Interacting With the Spirit World

By
Andrew N. Smith

Spirit Guides

Like the physical world around us, the spiritual world has many beings and entities that
are part of our lives. Like those people and animals of the physical world, spiritual entities
surround us so that we may learn from them and that they may learn from us. Our physical lives
exist around a balance of people and beings, so that all life grows in harmony. Life grows and
exists with a symbiotic relationship from one being to the next. What one being experiences
affects all those around it. The spiritual world is no different. When you experience things in
your life everyone and everything around you is affected by the experience. The evidence may
be subtle in some cases, but everything you do affects those around you and vice versa.

We do not live in this world alone, neither physically nor spiritually. Our actions change
those around us and their actions change us. When we make decisions, with either a positive or
negative outcome, we change the perceptions of ourselves and all beings around us. Physical
beings help us to define our physical selves and we help them define theirs. So you can
obviously see that the spiritual world will follow this same pattern. The more we define
ourselves spiritually, the more the beings that surround us will define theirs. The universe exists
on a “cause and effect” principle. There can be no cause without an effect and there can be no
effect without a cause.

Keep in mind that the spiritual world is just as vast and detailed as the physical world.
Everything around us has a spiritual side. If we affect things physically we also affect them
spiritually. The more we change ourselves, the more others will change around us. If we make
changes to our spiritual side, we also make changes to our physical lives. The beings that exist
on both levels will be affected by this. Some friends will become closer, others will become
distant. We will see others in different light and they in turn will see us differently.

The spiritual entities that surround us are near us for the same reason that physical beings
are. They help define us spiritually and we in turn aid them in understanding themselves. We
can benefit from their teachings and they can benefit from ours. The more we grow, the more
they grow. If we grow apart from them, they in turn will grow apart from us. Understanding this
relationship is the key to working with them.

For some, this concept raises feelings of doubt. Most individuals do not want to accept
the existence of a spiritual world at all, let alone the concept that spiritual beings surround us and
affect us. They would rather believe that there is nothing beyond what they can physically see
and touch. But the spiritual world is very real and the entities that reside there are as tangible as
we wish to allow ourselves to experience. This is not something that you should fear. Any
spiritual being that comes in contact with you is there because you desired it on some level. Just
like our physical relationships. We are friends with those we wish to be friends with, enemies
with those we choose to become enemies with. We do not always consciously control our
relationships, but ultimately we choose them.
 No spiritual being can cause harm to you without you letting it. Just as no physical being
can. If you maintain a positive and balanced life you have nothing to fear. The beings that
surround you are ultimately there for the betterment of your life. If you constantly seek out
negativity, you will surround yourself with negative beings, both physically and spiritually. The
importance is understanding that although these beings may influence you, you ultimately have a
choice. No spirit, or physical being can make you do anything. You are the master of your
destiny. You can blame nothing on those around you. How you live your life is up to you, you
have the control.

How Spirit Guides Aid Us

Most of the work that our spirit guides do for us takes place without our knowledge.
They guide us in subtle ways that are beyond our physical perceptions most of the time. Some of
our guides protect us, teach us, laugh with us, comfort us, or may just serve as companions and
allies as we live our lives. Some of our guides are with us throughout our lifetimes, while others
may only be with us for a short while. Some of them may make their presence known, while
others prefer to work without our knowledge. This section of the book will help you
acknowledge and define the beings that surround you so that you may work more closely with
them.

Often, our guides anticipate our meeting with them and would love nothing more than the
recognition that they are there to help. Our guides can only influence us to a certain point
without us becoming involved. By learning to work with our guides we can better understand
how they teach and affect us. Just like our physical relationships, the more energy you put into
the relationship with your guides the stronger it will become. The more you understand how a
guide helps you, the better you will be able to help it. There are infinite ways in which spirit
guides can affect our lives. In this section we will define the main aspects or ways that our spirit
guides teach us.

Guide: As mentioned previously a “guide” is a general term used to describe a spirit or

entity that helps us to make decisions or leads us on a journey into discovery. Guides may be
with us our entire lives, or may come to us at a time of need, to help us through a certain
situation. Guides can take nearly any form on a spiritual level, from a small animal, to a person,
or maybe even just a ball of light. Their intent is to lead us on a path that we must follow for our
greater spiritual understanding. Their influence can often be felt as a “gut” reaction or an
instinct. Sometimes they will appear to us in dreams, so it is important to pay attention to any
animals or persons in a dream that you feel has a special significance.

Teachers: Like guides, teachers point the way that we should follow. However, a
teacher is often a spirit or entity that you will carry with you throughout your life. They are
sometimes our closest spiritual allies, but do not always make their presence known. Sometimes
their lessons are far more profound if we do not know it is a lesson at the time. Teachers often
guide us in the subtlest of ways, but they rarely leave us entirely to our own devices. Teachers
often appear as elderly persons or perhaps even avatars or angels. Their intent is to guide us
through our lives and help us attain the things we most desire.
 Guardians: These spiritual beings are with us for our protection. They protect us from
entities both spiritually and physically and are often with us for our entire lives. Guardians are
the spiritual watchtowers that prevent harm from others. Keep in mind however that some
experiences we are meant to go through. Do not assume that because a hardship has befallen you
that your guardian is on a break. Guardians often face great frustration when we must
experience something that hurts us. Pain is a fact of life, we must learn from it. Our guardians
ensure that we can persevere and ultimately learn from the experience. Guardians take many
forms, but are often seen as angels, warrior versions of ourselves or powerful animals.

