Post by wren on Dec 4, 2006 14:24:12 GMT -5
Among peoples who possess a more or less unbroken shamanic tradition, it is still commonly held that just as one is born with certain innate gifts – the ability to sing, a talent for painting or sculpting, the gift of languages – so everyone has a spirit being attached to them from birth. This being is generally referred to as a totem beast and it acts as a guardian and guide both in the inner realms and in the physical world. It may take the form of an unseen companion or of an animal or bird or fish.
We are familiar enough with the concept of the ‘invisible friend’ possessed by most children at an early age; the spirit being is much like this. And, in the same way that most children lose all awareness of their unseen companion as they grow older, so do we forget (if we ever knew it to begin with) our totem. The shaman, on the other hand, at least in a tribal setting, is trained to retain this awareness.
As you journey into the darkness in search of self and soul, a totem guide is of great help. With such a guide, you will know you are never truly alone. You can call on their strengths and their wisdom when you need them most.
Even the most unaware person today retains at least some latent memory of such a totem beast in their consciousness, and this can be activated without much difficulty. The following exercise is intended to help you discover your totem beast, if you don’t already know it. It is based upon the work of Caitlin Matthews.
The plan is to discover your totem beast, which may be seen as representing either you as an individual, or the group to which you belong (such as the Clan of the Bear, or the Dog, or the Stag). It is probable that you already have such a guide; it is a representation of your personal shamanic identity and of the qualities you offer to the rest of the world. It may be kept secret as part of your inner, shamanic name or displayed openly on a shield. But remember you do not choose your totem beast; it is more true to say that it chooses you.
For the following exercise, you will need to alter your consciousness through meditation and, possibly, drumming. If you do not own a drum or feel comfortable with this, a recording can be used. I highly recommend Steve Roach’s ‘The Serpent’s Lair’ for this work. Whatever method you use, relax and find that inner place of peace before proceeding…
The Totem Beast Exercise
Begin your meditation and breath slowly and deeply. Find that inner place of peace and safety you have established before. As you relax, imagine you are climbing down a great tree, which grows not only above the earth but also down into it. This time you are not going to stop when you reach the ground. You will be climbing under the earth following the deep roots lower and lower into the darkness. The tree will seem to go on forever, but you will reach the bottom eventually.
There you will see a clearing in a forest and, at the foot of the tree, you will see a seated figure with antlers. He is the wild herdsman and he is the guardian of all beasts. When he sees you he will bang the trunk of the tree with a huge club and a beast will come out of the trees toward you. This will be your creature. Whatever it is, greet it with friendship and welcome it into you. It will merge with your body. When it has done so, you can begin to climb back up the tree. The timing of this will vary depending on who you are and how accepting you are of your totem beast.
When you return to the surface, welcome your animal again and dance with it, give it a voice, if appropriate, as loud and as long as you like. Allow the beast to express itself as strongly as it will.
Repeat this exercise as often as you feel it is necessary to establish a really strong inner rapport with your totem animal. In particular, dance it as often as you can. This means imitating the movements of your particular creature as far as humanly possible, which keeps the animal close and subtle within you. At random moments during the day try to ‘see’ with your animal’s eyes and ‘feel’ with its senses, which enhance your own. Singing songs of and to your animal is also an excellent idea. These may well come from the creature itself, or may be devised by you.
You will soon learn a great deal about your inner companion. Follow its lead and be aware of its intelligence and you will be astonished at what it can teach you. Often, answers to questions will come in the form of riddles rather than direct answers. These generally yield up their meanings with a little meditation or reliance on intuition. They are part of the way in which the totem being can help you in all kinds of situations: you may turn to your animal for help towards self-healing, and as a general guide through the rougher waters of experience. You may have more than one animal as time goes on, sometimes several at one time; or perhaps just one that remains with you over a longer period.
