Spirit or Animal Guides

[Youdah]

This may not be the best forum to discuss this, but I could find no other place for it...and since it came to me in a dream, maybe it's appropriate here.

I was doing a guided meditation last week.  One of the suggestions was to meditate on your spirit or animal guide in the Native American tradition.  Well, I didn't have one, a spirit guide, that is.  So I started to wonder what my spirit guide might be.  Instantly, the image of an Arctic White wolf came to mind.  I could see her standing there in the snow, surrounded by pine trees.  This caused me to feel quite excited because I didn't have an animal guide, but now I did!

I'd guess that I dream far more often than I remember them when I wake up.  But the ones I do remember have proved to be significant for me.  Last night, I dreamed of the same Arctic wolf.  Of course, she didn't "speak" to me, but in that kind of thought understanding that sometimes happens in dreams.  She was telling me that some things in life cannot be resolved, just like the habitats for the wolves are threatened because people fear wolves but at the same time the wolves need their homes.  It is a dispute that continues between the native habitats needed for survival of the wolves, and those who kill only out of fear.

This was significant for me because it answered a problem that has been hurting my heart and spirit for most of this year.  I have pondered and worried, and worked to find a solution.  Then along comes a spirit guide that tells me to stop worrying myself so much, because some things just can't be resolved.  It was the first time I felt at peace with this problem in my life, because knowing there is no solution, I can stop trying to find one!

I'm sorry this is long.  But, with this experience, I wondered about other people's spirit guides.  Do you have one?  Would you share?  It would mean a lot to me.  If you have more information about the Arctic wolf as a spirit guide, I'd really love that, too.  Thanks!

[JewelOfTheSouth]

Wolf Totems

Wolves are the epitome of stamina, known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit of prey. They are highly misunderstood animals, who have gained the reputation of being cold blooded. In reality wolves are friendly and social creatures. Aggression is something they avoid, preferring rather to growl or create a posture to show dominance.


Even though living in close knit packs provide wolves with a strong sense of family, they are still able to maintain their individuality. Wolves represent the spirit of freedom, but they realize that having individual freedom requires having responsibilities.

Because wolf is a teacher and pathfinder, he comes when we need guidance in our lives. Those who have a Wolf Totem will move on to teach others about sacredness and spirituality. Wolf can also teach how to balance the responsibility of family needs and not to lose one's personal identity.

Wolf teaches us to develop strength and confidence in our decisions. He shows we will learn to trust our insights once we learn how to value our inner voice. This wisdom keeps us from inappropriate action. If wolf appears in your life examine where you need to develop more confidence and if you need more balance between friends, family, and yourself.


I thought this may be helpful.

Gentle Hugs,

Julie

[JewelOfTheSouth]

Spirit of Black Panther
 
 

Role ~Prophet~

Lesson: Reclaiming Power

Element: Fire/Water

Wind: West ~The Quest Within~

Medicine: Shapeshifting
 



The Black Panther is not a separate species of big cat, it is rather a distinctive variation in coat coloring amongst Leopard, Jaguar and Puma (or Cougar/Florida Panther/Mountain Lion).  Therefore, there are several commonalties amongst all Black Panthers, and these will be delineated in keywords below, though it is also important to keep in mind that each of these species will also have characteristics separate and unique to them.  We will begin with the commonalties, and in weeks to come, delve into the differences between the three separate Black Panther types.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Keywords
 

Prophet        Reclaiming Power        Mystery
 

Energy Awareness        Lunar Magic
 

Penetrating        Stealth
 

Shapeshifting



Prophet



Mysticism surrounds the Black Panther, and for centuries two-leggeds have observed these graceful predators as they prowl the jungles of their domain and slip, black as midnight vapor, between tree limbs and vines.

Black Panther, with his penetrating yellow-green gaze, evokes the sense that he is capable of looking into the ~future,~ hence this beautiful cat is closely linked to Seers and Prophets.

***For the two-legged who journeys beside Black Panther, this may either take the form of one who can literally see into the ~future,~ or this gift of insight is manifested as a keen insight into the reasoning, action and motive of Others.

Because these souls possess the gift to see into the motives of another, the "future" consequences of that individual`s motives and actions are clearly visible to the Panther individual, and they can appear almost prophetic when warning another of the ramifications that may befall should their current motives remain ulterior, selfish or evasive.

