As you know, this blog series is broadly titled Awakening Alchemy. It is our hope that some of the topics we cover in this blog may awaken the inherent spiritual side that resides in all of us. Our goal is to open your mind to the incredible possibilities that are happening all around us, right now, on planet Earth. The old, tired paradigms are being swept away, as science and especially quantum physics, begins to illuminate the true nature of matter, of consciousness and of spirit. Many of the old philosophies, and beliefs are again coming to the fore, as science begins to show us there is much more to this Universe than that which we can see, feel and touch. We are celestial beings that harbor greatness inside of each and every one of us. It is my dharma to spark some of that interest, excitement and questioning nature within the readers of this blog.
Today we will be exploring an old, traditional, tribal belief of Shamanic origin, known as “Power Animals”.
What Are Power Animals:
Broadly speaking a power animal is a concept that has come down to us from Shamanistic teachings and worship. Shamanism is a practice that evolved in Asia, especially Mongolia and Siberia and over time spread to North and South America, as well as parts of Africa. Shamanism involves reaching an altered state of consciousness (often using natural hallucinogens, meditation, and ritual chanting) that allows the Shaman to interact with the spirit world and then channel these spirits and energies into the physical world.
For most of us westerners, the idea of Shamanism is perhaps that which we have had portrayed to us on the silver screen, as the idea of “medicine men”, especially as it relates to the early Native American tribes. Essentially this is true, and shamanism is still practiced routinely, and ritually in many places, especially in the Northern Asian areas of Mongolia and Siberia.
The concept of the power animal is one that is Universal across many cultures. You can perhaps think of power animals as being spirit guides that help protect us as individuals but also our ancestral lineage and that which is still to come, as well as nations, as a whole.
To the Shaman, everything is alive and connected to us. Everything contains a unique wisdom, power and virtue. Power Animals are said to embody our individual qualities of character, morality, and our most personal inner thoughts and being. We all have experienced the love and bonding that we can create and nurture with living animals (see last week’s blog on Animal Communication: )
What shamanism teaches us is that we can have the same deep love, bonding and respect, on a higher consciousness level, with our power animals. Shamanism contends that every person has a power animal(s) inside of them. They act as protectors to us and guard us against illness as well as imparting some of their inherent skills and wisdom to us. For example, the Hawk spirit will lend you some of the skills and wisdom of the hawk.
Different Types of Power Animals:
There are absolutely no set rules as to what animals can be power animals. They certainly don’t have to be mammals and can just as easily be reptiles, insects, birds, or sea creatures. If it lives, then it can be a power animal. In this vein, even plants and trees can serve as spirit guides. One thing to note, however, domesticated animals are generally not considered to be power animals because they are already acting in service to mankind. What the experts say is that you should always keep an open mind when looking at power animals. Try not to associate or “lock in” certain characteristics to an animal e.g. Lion is fierce and courageous. All animals have attributes that we, as humans, may not even be aware of until we bond, communicate and share with them.
What is truly important is that we honour and value our power animals. In the Western-Judaic culture we have been taught that animals were put here for our exclusive use and that we have dominion over them. This is an attitude we must let go of. Animals are at least our equals, add greatly to our lives and the world around us, have gifts to offer us and are deserving of gratitude, love and respect. Think of it this way – your power animal is giving up his/her independence and mobility to spend its time with you. It is a selfless act and by your honouring and valuing that act, the connection you have with your power animal can only deepen and grow.
A couple of ways of honouring your power animal are to regularly thank him/her for being there and to have objects (knick-knacks) where you can see them every day that represent your power animal. This all shows that you care and can only deepen the bond. As in shamanic practice we need to get into the habit of honouring and valuing all things in our life – they all have something to teach us and power animals, especially, have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to impart to us.
How Do I Discover My Power Animal(s)
The most important thing to bear in mind in the process is: You don’t choose your power animal – it chooses you!
- One way to do this is to consult a Shaman, but for the vast majority of us that would be difficult, time-consuming and possibly expensive (if you had to travel).
- The best way to discover your power animal is to receive the information in a dream. See what happens! Go to sleep thinking about your power animals and you never know what you will dream about.
Meditate to discover what your power animal is. If you don’t practice meditation, check out my previous blog on Meditation to learn how to get started: - Journey deep into the forest, the ocean, the desert, in your mind. Sit in a quiet place, breathe deeply in and out an observe the animals that come your way – one of them will almost certainly become more apparent to you than the others and will choose you.
- Ask, out loud, for your power animal to show itself. If you suddenly begin seeing one particular animal more frequently than others that could be a sign. As an example, let’s say you are flipping through TV channels and you consistently come across documentaries on Lions; you see a sign advertising the local Lions club chapter; your friend invites you around to watch the Lion’s rugby team playing on TV. By using repetition, the power animal is drawing your attention to him/her.