It may be that you encounter an animal that you fear or hate. It is not unheard of that one’s totem initially is loathsome or terrifying. In such cases, you should slowly begin to face the creature, for very short periods of time, to desensitize yourself and, eventually, open up to it. The very fact that it causes such an intense reaction means it has something to offer you. Not every totem beast will seem friendly or likeable and you will need to learn to accept this in your own way; you will derive great benefit from learning more about yourself and your inner abilities, fears, and doubts. You are venturing into your wild soul now and will find wildness within yourself. This is to be welcomed and accepted, if you are to discover your own authenticity. After all, a meek lion would be of little help as a totem.
One such way of learning is to study the animal and its place in history. The snake is loathsome to us in the West, as it has been demonized, but that was not always the case. Or, look back into your own history, for an early encounter with the animal. Were you frightened by something? Stung by a bee? Teased with spiders? Overcoming the fear and learning to accept what the creature can teach you is part of your inner journey that you must take, if you are to ever reach your soul gifts.
If you think your totem beast is unacceptable, disappointing even, begin to ask it questions. It may be, for instance, that you are not yet ready to accept the gifts it has to offer. Like Beauty, who came to love and trust the Beast, you should always follow you heart and your instinct. If you feel uncertain about the trustworthiness of your animal helper, ask it to show you a vision of something that means a great deal to you. Once back in everyday consciousness, check that vision against your own understanding and see what this tells you. Remember that if you continue to feel uncomfortable with the totem animal you can journey again and see if another, more appropriate being comes forward. That may be the one for you. But never expect it to be a comfortable and pleasant encounter. That is not their purpose.
If you decide to carry some token of your totem with you, such as a feather, a bone, or a tuft of hair, you should ask permission of your totem to do so through meditation. You must respect the answer you are given when you ask. Even if you make no conscious effort to locate such items, you will soon find they come to you. You may be walking in the countryside and discover what you require or a trip to a local flea market will yield such an item. It is important, however, to understand the ethics involved in using such animal products. Owning or wearing such things is not necessarily a bad thing; the way in which they are acquired requires great consideration however. Finding naturally generated objects such as skulls, bones and feathers is one thing but going out and looking for an animal from which to take them is clearly another. One is a gift. The other a trophy. If you feel uncomfortable owning such objects, there are alternatives in the form of artifacts, carvings, jewelry and personal artwork.
You can add your own details to these items as well. For example, you might have a raven for your totem and find a raven’s feather in your path. Try binding some tufts of sheep’s wool to it with red thread. You thus have a token displaying three sacred colors (black, white and red). Now meditate upon this – on the raven as a bird that feeds on carrion, the sheep as mother, and the fact that one preys upon the other and scavenges its dead body. Within such elements lies a world of insight which can transform the way you perceive both the natural world and your own life.
In addition to totem animals, which can remain with you throughout your life, you will acquire certain power animals at different times. These are similar in kind to the totem beasts but tend to be called upon under special circumstances, such as during a crisis or in the event of a particular life challenge requiring more than usual amounts of energy, skill or wisdom. We may receive a power animal specifically because of its innate skills.
Throughout the literature of shamanism, the concept of the helping animal is mentioned repeatedly. In each case, the shaman possesses a non-physical inner helper in the form of an animal that provides strength, intuition, and understanding of events from a different point of view from that of the shaman. Sometimes there is a call upon the speed, strength and endurance of the helper, as well as the keenness of animal senses. At other times, the animals may tell the shaman things that he could not know for himself.
At one time, humanity and the animal kingdom were more closely related than at present, allowing better inter-species communication (the same may, incidentally, be said of human and Otherworldly beings); but gradually the differences became greater and the gaps between the species widened. Shamans have kept open the avenues of communication by working with inner-world creatures in the shape of animal, bird or fish. They have learned to adopt the skills and sometimes the shapes of the creatures, borrowing their strength, swiftness, keen-sightedness and cunning as adjuncts to their own lives and abilities.
In each case, it is the spirit of the creature that is being contacted, perhaps even the spirit that represents all the species in question. In effect, the shaman makes a home for the spirit being, be it creature, ancestor or mythic being.
