According to many shamanic traditions, everyone has one true Power or Soul Animal. This spirit is unique to the individual, and linked to the core of their own spirit. They are called Power Animals because the primal life power comes to us through and from them. They are also called Soul Animals, because in some traditions, they are considered one of many different souls required to be a whole person.

Like all things, these spirits shape that life force according to their own natures, so it's normal for people to exhibit personality and physical traits of their Power Animal. It is as though our consciousness is a rider, directing the power of the animal beneath us - no matter how we direct our actions, our movements will always be shaped in part by the natural motion of the animal beneath us. Therefore, someone powered by Bear will always be somewhat lumbering and gruff, while someone powered by Deer may be graceful and skittish. On occasion, the connection to a Power Animal can be so strong the Power Animal serves as a form of Alter Ego, and becomes closely identified with the Self.

Because of this tendency towards identification, it's tempting to want to *choose* an animal that reflects how we would like others to see us. This is a fruitless approach. We do not pick our Power Animals; they come to us, as independent entities with their own free wills.

As Spirits, they choose to work with us, recognizing something in our deepest core that reflects their own basic nature. Often, their presence reveals gifts that we already possess, but are unaware or afraid of, and perhaps are mishandling. Because of this hidden nature, it's common to feel dissatisfied or unconnected at the first conscious connect with a Power Animal, especially if it is not particularly glamorous, or seemingly meek and small.

Yet, each Animal has its own specialized gifts, and size is no indicator of power when dealing with the fluid spirit realms. Remember, Animal Spirits are not limited by the rules of physical reality. Your Power Animal may appear as a tiny mouse, no different from a common house mouse in this physical realm - but in times of spiritual need, this mouse can and will change its size and carriage to suit the need of the moment. There is nothing weak or meek about a 500 foot tall mouse!

Normally, our Power Animals remain with us throughout our life. Ocassionally, a person may seem to have more than one Power Animal at once, but this is usually a confusion between their personal Power Spirit, and the Totem of a group or project they are closely associated with. Other Animal Spirits may come and go, but a true Power Animal is deeply connected to an individual's soul. It does not normally change except through severe trauma or life-change. In these cases, the Animal may need to be retrieved, or a new Power Animal may be summoned, in response to a soul-call, prayer, or shamanic intervention.

It's important to note here that true Power Animals are not traditionally determined by birth dates, or card divinations. The popular "Animal Astrology" concept may or may not hold valid for those outside the culture and tradition it describes, and in any case, these animals would be Totems for the astrology signs, not Power Animals. Animal Spirits may indeed choose to speak to you through a card reading, but it should not be relied on.

According to shamanic tradition, Power Animals first reveal themselves in vision, meditation, dreams, or in some cases, when sought out by an experienced shamanic practitioner. Divination cards may serve as a connecting link or a confirmation of those visions and dreams, but they should not be assumed to be accurate by themselves; their scope is simply too limited, and direct contact with the Otherworlds is required to be certain.

While Totems and Power Animals tend to remain a fairly constant influence, other kinds of Animal Spirits may move in and out of our lives according to interest and need. These are independent entities who come to us in answer to prayers or requests for help, or perhaps just because they are interested in what we are doing. We may actively seek them out, courting them for their special knowledge or skills, or they may come on their own. This type of Animal Spirits is what is actually addressed with the various "animal cards" and most other forms of animal divination.

These transitory Animal Spirits may act as Guides, advising or counseling us in their areas of expertise. They may act as Teachers, putting us through lessons they themselves are adept at. Some are willing to serve as Companions, Healers, Protectors, or as Steeds that offer us rides to and within the spiritual realms. Others Spirits act as Allies, working together with us towards a common goal. Some Spirits forge long term friendship or family relationships, others form something closer to business associations, exchanging services or making bargains.

It's wise to be cautious of making bargains or contracts; they can be very tricky, and not all Animal Spirits are friendly towards us, as individuals, or as humans in general. These types of spirits are best left to the specialists; experienced shamans with a calling to actually work with them. Reptiles, insects, fish, and their ilk are especially likely to be troublesome, as are some of the mythological creatures. Even if they approach you through divination or vision, you may want to seek the opinion of an experienced practitioner before accepting their help, as even the friendlier ones can be confusing to work with.

The same cautious advice goes for any Spirit Animal that appears injured or ill, that growls or bares its teeth, or that otherwise makes you uneasy. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to walk away, or to end the journey or meditation. If they are a spirit that is sent to you by a Higher Power or God, they will come again, and perhaps under better conditions. Truly good and helpful Spirits understand our fears and reluctance. They will wait patiently for us, so there is no need to rush into a spiritual alliance with an Animal Spirit you find disturbing or frightening.