- Search the internet for surveys and quizzes that can help pinpoint your power animal. There are a host of resources available on the internet for this purpose. Just type in: “how do I discover my power animal?” and you’ll be amazed at what pops up.
Some Common Power Animals and their Attributes:
- Deer: Deer are symbolic of love and harmony within oneself. They are also incredibly timid creatures and may signal the need for your protection from predators.
- Spider: The spider is very representative of the feminine side of us and the power of feminine energy. Their intricate webs and patience tell us how our lives are interweaved with others. Spiders are also very common power animals for creative people, as evidenced by the beauty and intricacy of their webs. They remind us that everything takes time and it is the journey that is magical, not the result.
Butterfly: A butterfly symbolises more than any other creature the idea of profound change and transformation. As you are moving through different cycles of your life, especially “making a fresh start” the butterfly is the perfect spirit guide / power animal for you. Another intrinsic characteristic of the butterfly is its lightness and its ability to transcend the earth and the more prosaic things of life. - Horse: The horse represents the driving force of life, the ability to run free, wild and untamed. In the same way, horses can be domesticated, restrained and stopped from their complete enjoyment of life – just like us.
- Crow: The crow is a double-edged sword, offering both positive and negative characteristics. Whilst on the one hand, it symbolizes the magic of life, intelligence and fearlessness, it can also represent a trickster, a manipulator, or those of a mischievous nature.
- Hawk: Hawks represent courage, truth, perspective and self-awareness. They offer the ability to see things from a higher perspective and to recognise truth. It also represents intuition and inner wisdom. Having a hawk as your power animal is an indication that it is time to re-evaluate your life, to look at the broader picture, from a higher perspective. Use the hawk’s keen vision to view your life and then its intuition and inner wisdom to guide you.
- Lion: The Lion is the symbol of extreme strength, self-assertiveness and power. They bring you strength, courage, authority and assertiveness, while still pointing out dangers and weak spots in your life.
Grasshopper: Grasshoppers symbolise that it is time to take a leap of faith. They are innovative and never miss an opportunity to move forward in life. They’re also considered to be good luck and a good omen. If you’re struggling with a decision that needs to be made, the grasshopper is a good animal to have by your side.
Well, there are just a few of the possible power animals you could have in your life. Remember a couple of points. Firstly, you can have as many power animals in your life as you need, at any particular time, and secondly your power animal can change over time, as your circumstances and needs also change.
I hope I’ve piqued your interest in this topic. If you have any questions at all, or you’d like recommendations on where to research further, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here on the blog or contact me via the website. I’d love to hear from you.
We will be continuing this particular theme for the month of August, so do keep reading. If you enjoyed this Blog and would like to read more spiritual and metaphysical issues, plus lots more besides, please share it with your friends and family, or do join our website and you will receive a notice whenever a new blog is posted. We will never spam you though. You can join here:
If you liked what you read here, please do check out our previous blogs. The last four can be found here:
- Animal Communication: Yes We Can!
- Yoga – Worth A Try:
- Self-Love and “New Thought”:
- Self-Love: How Can I Love Myself:
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Finally, today, please do pop on over to the SHOP where you can download the Award winning Audiobook at an amazing price. There a Soundcloud taster so you can try before you buy.
The novel incorporates many of the ideas and philosophies discussed in my blogs, into a fast-paced, fictional thriller with a spiritual under current: prepare to be swept away.
Till Next Time I’m Sending: Love, Fire, and the Violet Flame of Peace
Crystals have been around since the earth was formed, some four and a half billion years ago. Some, in the new thought movement, who are channelling from higher dimensions [Earth is on the 3rd of at least 13 dimensions], tell us that we are shifting from the carbon state to crystalline as part of the Earth’s ascension process. Ever since man first gazed in wonder at the crystalline nature of certain rocks and gems, he has used them for a variety of purposes. Almost every civilisation, in the history of the planet, has believed in and used the power of crystals for their spiritual, metaphysical and healing powers. Ancient Mayans, Incas, Egyptians and even today’s “new thought” spiritualists recognised and understood the benefits these crystals brought to our lives. Crystals are used today to heal disease, sickness, in meditation, and also in many different religious rituals.