For those Black Panther souls who literally do "see the future," this can be quite a challenging aspect of their Earthwalk, for with this special ~gift~ also comes the responsibility of discerning when and how much of this knowledge is meant to be shared.  Equally, as the ~future~ is continuously being shaped by our present thoughts, decisions, and actions, the future is ever-changing and hence, any future seen or perceived is only one of many alternate ~future realities.~  Yet more often than not, the visions of the future received are meant purely as guide posts and/or warnings, hence it is still down to the individual to create his/her own future.***
 




Reclaiming Power

One look at the Black Panther and it is obvious that these Big Cats are a study in controlled strength and will.

With thickly corded muscles, long, sharp teeth and claws capable of shredding and ripping prey that may weigh up to 1200 pounds, these magnificent creatures embody the essence of Power.  All of this is contained within a frame that averages 7 to 8 feet in length (from tip of nose to tip of tail), and weighs in anywhere between 75 and 160 pounds (depending upon the species of Black Panther and whether it is male or female).

***As Black Panther often pads beside one with great inner strength, there is often evidence of personal Power within the human counterpart.  The interesting thing with this particular keyword, and how it manifests for the two-legged who is blessed with this Totem, is in watching the unfolding of that Power, for it is a characteristic that is developed over many years.  This is partially attributed to the fact that such inherent personal power possesses equal potential for either great good, or great destruction.

In those who walk with Black Panther, personal charisma will be quite high and there will be the ability to influence the thoughts and actions of ~Others.~  For this reason, this Totem carries a heavy responsibility, and may take several lifetimes to perfect.  Many dictators throughout history have had Black Panther as one of their Personal Totems, and misused the tremendous potential of these Spirit Animals.  Equally, many reformationists have also had this Totem walking beside them and reclaimed the True Power of Black Panther (Mahatma Ghandi is one such example).

This is not to suggest that these individuals should be meek and mild (for they have been gifted this great power and strength for a reason), yet it can be channeled and directed in such a manner to bring honesty and insight to others.  Yet if you do not wish to know the ~truth~ of what a Black Panther soul feels or believes, do not ask, for they will always "tell it like it is."

When the higher vibration of this personal magnetism has been attained and expressed through diligence, conscious decision not to misuse its brilliant gift and shared to benefit Others, then the Black Panther Soul truly shines as he/she inherits and reclaims their Power.***
 




Energy Awareness

Every thing about Black Panther has been geared toward a heightened awareness of his/her surroundings, and Nature has equipped this big cat well in the art and skill of survival.

With ears capable of capturing the smallest of movement, eyes that can penetrate through the dark blanket of night, and a powerful sense of smell, Black Panther is able to locate and track prey with a skill matched by few predators in the wild.

Yet there also seems to be an intuitive understanding of when the best time is to strike, as often these beautiful creatures will await just the perfect moment and seize the opportunity with a lethal pounce.

***The two-legged with Black Panther as a companion spirit will have a heightened sense of awareness.  Sometimes this will manifest purely as a physical acuity and these individuals may possess an extraordinary sense of hearing, sight or smell.  If one of these senses are damaged, then another physical sense will compensate, and thus for one who may have sustained a hearing loss, their eyesight or sense of smell rapidly acclimates and counterbalances for just such a sensory "deficit."

Yet this heightened awareness may also manifest in the form of sensitivity to non-physical stimuli, or pure energy.

In Earth Medicine, we recognize that there is a Universal energy that flows through all things that dwell above, upon or within the Earth, a powerful Medicine that is the basic building block of all life, hence the term Earth Medicine.  Yet this energy source, though it flows through physical life, is spiritual energy and emits a powerful vibration that is felt keenly by some, including a large portion of Black Panther souls.

Again, this is an ability that, although present at the moment of entry onto the physical plane, takes years for the individual to nurture, hone and perfect.  Yet as the ability to tune into energy develops, the two-legged who has Black Panther as their companion spirit, will be able to sense the feelings, energies and intent of other individuals.  This heightened awareness is not only limited to those persons whom the Black Panther soul is in immediate physical proximity, they are also excellent at long distance energy sensing and can immediately "tune in" on the condition of one with whom they are communicating, regardless of any physical distance.

