Animal Magic

A Circle fills the room with its special glow. Fragrant herbs perfume the air; candles light the night. And two small eyes glow up at you, knowing that they too are part of the magic.

People and animals have worked magic together in many ways, some of which were a part of everyday life. In agricultural lands, animals worked the magic of providing our survival through the winter. They provided food and materials used in all facets of the community.

Imagine a time before cars, trains and planes. People were somewhat bound to their homeland since walking cross-country seemed an endless journey. But then, on horseback, people could easily explore. Some say that the use of horses led to the major shifts in political and spiritual history, as one tribe invaded another with mounted soldiers, forever society and religion. For better or worse, horses changed the course of history.

Even in industrial times, we've worked with animals. You've heard the Expression "a canary in a coal mine." Miners used canaries to detect problems with the air quality, oxygen level, and presence of invisible poison gas. Canaries were more sensitive to these threats and could alert the workers.

Magical animals are not unfamiliar to the myths of Old. For example, Odin used two ravens to fly around the world and report back all that they saw. Could this symbolic tale be rooted in a form of divination used at the time? In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was a symbol of eternal life. This lore is based on the way beetles rolled a ball of dung in which to lay their eggs. The idea of life from dung must surely relate to the eternal cycles of nature. Even the Christians assimilated symbols like the dove and the lamb. Animals as mythic symbols cross a wide variety of cultures.

In Understanding these mythic animals, we must know the context in which they were viewed. For example, thousands of years from now, historians might not Understand the exact emotions we attach to symbols when we say someone is a deer, or a jackass. Remember that next time you read the myths of Bast, or Cerberus, or even the American Eagle.

Today, most magical people think of familiars as their household pets, the little ones who provide joy, insight and companionship -- not to mention shed all over black clothing and robes! Animals in general are closer to nature than we are. They remember their instinctual ways easier than we do. Why limit this to pets? The animals around us in the field can share our magical moments? Did we encounter a gentle and curious deer along our first walk in the woods? Did geese fly overhead and squawk their applause for our lovemaking? How do these animal events speak to you? You can merely visualize your magical animal, like a totem guide or imaginary friend. (And you'll never need to pay for a vet!)

Whether in myth or reality, an animal's unique traits can teach us specific lessons in nature. Can we learn by watching an animal hunt? Protect its young? Weave webs? Float from one flower to another, tasting a mix of sweet nectars? Or nest and lay the fragile egg of new beginnings?

Don't limit your familiars to just animals. Why not a plant? Plants teach us about laying roots, growing wild, turning to face the light. Plants show us new ways to branch out, bear fruit -- or wither, fall and provide a subtle new start for others. Are we any different?

Why not have an object as a familiar? Are not all things in nature alive? Can an old gray boulder show us anything about weathering the tests of time? Can Granny's old wristwatch teach us about cycles?

Perhaps the most familiar idea comes when you know that you already hold all these special qualities within yourself. We too have animal ways, branch out like plants, and live the lessons of solid tangible form no differently than Granny's watch. Familiar means family, being One with another. Knowing you are One with all things makes everything seem quite familiar. And everything will look to you, knowing that it too is part of the magic.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Gerald Cremonensis - Astronomical Geomancy
Daniel Defoe - A System Of Magic
Aleister Crowley - Intro Magick
Ed Richardson - Seidr Magic
Phillip Williams - Night Magic

Mind Altering Chemicals And Shamanism

I have been asked repeatedly what my view of mind-altering chemicals as they relate to shamanism is, so I figured I would say something about them. First of all, let me put in a disclaimer here before anyone decides to send me email telling me I am condoning the use of illegal drugs. I do not condone, nor do I condemn the use of chemicals, recreational or otherwise. I believe each person is entitled to make their own decision on the subject, I would only hope That That decision be an educated one.

All chemicals can and most often do have some sort of detrimental effect on your body, alcohol and tobacco included. Anyone making a choice to use these or any other substances should be aware of what those effects are and be willing to deal with the consequences. As for drugs in relation to shamanism, yes, they have been and still are used by many groups. For instance, the Maya used mushrooms to induce trance states, Siberian shamans use the fly agaric mushroom, some Native American shamans used and still use peyote, and shamans in the Amazon use yage, just to name a few. Heck, Iґm pretty sure some groups licked frogs for the psychotropic chemical, bufotenin, that is exuded by the skin of certain species. However the shamans that use these substances have had quite a bit of training and have been supervised by older shamans who have undertaken the use of such substances before.

No one should attempt shamanic work under the influence of mind-altering substances unless they have been trained to do so by a shaman that is skilled in the use of such chemicals. There is a very good reason for this. The spirit world can be a treacherous place. Many of these substances can make you forget that, as well as make you think that you can do anything. That is a very, very dangerous combination. I am all for learning your path on your own. Self-teaching can be a wonderful experience, but not in this case.