The actual term crystal does not, in fact, refer to an object as such, but rather a form of structure. A crystal is nothing more than a particular collection of molecules or atoms and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own specific characteristics. The composition of the crystal will determine what form it will take. For example, crystals can be made from simple salt, in your own kitchen, forming cubed-shaped crystals. Many gemstones, such as diamonds and rubies are crystals. When carbon is in the form of a diamond, it can be used to cut other gemstones as well as being used in a variety of every-day items such as watches (quartz crystal), early radios, electricity conduction and a whole host of other mechanical uses. In 1880, Pierre Curie discovered that by putting pressure on various crystals, including quartz, topaz and tourmaline, he was able to create electricity. This phenomenon, called the Piezoelectric effect, is why crystals are used as essential elements in computers, TV screens, iPhones and satellites.
What we will be focusing on when examining the power and use of crystals in our everyday lives will be principally the crystalline rock formations (often called gemstones) that we can have around us at all times to assist us. The reason quartz crystals were (and still are, in some cases) used in watches is because of their vibrational properties. Quartz crystal vibrates every second when a current is passed across it and was therefore perfect for watches which require accuracy of timing. Both our bodies and crystals have energetic vibrations. When we align our body’s vibrations with those of a particular gemstone there is a natural energetic or healing effect that occurs. For example, healing crystals and gemstones have a powerful vibratory impact when they are placed directly on your body. The energy in the crystal surges into you and assists the free flow of energy all around your body.
This is probably the most commonly asked question and one that creates much debate both within and outside the scientific community. Although most scientists will be quick to point out that there is no hard, quantifiable evidence of the benefits of crystals, I would just remind you that almost all modern medicine and cures come originally from the natural world and many of these cures have come down through the generations from natural, tribal practices. For aeons, every ancient civilisation has utilised crystals as part of their overall holistic approach to health and well-being. There are certainly studies that have suggested that crystals can increase the alkalinity of water as well as some solid science on the health benefits of crystals in skincare. For example, finely milled quartz is often used in exfoliating creams and magnetised tourmaline, when added to skin cleanser, has been shown to improve cleansing efficacy and boost circulation.
There are many various types of crystal, each of which has an effect on you. I will go into the different benefits we can expect from various crystals in future blogs, however, here I just want to give you a few short examples of the power that can be expected from certain crystals.
The first woman that gets my admiration and accolades is Anjezē Gonxhe Bojaxhiu better known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta or Mother Teresa. Born in Uskup, Kosovo in August 1910, Mother Teresa died on September 5th 1997, aged 87, in Calcutta (Kolkata), India where she made her mark on the world stage and was widely venerated. A consecrated Catholic nun, Mother Teresa dedicated her life to caring for the poor, the indigent and the dying of the Calcutta slums. Founding ‘’The Missionaries of Charity’’, that now has over 4,500 nuns as adherents and operates in some 130 countries; the Order is dedicated to managing homes for those dying of HIV/AIDS, Leprosy and Tuberculosis. The Order also run soup kitchens, pharmaceutical dispensaries, mobile medical clinics, children and family counselling programs, as well as orphanages and schools.
I think, in an incredible life of 87 years, most of it spent living in the most appalling of conditions, alongside the rejects of India’s society, much as her spiritual leader, Jesus Christ had commanded, Mother (or Saint) Teresa epitomizes the strength of character and resolve that is so admirable in women who commit their lives to helping others. She was known to be a pragmatist and had little time for overarching and controlling bureaucracy – and was committed first and above all to those whose needs outweighed her own. She has left a legacy of love, compassion and understanding that we would all be wise to learn from. She wasn’t a woman to self-promote and she did not speak publicly often but when she did, she inspired people in general and women in particular. I’ll leave her today, with one of her most memorable quotes, in my mind: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving, happier.” Mother Teresa.
I believe Indira Gandhi deserves her place in women’s history for the amazing feat of leading the world’s most populous democracy for a ten- year period, from 1966 through to 1977 and then again, from January 1980, until her assassination in October 1984. She stands alone as the first and only female Prime Minister of India and the second longest-serving Prime Minister, after her father, Jarwaharlal Nehru.
Despite the turmoil and troubled times over which Indira Gandhi ruled it is worth noting that her beloved India still came out of the twentieth century, intact, a world power, and still the world’s most populous, functioning democracy and for that alone, she deserves our plaudits and our respect, as not only an outstanding woman but also as an outstanding leader. In 1999 Indira Gandhi was chosen as “Woman of the Millennium: in an online poll run by the BBC.
Few could argue that this woman has not had a major influence on the future of the United Kingdom, as she has attempted to negotiate BREXIT. World focus and indeed, often ridicule has shone on her. Theresa May has stood tall and proud during these difficult times, refusing to kowtow to scathing attacks on her leadership from the opposition and indeed, it seems, at times, from all sides. She has steadfastly stuck to her belief that her role was to carry out the express wishes of the British people in the referendum and leave the EU with the best deal she could negotiate. You can argue over her negotiating strategy, you can argue over her management and leadership of her party, and of parliament but nobody can argue or deny this woman has stuck to her beliefs and her determination to carry out the wishes of her people.
