Animal Guides Do you have one?

[Autumn Clair]

There are many animal guides but this is a list of the most common.

Alligator: Power, aggression,survival through adversity.
Ape: revered in Egypt, intelligence, wisdom and discovery
Badger:Courage
Bat: Sacred to the goddess and the night, joy, serenity, fortune
Bear: Power, strength, common sense and logic
Beaver: work, ambition, success and achievement.
Buffalo: Used for connecting with the Mother. sacred rituals and prayer, strebgth, provider
Bull: Power, divination,ritual
Cat: Sacred in Egypt, spirituality, divination, hunter, independant.
Cow: Fertility,pregnancy,childbirth
Coyote: Playfulness, trickery,humor,fair minded, justice and mischief
Crow: Justice
Deer: Love,grace, relationships,emotions,libido,compassion
Dog: Healing,loyalty,family,farming
Dolphin: Communication of feelings, intelligence, sadness, depression
Donkey: Determination, the land
Dove: Love, sex, fertility, peace
Dragonfly: Imagination
Eagle: Vision, Prayer
Elephant: Wisdom, intelligence, strength, leadership, loyalty, memory
Fish: Graceful
Fox: psychic powers, survival through adversity
Hummingbird: Pleasure
Lion: Protection, strength of spirit, boldness
Lizard: Vision
Mouse: Farming, illness, eye for detail
Owl: Death, omen, the future, silence
Oxen: Agriculture
Rabbit: Faery magic, banishing phobias, quick thinking
Raven: Mystery
Seal:Weather magic
Sheep: Farming, determination
Snake: Sexuality, change, fortune, jealousy, transformation
Spider: Fate
Turtle: Shy
Pig: Fate, death,power
Tiger: Protection, magic
Whale: the law
Wolf: Ambition,success, family, inspiration, knowledge




Mine are Bear and Crow

[Phoenix Blue]

Kinda a shame there's not more information available for mythical and legendary beasts. . . :)

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Rabbit and Stag/Deer

[Autumn Clair]

Kinda a shame there's not more information available for mythical and legendary beasts. . . :)
Hope this helps. I'm still doing research so if I find more I'll post it. Can we get a Forum for Animal Guides MOL?

http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wyldkat/wkland.html

then use the same for/wkwater.html
wkair.html and wkmyth.html

[Ben Trismegistus]

Here's mine:

http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wyldkat/tiger.jpg Tiger: Tigers are quick to act, subtle and inconcspicuous. They symbolize ferocity, royalty, fearlessness, authority, the warrior aspect, a lack of procrastination and will-power. They are connected to Duga, Shiva, Dionysus and Tsai Chen.

Although he doesn't fit the mold at all. My tiger is lazy, sarcastic, and often surly.

[Phoenix Blue]

Well, tigers are still cats. . . :p

[veinglory]

rat -- though the poll is sure to be biased towards those that do have one.

[Starry Di]

How do you get one?

[CloakofStars9]

i have three!

wolf being the strongest
also bear and eagle

[Autumn Clair]

How do you get one?
Good Question.

I found mine through a meditation I was searching for my craft name and found them with my name, they led me to it.

You can do a few things if your new to Animal Guides.
Look up Animal Guide Meditations, there are many so choose the one your most comfortable with, My had a path thru a forest which led me to an old ancient building, a study and I pulled a book off the shelf which led me to my path Celtic and my name Autumn Clair and I was led by my Animal Guides.
Some have a bridge with a river
Or you can start here Full Moon Paradise

http://groups.msn.com/FullMoon Paradise/animalguides.msnw

Incase anyone know the meditation I went thru could you send me a site link. I never wrote it down and I'd like to use it again. Thank you

[Hoot]

I'm still finding all of mine (through meditation and clear signs of various kinds). Some seem to be incongruous with one another, like owl and dove, but that's just how it is...

:colorful:

[Autumn Clair]

I'm still finding all of mine (through meditation and clear signs of various kinds). Some seem to be incongruous with one another, like owl and dove, but that's just how it is...

:colorful:

Always nice to hear from you HOOT:chatty: :huh: :boing: give me more:boing: more:boing: more

[Hoot]

Aw shucks! :lol:

Well, my grandmother nicknamed me "Hoot" when I was just a little girl. Maybe because of that, I've always liked owls, but they have approached me in meditation and followed me through the woods. And as I mentioned in another thread, I saw two of the largest owls I've ever seen (in captivity of the wild) on Thanksgiving night (in 2002) - they cirlced around me in the treetops, and it felt like a visitation. Recently there have been a few other occurances.

As for doves, well, in the mundane sense, they do not fare too well with owls! But they've been with me a while, too. Wherever I live, they're around my home, nesting. I think they're beautiful, and their cooing soothes me whenever I hear it. In meditation, my thoughts often follow a flock of doves.

[Sagittarius]

Owl, Moth, Cat, Beetle, Spider and Snail.

:)

[Imbrium]

I discovered that my animal guide was a raven while meditating. It's strange, because that's the last animal that I would have thought of at the time. You see, when I was a Christian, I often would poke fun of people with animal guides that were ravens or wolves, saying "ha..ha, you and every other wanna-be shaman!"

Serves me right! Now I'm doing a little repentance work by feeding the wild birds every morning and learning not to critisize people.

[Pip_Sensei]

Yes. ANd I have a raven.

[Cobalt Cobra]

Wolf and Serpent ^_^

[JWill0ws]

Black Leopard and white owl :)

[mothwench]

Kinda a shame there's not more information available for mythical and legendary beasts. . . :)

or moths... :sadman: ;)

[Romani Vixen]

Tiger, Fox, Otter, and believe it or not... Falcon!!!

Where can I get the info on the Otter?

I have always been attracted to Tigers and Foxes. Tiger was confirmed with a Native American 'jouney' led by a friend who's a shaman. Fox was meditation... that and welll... I can usually handle seeing animal hides. Infact, I own a fox tail. Then one day I was in the office of a client (bf's computer bus.) and I saw a full fur, head and all.... I freaked!!!! I felt like someone was turning *me* inside out.

Otter... well, my mothers name is Esther. Some friends children couldn't pronounce it and called her 'Otters'. A few years ago, I realised the connection... I was one too!

At least I think that the Falcon is......

All in all... I just love animals!!! and they love me... at least someone loves me! ;P

FalconSong

[SylverStar]

Right Now just Brown Bear. I used to have a White Tiger Guide/Protector but he was my childhood Gaurdian and left me earlier this year.

It's kind of funny because I am not a bear person at all, I would have never thought of even having a bear as a animal guide. But there he is. :)

[SylverStar]

I have some info on some of these mythical and real. I will get to posting it in a couple of days, but I'm sure there is alot on the internet onmost animals.

[Autumn Clair]

Tiger, Fox, Otter, and believe it or not... Falcon!!!

Where can I get the info on the Otter?

FalconSong

Otter: symbolizes playfulness,balancedfemale energy, curiousity, joy for self and others, lack of jealousy and envy, lack of worry,talent,faithfulness, social life and happiness. They are tricksters. Thay are connectes to the element of earth and water and are connected to Cernunnos.

I listed links at the beginning.............

[Autumn Clair]

I have some info on some of these mythical and real. I will get to posting it in a couple of days, but I'm sure there is alot on the internet onmost animals.

I'll be looking for your post..........

[docdoo]

Mine is Coyote, strange as I was thinking I would get something a bit different! I've only seen him several times but seeing as how I have such a difficult time finding time to meditate that isn't necessararily strange.

til next time,

[Epona44]

Where's the horsies?

[Epona44]

Horse: Horses symbolize strength, the ability to work alone or in groups, speed, stamina, endurance, faithfulness, friendship, cooperation, travel, overcoming obstacles, loyalty, independence, cautiousness, unconditional support, selflessness, freedom, power, balance, compassion and sharing. They are connected to Epona, Kwannon, Anahita, Vesta, Apollo, Mithras, Surya, Odhinn, Freya, Rhiannon, Leukippe, Waelsi and Volos.

Yup, that's it.

[Autumn Clair]

Where's the horsies?

http:// www.wicca.com/celtic/wyldkat/wkland.html (http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wyldkat/wkland.html)


Horse: symbolize strength, the ability to work alone or in groups, speed, stamina, endurance, faithfulness, friendship,cooperation, travel, overcoming obstacles, loyalty, independance, cautiousness,unconditional support, selflessness, freedom, power, balance, compassion and sharing. They are connected with Epona, Kwannon, Anahita, Vesta, Apollo, Mithras, Surya, Odhinn, Freya, Rhiannon, Leukippe, Waelsi and Volos.

[Eowyn]

Yes I have a animal guide... It's a cat... I love that cate (it's a special cat) and everytime Im sad or anything... Making spells or whatever he comes makes me happy/gives insperation to me

[LittleRhiannon]

Well, I don't really know much about them, but I do feel weirdly drawn to coyotes. I have a book that has a coyote headed man on it, and I had to buy the book, just because of the picture. It's weird. But maybe my animal guide is a coyote :idea:

[Witchzee1]

The bear is my spirit animal. He first came to me when I started studing Reiki. I later learned that the bear is a healer. He knows what he needs to make himself feel better when he's sick and will seek out the proper herbs, etc. to make himself feel better. I thought that was pretty cool!

The crow is my messenger and always shows up when I need to be aware of something. It's pretty cool!

[aefentid]

Not all of mine are animals. I have a fox and lately a grey mare who I ride during journeys and I also have a spae aelf.

[dragonkin]

I have three, two animal one other. My two majors are a Dragon, and a wolf and I have a wolverine that doesn't present herself as much

[Autumn Clair]

The bear is my spirit animal. He first came to me when I started studing Reiki. I later learned that the bear is a healer. He knows what he needs to make himself feel better when he's sick and will seek out the proper herbs, etc. to make himself feel better. I thought that was pretty cool!

The crow is my messenger and always shows up when I need to be aware of something. It's pretty cool!
We have the same animal guides. I found mine in a meditation state searching for my craft name and they led me not only to my craft name but my path. COOL

[SylverStar]

That's funny the bear came to me during meditation also. I did not know that about the healing. Healing is one of those things I'm not really interested in but some things point to me being a healer.

[FeatherGoblinglimmer]

I am starting to wonder if the cat is one of mine. i have had a spirit following me for the last month or so. So far i havn't, made any kind of contact but it is definitely a cat. When i have seen it is is always in the form of a cat.If anyone has any ideas on how i could contact it or more info on them or anything you think is useful, Please pm me cos i don't know much about animal guides.

Feather
***

[Romani Vixen]

Well, I don't really know much about them, but I do feel weirdly drawn to coyotes. I have a book that has a coyote headed man on it, and I had to buy the book, just because of the picture. It's weird. But maybe my animal guide is a coyote :idea:
Some of my most powerful experiences as a child were when we were living in the high desert in so. cal. At that time there were still cyotes about.... howling back and forth.... man.....

Falconsong

[WitchJezebel]

Mine:

Wolf
Dog
Brown bears

[Dextra]

A wolf I've named Eldred, a panther named Turanea, and a phoenix. The phoenix doesn't have a name because it hasn't told me what it is yet. :)

[chrestomancie]

I have more that one. Each represents a certain thing that they remind me to do.
Raven appears when severity is needed.
Turtle reminds me to slow down.
Bat reminds me to fly
Orca shows me beauty
Penguin reminds me to have fun
Dragon shows me universal mysteries
White Tiger for magic

[Cheshire_Cat]

I have two. There's a cat that I work with. Also, since my biological father's family is Native American and his parents were still connected with their tribe, when I was 1 or maybe 2, there was a shamanic ceremony done to find my guide and my name and it was decided that the bear was there as a guide.