Besides, any and all of the effects that shamans achieve through the use of drugs can, and have been, achieved without them. spiritual growth takes time, but so do most things and drugs are not a quick solution. If you have come to a decision that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, please get help. Your doctor can recommend various treatment organizations and Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are in the phone book.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Franz Cumont - After Life In Roman Paganism
Al Selden Leif - 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism
Baron Tschoudy - Alchemical Catechism

Insects Are Our Friends

Most insects and other arthropods found in the yard and garden do not feed on or harm plants. Many of these are just "passing through" or have very innocuous habits. Others feed on and destroy pest species. In many cases, the activities of these beneficial species can completely prevent or greatly limit pest problems. It is important to recognize these beneficial arthropods so that they may be appreciated and conserved.

Beneficial arthropods are categorized broadly as either insect predators or parasites. During development, in both adult and immature stages, insect predators actively search out and consume several prey insects. Predators include ladybird beetles, lacewings and spiders. Insect parasites develop in or on a single host form eggs or larvae deposited by the adult parasite. Common insect parasites are tachinid flies and the brconid and ichneumonid wasps.

Insect Predators:

Ladybird beetles – Often called "ladybugs", ladybird beetles are the most familiar insect predator. Most adult ladybird beetles are round-oval in shape, brightly colored and often spotted. The immature or larvae stages, however, appear very different and often are overlooked or misidentified. Ladybird beetles larvae are elongated, usually dark colored and flecked with orange or yellow. Adult and larval ladybird beetles feed on large Numbers of small soft-bodied insects such as aphids. One group of very small black ladybird beetles (Stethorus) is also very important in controlling spider mites. Ladybird beetles can rapidly control many developing insect problems, particularly if temperatures are warm.

Green lacewings – Several green lacewing species commonly are found in gardens. The adult stage is familiar to most gardeners – a pale green insect with large, clear, highly-veined wings that are over the body when at rest. Adult green lacewings primarily feed on nectar and other fluids, but some species also consume a few small insects.

Green lacewings lay a distinctive stalked egg. Lacewing larvae emerge in four to then days. These larvae, sometimes called aphid lions, are voracious predators capable of Feeding on small caterpillars and beetles as well as aphids and other insects. In General shape and size, lacewing larvae are superficially similar to ladybird beetle larvae. However, immature lacewings usually are light brown and have a large pair of hooked jaws sticking out from the front of the head.

Syrphid flies – These flies are called by several names such as flower flies or hover flies. Most are brightly colored, yellow or orange and black, and may resemble bees or yellow jacket wasps. However, syrphid flied are harmless to humans. Usually they can be seen feeding on flowers. It is the larval stage of the syrphid fly that is an insect predator. Variously colored, the tapered "maggots" crawl over foliage and daily can feed on dozens of small, soft-bodied insects. Syrphid flies are particularly important in controlling aphid infestations early in the season when cooler temperatures may inhibit other predators.

Similar in appearance to the syphid fly larvae is a small, bright orange predatory midge (Aphidoletes). These insects often can be seen feeding within aphid colonies late in the season.

Suggested free e-books to read:

William Wynn Westcott - Historic Lecture Golden Dawn
Isaac Bonewits - The Enemies Of Our Enemies
Medieval Grimoires - The Secret Grimoire Of Turiel

What Are The Usual Roles Of A Shaman

In contemporary, Historical or traditional shamanic practice the shaman may at times fill the role of priest, magician, metaphysician or healer. Personal experience is the prime determinant of the status of a shaman. Knowledge of other realms of being and Consciousness and the cosmology of those regions is the basis of the shamanic Perspective and power. With this knowledge, the shaman is able to serve as a bridge between the mundane and the higher and lower states. The shaman lives at the edge of reality as most people would recognize it and most commonly at the edge of society itself. Few indeed have the stamina to adventure into these realms and endure the outer hardships and personal crises that have been reported by or observed of many shamans.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Asatru Free Assembly - The Lessons Of Asgard
Sirona Knight - A Witch Like Me The Spiritual Journeys Of Today Pagan Practitioners
Annie Keary - The Heroes Of Asgard

What Can Animal Guides Do And How Do I Work With Them

Animal guides can help you in many areas of you life whether they are of the physical or Astral Plane. They can help focus and raise the energy of a ritual or magickal circle. They can protect you in your dreams, meditations and quests, as well as in the real world. They can teach you how to take on their abilities through shapeshifting. They can help you learn to take yourself less seriously (or more so if needed).

A guide can be your friend, confidant, sister, brother, teacher... They can be playful, loving, protective and supportive. They will change and grow with you throughout your life.

You work with spirit guides the same way you work with anyone else, ask them for help, advice, or support, whatever you need. They will decide if they will do what you ask.

If it is for the best they will almost always help. To talk with a guide, do a Visualization in which you call to them. They will come if they choose. If they do not, try again later or try to work out the problem on your own. If your guide is a physical one just talk with it. It will help if it chooses.

Talk with your guide.
Ask it to teach you.
Get to know your guide as you would get to know any close friend.
Spend time with it.

You will learn how to work with it as you get to know each other, as you learn to become a team and Understand each others needs. Just remember to always, always, treat your guide with respect and gratitude for the help it gives.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Tobias Johansson - The Crucible And The Reasons For The Salem Witch Hunt
James Braid - Magic Witchcraft Animal Magnetism And Electro Biology
Aleister Crowley - The Enochian Tablets And The Book Of The Law