Because of this ability to read another`s ~energy~ so precisely, it is imperative that the soul beside whom Black Panther walks, governs this ability closely. When operating from Personality Center, this ability can be used toward selfish ends or as a means of intimidating Others. Yet it is when the Black Panther soul utilizes the ability to tune into and send energy from the center of Compassion and assistance to his/her fellow human, that this ability unfolds as it was intended, as gifted by the Divine.***
 




Shapeshifting/Transformation

There are some animals/birds/insects & finned ones that possess the Medicine of ~Shapeshifting,~ that is to say they have been granted the ability to shift their physical form from their original form, to that of a two-legged, to another creature and then back to their original form again.  These  creature beings are granted this inheritance from the Great Mystery from actions performed back when all tribes were ONE (tribes here meaning different species, e.g. humans, snakes, wolves, etc.), and is a Gift that must be given due respect and adherence else this Medicine will be taken from that creature being.  Hence all shapeshifters have a great responsibility attached to this particular Medicine.

The Black Panther is one such Shapeshifter, and the responsibility unique to these animal spirits, is that of piercing the veil of darkness that dwells in the heart and mind of an unintegrated Soul.  These creatures teach us that there is nothing in that darkness to be feared, for the Light of acknowledgment will disperse the blackness and illuminate the Way through the jungle of unresolved issues, pain and old "programming"

***The early life experiences of one with whom Black Panther walks will never be "easy," as these souls will seem to attract and/or elicit strong reactions both within themselves and from "Others."  Early on this may tend to give the Panther soul a sense of isolation from their fellow two-leggeds as they struggle to find their own identity, for the way in which they view and approach life often attracts attention and leaves them feeling as a stranger in a strange land.

There is no doubt that these individuals will tend to engender either
powerful, deep loyalties and great affection from those who  know them, or there will be an equally strong aversion from Others that may result in verbal and/or physical attacks against the Black Panther Soul.  Perhaps part of the reason behind such ardent and dichotomous reactions, lies within the inherent Power and Awareness of these individuals.

As long as the one beside whom Black Panther journeys, operates from integration and Higher Intent, and the individuals with whom Panther interacts are also functioning from self-acknowledgment and conscious awareness, Black Panther’s penetrating gaze and direct approach will not be felt as a threat or seen as intimidation. Yet for one who is operating from selfishness, evasion or deceit, the force of Panther soul`s insight may be seen as a direct threat and, if motivated thus by fear of what Black Panther soul has borne ~witness~ to, those individuals will often either completely disappear from sight, or they will attempt an all-out attack on the Panther individual.

Yet the reverse may also be true, and it may be the Black Panther soul that is abusing his/her Power and Awareness to manipulate, control or intimidate Others.  When this is the case (such as it often is when the Soul who has Black Panther for his/her Power Totem is still in the ~infant~ or ~young soul~ stage and has not had many journeys yet around the Sacred Hoop), these individuals can be very power motivated and may consciously use their tremendous insight to manipulate or intimidate Others.  Of course the karmic retribution for such actions is quite high, and thus this is a tendency that is eventually outgrown with subsequent reincarnations and journeys along the Red Road of Physical Life.

At some stage, it is imperative that Black Panther individual acknowledge their own Power (part of the process of reclaiming this gift), learn to discern when they may be tempted to "misuse" it for selfish or harmful ends, and conquer such baser tendencies that the full beauty of their gifts may be
expressed.  This is the highest expression of Transformation, for as Black Panther soul fully embraces his/her lineage of Power, Awareness and Prophecy and utilizes these Divine inheritances for the ~Good of All,~
he/she shapeshifts into the culmination of all that the ~Great Mystery~ had intended for that special, individual and Eternal Spark.***

Gentle Hugs,

Julie

[Youdah]

I so much love reading your posts, Jewel.  They are so insightful, and so much good information that would take weeks to find otherwise.  Thank you!  Also thank you for more on the wolf.  I found one reference on the internet that said there was an Indian legend that when you are in great need, a white wolf will come and help you or lead the way.  I liked that.  It was so much needed in my life as I was despairing of ever solving this problem and so heavy on my mind all the time...and now I realize it can't be solved because the needs of everyone involved are too different, no common ground.  I can let go, and give the problem to the "universe" to solve.  Well, I didn't mean to start going on again.  I just wanted to tell you thanks!  And, you are right...it's also a third chakra thing, a personal power thing, if you understand what I mean.

