Shamanism and Power Animals

Have you taken those questionnaires for fun on Facebook that produces your Power Animal? If you are curious about more traditional and ancient ways to connect with your loving and supportive, sometimes butt-kicking Power Animals you might consider a shamanic journey.

In 1997 I was introduced to The Foundation for Shamanic Studies and Michael Harner through a workshop he taught in Seattle, Washington. In the workshop there were about 80 of us. One of the participants, was later the woman I learned how to make traditional hand held drum with, and also the mother of one of my early shamanic mentors. The workshop was life changing and allowed me to deepen a knowing inside me.

The year before that workshop, I was introduced to a professional clairvoyant who taught Celtic Shamanism, Arlene Whiteswan. She was witchy and felt other worldly and even scared me a bit! But I felt she was authentic and definitely brought a lot of energy from the old country… and some of that world that I have known for many lifetimes.

Arlene did guided Celtic Shamanic journeys with me, and oddly I had a sense of where and what she was going to say before she said it. Was I reading her mind? Or had I done this kind of thing before? She also assisted me in my first connection with a power animal, soul retrieval and chakra energy clearing. My year long experiences with her were so fresh and new! While working with my chakras I was seeing past lives play out in front of my eyes, like movies. The healing work was very cathartic.

But it wasn’t until 1997 that I got more into understanding and building a relationship with shamanism and my power animals and guides. Once I did, I took to it quickly. It felt very grounding and respectful of all helping spirits. It aligned with my beliefs in earth-based medicine and healing. I love the sensation of transitioning into nonordinary reality and then navigating other worlds. In Michael Harner’s teachings he talked about, “the lower world, middle world and upper world.”

What is shamanism? In Sandra Ingerman’s book, “Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self” she writes, “the word, shaman, originating from the Tungus tribe of Siberia, means “one who sees in the dark.” The shaman uses the ability to see “with the strong eye” or “with the heart” to travel to hidden spirit worlds to find information and to perform acts that will heal an ailing individual (or the community.) “

Twenty two years later, I still practice shamanism and offer it as a tool in my healing practice. I have taught shamanic journeys in retreats, workshops and circles. One of my services, called “Soul Journey” allows clients the opportunity to learn to journey to the “lower world” to meet a power animal. Meeting a power animal and working with it continuously can assist one on one’s healing journey. We usually have one power animal that has been with us since birth and we can also have a few others that come into our lives to assist us at various times in our life. I have had clients think they know what their power animal is before they even journey, based on childhood connections to a certain animal, or loving a stuffed animal as a kid and thinking that surely they will show up as their power animal. Sometimes that will manifest in truth, but sometimes that preconceived thought is wrong and they come to find out a different animal shows up for them. For that reason, it’s always good to head into a journey with an open mind and heart.

If you are interested in learning more or trying a Soul Journey session I would be happy to assist you. These sessions are done in person to assure the best connection with the spirit world and your own helping, loving power animal.

Blessings and gratitude to our power animals,

Talese