please note that some of the words used in the material that follows are drawn from scholars who have a solid background in shamanic studies and may have meanings that are specific and less general than is often the case in popular usage. Consulting a good dictionary should clear up any points of confusion.

2. What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is classified by anthropologists as an archaic magico-religious phenomenon in which the shaman is the great master of ecstasy. Shamanism itself, was defined by the late Mircea Eliade as a technique of ecstasy. A shaman may exhibit a particular magical specialty (such as control over fire, wind or magical flight). When a specialization is present the most common is as a healer. The distinguishing characteristic of shamanism is its focus on an ecstatic trance state in which the soul of the shaman is believed to leave the body and ascend to the sky (heavens) or descend into the earth (underworld). The shaman makes use of spirit helpers, which he or she communicates with, all the while retaining control over his or her own consciousness. (Examples of possession occur, but are the exception, rather than the rule.) It is also important to note that while most shamans in traditional societies are men, either women or men may and have become shamans.

3. Does the presence of an active shamanic tradition necessarily mean that the society itself should be deemed "shamanic"?

No, not at all. The presence of shamanism in a nation or a community does not mean that shamanism is central to the spiritual or religious life of the community or region. Shamanism often exists alongside and even in cooperation with the religious or healing practices of the community.

4. What is meant by shamanic ecstasy and what role does it actually play in shamanism?

The ecstatic technique of shamanism does not involve itself in the broad range of ecstasy reported in the history of religion. It is specifically focused on the transpersonal movement of the Consciousness of the shaman into higher or lower realms of consciousness and existence. Another aspect of shamanism is that compared to other spiritual traditions, it is a path that the individual walks alone. While much of the focus of shamanic studies has been on the shamanic complexes of north and central Asia, shamanism is a universal phenomenon, not confined to any particular region or culture.

5. What is the origin of the word "shaman"?

Shaman comes from the language of the Tungus of North-Central Asia. It came into use in English via Russian.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Anonymous - Witchcraft And Wicca Faq
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Ro Winstedt - Shaman Saiva And Sufi
Roger Whitaker - Antinomianism

Power Animal Panther

PANTHER's medicine includes rebirth, Knowledge of darkness and death.

"PANTHER, LET ME KNOW YOUR SILENT WISDOM.
AS MY Perception EXPANDS,
I WILL FIND A WEALTH OF INSIGHT AWAITS ME."

Panther is secretive, silent and graceful in her every move. She is solitary by choice, she tell little but listens much. She is careful not to share too much information, only enough to ease curious minds.

Panther people have a broader vision. Panther medicine gives them a deeper insight, both spiritually and physically. Their enhanced Perspective lets them see things in close detail or from a distance. Panthers enter the world enlightened whereas others have to work to achieve that.

Black Panther is very mystical. She finds the most power in darkness. Black Panther understands death and teaches people not to fear it, for out of death comes rebirth.

When Panther enters your life, it is time for a new beginning, a new door has opened for you. Panther introduces you to an expanded awareness, alternate realities, the elimination of fears, and most of all, total rebirth. Panther gives us the opportunity to become a whole new person and she promises to be our protector and guardian throughout this rebirth process.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 23 July 2008 Vol 2 Power Animals And Totems
Edward Kelley - The Angelic Alphabet
Aninymous - The Angelical Alphabet
Anonymous - The Urantia Papers

Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner

Book: Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner by Al Selden Leif

A totem is any supposed entity that watches over or assists a group of people, such as a family, clan, or tribe. Totems support larger groups than the individual person. In kinship and descent, if the apical Ancestor of a clan is nonhuman, it is called a totem. Normally this belief is accompanied by a totemic myth.

Although the term is of Ojibwe origin in North America, totemistic beliefs are not limited to Native Americans. Similar totem-like beliefs have been historically Present in societies throughout much of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Arctic polar region.