[JewelOfTheSouth]

Hi Youdah!

I'm glad I could help. I'm cherokee on boths sides of my family. If you enter my home, you will see my livingroom is full of Native American treasures. The wolf is the great teacher, and they also take a mate for life. Not only that, but they are very social. I have worked with several totems during this incarnation, and it has all been very interesting. The white wolf does come when you are in the greatest need. Native American's have always revered the white wolf, because they know she tells the truth and she gives warnings as well as lessons. I have had wolf, cobra, otter, hummingbird, black panther and others to work with. Right now, I am working with black panther. I am so very glad she came so you would no longer struggle in a search that there was no viable solution for. As you know, the universe has a way of keeping balance and I believe we are sent those things and totems that help us in the most accurate way. Thank you for recognizing her. You may want to consider hanging a dream catcher above your bed to keep the negative dreams away while you work through other things with the help of the great teacher. Ask her in your next meditation and see what she feels. Your energy is less stressed and you are feeling much better knowing that help comes to those who seek it in the most unexpected of ways. YOu are a dear sweet soul and I know you will benefit from wolf, and through you, so will many others.

Gentle Hugs,

Julie

[Crow]

Hi Youdah,

I love the wolf! Such wonderful powerful creatures. As to mine I am but a Crow.  :smt002 Not is known to me reguarding Native American Spirit Guides.  These little ones have always been there through life, and like Dr. Doolittle I hear things.  Sometimes it is a warning, a visitor, or to prepare for change.  Like a job loss, a pregnancy (they would leave feathers on my car, and balcony). Sometimes when I have over slept they would "cawl" at me to get up, usually it was something I needed to do.  Then that one time when I heard them say that my guy was making something I liked, a gift.  I came home and told them what the crows had been saying. He stood there in shock....he had spent that afternoon working on a gift that later on I did see, and I did love!!  Now they take a liking to him, and leave him bread.  That is odd.  What is up with the bread?  I am not there so I cannot hear them.  Sometimes they just say hi, other times they just talk amonst themselves.  These times when they talk to themselves I do not hear it.  Wish I could understand what they were saying all the time.  Sometimes when I dream I used to fly like a bird.  And see things that latter I would see far away in person.  This hasn't happened lately, where I feel like I am flying like a bird.  But I still go on those journeys.  Helps to keep a glass of water by the bed, as I get really thirst afterwords.  How goes your search with the wolf, I see that you have been searching on the internet.  Has she been talking to you again in your dreams?  This is so interesting.  I don't know much about Animal Guides.    Thank you for sharing.  

Safe Journey

[JewelOfTheSouth]

Role~Carrier of Lost Souls into Light~

Lesson: To Understand the Shadow Within

Element: Air

Wind:  West ~The Quest Within~

Medicine: Shapeshifting
 



~Keywords~



Carrier of Souls        Shadow Within        Sentinel

Shape-Shifter

Night descends upon the ancient forest as a silky shawl of midnight blue,
settling over all that she encounters upon her journey,
she leaves everything she touches changed in
the shimmering veil of her silver light.

Perched atop the hard surface of granite boulders that dot the mountainside,
Crow stands, head cocked to the side, affording him a gaze
of the moon, as she rides the pathway
of the autumn sky.

From the beginning of the time when ~Great Spirit~ transformed Crow
from the  form of a two-legged, to the shape he now wears,
Crow has dwelled simultaneously in Two Worlds,
one of the earth & the other of the sky.

He is the Watcher that has observed we of the Two-Legged
as we walk along the Red Road of Physical LIfe.

He stands, ever vigilant, at the Gateway between shadow and light,
watching for the Soul that is beginning to Unfold, and then,
with a beckoning call, black wings touch our face,
and we Journey with him, flying from
the Night of denial, and awakening
with acknowledgments Day.
 



Keywords
 
 

Carrier of Lost Souls into Light

The Crow is a creature that has elicited much thought and speculation amongst all indigenous peoples and across many cultures and times.

