The Animal Kingdom is probably the one that we interact with the most frequently. We have pets, we go to the zoo, or we watch an animal show on TV. Sometimes we we even get a case of the heebie jeebies around certain animals, while looking into its eyes, for example.
Sometimes, perhaps with our cat or dog we get the clear idea that there is more going on in that animal brain than we are privy to and that the joke just might be on us. Well, it might be! Studies on crows, for example have revealed it to be the most intelligent of birds. Most can count to three or four; they quickly learn new information, and appear to have a complex language as well as a well developed social structure. Ever have a crow make a mess of your garbage, or garden, and then, look at you after you've chased it off? Generally, it makes it pretty clear that it will just wait till you go away; they are much more patient than most of us humans are!
We can see the similarities between ourselves and our animal brothers and sisters. They have families, they work, they get angry, they hug, kiss, argue, eat, sleep, play, nap, get sick, die, and protect their young like we do. And because of this we relate to them quicker and easier than we do the Mineral or Plant Kingdoms. We can see ourselves in animals and so, we can learn from them.
Animals are closer to their instincts than we are. This makes them brutally honest characters and, sometimes, reflections of us that we are quite willing to accept. Animals know their lives depend upon being aware of their surroundings; we can learn alot from that fact alone. They are attuned to the weather and seasons. They pay attention to when their food supplies and shelter are endangered or polluted. They take care of their needs, their families, and their priorities. These are all lessons that many of us need to work on. And we can, by watching the animals, improve the quality of our personal lives, our relationships, and our social standings.
Beyond this there is the spiritual aspect of attuning to the power and wisdom of animals. We can learn magick from animals but more important than that, we can learn wisdom. How? As in anything else, you have to take the time to learn and practice attuning to these energies. There are many methods (as usual!) of doing this. A good place to start is just figuring out which wild animal has always attracted you the most. After that, go out and educate yourself about that animal. Learn its habitat, its social structure and eating habits. See if you can learn what it is about the animal that appeals to you. Collect pictures or buy books about it...in
other words, fill your mind, memory, and imagination with all the fuel you can find. When that's done, announce to the universe that you're open to this new experience and need help to get started. Then simply intend to have success and sit down and take a journey into your imaginary realms and look for your chosen animal. Remember, when you do this, that in the Otherworld -- even your personal piece of it--the rules are different.
Your animal will be able to talk, or it might use mental telepathy. It might wear a necklace, or be drinking a cup of tea. Just take what happens as it comes, relax, and have some fun getting to know the animal. It might tell you that it is simply there to lead you to your real power animal, or to act as a teacher, preparing you for the eventual encounter. Or it might turn out to be your animal. Either way, relax! Talk! If it want to take you someplace go. And if it tells you to do something -- within reason-- then go do it.
Sometimes our power animal or totem, will appear to us in a human form, or a form that is some odd mixture of animal and human, animal and plant, or even a mix of all the worlds. Don't let this bother you. Just go with whatever comes; talk, take a walk, eat with the animal and most of all, listen to it. And when you're done, and you return to normal consciousness, write the entire adventure down. You've opened a major door to the Otherworlds on this adventure and have begun training for the serious work that will come.
Here is a brief list of some animals and what they commonly represent or deal with. See any thing there you want to get to know? Do you see any animal that represents lessons you need to work on? Then do a journey to visit that animal. An animal doesn't have to be your totem in order for you to work with it; all spiritual helpers are just that -- HELPERS. And any will be glad to lend you a hand, answer some questions, or just play. Remember too, that ALL interaction with the Otherworldly levels opens the way for others to do the same and thus, close the gap that lies between the worlds.
