Don't strain at this. Take as long as necessary.

Spend more time working on the muscles of the shoulders, neck, and jaw as these are the ones we tense almost constantly. When you are relaxed, surround yourself with a white light. Breathe it in- wrap it around you.

Now visualize a well before you; you can also imagine a pond or a river, if you like. Mentally take allthe problems, including people, that are bothering you and drop them into the well.

If the problems or people won't stay in the well, visualize a lid with a stout lock to keep them inside. Doing this symbolizes to your subconscious mind that these need to be taken care of.

You don't want to go into a meditation carrying negative feelings with you. Visualize scenery around you. This can be forests, jungles, deserts, whatever, but picture a place without buildings or other humans. You may be surprised to find yourself a place you didn't have in mind at all. Accept whatever scenery is shown and begin a leisurely walk around. Be observant for any creatures that appear. If a creature approaches you, try to communicate with it. Watch what it does and how it responds to you.

Since this is the astral plane. It is possible to communicate with and creature you see. Communication is commonly by telepathic conversations in the mind. You may be told that this creature will be one of your astral familiars or that it has come to make you aware you have need of some of its traits. You may find yourself communicating with several astral beings before you are ready to return to this plane of existence.

When you have wandered through this landscape, and perhaps through others, and observed several astral creatures who show an interest in you. Thank them and begin to pull yourself back into your physical body.

**Once you have chosen a familiar (and that familiar has chosen you). You can place pictures or statues of that animal on your alter. This will help your subconscious keep a contact point open between you and your familiar. **

~Animal Spirit & Medicine~