To some, Crow is a harbinger of "evil" or portender of physical death, to others, he is one who offers the choice to fly free of the chains of the past and to soar toward self knowing, yet all seem to agree, that this Animal Totem possesses a powerful energy (Medicine) contained within his small frame.

One who has the honor of having Crow fly by his/her side, is an individual who has the Role of carrying souls lost in pain, denial, bitterness or ill intent, into the light of forgiveness and self-awareness.

When we are reeling in the darkness of emotional pain and turmoil, confused by denying that which we don`t want to see, or feeling bitter over the actions of those who have hurt us, betrayed us or rejected us in the "past," we have become lost on our Path.  It is the Role of one who has Crow as their Power Totem, to then find those lost souls and call to them to make the journey into the light of awareness, and eventually, sincere forgiveness.

For one who does not have Crow as their Power Totem (yet has lost the sense of their Life Path), it is Crow that they would call upon to carry them to re-align with their Path once more, as she is the Totem whose vision sees through the darkest of Nights to find the way back home.

Yet in order that one with Crow Totem can carry others into the Light, he/she must first find their own way free of the shadows of the past.  This can be an arduous task, yet is essential to fulfilling their Role as Carrier of Lost Souls into Light, for how can they fulfill a task that they have not yet completed for themselves?

To assist them in this process, Crow Souls have been blessed with the ability of keen perception, to see right to the core of their own Self.  This is reflected in Nature as the Crow is considered to be the most intelligent and perceptive of all Winged Ones, and she is renowned for her abilities in cognizant thought and strategy.

Whether turned within to gain understanding of herSelf, or reflected back as a mirror to Others so that they may know themSelves, this is a beautiful gift bestowed upon a deserving Soul.
 
 



Shadow Within



All who hear the caw of the Crow immediately recognize that raspy voice.  Yet, in reality, that particular call is only one of the sounds that Crow will utilize to make a statement, call out his territory, or alert other crows to impending danger, though without a doubt, it is his caw that most two-leggeds recognize him by.

He will also make a very distinct chirping sound when he is singing in the morning or welcoming the moon into the night sky, and he can elicit tingles along the spine of the listener when he is warning others of infringement upon his territory, or of danger approaching, with a call that is halfway between a screech and a caw.

For anyone who is born with Power Totem of Crow, communication is an integral part of their flight along the Sacred Hoop of life.  They are here to express the depth of what they feel, to alternately inspire others with their vision of Life, or to transport them, through beautifully woven words, into other realms and planes of Being.

Yet for their keen intelligence and ability to communicate the intensity, scope and beauty of their own experiences to Others, Crow Soul is one who struggles to find and define him/herself to the Self.  Years, and even lifetimes, may be spent in gradually coming to an understanding and embracing of all the facets that make up their Personality, Mind and Soul.

Part of the process is in uncovering the ~Shadows Within~ that all possess along this Earth Walk.  These are the areas of our Self that represent our greatest lessons and opportunities for growth, yet can remain elusive to our grasp and understanding.  However, once these "shadows" have been fully understood and integrated, then the journey upward to the light of the Higher Self can be easily attained and serve as inspiration for Others.

To achieve this demands that one go Within and illuminate all of the corners of the subconscious where shadows still linger.  To open the door to the corridors of pain where the past still haunts the soul, and shed the Light of awareness so that true Healing may occur.  Then, Crow Soul may share his/her insight, understanding and awareness with others through words (written or spoken) in either literal or metaphorical language, that will invoke understanding and inspiration within Others to reach for the Light within themselves.

This is the Journey of the Soul from Night into Day . . . the blessing of Crow to both the  Self, and the Gift to Others.
 
 



Sentinel

Crows are known for their tendency to observe all that is happening around them and to alert other crows nearby at the first sign of an intruder or danger.  Their keen eyes miss nothing, and when an approaching threat is noticed, they will sound the alarm with their throaty caws echoing in the air.

It is believed that because of their tendency to call out when intruders are around, they have been given the task of being the Messengers of the Ancestors.  In other cultures and times, the belief that they are messengers of the Spirit Realm is also predominant, as in ancient Roman mythology, where a white crow was said to have delivered a foreboding message to Apollo, who then turned all ravens and crows black out of his anger at the bad news.