March 29th 2019 was a historic – [some would say hysterical, given the current state of political play] day in the UK, as this was the day which the UK Parliament agreed by unanimously passing Article 50, that the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union. This was decided under a process where UK voters had a referendum two years prior to determine whether to Leave [Brexit] or Remain [Stay in as Before] in the European Union, which is a unified co-joining of some 28 countries, under the umbrella of a single trading market, freedom of movement of people and an over-arching legal system [the European Court of Justice] to oversee and harmonise laws/regulations/rights. Rather surprisingly, for some, [not me, as my prophetic instinct and strategic/visionary skills fully kicked in here] after David Cameron called the Referendum, the Leave vote won and the next day David Cameron [Call-me-Dave] an arch-Remainer and several of his key cabinet ministers quit. This left the new leader of the Conservative party, and the new Prime Minister – Theresa May, to take up the poisoned chalice and run with it. To date she has almost been run into the ground. So, regardless of the outcome, IN – OUT or still Shaking-it-All-About, in this Brexit business my heart goes out to Theresa May, who has above all done her very best for her country. Thank you!
Perhaps no actress more accurately portrayed the role of the tough, independent, and fearless woman, as Sigourney Weaver did, in the Alien franchise, where she played the character of Ellen Ripley. Although Weaver has appeared in over 60 movies, numerous television shows and stage shows, to a generation of young women growing up in the 1980’s it will be as Ellen Ripley, a woman who showed these young ladies just what women were capable of, that she will be most loved, remembered and revered for.
As a working woman in Hollywood, Weaver has been one of those rare breeds who have been able to keep a celebrity marriage alive and going despite the intense pressures of the industry. Married to stage director, Jim Simpson, since October 1st 1984, the pair have one daughter, Charlotte Simpson. Outside of the movie industry Weaver is probably best known for her work supporting the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund. After making the movie, Gorillas in the Mist which celebrated Fossey’s life’s work, Weaver became involved with the fund, as a fervent environmentalist and is now the fund’s Honorary Chairperson.
Juliet Jermaine, it seems, has it all; a beautiful, young, wealthy American woman, living her dream, in the rural English heartland. Juliet has a dashingly handsome fiancée/business partner in Matt Lebaine and is the current Olympic 3-Day-Event champion, with her world-beating horse, Gothic. She is laser-focused on defending her crown at the next Olympics, but it all begins to unravel one typically frosty English morning when Juliet and her teenage stable-hand are out hacking in the country lanes around their stable. What initially appears to be a random road-rage incident has catastrophic consequences. Juliet’s life is flipped upside down in an instant, and how will she cope with the tragedy?
To me, Juliet epitomizes the struggle many women daily, perhaps not over life and death issues, as she must, but over choices between good and bad, morality and immorality. As women, we want to succeed, especially in this man’s world we have inherited, but is success to be had at all costs, flinging away those qualities of care, understanding and concern for others? Should we give up those special qualities we possess to compete on an equal footing with the men? Juliet’s sport is one of the very few that allow men and women to compete equally on the international stage, so in that respect Juliet is already at the forefront of women’s equity. She has to make that ultimate decision as to what is more important to her; love and justice or winning? Life is a compromise between competing values and Juliet, like all of us, must make those decisions on her own. That’s why, for me, Juliet deserves her place as a role model for all aspiring young women, in whatever endeavor they undertake. For Carol, Captain Marvel, there’s a movement: #captainmarvelchallenge to encourage young girls to go and see this first female led superhero movie.
What readers truly love about this character is her complexity and the many faceted roles she must play as first a women detective but also as a psychic detective and a member of an elite inter-governmental body that is charged with handling all things otherworldly, including; psychics, telekinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance, witchcraft, aliens, and even time-travel. Rosetta has become deeply involved with EPIS (Elite Paranormal Intelligence Services) in order to “right” historical “wrongs” that now result in murderous karma travelling through the generations to wreak havoc in today’s world. This she does through the facility of Time Travel (Using the T-Portal).
When Rosetta gets some inkling of the tragedy that is about to strike Juliet and her horse, she tries desperately to contact her to abort the planned ride that morning, but is unable to reach her, in part due to the intransigence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) supposedly designed to help humanity, rather than hinder them. Ha-ha! With a road-rage murder on her detective’s plate, Rosetta must work fast to establish a possible link to murderous karma from the past that is playing out today. She and Juliet must find a way to get to the bottom of these crimes without exposing her gifts to the ever-present media.
