Each month author Lucy Harmer dedicates her journal entries to the theme of “transformative and inspirational living” – finding the fun, magic and laughter in everyday occurrences! She explores ideas, thoughts and quotes from her two books, Discovering Your Spirit Animal and Shamanic Astrology.
October 2010
More than just friends!
How to reinforce your connection with your spirit animal
© Copyright 2010 Lucy Harmer
I am often asked by my readers how to deepen their relationship with their main spirit animal. This month’s journal explores this question.
Discovering your spirit animal really is the first step. As in any relationship, you then have to work at it. Consider what happens if you have a friend who never calls you, or comes round to visit; when you are the person that is always making the effort to stay in touch. After a while, it feels as if the relationship is very one-sided. You may feel like giving up on the relationship – often ending up going your separate ways.
Shamans believe it is necessary to develop a strong relationship with your main spirit animal. It is the one who accompanies you on all your shamanic journeys and is your main guide for all that is outside the visible world. It can, of course, also be with you in the everyday world and act as a guide, counselor, source of information, or companion.
In a way the relationship with your spirit animal is like any relationship – you need to work at it and keep it alive. In order for your spirit animal’s medicine to be effective in your life, you must honor your spirit animal and pay attention to what it says. The greater the importance you give to its medicine, the more powerful it will be.
Here are some ideas to try out, to help you develop and strengthen the connection you share with your spirit animal:
- Get into the habit of greeting your spirit animal when you wake up in the morning.
- When you go out, take your spirit animal with you. Whatever the activity (jogging, shopping, going for a walk), visualize it beside you. If you perform some kind of creative activity, let your spirit animal inspire you.
- Ask your spirit animal what you can do to make it happy. Try giving, rather than taking. Is there anything you can do for it?
- If your spirit animal exists in the area where you live, go and watch it in its natural habitat. If this isn’t possible, then read books, or watch documentaries about it.
- When you’re seeking a solution to a problem, or wondering how to deal with a difficult situation, ask your spirit animal for help.
Another very effective way of deepening your connection with your spirit animal can be to dance to honor it. This can also be great fun! Observe the movements your spirit animal makes and try to reproduce them in your dance. If your spirit animal is a lion, stride around majestically; if it is a tortoise then see if you can crawl in the same way. See if you can find music that matches the mood of your spirit animal. Invite it to dance with you!
Don’t forget that in order to form a strong bond, mutual respect is essential. Learn to listen to your spirit animal’s point of view. It may take a certain amount of time before you have confidence in it and it can learn how far your boundaries can stretch. Be patient.
There is no “right” way to deepen your connection with your spirit animal. Simply try different things out and see what feels right to you. Invent your own ideas: How about holding a dinner party in honor of your spirit animal and only eating the food you think it would like?!
My book, Discovering Your Spirit Animal, contains more ideas on how to strengthen your relationship with your main spirit animal. It also includes an index of fifty-two spirit animals, where you can discover the messages and medicine that different spirit animals bring.
This month, I wish you a magical journey of wonder and excitement as you deepen your connection with your spirit animal. Enjoy the journey…
Love and blessings,
Lucy
Discovering Your Spirit Animal is available for purchase directly through NorthAtlanticBooks.com, as well as major book stores and online retailers.
CLICK HERE to learn more about courses, seminars and workshops offered by Lucy Harmer.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Shamanic Astrology.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Discovering Your Spirit Animal.
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