Like their Power Totem, Crow Souls are Sentinels who keep silent watch over all that is happening around them.  They will first observe what is occurring, making mental notes on what has been seen, heard and experienced.  They will then translate these thoughts into either spoken or written format, sharing their observations with the world around them.

In esoteric astrology, the Crow would be considered to be much like Saturn, the Gatekeeper, who stands ever at the ready of the Doorway between Planes, keeping the Ancestors informed as to the progress and evolution of those who walk the Red Road.  Yet Crow will also carry messages from the Ancestors to his/her fellow two-leggeds.  This has earned the Crow Soul the responsibility of being the Watcher and the Sentinel, standing as a messenger between the realm of the physical, and the realm of the Spirit.

If Crow is not your personal Power Totem, yet has suddenly made an appearance in your life, then there are messages that the Ancestors are bringing to you that will likely be heralding significant changes in your life.  The more crows that you encounter, the more likely the message is to be urgent and needing your acknowledgment and attention.  Take the time to quietly go within, asking for clarification on the Message being delivered.  Or it may be that you will be called upon to assist others in their journey from the darkness of denial into the light of awareness.

If Crow is your Power Totem and you are suddenly noticing him/her all about you, it is a time to go within, immersing yourself in quiet contemplation, listening to the messages you are to pay heed to for either your own Path, or as a message to relay to Others.
 
 



Shapeshifting

Several creatures of the Earth Mother are believed to have been given the Gift of Shapeshifting, that is transforming from their animal state to that of a two-legged, and back again.  Amongst these Beings who are said to possess this ability is the Crow.

It is said that the Elder Spirits will appear before a two-legged in the form of a Crow so that the strength, character and faith of the mortal can be ~tested~ prior to receiving a special gift or honor.  For this reason, Crow can be clever, attempting to trick the two-legged into folly.  If the two-legged passes the test, then the Crow will transform his shape and appear before the mortal as an Ancient One, who will then deliver a message of great importance, or bestow an ability upon the one who has triumphed in the face of challenge or adversity.

One who flies with Power Totem Crow, is an individual blessed with great Insight.

This ability to see to the very heart of a matter, serves the Crow Soul well as he/she traverses the ~Earth Walk.~  With the keen perception and ability to grasp complex ideas and philosophies (initially on an intuitive level, followed by deductive reasoning), one with Power Totem Crow may transform the direction of their Journey, their belief system and understanding, indeed their very Life here in Physical.

More often than not, one whose Soul shares a deep bond with Crow will be an individual who may experience an especially difficult early life, wherein a certain sense of detachment or "dis-connectedness" to other two-leggeds has been felt.  This general sense of ~not belonging~ will exist on some level, and at varying intensities, throughout their physical life, or until a deeper level of understanding and acceptance has been attained.

Perhaps it is because, like their Animal Totem, they exist simultaneously within two worlds, that of the Spirit and that of the Flesh, that these individuals always seem to be looking for the answer to all of their questions, and ultimately, a sense of `conection.~

Yet the true thirst for connection comes from the Soul of Crow desiring to re-connect with all that was once known, yet lost when the Soul is cast upon the blank shores of forgetfulness that is Physical Life.  He/she seeks to connect all that which was known, is now known, and will one day be known, thus perhaps receiving the Answers to all of the Questions which fill their active and pondering minds.

When one with Power Totem Crow comes to realize that he/she is already connected to that vast repository of Universal Knowledge, and that the Earth Walk is the "schoolroom" of that great university, then, the process of transformation begins.  This leads him/her to the discovery that one is never truly ~dis-connected~ in the first place, merely walking on a different level, plane or experience than some of the other two-leggeds.

Once this realization has been made, then Crow Soul will begin to Shapeshift from the bindings of the past, which have dictated that there must be something "wrong" with his/her way of experiencing, feeling  or viewing ~Life,~ and can instead, come to Accept, Celebrate and Love the Self.  This is when the integrated human (mind)/crow (soul) may truly fly free.

[JewelOfTheSouth]

Birth dates:  February 19 - March 20

Birth Totem:  Wolf

Clan of:  Frog (Water Chief)

Wind is:  North

Directional Totem is:  Buffalo

Conscious Intent is:  Compassion

Motive of Higher Self is:  Illumination

Plant/Flower: Plaintain

Mineral: Jade



Keywords



Psychic        Compassionate        Spiritual

Illuminating        Mystical

Vague




Birth Totem Wolf individuals arrive on this plane of existence to learn the gift of the ~Seer.~  As such, these souls are highly intuitive, with an ability to attain great spiritual heights as they seek Union with the Ancestors that walk the Blue Road of Spirit.