[ColdGhost]

Sometimes I ignored my animal guide in the past because they terrified me in physical life. I kept dreaming of them since 3 years ago every night, developed a phobia of them in sleep. This was around the time I was with a boyfriend who turned out to be abusive. Well it was then I realised that this animal was my personal guide: the spider.

from that site I found this:

Spiders are weavers and tricksters. They symbolize fate, female energy, creative energy, female energy, wisdom, creativity, new life, entanglement, caution, divine inspiration, starting a project, becoming pregnant, being industrious, warning signals, illusions. they can act as hazard ahead signposts. They are connected to Neith, Ishtar, Atargatis, Athene, the Fates, the Norns, Holda, Inktomi, Kokyangwuti, Tsitsicnako and Sussistanako.

[Writer_Waif]

My animal guides are as follows:
two wolves: one black, one white
blue heron
owl
turtle
phoenix
dragon (varies in color) :colorful:
cats .... always have cats around me ... I live with 10

and then there is my son, long story here but willing to share

SilverMoon Dragon
aka Phoenix FireStar Rising

[Autumn Clair]

Sometimes I ignored my animal guide in the past because they terrified me in physical life. I kept dreaming of them since 3 years ago every night, developed a phobia of them in sleep. This was around the time I was with a boyfriend who turned out to be abusive. Well it was then I realised that this animal was my personal guide: the spider.

from that site I found this:

Spiders are weavers and tricksters. They symbolize fate, female energy, creative energy, female energy, wisdom, creativity, new life, entanglement, caution, divine inspiration, starting a project, becoming pregnant, being industrious, warning signals, illusions. they can act as hazard ahead signposts. They are connected to Neith, Ishtar, Atargatis, Athene, the Fates, the Norns, Holda, Inktomi, Kokyangwuti, Tsitsicnako and Sussistanako.
Looks like you spider guide was trying to tell you something. You said you dreamed of him. I think I'll look up what a snake says because I have an awful lot of dreams about snakes and I usually don't mind them unless their big.

[Elfa Wylde]

Wolf... he's a great teacher!
and i have a "guardian" Dragon called Lili. She's a darling! and likes to play with our dog Russell. LOL

[Writer_Waif]

My wolves and dragon seem to be protectors for me.
They tend to show up when I have a decision to make that will affect my life.

Phoenix FireStar Rising
(was SilverMoon Dragon)


Wolf... he's a great teacher!
and i have a "guardian" Dragon called Lili. She's a darling! and likes to play with our dog Russell. LOL

[Cerulean]

Yeah, but they are animal cartoon characters. I end up jumping off cliffs a lot or getting shot out of giant sling shots. Sometimes when I run, a drawn-on dust cloud appears at my feet. I seem to get involved in a lot of chases. Sometimes I steal a nearby car or motorcycle to get away and nothing ever happens to me. On the negative side, it's hard to rest.

[Mesektet]

Mine is the Stag, similar to the deer, but along with compassion, it champions strength, protection, and is kind of territorial...

[DarkSidhe]

I've had a crow that I've had for years, and last spring I've discovered a squirrel. The squirrel has been really shy, or paranoid, because he stays at a distance, and still hasn't said anything to me, or come close, just kinda hangs with me. He's a good watchdog of sorts though, because he panics easily, and that's usually when something else comes around, gives me time to deal with it. He senses things before I can, even if he does run away.
The crow acts more like the American Indian version than the Celtic version of my path though, which is strange. And there's no reference of squirrels that I know of in my path as well. I would have expected an Irish Wolfhound, or something similar, but hey, a squirrel is pretty kewl too, I guess. :)

[BrenaSidhe]

--- Crow found me, their always there whatching and following, or at times of true crisis in my life... Been around since I was a kid and tried to save one...

--- Wolves are there to, but although I have a definete kinship with them, I see them more as boundry-runners/keepers... They know me, let me or bring me through to other places, and have protected me at times...

--- blackcat, is sort of like a shadow, only not if that makes any sence... It's a critter that seems linked between me and my eldest son... When the kids in truboule I know it and when I want him to contact he does... Every time talking about seeing that cat, or when he's been in seriouse danger he's also seen the cat...

---Blackdog, I'm not real sure what this beastie is to be honest, but he's old and he's seriouse... Solid black, much like shadow, only isn't... He's big, raggedy haird and has a rather demonic gurgling growl... I've learned that when he pops up, be it dreams or real-time, it's time to slam the brakes on and go the other direction ASAP... Everytime I havn't, I've been in real danger or gotton seriously hurt... Something about him makes me feel he's somehow ancestral, feels very European and had shown up in real time once accompanied by a pale womyn with long black hair...

The other is private...

[Sylv]

When I first received the Faerie Oracle, I asked Himself to show me my spirit animal. It turned out to be a gazelle-not what I was expecting!
I kinda didn't pursuit it, and then a while later I was reading one of Joseph Campbell's books and he mentioned that the gazelle is associated with the heart chakra. Ding. Epiphany, any one?
Another odd coincidence-I'm writing my own mythology. The way I write it is in first-person narrative of a mother telling the stories to her daughter. When I first started, I felt compelled to name the daughter Tabitha, which is weird because I don't know anyone named Tabitha and it's not a name I'd name a child of mine. One day I decide I'll look up what it means and lo and behold-it means gazelles. I got goosebumps. ;)

[SylverStar]

Ok I know this is a little off topic, but I was curious if anyone had any info on the Beetle. I had one visit me the other night and disrupt my meditation. I've seemed to misplaced my Animal books. :(

[Autumn Clair]

I'm afraid I can't help there. With all the information I've collected I've no beetle. Sorry. If I come across it I'll let you know.

[SylverStar]

Thanks. I thought I had it in my book, but I'm not sure. I'll post what I find too.

[Aidron]

I have several. The raven being my chief animal influence, alongside the butterfly and the artic fox.

[SylverStar]

I didn't know about the butterfly. Seems fitting for you though Raven. :)

[SylverStar]

What I've found on the Beetle so far:

Beetle - Resurrection, Eternal Life, Metamorphosis, Especially Scarab Beetle Sacred in Ancient Egypt

[Aidron]

Definitely. ;)

I am perpetually going through 'some' metamorphis, and I absolutely hate remaining still most of the time. You should see me on the phone, I am parading around the entire house. :lol:

Here is what I have commonly associated the beetle with:

Endurance, perseverance, survival, immortality, strength.

Beetles have been for quite awhile, long before the Egyptians gave them their infamy. They have adapted in amazing ways. Not to give a crude visual, but some survive off of feces alone and there will always be a steady supply of that. They also are equal to, if not stronger than ants whom can lift 50 times their own body weight.

[Hawk Shadowsoul]

Mine is the Red Tailed Hawk. On my initial vision quest, I was allowed to see through his eyes as he flew. Absolutely incredible.

[banondraig]

i don't know about them actually being guides, but since i've been out here, i've noticed that dogs=good situation and no dogs=bad situation. there are actually quite a few wild/feral dogs out here. ants tend to show up when i have to deal with living with other people. i love cats, but am not sure if they would count as guides. i'll have to do some meditating when i get back to civilization -- i've closed myself off some over the past year due to being in a war zone.

[WolfWonderess]

I've been practicing astral projection for the past 7 months, and been doing good with it! Still learning the ropes, though...can project fully now, just have to learn how to gain control over my astral body and stay out, eheh. ^^;; But, yeah, one of my main focuses of doing so is to find my spirit guide.

I've had two really vivid dreams, though, while attempting projections, though they were just dreams and not projections (I can totally feel the difference!). One involved me having a conversation with a gray or white (or both...can't remember!) female wolf by a gorgeous stream, with the woods around us. I hugged her and felt great amounts of emotion, and we spoke together...but when I woke up, I could no longer remember what had been said, though the great emotion was still there.

My other dream, a recent one that also occurred while attempting to project involved a male phoenix appearing to me. Before it appeared, I remember it talking to me and, from what I remember, trying to aid me in projecting (though I wasn't projecting...had none of the sensations).

Hmm...so, I keep wondering if those are my guides. I know the wolf for sure is; ever since I was little, I've always had an accute, and very emotional connection and affinity for them...hmm...

[Laurelei]

A while ago I had the eagle as my power animal, but it didn't work out. It just didn't feel right.

Anyway, last night I was meditating and ended up in a beautiful grassy clearing. I eded up talking to a wolf about power animals. A little snake kept slithering over my feet, but I did my best to ignore it, I don't know why. I was talking to the wolf when a cheeky magpie dropped a pebble on my head! Then he swooped down and started talking to me. I have been considering magpies as a power animal. Anyway after a while I thought I'd better get back to the physical, and then the little snake bit me!

It was very wierd in a funny way. :p

[SylverStar]

I love magpies.

So I just realized yesterday that dragonflies have been appearing every where to me for like the past year. It's the middle of winter and I'm noticing pictures of dragonflies. I haven't meditated in awhile. I think I will do that tonight.

[Aidron]

Ravens do not exist outside of a zoo in this area (to my knowledge) but I tend to see dozens upon dozens of crows, dragon flies, butterflies, cats, and birds in general.

Then again I tend to see tons of flying creatures period.

[SylverStar]

We don't have Ravens here either. Lots of crows, magpies, and seagulls. Lots of Monarch Butterflies and Bees. Plus all those little birds. I've noticed I tend to see lots of flying creatures too. I'm starting to think birds actually out populate the humans. It's amazing to me how they have managed to adapt to living among humans.

[changeling]

My animal guide/power animal is a wolf, which didn't surprise me as I have had a great affinity with wolves most of my life.. I have a friend though who's animal is a Cockatoo!! has anyone got any information as to the cockatoo's traits and powers?

[Wildstar]

I had a reading once by a trusted friend, and was told I am a raven within, with the dog and dragonfly as my guides. I do notice a lot of dragonflies when I need them.

I did notice, though, that I have become absolutely surrounded by frogs. Just perchance, I had ended up continueally picking up frog trinkets and figurines without even realizing it. This affinity then transformed into turtles. It's quite odd.

Frog/Toad: Frogs and toads symbolize feminine energy, fecundity, water, new life, new beginnings, the mystery of creation, cleansing, refreshing, purifying, refilling, clearing negativity, replenishment, positive energy, transformation, beginning a new cycle, long life, good luck, changing luck, starting new projects and prosperity. They are a Goddess symbol and are connected to the moon. They are connected to Heket, Isis, Hathor, Ch'ing-Wa Sheng, Aphrodite, Sabazius and Ahriman.

Turtle/Tortoise: Turtles and Tortoises symbolize longevity, strength, endurance, wisdom, patience, knowledge of the defensive position, goddess energy, grounding, shielding, treachery, perseverance and slowing down to enjoy life. They are connected to the elements of earth (turtle and tortoise) and water (turtle) and the moon. They are connected to Prajapati, P'an Ku, Pan, Aphrodite, Venu, Hermes and Mercury.

[dragonfaeryfly]

We don't have Ravens here either. Lots of crows, magpies, and seagulls. Lots of Monarch Butterflies and Bees. Plus all those little birds. I've noticed I tend to see lots of flying creatures too. I'm starting to think birds actually out populate the humans. It's amazing to me how they have managed to adapt to living among humans.

I used to live in Cheney and saw Ravens out in the country. Maybe they don't like people? :)
Flye

[dragonfaeryfly]

Bear and Dragon. I have, however, seen quite a few dragonflies myself. Interesting...

