You are in the safety of your own yard laying in your hammock under the trees. You gently swing to and fro while dangling your left leg over the side, your toes just brush the tips of the grass beneath you.

 On a nearby flat topped rock sage, sweet grass, and lavender smolder in an abalone shell, next to a crystal cluster.

Dressed in your favorite, attire you relax, you have an old throw pillow to support your head and neck as you watch the morning sun play hide and seek with the clouds.

Squirrels flick their tails nervously, barking their annoyance from neighboring trees. A chipmunk peeks from its burrow waiting to see if it’s safe for him to come out. Morning doves pick at the seeds on the ground that the cardinals, wrens, and an occasional titmouse have scattered about under the feeders.

Glistening dewdrops fall about you as a gentle breeze causes the leaves above to dance and flutter. The fragrances of azalea, wisteria, gardenia and magnolia perfume the air. Absorbing the comfort and beauty, the sights and sounds, you close your eyes and relax. Your minds begins to drift. You feel yourself floating and you smile.

As you open your eyes lazily, you have a new sensation of your perfect place within your dreams

You are laying under a willow tree on a grassy embankment at the edge of a vast lake. Beside you, on a large flat rock are the crystal cluster and the shell containing smoldering embers of sage, sweet grass, and lavender.

Looking about, you see woods encompass both sides of the lake and that a path enters the dense forest behind you.

Standing, you notice that you are dressed in a hooded robe of rich green velvet. About your waist, the knotted ends dangling below the knee is braided belt of green, brown, and white cording.

You walk down to the waters edge and see that it is clear and though shallow at the bank, appears deep at the center.

You remove your robe and wade into the cool, calm water.

You feel refreshed, clear, and alive.

After a brief swim, you climb back on the bank and sit cross-legged on the grass enjoying the warm rays of the sun on your cool damp skin.

You gather your robe back about you when you hear a rustling in the bushes upstream, you look up to see an animal making its way towards the water. There are some trees and bushes between you so you can’t quite make out what it is. You sit very still so as not to disturb or frighten it as it has not seen you yet.

Suddenly, it is standing directly in front of you. Before you can react, you hear a voice in your head telling you that you are safe. You realize that this is no ordinary animal, it is a spirit guide.

As you gaze at the magnificance of this animal you can see that it is indeed a perfect persona of its breed and you see it stands proud and strong.

It has come for you and you smile a greeting.

Take some time to get to know this power animal.

 Ask if this is your guardian or if it are there to teach you a lesson.

Ask if this animal will become your guide and protector in rituals.

Ask what you will, but be respectful, and listen closely.   Take note  and write down all that it says to you as you listen.  This will be of importance in time to come.

Ask it what you will and know that it is here so you can get to know it.

Take all the time you need...

When you are done, give thanks. and bid it farewell.

As suddenly as it appeared, it is gone.

You feel connected and secure in the knowledge that the animal kingdom has seen your heart.

 Standing, you walk back to the willow tree and the rock where your crystal and smudge lay.

Leaning against the trunk of the willow tree, you sit before the makeshift altar contemplating what you have seen and heard this day.

As you wait for the smudge to burn out completely, once again your mind begins to drift.  You close your eyes and feel like a feather as you drift in the warm breeze 

Hearing the soft cooing of doves, you open your eyes to find that you are in the safety of your own yard once again, gently swaying to and fro in the hammock. The rays of the sun peek at you through the branches of the shade tree.

The clouds are gone and the sky is clear and bright.

Stretching, you swing your legs off the side of the hammock and slowly stand. Raising your arms above your head, you give thanks to the Lady and Lord and again to your spirit animal.