Many Celtic heroes had shamanic abilities which derived from their personal totems: far-sightedness, precognition, great strength, etc. and these were seen as deriving from totem beasts or animal helpers, often born at the same time in the physical world. The Irish hero Cuchulainn, for example, had an extraordinary relationship with a horse that foaled at the time of his birth.
There are other examples of animal helpers in Celtic mythology, in particular in the case of the shaman-bard Taliesin. During his initiation, he changed into the forms of various creatures, from each of which he learned something of value. In the story of Culhwch and Olwen, from Welsh tradition, the hero, engaged on a quest, receives help from a number of magical creatures, each one older than the next, who together assist him in the release of the child-god Mabon.
There are a number of valuable things to be learned from stories of this kind. In the first, we see the shaman in the symbiotic relationship with animal, bird and fish; each of which one introduces him to another element. In the second, we see the hero being helped by Otherworldly animals – again birds, beasts and fish – to release what we may see, on one level, as the imprisoned child. Indeed, this second scenario has been used, with evident success, in modern therapeutic work (Ian Rees in Stewart, 1990) and, while this is an instance of a specifically psychological use of magical forms, it does show the relationship of the shamanic power animal in the quest for individual healing.
It is important to remember that these are not some cardboard cutout or visualization: within their own world, they have all the qualities of real animals. The power animals possess all the qualities of their outer world kin, following the behavioral patterns of their species. The only point of difference is in that they are able to relate to their human companion at a far deeper level and with greater parity than would normally be the case, even with the strongest master-pet relationship. It is this rapport which enables the shaman to learn from his or her animals at an astonishingly deep level.
As a Wanderer, you have a desire and a need to make acquaintance with aspects of your own psyche and self that have lain dormant like a genie in a bottle or a festering wound covered in layers of bandages or the gods/goddesses sleeping within you. Discovering your animal guides and totems is yet another means of uncovering your personal powers, sacred wounds and soul gifts… thereby promoting not just healing but wholeness. As your journey continues, such encounters provide companions and guides unequalled thus far and who possess the wisdom and capacities to assist you on your otherworldly journeys.
We are familiar enough with the concept of the ‘invisible friend’ possessed by most children at an early age; the spirit being is much like this. And, in the same way that most children lose all awareness of their unseen companion as they grow older, so do we forget (if we ever knew it to begin with) our totem. The shaman, on the other hand, at least in a tribal setting, is trained to retain this awareness.
As you journey into the darkness in search of self and soul, a totem guide is of great help. With such a guide, you will know you are never truly alone. You can call on their strengths and their wisdom when you need them most.
Even the most unaware person today retains at least some latent memory of such a totem beast in their consciousness, and this can be activated without much difficulty. The following exercise is intended to help you discover your totem beast, if you don’t already know it. It is based upon the work of Caitlin Matthews.
The plan is to discover your totem beast, which may be seen as representing either you as an individual, or the group to which you belong (such as the Clan of the Bear, or the Dog, or the Stag). It is probable that you already have such a guide; it is a representation of your personal shamanic identity and of the qualities you offer to the rest of the world. It may be kept secret as part of your inner, shamanic name or displayed openly on a shield. But remember you do not choose your totem beast; it is more true to say that it chooses you.
For the following exercise, you will need to alter your consciousness through meditation and, possibly, drumming. If you do not own a drum or feel comfortable with this, a recording can be used. I highly recommend Steve Roach’s ‘The Serpent’s Lair’ for this work. Whatever method you use, relax and find that inner place of peace before proceeding…
* * *
The Totem Beast Exercise
Begin your meditation and breath slowly and deeply. Find that inner place of peace and safety you have established before. As you relax, imagine you are climbing down a great tree, which grows not only above the earth but also down into it. This time you are not going to stop when you reach the ground. You will be climbing under the earth following the deep roots lower and lower into the darkness. The tree will seem to go on forever, but you will reach the bottom eventually.