Flye

[Aidron]

There are more birds now than human beings. I believe 3 for every human being. Don't even get me started on insects. There are about 1,000 insects for every person on earth. Yikes!

Ravens do not concern themself with people much. They see us most often as providers, if they can figure out how to get into the various containers we keep our food in.

We have a lot of hummingbirds around here as well, which I see quite often. I never grow tired of seeing them.

[banondraig]

we have ravens on my post in germany(mid-size town w/woods nearby). they don't seem to mind people much, but they are too BIG to nest in many places where something like a pigeon or a songbird might.

[SylverStar]

I used to live in Cheney and saw Ravens out in the country. Maybe they don't like people? :)
Flye
I saw some outside of Yakima. It seems they are more on the outskirts of town. Isn't Cheney pretty much all country anyways. ;)

[grannywolf13]

How or what do you do when the power animal chooses you at birth? You go with it and love it for who and what it stands for. :hehehehe: :hehehehe:
I am exactly what my power animal implies. A Wolf. The strength, agility, wisdom, peace, and protectiveness that it brings me helps me to handle many a tough situation. Though I am a solitare in many ways the pack instinct is always there.

[Calyx]

OK, I have finally done the spirit guide meditation, and I ended up with two VERY unlikely sounding guides...... a raccoon, and a butterfly. I thought, WTF??? but when I went and looked up their meanings, they seem to fit pretty well. I guess they knew me better than I knew myself....... :)
Has anyone else ever had either of these???

[Chyenne35]

How do you know if you have an Animal Guide? How do you get one?

[redlady]

Mine is a turtle. Someone else saw it hovering, and when told me, it made sense. If there's something going on I feel uncomfortable with, I retreat away a short distance, like a turtle pulling in its limbs and head. If I'm not left alone 'til I'm ready, I get nasty and bitchy, just as a turtle would bite if you poked a stick into its shell at it head....

[Lunacie]

For those who are wondering, often the things you tend to collect will give you a clue to your animal spirit/guide. I began collecting butterflies when I was young, but didn't begin collecting owls until I began walking the Pagan Paths. Once a couple of years ago Owl gave me a very important warning. Butterfly appears to me, either physically or through something I've been reading when I've been ready to make some big changes in my life.

Butterfly: Butterflies symbolize joy, freedom, living in the moment, transformation, the birth-death-rerbirth circle, mental powers, reincarnation, magick, divination concerning the life cycle, understanding where you are in the cycle of your life, inspiration, immortality, leisure, beauty in old age, longevity, love, happiness, falseness, vanity and the soul. They are connected to the element of Air and the Horae and Zochiquetzal.



Owl (general): Owls symbolize wisdom, the ability to see things that are hidden, stealth, swiftness, darkness, freedom, dreams, shape-shifting, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magick, deception, observation, total truth, night, death and misfortune. They are connected to the Underworld and the Moon. They are connected to The Goddess in general, as well as Athena, Mari, Lilith, Anath, Gwynn ap Nudd, Blodeuwedd, Yama and Cailleach. Barn Owl: Barn owls are the ones who see without seeing and hear without hearing; the ones who can hear what is not spoken and ones that see things without physical sight.

[gypsyeyes]

I have heard many different ways to find-out what your animal guide is. I have heard it's whatever animal your most drawn to, whatever animal you happen to see the most in nature, if you have ever been hurt by an animal, etc. THe list goes on and on. Is there any way to know for sure what your animal totem is? Coz' i know what animals that I feel drawn to and what animals i have always liked, but I'm not sure if that is credit enough for them to be my totem animals. Does anyone have any suggestions?
BB,
Amber

[Bran83]

I have a funny story about mine......

I was in a nordic drumming circle to find your ancestor and animal guid. Well, I was lying down and we had to go into this cave, and on the ground was this squirel (sp?). And Im like "Oh you must be my spirit guide."

Well with that there was this little squirel war cry and he leaped on my chest. I started beating him to get off and woke up. And of course we had to share our experience, and everyone had teh eagle, and the wolf. Then it got to me.... I have a squierl. And the guide goes, well did anything happen. I said, "It attacked me, and I had to beat him off."

"YOur not suppose to beat your spirit guide."

I said, "Well I didnt know. Damn thing leaped at me."


It was bad. Funny, but bad.

[Kes]

"YOur not suppose to beat your spirit guide."

I said, "Well I didnt know. Damn thing leaped at me."


:lol:

That reminds me how I first learned about one of my spirit guides. It was a dream where my family and I were asleep in our house, and our spirit guides would come to us one by one and we would need to defeat them in combat. We had these stones to use, and the implication was that we needed to channel energy into the stones to bind them.

I didn't feel secure with the stones that I had, so thinking that I had enough time I went into my parents' room and asked to borrow a stone. My father gave me a large one (bigger than my fist), and as I was going back to my room I looked down the stairs and there was a very nasty-looking red fox coming for me. I wasn't prepared to be channeling any energy into the stone and I had no idea how to really use it, so when it lept at me to bite I konked it on the head with the stone and clamped its jaw shut. 0_0

Strange, but it seemed to work.


My other animal guide is the black ant, but my relationship is a little different there, I think. While the Red Fox is a teacher and a guide and a comfort, the Black Ant is more of a compatriot - we share a similar outlook and a similar duty.

[Aranel]

I have a lion, he came to me when i was about 7 in the early hours of the morning. for some reason i think he is called "sheiba", dont ask, i don't know! :shhhh:

blessings and light
Aranel

[RunePuppy]

I'm not sure if this counts as an "animal spirit guide" experience or not, but I would like some input.
I had a dream several months ago that was, for me, very tame (mine tend to be a bit wacky). I was walking through a wooded, hilly area with rocky outcroppings. Every now and then I would get a glimpse of something blue out of the corner of my eye. I wasn't really "anxious" or anything in the dream, but more cautious. I kept walking and eventually, on the path ahead was a blue cougar. We sort of eyed each other for a while (again, still cautiously) and he started walking infront of me...it didn't feel like I was following him, more like he knew where I was already headed. I remember feeling such a sence of STRENGTH from him...but nothing that really made me afraid. We walked a while, then I woke up.
Now, for me, that was an "odd" dream because it was so normal..I guess that why it made such an impression on me. And I haven't had any other dreams since then with the blue guy at all.
Thoughts?

[Autumn Clair]

I'm not sure if this counts as an "animal spirit guide" experience or not, but I would like some input.
I had a dream several months ago that was, for me, very tame (mine tend to be a bit wacky). I was walking through a wooded, hilly area with rocky outcroppings. Every now and then I would get a glimpse of something blue out of the corner of my eye. I wasn't really "anxious" or anything in the dream, but more cautious. I kept walking and eventually, on the path ahead was a blue cougar. We sort of eyed each other for a while (again, still cautiously) and he started walking infront of me...it didn't feel like I was following him, more like he knew where I was already headed. I remember feeling such a sence of STRENGTH from him...but nothing that really made me afraid. We walked a while, then I woke up.
Now, for me, that was an "odd" dream because it was so normal..I guess that why it made such an impression on me. And I haven't had any other dreams since then with the blue guy at all.
Thoughts?
I believe he was a guide they don't always speak to you when first meeting..........

[Autumn Clair]

When I first posted about animal guides I was looking into the more meditation type animal guide that would come to you in a vision. But the more I read about them people have been saying this the everyday animals that seem to be around you too.

In which case hummingbirds seem to come at odd times and I feel so enlightened when I see that like time just stands still. And snakes would cross my path and I never feared them unless I accident stepped on it in which case we both weren't happy about that. Rabbitts always seem to find my home no matter where I have lived and by the nature of me birds and squirrels because I feed them. I get blue birds, cardinals, chic. and those small black birds that look like crows and pigeons, no robins though only saw those when I was younger and those bright orange lizzards whayt are those called? THem too when I was young.
I'm trying to think if anything else sticks out in my mind oh one of those stick insects when I was young and inch worms even still now..........What does it mean if they just appear to you all the time????

[SylverStar]

Guides can appear in more than one way. Some animals are native to the land. I see crows and seagals and other birds everyday. When it comes to actually seeing the animal I think it's a little harder to tell if it is an animal guide/affinity/ect that you have or if it is actually pretty common occurance for anyone in the area. Usually though when you tend to see one specific animal frequently it is probably a guide. Also if you randomly have the animal pop up in like pictures, statues, ect. that is another way they can appear. Meditaion and dreams is a pretty big one though. When I was little I actually felt the presence of my guide and sometimes saw him in noncoporeal form.

[Joshua]

Tiger and Wolf for a long time, but now mostly Jaguar.

[Fairywolf]

Mine is mainly a wolf, but here lately dragonflys have been joining in.

[WHITE EAGLE +++]

I think i mentioned this on another "Animal Guild" Thread started by Autumn clair, but Ill mention it here as well. I just recieved Medicine Cards by Cason and Sams that really hit the mark for those trying to work with Animal Totems( Im trying to incorporate it into a banner).

In fact I may some day have a thread on the tarot sight offering readings. Let me know if you think this would be a popular form of divination. :reindeer:

[Mau]

I have a few. Cats, lion, frog, bobcat, Eagle, snake.

[Gebo]

I'm not sure if this counts as an "animal spirit guide" experience or not, but I would like some input.
I had a dream several months ago that was, for me, very tame (mine tend to be a bit wacky). I was walking through a wooded, hilly area with rocky outcroppings. Every now and then I would get a glimpse of something blue out of the corner of my eye. I wasn't really "anxious" or anything in the dream, but more cautious. I kept walking and eventually, on the path ahead was a blue cougar. We sort of eyed each other for a while (again, still cautiously) and he started walking infront of me...it didn't feel like I was following him, more like he knew where I was already headed. I remember feeling such a sence of STRENGTH from him...but nothing that really made me afraid. We walked a while, then I woke up.
Now, for me, that was an "odd" dream because it was so normal..I guess that why it made such an impression on me. And I haven't had any other dreams since then with the blue guy at all.
Thoughts?
A similair situation has happened to me. Once during meditation and again during sleep. The first occurence happened while asleep. At this particular time I was surrounded by a pack of zebras. They were all pawing at the dirt and seemed very 'guarded' and ancy. After taking a second look from above the situation I could see that yes they were surrounding me and were being aggressive, however they were defending me. Outside of the ring of Zebras was a storm that was blowing up dirt and there were dark clouds in the horizon. I did not see much else but felt very safe with the animals. During meditation, I was following a meditation tape to get into my altered state and then I ventured out away from the guided meditation as I often do. I was in a rain forest walking along the path when I caught a glimpse of something in the trees to my left. I looked and it was gone so I moved closer. I brushed a branch to the side to get a better view. When I did I saw the haunches of a Zebra disappear behind another group of trees. Every once in a while the zebra would turn and glance over its shoulder at me. I continued to follow him and ended up in a clearing that was consumed by a large pool of sparkling water where there were several other animals drank, all of them striped like a zebra. I think that is a power animal experience but not sure. Also, just a weird peice of information: My high school mascot was a Zebra. There are only three schools in the United States (at least at that time) with the Zebra as its mascot.

[Rua]

mine is a turtle!

[Stryder Wolf]

Wolf and what I think is a Chimera. Not sure, all I see is a giant silhouette, but I know it's big and I know it's nasty.

[Autumn Clair]

I think i mentioned this on another "Animal Guild" Thread started by Autumn clair, but Ill mention it here as well. I just recieved Medicine Cards by Cason and Sams that really hit the mark for those trying to work with Animal Totems( Im trying to incorporate it into a banner).