Download Al Selden Leif's eBook: Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner

Suggested free e-books to read:

Winfield Nevins - Witchcraft In Salem Village In 1692 Together With A Review Of The Opinions Of Modern Writers
Hargrave Jennings - The Rosicrucians Their Rites And Mysteries
Aleister Crowley - The Enochian Tablets And The Book Of The Law
Al Selden Leif - Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner

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

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.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells
Naomi Janowitz - Magic In The Roman World
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
Mcgiolla Cathain - Secret Magic Spells Of The Romany Gypsies
Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Bath Spells

Shamanism And Shapesifting

Shamanism can be defined as the knowledge that everything that exists is alive and that all life is connected. It’s the magnification of human abilities of mind and spirit for healing and problem solving. Shamans use a technique of ‘ecstasy’, in which the soul of the shaman leaves the body and ascends to join with the universe or descends to join with the Earth, during a trance state. It’s an investigation into consciousness, the maintenance of balance and harmony within society and the individual, and awareness of keeping the connection with Mother Earth and All Creation. Unlimited by the boundaries of space and time, it brings spirit into matter and matter to spirit, returning to the Eternal Community.

Shaman, pronunciation: 'sha-m&n, 'shA- also sh&-'man, Function: noun, Inflected Form(s): plural shamans Etymology: ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) samAn

1 : a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events
2 : one who resembles a shaman; especially: High Priest http://www.meriamwebster.com

Shamans are the keepers of ancient techniques used in healing. They are often referred to as ‘witch doctors’ by societies that don’t Understand them. Shamanism requires the desire to lift all restrictions from oneself, time, space, and fear, are a few of the restriction that usually hold humans to this Earth and Existence.

Shapeshifting occurs on three different levels;
The first is cellular. This is when a person shapeshifts into a plant or animal, when a cancer grows in someone or miraculously disappears, even gaining and or loosing weight.

The second level is personal shapeshifting. That is when we decide to transform our personality and usually that means becoming more of what we most expect in ourselves, expanding our best Characteristics and personality traits.

The third form of shapeshifting is about transforming the society that we live in, whether it’s at the place where we work, or the institutions that help shape our lives.

Shamans use the Universal Energy (the connection with the oneness, the ‘God’ energy) to work at the cellular level to restore emotional, spiritual and physical health. The work of healing oneself is primarily a call to relive, remake, and resolve the past. We confront the pain and grief we have experienced in our lives and we work at coming to resolution and being at peace with our families of origin, ourselves, and our life. Through this we learn new options for being and interacting.

Shamans believe that traumatic Experiences result in soul loss. This is when a part of our soul (the vital essence that keeps us alive) splits off and leaves the person. In classical Shamanism soul loss often manifests as illness, comas, or near death states and meant that the life force had left the body. Present day Shamans are finding that soul loss is a very common occurrence, due to the traumas and abuse patterns of our culture. Healing is a combination of removal of intrusions, soul retrieval, and cellular adaptation. The whole idea is that we're here on Earth to be ecstatic every minute. When we feel that deep oneness, we are ecstatic. Ecstasy doesn't necessarily mean joy or bliss; it's the feeling of oneness. It is Universe, Earth and Time; it is all one. We are just one little part of everything else.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Carroll Runyon - Magick And Hypnosis
Anonymous - Odinism And Asatru
Leo Ruickbie - Halloween And Samhain
Ro Winstedt - Shaman Saiva And Sufi

What Is A Shaman And Shamanka

(Sanskrit) In the strictest definition "one who lives life in self-denial for spiritual purpose". However, this word is more often viewed through it's secondary meaning "one who is dedicated to a spiritual life achieving a level of leadership and teaching". The term began in India and slowly migrated in two directions. The first moved through Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and on to North America. The second moved through the Orient, Russia and on to the North Western sections of North America . Shaman is the masculine variation, Shamanka is the female version.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Anonymous - What Is Wicca Article 2
Ro Winstedt - Shaman Saiva And Sufi
Joseph Fort Newton - The Builders A Story And Study Of Masonary
Stephen Mcnallen - What Is Asatru
Lil Bow Wow - What Is A Warlock