In general, most Mammals and Birds are happy to help, and often approach humans in dream or meditation to offer help of one sort or another. This happens even when the person is not especially inclined towards shamanic work, so there is no reason to seek out those spirits that must be cajoled or bargained with.

Tori McElroy, April 6, 2000

The more attention we pay to Animal Spirits through contemplation and meditation, through prayer and ritual, the more their energy and gifts become available to us. As we increase our awareness of how their spirits are expressed through us, we increase the ability to control our unconscious reactions, and find ourselves more in tune with our inner self, our relationships, and our environment.

To discover the Animal Spirits that are around you, simply ask them to show themselves (through prayer, meditation, or ritual) and then pay attention to what happens. They have ways of bringing themselves to your attention. If you suddenly seem overwhelmed with images and mentions of a meadowlark, don't dismiss it as coincidence! This is how the Spirits often communicate.

Generally, it is best to find one central Spirit you are connected to (usually your power animal or a family totem will present itself first) and work with that one spirit until you are familiar with each other, rather than trying to get to collect an entire menagerie. If you need a certain outside energy or lesson, this primary animal will guide you to other Spirits as needed.

You may also ask for direct communications in your dreams. As you fall asleep, make a quiet prayer that they reveal themselves to you. You may direct the prayer to the spirits themselves, to God, or to the Universe at Large, depending on your own belief system. Be sure to track your dreams for a week or two afterwards, recording everything you remember as soon as possible, no matter how irrelevant it seems. Often there will be subtle clues and confirmations that fit together like a puzzle, things that may not at first seem to be an answer.

Once an Animal Spirit has revealed itself to you, thank it, and honor its presence in your life. Make a sacred offering to your Animal Spirit. This might be their favorite foods, or something else special to them, like nesting materials, shiny baubles, a picture, statuette or stuffed animal of them. It might be something important to you, personally; even if they would not care for it otherwise, they will accept and honor the sacrifice. These offerings can be placed on an altar or sacred space you set up, indoors or out. Food should be set out for physical world wildlife after 1-3 days. Other items, if not kept on the altar, should be given away to someone who would benefit from the energy of this particular Animal. For this reason, stuffed animals are an especially good choice, since they can be given to children as protectors.

Meditate on their image. With your eyes closed, visualize them with as many senses as you can.. what do they look like, sound like, how do they smell, what does their coat feel like? Don't be surprised if you find yourself looking out from *inside* the animal, it's a common experience, especially with Power and Totem animals.

Dance is a traditional and effective way of working with and honoring Animal Spirits. Sacrifice your self-consciousness, and offer your body's movements and sweat as a gift to the Spirits. Dance in the manner of a Bear, a Cat, a Crow, allow yourself to sweep into their energy, and express it in the dance. Songs are always welcomed. Give your animal a voice, sing for it. Write or read a story, and offer its telling. Draw a picture of your Animal.... Don't worry if you think you can't draw well. Just as Mothers find their children's crayon scribbles charming, your Spirit Animal will appreciate and be honored by the effort.

Study the habits of the animal in the real world. Pay attention to its diet, habitat, and seasonal behaviors. Observe them in the wild, if possible, or failing that, at a zoo, wildlife park, or on video. Contemplate how these behaviors relate to your own behaviors; what similarities and differences does a comparison reveal? Examine closely any fears or disgust about the Animal, they may reveal hidden aspects of yourself you are afraid to face.

Once you've established a strong connection, you can ask for help and guidance from your Animal Spirits. Pay attention to seeming coincidences afterwards, because your answer will usually lie in them. Record your dreams, and pay attention to your day dreams, as well. It's easy for us to dismiss spiritual communication as "just" imagination, but 'imagination' is the realm of the spirits themselves. For the spirits to serve as the messengers of the Divine that they are, we must acknowledge their reality, and honor their messages with our attention.

Animal Spirits are a shamanic concept found throughout the world, and throughout history. Each person has one true Power Animal, through which their primal life force flows. They may also have a number of Totem Animals, connected to their families, groups, trade associations, and so forth. Other animals spirits and helpers may also show up spontaneously, depending upon on need and interest. To work with the Animals, ask them to come to you, then remain receptive. Once they have appeared, learn about them in the natural world. Offer them your energy in a tangible form, and respect their messages. You'll soon find that they return your energy and respect many-fold.