In fact I may some day have a thread on the tarot sight offering readings. Let me know if you think this would be a popular form of divination. :reindeer:
I would love to hear more about it............:colorful:

[Joshua]

mine is a turtle!
I once stopped traffic on a busy street to rescue a turtle. My wife and I then took him to a pond where we had seen other turtles and let him go. I was very pleased with myself.

[banondraig]

I once stopped traffic on a busy street to rescue a turtle. My wife and I then took him to a pond where we had seen other turtles and let him go. I was very pleased with myself.

that's great! no turtle wants to end up like that one in "the grapes of wrath". :)

[Autumn Clair]

I feel sorry for the squirrels their so confused all the time and they rush out into the road so many close calls.........So I feed them in the winter months boy do they love sunflower seeds...........
Someone should tell them not to be in such a hurry all the time..........You know Stop and smell the rose's not play chase around them!!!

[SylverStar]

Ah but the squirrels are having a grand ol time.

So interesting thing happened this morning. I woke up and plainly in my mind I saw a grey(silver) fox. It was kind of weird. I've never had such a strong image of something as I woke up before. And there's nothing that I can think of that would trigger me to picture that animal. So now I have to go research and see what I can find. I know fox's in general are cunning, sly, and clever but don't know much more than that about them.

[AuroraSilvermist]

Mine's not on the list, but it's the hawk...which stands for "seeing the big picture," as well as for visions and psychism. Hawks are often considered messengers from the deities. I had no idea I connected with them until they started appearing to me everywhere. :)

[SylverStar]

found this:

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2114/Foxes.html

Keynote: Feminine Magic of Camouflage, Shapeshifting and Invisibility
Cycle of Power: Nocturnal, Dawn and Dusk

Fox can tell us there may be a need to develop or awaken skills of camouflage, invisibility, and shapeshifting. The fox can be seen most at dawn and dusk, these are the times when the physical and magical worlds intertwine. Fox can guide us in ways to enter the Faerie Realm. Anyone with a fox totem will find their senses sharpened dramatically, as fox has a very acute sense of hearing, smell, and sight. Fox people hear and see things others are not saying or seeing. They are very good at judging character. They use smell as a type of communication, teaching us how to know who and who not to connect with. Their fur acts as a type of camouflage, that can show us how to blend in with surroundings, to be unnoticed, or move in silence not giving clues to our intentions.Fox can show us how to use their gifts to help us bring clarity to our lives.
CHANT
Stealthy messenger of the gods,
Cunning and wise, reliable friend,
Guide my steps through this maze of deception
And see this problem to its end.

I think this is just for fox in general.

[mudweed]

Well, I don't know if I would call it an "animal guide", but mine is a BEAVER. I used to have a beaver on a keychain. It's a good conversation starter, and a source of eternal amusement for me. :hehehehe:

[MysticMama]

Wolf has been with me for years...giraffe too though not as long. An odd combination, eh? ;)

Hawk has been showing up lately as well.

[Patriciaj]

I don't think I have an animal guide, or if I do I don't know about it. I just thought I would share this site with you. It is cool. :smile: Animal Spirits (http://www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/index1.html)

[malltynos]

not sure about the list, but my animal guide is a dog I had while I was growing up; I also have one or more cats...more generically, I have worked with Owl and Fox spirits and Salmon too.

[hastings1066ad]

Its been a running joke that my animal guide is Mr. Snuffeluphagus. Seriously, (or not) I've had a hard time connecting with mine. I've tried meditation, the Druid Animal Oracle, trance work, paying especial attention to connections with physical animals etc. I'm pretty certain that it is some kind of cattle/bison/mammoth. because those are the types of forms that manifest. Now I just have to be a little more patient (I'm bad at this) and wait until they are really ready to show themselves. On the other hand-- maybe Snuffy really is my guide.
-Hastings

[pegasus]

where are you from Raven Windsong? Im in the UK and we holiday in Scotland every year. never fail to see ravens all the time, they only seem to like rocky places. One of the reasons we go there.
Blessings x

[amberwolf]

I have 2 animal guides one is a gret wolf and the other is a cat he has only come to me in the last year since my adorable cat hamlet passed on to the summer land..Im sure it is he as he used to spend time in circle with me.

[Flappersquirrel]

Well, I didn't think I had an animal guide...
But today! In the parking lot! I saw seagulls! In landlocked Tennessee!
There were two of them flying around the Sams club parking lot. My mom saw them too and freaked. Then promptly blamed me for their presence. :rolleyes: No one else seemed to notice them and they promptly flew away.
But still...a couple hours earlier I was talking to her about how strange it still was not to be in Florida where alligators are in most of the ponds and ditches and seagulls in every parking lot.
I'm not sure what it meant or even if it meant anything to see them, but still...wow...

[Cev'aq]

Mine is - you guessed it - a dragonfly. :D I also have a pretty good connection to cats.

[Abrashea]

My animal guide is a Sugar Glider...
http://www.gsgc.org/gallery/sg-car.jpg

it stands for intelligence, slyness, and sexual energy.

[Eclectic Celt]

merry meet!
how do you now if a pet has chosen to guide you? :lol:
i personally don't have any pets,but i do have a connection with most of the cat's in my street! :lol:
they come to me,i don't have to call them and two cat's in particular are cheeky enough to come into my house! :lol:

so how do you now if they r yr guides??
merry part and blessed be!

[Morr]

Mine are Dolphins & Horses.

I have a tattoo of a Dolphin too.. I've always had a very strong connection to dolphins even though I've never encountered any in real life (I hope to one day though)... I've always wanted a dolphin pet as a child LOL the closest I ever got is "Jim" my little kick ass tattoo dolphin. He's a cool dude :)
My second fave animals have always been horses and I am very very drawn to them and inspired by them. A few months ago I visited a friend who's family owns a stable, and I went to the stables and the energy in there was AMAZING, this one horse got close to me and *wated* me to pet him - and I did. It was one of the most amazing connections ever...

Me & The Horsie -
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/1003/drummerinblue/2003_0101Image0009.jpg

I also have a special connection with my puppy -
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/1003/drummerinblue/biz.jpg

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/1003/drummerinblue/xg.jpg

I <3 all animals... But Dolphins & Horses are definitly my guides - in every aspect. Dogs too but less then Dolphins & Horses :)

[Hoot]

You're very pretty, Morr! :)

[CloakofStars9]

You're very pretty, Morr! :)


you look like the banner i made for you :D :D :D



and for me, i have a wolf at my left side with me , a bear on my right and an eagle watching overhead

[13thChylde]

More pix of Morr!! (sorry, couldn't help it :bug:)

You're a hottie and you do look like your COS banner!
I used to look like mine, before I whacked the mane off :lol:

[13thChylde]

My animal guides are hawks and whales.

Hawks are the ones I see most often, but I've been connected to whales as long as I can remember.

[Morr]

::blush::
thanks to all of ya...
:smooch:

[ButterflyBranwynn]

Wow! I have four! (not sure if that is good or bad *lol*)
I would have to say mine are:

Butterflies symbolize joy, freedom, living in the moment, transformation, the birth-death-rerbirth circle, mental powers, reincarnation, magick, divination concerning the life cycle, understanding where you are in the cycle of your life, inspiration, immortality, leisure, beauty in old age, longevity, love, happiness, falseness, vanity and the soul.

Seals symbolize playfulness, parenting and protection (specifically protection during travel over water, when changing your life completely, when facing divorce or a traumatic separation from a loved one, and from gossip and danger).

Bats symbolize rebirth, reincarnation, ritual death, initiation, confronting fear, letting go of old habits, happiness, good luck, health, wealth, long life, peace, unhappiness, unrest, chaos, incomplete understanding, avoiding obstacles, transformation, and past lives.

Cats as protectors. They symbolize strength, cunning, agility, aloofness, independence and seeing spirits.

[Dusk]

I've been trying to focus on finding an animal guide. I usually use dreams I have when I am on the edge between being asleep and awake as guides. They seem to be the most informative and memorable.

The first time, I dreamed that someone gave me a pencil drawing of a rabbit.


last night, I dreamed that I started to stroke the soft fur on a toy rabbit. It could move similar to some toy dogs you may have seen. Right after I started to touch it, the rabbit started to purr loudly.


A purring mechaical rabbit?? What does it mean?

[banondraig]

someone posted on another thread about finding a hedgehog in their laundry which was out to dry. i once found a lizard in my sleeping bag, whereas other people nearby did not. this was about a year ago and it never happened again. would this be a totem/spirit guide appaearing or more of a message?

[SylverStar]

Not nessecarily. I don't think lizards in sleeping bags are that uncommon, but I guess it depends on where you are. Little events like that I take more as signs. Animals have certain meanings and powers that they deal with. I think run ins with animals are those animals telling you to look at that area of your life at that time.

[banondraig]

thank you. i'll have to go look up woodpeckers now. my mom & i were driving down the road to day, stopped about 10 feet from one, and it didn't fly away. normally they are much more shy.

[Corianin]

Mine are a white amazon tree frog. He comes to me in dreams and is always a soothing reassuring force in my life. I guess I've never thought to ask him for his name or his purpose. He just seems to appear when I need him. I have a crotcheted stuffed frog I've had since I was 3. Frogs have always been one of my favorite animals and have always felt a kindred to them. What does the frog spirit guide symbolize?

Also, ravens. We used to have huge black birds (3, oddly enough) that would come and peck at my windows routinely... They kept this up for nearly a year until I moved from my parents house and my mother reported that they haven't been back since I moved. We've had several ravens around our house now, but none have come peckin' at my windows. I don't have any fantasy creatures I don't believe. Whenever I meditate all of the animals I see are "real" animals and almost always in a forest setting.
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[Isildae]

. . .That I have chosen, because I like and connect with them: The Raven/Crow, The Serpent, The Cat, The Wolf/Coyote, The Stag/Deer. . .etc.

The only one who has officially chosen me would be the Owl, as I didn't even know I liked them until one came to me in a dream. Now I see them all the time in visions and dreams, and I'm assuming The Owl is my spirit guide.

[Autumn Clair]

I saw a woodpecker the other day, he made it a point to get my attention anyone have any idea about a woodpecker?????

[MoonIsis]

Frogs and Owls. I own frogs and just feel like I have some type of connection to them. I also hear owls all the time across from where I live and sometimes you can see them fly around at night...they just are dark spiritual creatures of the night and I feel like they are guardians of the spirit world to an extent.

[Patriciaj]

I saw a woodpecker the other day, he made it a point to get my attention anyone have any idea about a woodpecker?????

I found this on this site Shamanism Animal Spirit (http://www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/index14.html) . I hope it helps.


Woodpecker's Wisdom Includes:

Connection to the earth

Ability to find hidden layers

Understands rhythms, cycles and patterns

Warnings

Prophecy

Associated with thunder

The Earth's drummer

Pecks away at deception until the truth is revealed

[mucgwyrt]

There are many animal guides but this is a list of the most common.