There you will see a clearing in a forest and, at the foot of the tree, you will see a seated figure with antlers. He is the wild herdsman and he is the guardian of all beasts. When he sees you he will bang the trunk of the tree with a huge club and a beast will come out of the trees toward you. This will be your creature. Whatever it is, greet it with friendship and welcome it into you. It will merge with your body. When it has done so, you can begin to climb back up the tree. The timing of this will vary depending on who you are and how accepting you are of your totem beast.
When you return to the surface, welcome your animal again and dance with it, give it a voice, if appropriate, as loud and as long as you like. Allow the beast to express itself as strongly as it will.
* * *
Repeat this exercise as often as you feel it is necessary to establish a really strong inner rapport with your totem animal. In particular, dance it as often as you can. This means imitating the movements of your particular creature as far as humanly possible, which keeps the animal close and subtle within you. At random moments during the day try to ‘see’ with your animal’s eyes and ‘feel’ with its senses, which enhance your own. Singing songs of and to your animal is also an excellent idea. These may well come from the creature itself, or may be devised by you.
You will soon learn a great deal about your inner companion. Follow its lead and be aware of its intelligence and you will be astonished at what it can teach you. Often, answers to questions will come in the form of riddles rather than direct answers. These generally yield up their meanings with a little meditation or reliance on intuition. They are part of the way in which the totem being can help you in all kinds of situations: you may turn to your animal for help towards self-healing, and as a general guide through the rougher waters of experience. You may have more than one animal as time goes on, sometimes several at one time; or perhaps just one that remains with you over a longer period.
It may be that you encounter an animal that you fear or hate. It is not unheard of that one’s totem initially is loathsome or terrifying. In such cases, you should slowly begin to face the creature, for very short periods of time, to desensitize yourself and, eventually, open up to it. The very fact that it causes such an intense reaction means it has something to offer you. Not every totem beast will seem friendly or likeable and you will need to learn to accept this in your own way; you will derive great benefit from learning more about yourself and your inner abilities, fears, and doubts. You are venturing into your wild soul now and will find wildness within yourself. This is to be welcomed and accepted, if you are to discover your own authenticity. After all, a meek lion would be of little help as a totem.
One such way of learning is to study the animal and its place in history. The snake is loathsome to us in the West, as it has been demonized, but that was not always the case. Or, look back into your own history, for an early encounter with the animal. Were you frightened by something? Stung by a bee? Teased with spiders? Overcoming the fear and learning to accept what the creature can teach you is part of your inner journey that you must take, if you are to ever reach your soul gifts.
If you think your totem beast is unacceptable, disappointing even, begin to ask it questions. It may be, for instance, that you are not yet ready to accept the gifts it has to offer. Like Beauty, who came to love and trust the Beast, you should always follow you heart and your instinct. If you feel uncertain about the trustworthiness of your animal helper, ask it to show you a vision of something that means a great deal to you. Once back in everyday consciousness, check that vision against your own understanding and see what this tells you. Remember that if you continue to feel uncomfortable with the totem animal you can journey again and see if another, more appropriate being comes forward. That may be the one for you. But never expect it to be a comfortable and pleasant encounter. That is not their purpose.
If you decide to carry some token of your totem with you, such as a feather, a bone, or a tuft of hair, you should ask permission of your totem to do so through meditation. You must respect the answer you are given when you ask. Even if you make no conscious effort to locate such items, you will soon find they come to you. You may be walking in the countryside and discover what you require or a trip to a local flea market will yield such an item. It is important, however, to understand the ethics involved in using such animal products. Owning or wearing such things is not necessarily a bad thing; the way in which they are acquired requires great consideration however. Finding naturally generated objects such as skulls, bones and feathers is one thing but going out and looking for an animal from which to take them is clearly another. One is a gift. The other a trophy. If you feel uncomfortable owning such objects, there are alternatives in the form of artifacts, carvings, jewelry and personal artwork.