Consequently, there is a part of the Birth Wolf soul that will seem to be somewhere far away, existing in another state of consciousness and not completely in touch with their physical surroundings or ~reality~ (as most would perceive reality to be).  This is because some aspect of Birth Totem Wolf is operating at a slightly different wavelength, with one ear tuned and  listening for the Voice of the Great Mystery.

Herein lies both the greatest blessing and the greatest challenge of this particular Birth Totem.

While taking up the Robe of Physical Life, it is necessary to be in the physical world, to face in Truth those things which may be uncomfortable, painful or "ugly" as it is a part of the educational process of the soul that walks in flesh.  This is where the challenge comes for the Birth Totem Wolf individual, as these are sensitive, compassionate and tender beings that abhor the thought of Others existing in pain or suffering.

This is not to say that we need also to be of the Physical World.  In other words, while it is important for the growth of the soul to encounter, acknowledge and transmute the ~Shadow,~ it is neither necessary nor beneficial to participate in those thoughts and actions that may bring pain or suffering to Self or Others.

Equally, wolf as he/she walks beside the two-legged (in any Role of Totem, e.g. Birth, Power, etc.) is a Teacher Soul, and therefore it is part of the Life Lesson of these individuals to Teach Others the gift of  Compassion.  Yet part of the higher vibration of Compassion, is the knowledge of when to stand back and allow an Other to walk their own Path in Truth, just as the mother wolf in the wild will teach her cubs requisite survival skills so that they may then either become a contributing member of the Pack, or so that they might forge off on their own to establish a new pack.

In facing One`s own ~Shadow Self~ with Conscious Awareness, eliminating and integrating those behaviors that inflict pain or delay the progress of the Soul, Birth Totem Wolf then operates from a clearer octave of Compassion, and ultimately fulfills the Soul`s Higher Intent of Spiritual Illumination.

I thought these might be helpful.

Gentle Hugs,

Julie

[Crow]

Jewel of South

Wonderful insight. Never have I see so much info reguarding these animals.  Is there any good reads you might suggest?  Thank you for taking the time to post this.  Wonder if there should be a forum or thread just for animal guides.  This is fasinating.  Again thank you for sharing.

Safe Journey

[JewelOfTheSouth]

Hi Crow!

I think we should have a thread for this. Perhaps someone will allow it. I'll ask the admins, or we can post it in the readers only forum. The book I suggest is "Animal Speak" By: Ted Andrews. He is excellent and his books are wonderful. YOu can find a copy on Amazon.com Having Native American blood on both sides of my family, I was always facinated by this information. I'm so glad you enjoyed reading about Crow!

Gentle Hugs,

Julie

[ec]

Hi there... I've enjoyed all these links... I've done some drum voyaging with a shaman near us and I'm a bald eagle...well I think i am, I've also been a fish and a wolf... I say been because I didn't see anything at first but rather "felt" I was them...swimming and running and flying... I have a couple of questions for Spirit talk... Can you have one than one totem animal?... you say you are working with lots of guides.... are all these animals guides or are they popping in with a message at a particular time? Also you talk about mediating to contact them... Is there a process to follow? (I have only ever met them in a guided situation...well apart from those who came to visit here in the flesh!) I will check out animal speak...sound fascinating xxx

Love
ec xxxx

[TheAlchemist]

JewelOfTheSouth`s  suggestion of the book animal speak is a great read.....when i`m out in nature and encounter a certain bird or animal ..i always use animal speak as a reference to see what that particular animal/bird/reptile is trying teach me.....Great read for all those seeking animal guides....

[yourmuse]

I had a spirit animal reading once and it said the Dolphin and Panther are my spirit animals.  I have always felt a connection with the spirit animals and in toltec symbols, the wolf means 'to carefully watch one's motives or situations'.
I am not sure what it means to have a dolphin for a spirit animal but I did enjoy reading a previous post about the panther.  Does anyone have info on the dolphin spirit animals?
Thanks