Alligator: Power, aggression,survival through adversity.
Ape: revered in Egypt, intelligence, wisdom and discovery
Badger:Courage
Bat: Sacred to the goddess and the night, joy, serenity, fortune
Bear: Power, strength, common sense and logic
Beaver: work, ambition, success and achievement.
Buffalo: Used for connecting with the Mother. sacred rituals and prayer, strebgth, provider
Bull: Power, divination,ritual
Cat: Sacred in Egypt, spirituality, divination, hunter, independant.
Cow: Fertility,pregnancy,childbirth
Coyote: Playfulness, trickery,humor,fair minded, justice and mischief
Crow: Justice
Deer: Love,grace, relationships,emotions,libido,compassion
Dog: Healing,loyalty,family,farming
Dolphin: Communication of feelings, intelligence, sadness, depression
Donkey: Determination, the land
Dove: Love, sex, fertility, peace
Dragonfly: Imagination
Eagle: Vision, Prayer
Elephant: Wisdom, intelligence, strength, leadership, loyalty, memory
Fish: Graceful
Fox: psychic powers, survival through adversity
Hummingbird: Pleasure
Lion: Protection, strength of spirit, boldness
Lizard: Vision
Mouse: Farming, illness, eye for detail
Owl: Death, omen, the future, silence
Oxen: Agriculture
Rabbit: Faery magic, banishing phobias, quick thinking
Raven: Mystery
Seal:Weather magic
Sheep: Farming, determination
Snake: Sexuality, change, fortune, jealousy, transformation
Spider: Fate
Turtle: Shy
Pig: Fate, death,power
Tiger: Protection, magic
Whale: the law
Wolf: Ambition,success, family, inspiration, knowledge




Mine are Bear and Crow

Mine's a white goose - any idea of the meaning? I take it to mean homliness :)

[Autumn Clair]

I found this on this site Shamanism Animal Spirit (http://www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/index14.html) . I hope it helps.


Woodpecker's Wisdom Includes:

Connection to the earth

Ability to find hidden layers

Understands rhythms, cycles and patterns

Warnings

Prophecy

Associated with thunder

The Earth's drummer

Pecks away at deception until the truth is revealed
Thank you for the information now I'll have to figure out what it's trying to tell me. It was very strange only 3 feet away right over my head in a tree, how did he get my attention he tried to poop on me:lol: That got it..........

[Caffiend]

I'm not sure what mine is. Although I am very drawn to cats and turtles. Any little cat or turtle figurine, I just ooh and ahh over. Could this mean that one or both are possible guides?

[Whimsy]

I'm not sure what mine is. Although I am very drawn to cats and turtles. Any little cat or turtle figurine, I just ooh and ahh over. Could this mean that one or both are possible guides?

I think it means you just like cats and turtles. :lol: Of course, they still might be your guides. I just wouldn't go on that nugget of knowledge alone.

[Autumn Clair]

I found this on this site Shamanism Animal Spirit (http://www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/index14.html) . I hope it helps.


Woodpecker's Wisdom Includes:

Connection to the earth

Ability to find hidden layers

Understands rhythms, cycles and patterns

Warnings

Prophecy

Associated with thunder

The Earth's drummer

Pecks away at deception until the truth is revealed
Thank you for the information it was very helpful and so was my new guide the woodpecker. He was warning me to be cautious with my health, my stomach virus was not that at all we're expecting again and just a few days later the black outs started. Thank you for your help.:colorful:

[Dave the Druid]

Sorry I'm late! :(
I came to this question a few years back and consulted an elder in my Order for guidance. I was told that they weren't a requirement. That said I am in touch with crows, deer, woodchucks and numerous others each day.
I have just one question: As Druids, are we not connected to all living things? (My own opinion).
Dave the Druid

[Faeawyn]

Ages ago...I meditated to find my animal spirit guide. It was the bear. I was kind of disappointed, because I didn't really feel like a "bear" person. But after reading this...I'm good with it :)

Bear: Bears symbolize healing, divinity, invulnerability, spirit helper, protection, introspection, truth, female receptive energy, prophesy, stamina, harmony, patience, defense, revenge, transformation, intuition, answers from the Dreamworld, benevolence, strength and bravery. They are connected to Artemis, Zeus, Callisto, Dea Artia, Thor, Odhinn, Freya, and Norse lunar water goddesses.

[Nighthawk]

Oh, bear is very good, he is my second animal, my minor animal so to speak. Bear is good.

[SylverStar]

Faeawyn, I know how that goes. I'm still getting use to it. I've never liked bears or seemed connected to them. But maybe that is why he has decided to guide me. Who knows I feel I've lots of time to figure it out though. I don't think he's leaving me any time soon.

[Shanti]

I didnt vote because you dont have a choice for..yes, many.

[The High Queen of Faerie]

i doubt this qualifies as an 'animal guide', but... i feel a strong affinity for dragons. i guess dragons are my 'creature guides' or something, eh? :3

[SylverStar]

You can actually have a mythological animal as a guide.

[The High Queen of Faerie]

sylverstar: that's good to know. i LOVE dragons... other animals, i don't really mind. i love all animals, of course, but i'm particularly drawn to dragons, conveniently :3 mythological animals are so beautiful and elegant, imo.

[SylverStar]

Here some amgickal attributes I found for Dragons

Protection, spiritiual instruction, elemental magick

[true sadness]

My animal guide/totem is a spider. I am a writer and an artist so this makes sense (spiders are considered the weaver of words, and in some cultures, the creator of the alphabet). I love spiders! Whenever I have writer's block, there are always spiders being found inside the house much to the dismay of my family members who despise them!

[DragonflySpirit]

Ok I know this is a little off topic, but I was curious if anyone had any info on the Beetle. I had one visit me the other night and disrupt my meditation. I've seemed to misplaced my Animal books. :(

I am still reading the posts - but here is my favorite totem site -
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/4076/indexlist.html

And here is info on beetle: (dependant on type really)

Beetle/Ladybug's Wisdom Includes:
Carries the Golden Strand that leads to the Center of the Universe
Past lives
Spiritual enlightenment
Death and Rebirth

[Golden Princess]

While I'm not a lover of domestic animals, being a nature child I love all wild animals.
We had a tom cat that my daughters - had to have - and you guessed it lost interest in.
As we lived on a farm surrounded by thousands of acres of bush, our cat (Scar - aptly named) became a feral cat. Now I've never approved of feral cats because they kill our natural fauna, but he would be out hunting for days on end and when he came home I discovered I had more of an affinity to him. Go figure!!

While I've never been approached by an animal guide, I have always been strongly drawn to wolves, and more recently dragonflies.

[DragonflySpirit]

My animal guide/power animal is a wolf, which didn't surprise me as I have had a great affinity with wolves most of my life.. I have a friend though who's animal is a Cockatoo!! has anyone got any information as to the cockatoo's traits and powers?


From: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/4076/index48.html
Cockatoo's Wisdom Includes:
Understands the power of sunrise
Ability to survive harsh conditions
Communication skills
Beauty

[DragonflySpirit]

sylverstar: that's good to know. i LOVE dragons... other animals, i don't really mind. i love all animals, of course, but i'm particularly drawn to dragons, conveniently :3 mythological animals are so beautiful and elegant, imo.

Here on my fav site is : go past the normal list - past dinosaurs and you got it:
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/4076/index1.html

Unicorn and Dragon

Gryphon and Pegasus

Gargoyle and Phoenix

[DragonflySpirit]

Whew - okay all caught up....so now I can tell you a bit about my totems....firstly I work with most of these on a etheric level and in meditation, ritual, spellwork, medicinework, healing and general life advice. I agree with the concept that we work with all animals - especially those on the Druidic/Shamanic paths - but I also feel we are more closely drawn to some than others.

I have worked with animal guides for a long time - I have walked with many and as my life changes so do many of them - although I have a few who have been with me all my life. Some of mine are common to many others - (like Wolf who has recently stepped from my side to allow another to step forward) and some are not so common like Praying Mantis, Firefly and Armadillo.

The totems that have been with me for the longest are:
Wolf, Fox, Rabbit, Butterfly and Falcon

All of these have faded - not left, just stepped back for others whose lessons and energies I need to work with can come forward. With the Celtic New Year having just past - I am working with totally different energies now - but also I am seeing a great influx of totems symbolizing death and rebirth as this is a huge change year in my life ... I have even started working with a new Tarot deck - the Shapeshifter - to work with more of my animal energies.

Within the last 3 months I have met:
Armadillo, Praying Mantis, Bat, Dragonfly (again), Porcupine, Snow Leopard (again), Serpent and Phoenix

Others that I have journeyed with - quite a few in Shadow work:
Caribou, Sea Turtle, Firefly, Snake, Salamander, Gargoyle, Spider, Gryphon (major work)

Most have delivered their msgs and stayed for a while to be sure that I "got it" and then they have moved on...there are a few I see time and time again and are welcomed friends and others I am still coming to terms dealing with their real world counterparts (Spider/Praying Mantis)...

So there you go....

[SylverStar]

Cool Dragonfly,

I love the Shapeshifter deck. I've recently had those life and rebirth, as well as animals dealing with transformation and illusion.

But Brown Bear is most prominate. And as I've said in this thread before he replaced White Tiger (my childhood gaurdian, and first animal spirit). I'm still new to working with my bear totem and really should be spending more time with him.

I have not yet been able to work with so many animals.

[DragonflySpirit]

I have not yet been able to work with so many animals.

It's funny - when I started doing totem readings for people - to give them an idea of where to start - it was like I had energies clambering to be heard. Wolf is my oldest and dearest friend - teacher first and always - but he was the quietest - just a knowing look over his shoulder as he climbed on his favorite rock to enjoy the sun and watch like a protective father.

Some others weren't so quiet...they all wanted to express how best to connect with them and be sure that the person I was reading for knew they were around, what their lesson was and how to communicate with them. I became the Dr. Doolittle of the spirit animal kingdom :colorful: When I started being open to helping others find theirs - some of my quieter ones came forward as well...like Porcupine - he rarely says a word, but when he does - or Grandmother Turtle speaks - I listen....

How do you all work with your totems? How do you honor them? Communicate with them? Incorporate them into your life??

[SylverStar]

I do most of work through meditation and through watching the animals (mostly birds). My dad keeps giving me White Tiger stuff. Which is funny because, he moved on to help someone else. I haven't quiet figured out how to approach my new guide or even honor. That sounds bad, but I've never even really paid attention to bears and I spent alot of my childhood studying animals. I always liked the more unusual ones.

[*GrumpButt*]

Dragons and cats. :D

[Sierra]

I just spent so long reading through this thread!

I've been searching for my animal guide/guides for a while, and they've been elusive to say the least. I've had several contacts with bison for years, in a meditative state as well as in every day life. I used to live close to a well-known protected bison habitat and would absolutely love visiting. But I haven't had many very close encounters. It seems like whenever he presents himself he quickly disappears again.

I've also felt very close to lizards and snakes - although not really one in particular. Iguanas and bearded dragons I've always loved though.

But whenever I focus they all seem to run away, which is baffling. But almsot in a playful way. And it's not like I snap out of meditation, I've been meditating for about eight years so it's not like I'm new at the process.

I have patience though, I don't feel incredibly rushed, I know they'll stick around when they feel the need to. I'm still not sure who's a spirit guide and who's just really friendly though.

[DragonflySpirit]

I've been searching for my animal guide/guides for a while, and they've been elusive to say the least. I've had several contacts with bison for years, in a meditative state as well as in every day life. ...

A totem is different than a guide or a power animal (I feel - I mean really they are just lables to help us understand after all) - a totem is - as dictionary.com defines it:
"An animal, plant, or natural object serving among certain tribal or traditional peoples as the emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian."

I think most people forget about plants and minerals as totems but that is for another discussion... I believe totems come to us when we need to work with their energy - their "medicine", they help and then leave...making way for another totem.

Animal Guides - they (again only in my opinion) stay with us like guides - working with us on life lessons and learning - more guiding than just a fleeting moment of work....