You can add your own details to these items as well. For example, you might have a raven for your totem and find a raven’s feather in your path. Try binding some tufts of sheep’s wool to it with red thread. You thus have a token displaying three sacred colors (black, white and red). Now meditate upon this – on the raven as a bird that feeds on carrion, the sheep as mother, and the fact that one preys upon the other and scavenges its dead body. Within such elements lies a world of insight which can transform the way you perceive both the natural world and your own life.
In addition to totem animals, which can remain with you throughout your life, you will acquire certain power animals at different times. These are similar in kind to the totem beasts but tend to be called upon under special circumstances, such as during a crisis or in the event of a particular life challenge requiring more than usual amounts of energy, skill or wisdom. We may receive a power animal specifically because of its innate skills.
Throughout the literature of shamanism, the concept of the helping animal is mentioned repeatedly. In each case, the shaman possesses a non-physical inner helper in the form of an animal that provides strength, intuition, and understanding of events from a different point of view from that of the shaman. Sometimes there is a call upon the speed, strength and endurance of the helper, as well as the keenness of animal senses. At other times, the animals may tell the shaman things that he could not know for himself.
At one time, humanity and the animal kingdom were more closely related than at present, allowing better inter-species communication (the same may, incidentally, be said of human and Otherworldly beings); but gradually the differences became greater and the gaps between the species widened. Shamans have kept open the avenues of communication by working with inner-world creatures in the shape of animal, bird or fish. They have learned to adopt the skills and sometimes the shapes of the creatures, borrowing their strength, swiftness, keen-sightedness and cunning as adjuncts to their own lives and abilities.
In each case, it is the spirit of the creature that is being contacted, perhaps even the spirit that represents all the species in question. In effect, the shaman makes a home for the spirit being, be it creature, ancestor or mythic being.
Many Celtic heroes had shamanic abilities which derived from their personal totems: far-sightedness, precognition, great strength, etc. and these were seen as deriving from totem beasts or animal helpers, often born at the same time in the physical world. The Irish hero Cuchulainn, for example, had an extraordinary relationship with a horse that foaled at the time of his birth.
There are other examples of animal helpers in Celtic mythology, in particular in the case of the shaman-bard Taliesin. During his initiation, he changed into the forms of various creatures, from each of which he learned something of value. In the story of Culhwch and Olwen, from Welsh tradition, the hero, engaged on a quest, receives help from a number of magical creatures, each one older than the next, who together assist him in the release of the child-god Mabon.
There are a number of valuable things to be learned from stories of this kind. In the first, we see the shaman in the symbiotic relationship with animal, bird and fish; each of which one introduces him to another element. In the second, we see the hero being helped by Otherworldly animals – again birds, beasts and fish – to release what we may see, on one level, as the imprisoned child. Indeed, this second scenario has been used, with evident success, in modern therapeutic work (Ian Rees in Stewart, 1990) and, while this is an instance of a specifically psychological use of magical forms, it does show the relationship of the shamanic power animal in the quest for individual healing.
It is important to remember that these are not some cardboard cutout or visualization: within their own world, they have all the qualities of real animals. The power animals possess all the qualities of their outer world kin, following the behavioral patterns of their species. The only point of difference is in that they are able to relate to their human companion at a far deeper level and with greater parity than would normally be the case, even with the strongest master-pet relationship. It is this rapport which enables the shaman to learn from his or her animals at an astonishingly deep level.
As a Wanderer, you have a desire and a need to make acquaintance with aspects of your own psyche and self that have lain dormant like a genie in a bottle or a festering wound covered in layers of bandages or the gods/goddesses sleeping within you. Discovering your animal guides and totems is yet another means of uncovering your personal powers, sacred wounds and soul gifts… thereby promoting not just healing but wholeness. As your journey continues, such encounters provide companions and guides unequalled thus far and who possess the wisdom and capacities to assist you on your otherworldly journeys.