Perhaps Bison and Lizard are temporary totems - instead of guides? Does any of this resound with you as them showing up in meditation around the time you wanted to work with their energies....

Buffalo/Bison's Wisdom Includes:
Earth Creativity
Feminine courage
Abundance
Knowledge
Generosity
Hospitality
Sharing work
Courage
Strength
Challenge
Survival
Giving for the greater good
Formulating beneficial plans

Lizard's Wisdom Includes:
Detachment from ego
Power to regenerate that which is lost
Facing fear
Controlling dreams
Moving in the otherworld

Make any sense?

[DragonflySpirit]

A totem is different than a guide or a power animal (I feel - I mean really they are just lables to help us understand after all)

Further to this - I have found an explanation here:
http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/totemroles.html

~Birth Totem~
This is the Totem Role that we will begin with, as most individuals who have studied Native Astrology are already familiar with this particular Role. It is the Animal Totem most often equated with the Sun Sign in traditional, exoteric astrology.



~Clan Totem~
Each of the individual Birth Totems will also belong to one of the four Elemental Clans, as delineated on the Clan Totem page.



~Power Totem~
Where the ~Birth Totem~ is the chief Teacher we have chosen to "study under" this Earth Walk, the ~Power Totem~ is the most basic and eternal expression of our Soul.



~Life Theme Totem~
In addition to the "generalized" Totems of Birth and Clan, which cover a group of people born under a certain day and month, there are several other Animal Totems that will figure strongly in our lives as we walk the good Red Road of Physical Life. One such of these Totem Roles is the Life Theme Totem.



~Life Mission Totem~
Just as the Life Theme Animal Spirit is only with us for the current earthwalk, the same holds true for our ~Life Mission Totem,~ with he/she possessing the Wisdom and Medicine that will assist us in fulfilling our chosen Life Mission.



~Lesson Totem~
As we enter onto the Sacred Hoop, we choose the general Path, Theme and Mission of our current Earthwalk. Additionally, we will chose the major and minor lessons that our soul will encounter so that it may evolve and move beyond the "need" to take up the ~Robe of Physical Life.~



~Messenger Totems~
In addition to the Animal Totems that we have either for the current Earthwalk (as in the Birth, Theme and Mission Totems), the Animal Spirit that is with us from lifetime to lifetime (Power Totem), and the Lesson Totems (which change within the current incarnation), there are also Spirit Totems that hover at the edge of our consciousness, acting as emissaries between the Blue Road of Spirit and the Red Road of Physical Life.



~Shadow Totems~
The Shadow Totem is the Animal Spirit that brings forth unresolved issues for resolving, unhealed pain that it may be healed, and the Personality Center operating from destructive tendencies that we might absorb and integrate the Lessons of the Past.


Just to give you some idea of how animals come and go....

[LunaRose]

Well, I'm not sure really. I think I have a mythical guide, but I really don't know. I keep getting pictures of snakes and different kinds of birds. I'm not sure if these are guides, or messages though

[Sierra]

Thanks for all the info on terms for totems and guides Dragonflyspirit!

The thing is, both the bison and different lizards (like I said, not one in particular, although the iguana and bearded dragon make the most frequent appearances) have been themes all throughout my life, not just from one particular time. Although I do notice that the bison does show up more frequently when I'm having some sort of life-altering thing happening. However, I've still haven't had any direct contact other than seeing them.

[Lady Glam]

There are many animal guides but this is a list of the most common.

Alligator: Power, aggression,survival through adversity.
Ape: revered in Egypt, intelligence, wisdom and discovery
Badger:Courage
Bat: Sacred to the goddess and the night, joy, serenity, fortune
Bear: Power, strength, common sense and logic
Beaver: work, ambition, success and achievement.
Buffalo: Used for connecting with the Mother. sacred rituals and prayer, strebgth, provider
Bull: Power, divination,ritual
Cat: Sacred in Egypt, spirituality, divination, hunter, independant.
Cow: Fertility,pregnancy,childbirth
Coyote: Playfulness, trickery,humor,fair minded, justice and mischief
Crow: Justice
Deer: Love,grace, relationships,emotions,libido,compassion
Dog: Healing,loyalty,family,farming
Dolphin: Communication of feelings, intelligence, sadness, depression
Donkey: Determination, the land
Dove: Love, sex, fertility, peace
Dragonfly: Imagination
Eagle: Vision, Prayer
Elephant: Wisdom, intelligence, strength, leadership, loyalty, memory
Fish: Graceful
Fox: psychic powers, survival through adversity
Hummingbird: Pleasure
Lion: Protection, strength of spirit, boldness
Lizard: Vision
Mouse: Farming, illness, eye for detail
Owl: Death, omen, the future, silence
Oxen: Agriculture
Rabbit: Faery magic, banishing phobias, quick thinking
Raven: Mystery
Seal:Weather magic
Sheep: Farming, determination
Snake: Sexuality, change, fortune, jealousy, transformation
Spider: Fate
Turtle: Shy
Pig: Fate, death,power
Tiger: Protection, magic
Whale: the law
Wolf: Ambition,success, family, inspiration, knowledge




Mine are Bear and Crow

~ How do I acquire an animal guide? Do I just choose one or find one through meditation?

[Karmendi]

I found mine through meditation and just having a blonde moment. My totem is the fox and when I was trying to find out about my animal it just sorta hit me on the head, I had the nick name fox (red head) for a long time, and we have a fox den on my property and I just kinda go "Oh, I'm brilliant". Totem guides more or less pick you and there are a number of ways to do it.

[magick186]

:lol: I have one....can you guess what it is?

[rhinoa]

It is not something I have really gotten around to looking in to yet. I have never felt a need to or a pull from a certain animal yet...

[Crystal_Raye]

I've had three dreams recently with either wolves, sheep/lambs, or both in them. Two of the three have seemed very spiritual but the other was a little gory and senseless. Could the wolf and the sheep be my spirit animals?

[HorseCrow]

Yes, I have animal guides (and no, it's neither horse nor crow)- I have 3 of them. I met the first one when I was just 8 and accidently got high on some herbs I threw on a fire, not knowing they were hallucogenic *lol*. I met the other two about a year ago, during a meditation that turned into a very powerful vision.

[Karbunkl]

Totem Animal: Bear
Animal Guides: Bear, Rabbit, Cat

[magick186]

Totem Animal: Bear
Animal Guides: Bear, Rabbit, Cat
what's the difference between a totem animal and an animal guide?

[Garden of Eden]

I have an animal guide in the form of a white cat called 'Oocedra' (dunno where he got his name...).

[Keshia]

what's the difference between a totem animal and an animal guide?

They're the same :lol:

Hmmm, I wonder what mine is...:hmmmmm:

:p :lol:

[The High Queen of Faerie]

... does a dragon count? :p

[Lucia]

I've seen a white wolf before, during meditation and dreams. He watches over me and it feels like he's constantly on guard, like something is coming this way and he's watching out for it and looking out for me, he's pure white and has really bright blue eyes. I haven't seen him in a while, last time I saw him he was sat up by my side watching me. I feel comforted in his presence but I've yet to speak with him.

I feel quiet close to owls and cats too, I've seen owls and cat during meditation before now. My neighbour has a spotted eagle owl called Boo who comes and perches on my arm and usually ends up sat by my leg asleep with his head on my knee. :)

[girlharmony]

its a Penguin; silly as it seems.
I've been drawn to them my whole life, only recently did my mother say "wow, I think that a penguin's your totem animal".

[Faerwolf]

Fox, most birds, dragonflies

[Silverwings]

Yep, fox, definately fox, owl sometimes and cat too :)

[sandra_the_green]

a hawk......i used to have a hawk when i was about five but she finally decided to rejoin the wild....

[Living Dawn]

How do I get a spirit guide?

[WhiteRavenBran]

My two animal spirit guides are Deer (always a female) and Falcon (I tried calling him a hawk the first time he appeared to me and I was promptly corrected!). Raven is an animal that I feel I share attributes with, kind of a "power animal" to use the new-agey term, and I work with Raven energy, but not in the capacity of a spirit guide.

[welkin]

my main one is the eagle. also deer, otter, lioness and black pantha and owl.

[-Sky-]

Wolf is my guide through life and my kin!I think I am a wolf within because as I said I feel a kinship with wolves.They are both protectors and guides.The are hunters and seekers and that's what I wanna be.My totem animal is a grey wolf who I consider a father,a brother and a friend.
Then when I was first looking for a spirit guide I kept seeiing everywhere butterflies...I didn't really like them and I didn't really wanna have them as totem animals,now I understand that I must be grateful.Butterflies are associated with Air and Air is my element.I also read some descriptions for totem animals-butterflies in this thread and I realized butterflies are like what I am.The represent what I am.They represent transformation and freedom,independence and the Fae Folk as well asthe Otherworld.
I also have a connection with the Stag and the Deer but it is not my confirmed totem animal.

~Anna

[Velvet]

What is an animal guide?

[Living Dawn]

What is an animal guide?

From what I know, one that guides you and stuff.

[Velvet]

Uh it just guides you? Where does it come from?

[Living Dawn]

I don't know much (Or anything) about them. I don't have one. I was wondering HOW you got one. (Noone's answered so far...)

[Velvet]

I started a new thread, I hope that gets answers.

[dreamingmystic]

Uh it just guides you? Where does it come from?
I don't see animal totems to be guides as such, more like protectors. Animal totems are common in many pagan paths and especially in Shamanism. An animal totem is something you should study because you can learn from it. How it walks, it's actions.attitudes and how it plays. In some paths, an animal totem should be an animal that comes to you, and is taken with you in some way.

As I child, there was always the same old owl out in a tree in our back yard that I used to talk to. Well, mimick actually, but it would answer me back. I would carry on until Dad got tired of the hooting that was coming from my room rather than the owl. I always heard it, never saw it. I still get goose bumbs if I hear an owl today and I don't hear it much, living in a populated town.

Now it appears to be cats. I've had cats as pets but needed to give up mine when we moved here. But cats seem to drawn to me. A stray recently decided he wanted me as a friend and as an animal lover, I can't turn that down. But he was very shy and I just sat on the stoop, he kept meowing and I kept prompting him to come to me. After about 5 minutes, he managed to lose his fear of me and rubbed up against me and allowed me to pet him. I see him often now and he always greets me. It's as if he knows my car. He comes to me, rubs against me, gets his pet, meows and walks away, always kind of looking back. So I guess a cat is now my animal totem. But then again, there's this young goat I saw at a friends farm that followed me around for awhile until I paid some attention to him, then he wouldn't leave me alone. He was quite a charming fellow.:thumbsup:

[Velvet]

Ok then, Thanks.

[-Sky-]

I've found a wonderful site for animal guides with long descriptions for each animal:
http://www.animaltotem.com/

Blessed Be
~Anna

[WickedBttrfly]

I think I found mine or rather it found me...

Hawk: Hawks are observant and perceptive messengers from the spirit world. They symbolize noticing the big picture, using your talents, omens, dreams, courage, defense, wisdom, illumination, truth and experience. They are connected to Horus, Ptah, Rehu, Seker, Amenti, Apollo, Artemis, INdra, Ahura Mazda, and Mithras.

[jess]

I'm not sure if mine are really animal guides, but I'm just going thru a few that have had an impact on me.
Brown bear- I've had dreams about them for as long as I can remember, though they're not pleasent, it's there.
Crow- I saved one when I was a kid after my mom ran over it with the car. I took him home with me and cared for him until he was better, and he hung aroud the house for months. Also, almost every day I walk to work, I have one that follows me from the moment I walk out the door until I'm at work.
Spider- :holycow: I'm deathly afraid of them!! Always see them, have nightmares about them, and getting bit by the creepy things.
Ferrets- not really what I'd consider a guide, I just love them!

[Autumn Clair]

I saw a liitle tiny bee yesterday. It came to my car window and just hovered there for a good minute. As I watched it first to see if it was going to fly at me, then wondering what it was doing because it just stayed right there as if it was trying to get my attention and then left. I thought of this thread and wondered what a bee animal guide might be.........

[Phi]

I don't know if my animals are guides or totems, but they sure are teachers and signs.

When I was about 3, I warned my older siblings with, "Don't you know you a' messin' wif a tiger?":eyebrow::meanface: A story my Dad used to love to tell about me, the quiet shy one warning my bullying brother and sister on an auto trip.

At 2 I picked up a honeybee from a clover, and learned not to disturb creatures when they're busy! Quick teacher! :sadeyes: :wah:

At 18 months a rooster pecked my baby bottom thru a tiny hole in my panties! I did not like that totem!! :wah2: Daddy promptly wrung it's neck adding to my horror and confusion, but at the same time increasing his hero status!

Very distant past, but someone did speak of animals choosing us at a very young age!:lol:

Past few years : lone wolf
Past few months: dragonfly (many seen!)
Past few weeks: Animals-Doe, toads
birds-mockingbird, meadowlark, owl, crow and mainly hawk.
In fact I counted > 120 hawks seen in the past two weeks, after having one circle over my head as I exited my door. (I've been on a long auto trip.)

I swear I saw a raven in West Virginia as we passed through a very unpopulated area. Not the right shape for buzzard at all, but about that size, so if not a raven the biggest crow I ever saw, (with a curved beak, jet black)perched in a dead tree alongside the highway...I did see the ravens at London Tower and it looked just like that!

I do tend to augur tho, which might explain why I see so many bird species...I look.


I feel attraction to many animals, and learn from any that I take the time to hear or watch.
I am of the belief that they each have lessons for anyone wise enough to stop and hear. Not to say that one or another cannot be a "main friend or teacher," but that any can teach a lot, no matter which you choose as your "main one, or two, or three." :)

[misschief]

i have a few, but the strongest one is a white tiger.

thought i'd add.....
my husband doesn't believe in 'this stuff'... (lol) but his are a wolf and spiders. that seems a scarry combo to me.. lmao.
as for my children.. i only know two of them, one has a ladybug and one has a bee.

[Autumn Clair]

I found the information on bees: symbolize industry, community, concentration, planning @ saving, working with the spirits of the deceased, prosperity, purity, birth, death, acheiving the impossible, resurection, luck, otherworld wisedom.

Interesting that the bee comes to me now. I'm 81/2 months along in my pregnancy........

[Autumn Scarletwolfe]

Yes, I have an animal guide. Mine is the wolf. :D

[Nightcrawler13]

Mine are the cat, elk, and bat :hearthear

[Karma Chameleon]

Yes I have one, a racoon. :abanana:

[Autumn Clair]

Do you feel your animal guides come to you more in dreams or face to face?

[Teresa]

Mine are Hawk,Bat,Dragonfly

[Willowjc]

mines a skunk and chipmunk...no laughing

[Earthy]

Mine is also a butterfly

[Aes Sidhe]

The raven is mine.

This includes magpies, crows etc.

[The High Queen of Faerie]

i kinda like frogs. :)

[AthenaStrength]

i have two.. A Kingfisher(kinda like a Blue Haron) and a Doe. I found mine through a guided imagry thing and i talk to them all the time throught meditation and just to give me the strength of what ever power they posses

[Cielamara]

I have many...I have seen them...but only three who have introduced themselves to me. I have a very large black Dog, an even bigger white Tigress, and an Eagle. I met the Dog and Eagle in dreams...Svetlana, my Tigress, just showed up one day. :)

[NarYave]

How do you get one? I have a friend that says her is the owl and it sort of choose her??

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

I have a two animal guides: the hummingbird and the red squirrel. Here is some information on both:

According to the following website (http://www.elexion.com/lakota/animals/animals2.html#col), which closely mirrors the information in my Medicine Deck, hummingbird medicine is:

If you have Hummingbird medicine, you adapt easily to whatever situation you may find yourself in, and make the most of your new circumstances. You don't waste time looking back and wishing for "what was" for you are concerned with making the most of "what
is". Also, you could never become addicted to any artificial stimulants, for you find joy in your own heart. You take great pleasure in spreading joy and love and beauty to all around you, and have the gift of taking that inner joy into new and different surroundings. You have a talent for finding the good in people, and are not put off by a gruff or abrupt exterior, for you know that, if you can only get beyond that tough outside layer, you'll find
goodness and beauty inside. You may have a gift for working with flowers, maybe growing them to share with others, or using flower essences for healing. Aroma therapy may be your calling.

You have high energy and a spirit that must be free. To restrict that wonderful, free, loving energy is to suffer great depressions and feelings of uselessness. Hummingbird must fly free in search of beauty, spreading joy and love to all it touches.

(The following information is taken from http://morningstar.netfirms.com/squirrel.html and follows closely with what I found regarding squirrels in my Medicine Deck book)

Squirrels are by nature very playful, engaging animals. Extremely curious and a bit of a daredevil as well, many times I have observed Squirrels going out of their way to tease dogs and cats as well as birds. Their lightening like reflexes and agility in climbing out of
harms way allows them to enter territory that may otherwise be injurious, even fatal for them. This too is an indication that those who carry this medicine may often find that they can enter into areas where others without their ability to run and leap out of the way, may find themselves in some very hot water indeed. In some ways, Squirrel people almost feel compelled to challenge the status quo so to speak, especially if they feel by doing so they may gain something that could be very helpful for them in the future.

Squirrels always seem to have a plan in mind before they embark on anything and do not tend to rush in "willy-nilly". Studying Squirrels for a number of years now, I have noticed that they really appear to scope out a given situation, calculating the risks and potential pay-offs for taking those risks. So too do people who carry this medicine need to calculate carefully the risks involved before embarking on anything, especially major, long term goals.

While Squirrel medicine is excellent for preparing and storing resources away for the future, they also have a quick, nervous energy that indicates they are not really suited for very long term projects. Its much better for Squirrel people as a general rule to seek out advantageous situations where they can get in, get what they need and get out again quickly. Because these animals are potential prey for many other animals, or may get hoisted by their own petard by teasing or even provoking other creatures, they need
to move cautiously yet quickly.

Because of their need and ability to communicate so well, Squirrel people would do well to take up they study of body language. Squirrels use their bodies, especially their tails to communicate with others of their group. Because of this, Squirrel people may often find that they learn about and from a person by paying attention to the person's body language rather than their words. Too, Squirrel people may also need to develop a "poker face" so that they don't give the show away if something needs to be kept quiet! Squirrel people may also find that they have a tendency to chatter on and on about anything and everything.

For all their playfullness, Squirrels are also very practical and focused on making sure their storehouse is full for the coming months. So too do Squirrel people or those that have Squirrel appear as a temporary guide need to pay attention to their own storehouse of resources, and not just money. Time and energy are valuable resources as well and if one has been wasting time instead of focusing on projects and goals, then they will find themselves slipping further and further behind as time goes on. Other things may also begin to fall apart and this is a sign that one needs to get one's "house in order". Squirrel can be very helpful to call upon if one is always procrastinating. Its ability to quickly get
the job done can be a real asset and the energy that is freed by finishing up the old allows brand new and more positive beginnings to occur.

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[Atheleisia]

Spider and opossum have been making themselves more and more known to me lately.

[Shadowulfe]

i personally have three spirit guides
a wolf, a pheonix, and a hawk

[WynterSpirit]

Does having an animal guide mean just having an animal that you most identify with....like one that you "feel" the most for? If so, mine would absolutely be the buffalo.

[willow_pheonix]

i have a harris hawk, he is always in the same spot whenever i go by, whether i am in my car or another no matter what time, he is there waiting for me, i have even given him the name Buddy

[Writer_Waif]

I'm not sure I have posted here before ... I very well could have but will do so again anyhow since things have changed..

I have the following animal guides/totems:

~Two Wolves (one white, one black)
the black one I met in this life, became his packmate and got to share three summers with him before he passed on, due to unfortunate curcumstances.

~Dragon
~Phoenix
~Turtle
~ Owl
~Crow and Raven
~Blue Heron

There you go, I think that is all of them ....

[enchancea]

I have 3:
Snake - Always loved snakes. This is the only animal guide I have met. I met him during a mediatation. He's a big beautiful albino burmese python.
Butterfly - Every summer Im always surrounded by butterflies and almost all of my tattoos include butterflies which was never planned and I didnt even realize it until I got them all.
Rat - I always have been attracted to rats. I just love them and I share a home with 7 of them.

[LeaAnon]

Earth dragon and dog (cu)

[Windigo]

Mine is wolf :)

[Windigo]

How do you get one? I have a friend that says her is the owl and it sort of choose her??
In the Astral, you can merge with your totem & become the animal with your own intelligence intact. This is called Shapeshifting.
There are two ways you can meet your power animal in the astral plane & discover which animal medicine is right for you. First, you could write & perform a ritual to call the essence of the animal that would suit you best & assist you in your present magickal workings. If you are not comfortable with the ritual format you can go into the familiar meditative state, walk through the astral forest & meet the animal.
When the first technique is used, that of the ritual, you will most likely see the animal in its natural form. There may be a synchronistic conversation where the topic is of the animal, or you find a book about the animal, etc. When you catch that first glimpse of that particular medicine, you will know it in your heart.
If you meet the animal in the meditative state, converse with it. Anything is possible in the astral, right? So ask questions & get to know your new partner.
If you have seen the animal after a ritual, plan sometime to go into the meditative state to cement your relationship & get to know the animal & the essence it represents.
Power animals are great advice givers, often representing our higher selves that we haven't been paying attention to lately. In a meditative state you can ask for their assistance on problems that have been nagging at you. :headphone

[Acid Halo]

a friend of mine did a reading for me with these native american/animal cards and from that it said that the Coyote is my spirit animal, but other than that i dont really know much about it.

[Morning Star]

I've always been draw to cats, Dolphins and Soricidae.

[banondraig]

what are Soricidae?

[wolfos3d]

Wolf, Tiger and Dog.

[Morning Star]

what are Soricidae?

I've always called them the crazy critters, but they're:

"This is a poisonous mammal which is related to the mole. It looks like a mouse and its body length is about 7-10 cm. It has a long tail, nearly 12 cm. The nasal part of its muzzle is filed off like a trunk. It has an underground, ground or amphibian way of life and feeds on insects, spiders, worms, snails, etc. It bears 3-8 babies in the spring and autumn. It is a very timid animal, with the exception of Blarina brevicauda, and one can meet it rarely.
Only the North American short-tailed Blarina brevicauda, the big European aquatic Neomys fodiens and the little European aquatic Neamys anomalus have proved poisonous. The poison is in the front teeth of the animal and flows out during biting. The poison causes paralysis and death to small mammals. In humans may occur a weak local inflammation on the site of the bite but there are no documented cases of death except in gypsy folklore.

Did you know that: One of the most aggressive animals in the world is the tiny mouse–like North American short-tailed Blarina brevicauda. It is in a permanent state of “raging” and swallows an unbelievably great amount of insects, spiders, worms and snails every day. If it doesn’t get food for two hours, it starts eating its fellows."

:) How is that for more information than you were really asking for? :)

[banondraig]

I've always called them the crazy critters, but they're:

"This is a poisonous mammal which is related to the mole. It looks like a mouse and its body length is about 7-10 cm. It has a long tail, nearly 12 cm. The nasal part of its muzzle is filed off like a trunk. It has an underground, ground or amphibian way of life and feeds on insects, spiders, worms, snails, etc. It bears 3-8 babies in the spring and autumn. It is a very timid animal, with the exception of Blarina brevicauda, and one can meet it rarely.
Only the North American short-tailed Blarina brevicauda, the big European aquatic Neomys fodiens and the little European aquatic Neamys anomalus have proved poisonous. The poison is in the front teeth of the animal and flows out during biting. The poison causes paralysis and death to small mammals. In humans may occur a weak local inflammation on the site of the bite but there are no documented cases of death except in gypsy folklore.

Did you know that: One of the most aggressive animals in the world is the tiny mouse–like North American short-tailed Blarina brevicauda. It is in a permanent state of “raging” and swallows an unbelievably great amount of insects, spiders, worms and snails every day. If it doesn’t get food for two hours, it starts eating its fellows."

:) How is that for more information than you were really asking for? :)

!

that's cool. i didn't even know there was such a thing as a poisonous mammal. they say you learn something every day. :)

[Morning Star]

The Soricidae, if anyone does identify with them at all, are such subconscious creatures - small animals that are rarely in plain site - extremely aggressive if they are disturbed and so forth. They hide in the dark places, desperately hungry.

:fpoke:

[banondraig]

The Soricidae, if anyone does identify with them at all, are such subconscious creatures - small animals that are rarely in plain site - extremely aggressive if they are disturbed and so forth. They hide in the dark places, desperately hungry.

:fpoke:

that's a big contrast with dolphins and kitty cats.

[rhee]

I don't know if I posted here already but mine is the Snake

It choose me as I child but I didn't realize it until I went on my quest five years ago. When I went searching I thought it was the wolf at first but it didn't call to me as strongly. When I declared my totem the wolf, my snake came to me and said no think again. Then I realized what had been in front of me most of my life. Srange thing is I'm also born into the year of the snake.

[StormVixen]

I am a FOX... yay! FOXES rule... my guide is also a fox... shes known to me as "the fox"...

(another strange fact im pro-foxhunting... wierd huh!?)

[Meiga]

...but when on shore, the cat and the cow are my guides

Dolphin/Porpoise's Wisdom Includes:

Knowledge of the sea
Patron of sailors
Change
Wisdom
Balance
Harmony
Communication skills
Freedom
Trust
Understanding the power of rhythm in your life
Use of breath to release intense emotions
Water element magick

[WulfcwenStar]

My main animal guide is a Horse along with a Wolf, Dolphin and in dreams occaisionaly a Pheonix.

[bladeraven]

I think the owl is forcing himself on me...lol...normally I could see raven..but lately i've been plagued by the owls...makes me think I'm in a hitchcock movie...lol

[quixote]

coyote- makes you humble and laugh at your problems. kind of like murphy's law in animal form

[Rowenna]

My animal guide is a very dark solid gray wolf. He's often appeared to me in meditations, and has a very distinct personality. I won't go into detail on how he introduced himself to me but it was very dramatic. Since then, if he sees me doing one thing and feels that there is something more important I need to do, he'll literally grab me with his teeth (remember that this is during meditation, I'm NOT being grabbed physically by a wolf) and drag me to where I need to be. Not very subtle *grins* I don't know the reasons behind much of what he has shown me, but I'm sure it is all going to be needed down the line. Thanks for the interesting topic!!

[Phoenyxfyre]

yes, several... phoenix, dragon, wolf, hawk, panther, eagle, shark, horse, and deer. Tho phoenyx, dragon, and wolf being dominate ones.

[fallingwater]

The Mermaid is my mythological guide. Though she is a hybrid being neither human nor animal. I am learning from her by painting her.

[Fang of Loki]

Yes.

The Mouse, The Porcupine, & The Coyote.

[Scyllas]

Hrmm.... I don't know what is my Animal Guide.... But I always have a thing for the llama

[Hærfest Leah]

I came across this site just now, I'm going to read it and see about mine.

http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wyldkat/anmlintro.htm

[maldito]

The goat is my animal guide: he teach me not to surrender and to always be looking to the stars, never down.

I don't remember when my facination for the goat started -for the simbol and what it represents, not only the animal-. It is not only because my astrological sign is capricorn.
Since the bigining of the civilization, the goat has made a notorius role in the religions: the Ra of the egypcian, Pan to the greeks, Shub Niggurath to Lovecraft :bigblue: and many more.
Letter, the Christians associated the goat with the devil, because some cults used to workship gods with appearance of this animal, but it's just bad fame.
I started to draw goats some years ago, just like fallingwater paint mermaids to learn from them. Know I feel a link between the goat and me.
Not so long I had this vision of a man with head of goat, flaying in the space vacoon, and by his side was a little babe -me, I supposed.

[azrael1989]

The goat is my animal guide: he teach me not to surrender and to always be looking to the stars, never down.

I don't remember when my facination for the goat started -for the simbol and what it represents, not only the animal-. It is not only because my astrological sign is capricorn.
Since the bigining of the civilization, the goat has made a notorius role in the religions: the Ra of the egypcian, Pan to the greeks, Shub Niggurath to Lovecraft :bigblue: and many more.
Letter, the Christians associated the goat with the devil, because some cults used to workship gods with appearance of this animal, but it's just bad fame.
I started to draw goats some years ago, just like fallingwater paint mermaids to learn from them. Know I feel a link between the goat and me.
Not so long I had this vision of a man with head of goat, flaying in the space vacoon, and by his side was a little babe -me, I supposed.




mine are the seal and the snake .

[azrael1989]

mine are the seal and the snake .

[Meadhbh]

Mine is the fox.

[-Ember]

The ones I've worked most with: elk, beaver and dog. Some with hummingbird, but that is more a family thing than personal. A bit with fox, a bit with cow/bull/bovine.

[CloeOtter]

Well, I am a cat person, but in the last few years I found out some things that put allot of weird experiences into perspective. I have seen what a thought of as shadows or goasts sents before I could talk. I have had others with Sight tell me I had a cat or two hanging around me on the spirit side, as well as a few other animals and nature guides. The other animals being Otter, Bat, Magpie, Frog, and some that would not revel them selves to others. So okay, I had always know I was never alone, but to have a manajory...wow! Kay so the the one the has been with me I think maybe from birth is the Snow Lepord.

I know a lady with Sight & who works with angels, who felt compelled I guess is the best term to talk with me about the guide. She said "you see her sometimes & that scares you. The Lepord is tried of you being scared of her, she helping you, accept your Sight." I always knew deep down that the shadow was feline, but I thought it was a cat & I was afraid I was see things. Do to the fact that my mom as hallucinations (sp? see things that are not there), so yes I was scared I thought I was going crazy like mom. But I was not scared of the cat and I told the lady this. It has helped alot. :hugz: But has raised other issues for me.

Now that others have comfermed that they sense the guides as well, I am working on this and feel more peaceful in one sense. But it also let me know that some of the other things I sensed are not so helpful and are very scary and maybe true and I'm not sure what to do about those energies and the knowledge.

Blessings,
CloeOtter

[Avanti]

I used to be always attracted to the white tiger. About 10 years later, I dreamt that two of them came to keep me company, and they were quite playful! Sadly though, they said they had to leave and will come back later. I've never tried meditation to check if I have anymore guides though...

[Agaliha]

Yes I believe I do.
What they are exactly-- I'm not sure.
I know I have some sort of feline. Black panthers especially.
My draw and connection to felines in general is very strong and has been there all my life.
As far as others? No idea?
I like elephants, manatees, crows, snakes...

[fangedeshana]

I put no. All the guides I've met have been human so far. I'm getting more into Shamanism, so perhaps I may find out if there is a animal guide hanging about me. ;)

[magick186]

I really feel that my horse is my guide...hes helped me through alot

[enchancea]

The snake is my guide.

Snake: Snakes symbolize knowledge, change, creation, wisdom, secrets, mystery, reincarnation, immortality, sexuality, reproduction, the element of Fire, duality, solar/lunar, good/evil, healing/poison, life/death/rebirth. They are an early symbol of the Great Mother Goddesses.

[erika]

I just recently realized that the bat is my current guide, though I get the feeling somehow that they just want to tell me something important than move on. They physically appear whenever I'm on the brink of making some spiritual break through or decision - in the last year I've actually been dive bombed three times while meditating on my back porch at night. They fly at my head and make their little sonar noises (I swear I'm not kidding). Last week I did my first, what to me felt official, prayer to the godess and god and a bat flew past my window right at that moment and made his little noise again, as if to say 'there you go now you got the right idea'. that's never happened before. Also I had never even seen a bat where I live until a year ago and now I see them everywhere. a baby bat somehow ended up in the hood of my boyfriends sweater at work earlier this year, then latched on to him and wouldn't leave him alone. he ended up letting it stay for a while in his hood then climbed a tree and kind of hung him on a branch so that no one would find him and hurt him.

They're very beautiful creatures when you watch them flying around at night, now that I notice them everywhere. I think they're trying to tell me that it's time to move on and actually dedicate or initiate myself now that I've decided where I'm going with my spirituality, and it's definitely taken long enough!

[erika]

another thing is my mom.. she doesn't really believe in anything spiritually but she's got a long history of seeing spirits. recently she's actually been seeing a big gray, scruffy spirit-cat walking around our house. he's only appeared to her, probably being her guide. but maybe that explains why my dog freaks out at an unseen thing close to the ground every once in a while because she's definitely not a big fan of currently alive cats or even stuffed animals that even slightly resemble cats.

[Silver Water]

The Wolf is my main animal totem spirit guide, even though there are times that I wish I didn't have a family. But I have always loved wolves, always been drawn to them no matter where I go, and my guide is a wolf. I'm not quite positive about what he looks like though.

[Moonshine]

I have a horned owl as a guide who has been around for a long time and a stag who has come into picture recently.

Owl: Owls symbolize wisdom, the ability to see things that are hidden, stealth, swiftness, darkness, freedom, dreams, shape-shifting, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magick, deception, observation, total truth, night, death and misfortune. They are connected to the Underworld and the Moon.

Deer/Stag: Deer symbolize gentleness, grace, swiftness, abundance, intuition, introspection, alternative paths to a goal, messages from guides, love, safety, serenity, sun, fertility and the warrior aspect (stag).

[Autumn Clair]

Mine seem to have disappeared. Why would that happen?

[Gypsy flower]

A white wolf.. she is beautiful and my best friend :wave:

[SylverStar]

Mine seem to have disappeared. Why would that happen?

It's happened to me. My White Tiger left me about a year after I got out of high school. This was my guardian since I was little. I felt a little disconcerned when he left...it was a subtle change...but I found out the reason when I got a a brown bear guide. She said I no longer needed the protection from my tiger and it was time to stand on my own.

I think they leave when you no longer need them, when you learned all you could from them. It's a transition period...time to head in a new direction. They could also not be completely gone. I haven't seen my bear in quite some time about a year or two I think...but I don't think she has gone. I think she just is waiting (hibernating maybe). Also I've met with several spirit animals...some only come around once...others stay around for awhile...but eventaully leave...and than you have your totem which I believe is with you for life.

Currently the main animal spirit I've been encountering is the moth. Still trying to figure the meaning of this one in my life.

[Astara Seague]

wolf is mine and sometimes a tiger