Totems: Totems are animal spirits that our spirit identifies itself with. Your strength
may be reflected spiritually as that of a bear, your intellect may be reflected spiritually as that of
a hawk’s. We have several totem animals that represent our spirit. Totems can appear to us and
fill any of the roles of the previously mentioned guides. Animals have often been seen
throughout primitive societies as the purest form of the energies they represent. It is important to
honor the archetypal symbolism behind the animal, especially when you encounter one as a
guide.

Contacting Your Spirit Guides

In the meditations that follow you will journey to meet your spirit guides. Before
beginning this type of exercise it is important to understand a few things about our guides and
how they affect us. If you picked up this book and went straight to this section without
spiritually preparing yourself ahead of time, it is not a good idea to contact your spirit guides.

The importance here is to work with them and to aid them in guiding you. Your guides
are not watching over you in a constant vigil. Nor are they there to perform whatever task you
desire. They are not around you to fill any void you may have, nor are they there to prevent you
from becoming lonely. They are spiritual entities that must exist and grow as you do. They are
not there for your beckon call.

Examine why you are contacting them in the first place. If you wish them to perform a
task that you could easily perform, do it yourself. If you are contacting them to replace a lost
loved one or as a surrogate “best friend” your attitude is probably not correct. You should
approach your guides with the respect and admiration that they deserve. They desire to help you
and will listen to you, but take no more advantage of them than you would your best friend.
They can be hurt and used just like physical beings. Respect them and the rewards will be
evident.

Often when you meet an entity on a spiritual level it will expect you to test it in some
way. Do not assume that every being you encounter in your journeys is automatically a guide. If
an entity is significant to you it will expect you to verify its authenticity, it will not be offended
that you question it. When meeting a potential guide or spirit, ask it to tell you how it has helped
you recently. If the answer is unclear or takes a long time to receive, the entity is probably not a
guide of yours and is just there because you wanted to see it. Let the imagery flow and approach
every aspect of working with a spirit guide with discernment.
 Our guides relationship with us is often a very personal one. Do not readily share your
experiences with your guide with others. They are meant for you. If your guide tells you its
name, don’t reveal this to others without the guide’s permission. You should not need the
recognition of others to make the teachings from your guide significant. If your guide gives you
a name of some deity or being that you recognize it does not mean that this deity has become
your personal advisor. It simply means that your guide found the best way for you to understand
it was to appear as a being you would recognize.

Be very leery of others that readily tell you of their relationships with spiritual entities. If
they truly were contacted by a powerful spiritual entity, such as an avatar or god, you would
think they would have enough respect for the being to keep such contact private. A powerful
spirit does not need a “conduit” to get its message across. They are fully capable of doing so on
their own and would also recognize that anyone ready for such a “message” should be capable of
discovering it. If mortals need someone else to relay the message, then they are not ready to hear
it in the first place. Most often, these individuals are simply trying to inflate their own ego and
validate themselves by claiming some spiritual authority.

Above all, approach your spirit guides with respect. Take their lessons seriously, but
don’t expect them to live your life for you. You should not have to contact a guide every time
you make a decision. Use their guidance when you require clarity, not when you are too lazy to
figure things out for yourself. Maintain a balance between the teachings you receive from life
and the teachings you receive from your guides. Both are equally important…

Exercise 16: Meeting a Spirit Guide

This exercise will allow you to contact one of your spirit guides and is the first step in
establishing contact with them. Perform this exercise with special attention. Be sure to fast a
few hours before hand and make sure your perceptions are clear. You will journey to a place
where you will meet one of your guides. Be sure to let the images flow. Do not try to force
them. Often a spirit guide has already shown itself to you in some way so if a certain image,
animal or person comes to you during the exercise, be sure to pay attention to it. Remember the
images are essentially coming from inside you, it is impossible to contact a spiteful or evil spirit
by performing this exercise. You control the imagery, if something scares you during the
exercise simply cease thought on it and it will fade.

A few days before performing this exercise mentally ask your guides to make themselves
known to you. This will better prepare you for the meditation when you perform it. Be sure that
you will not be disturbed during the exercise. It is best to do this meditation while lying down.
Light a few candles or incense before performing the meditation and use some soft music if you
like. At a certain point during the meditation you will have a conversation with your guide. If
you are using a recording be sure to leave about a five to ten minute pause at this point for this.
During the conversation be sure to ask the being’s name if it has one. Ask it how it helps you in
your everyday life. Ask how you can help it. And if you wish, ask it to reveal itself to you
somehow physically within the next few days.
 Begin by performing the relaxation technique described in chapter two. Once you
have attained the state of relaxation continue onward to your sanctuary. From there begin the
exercise.

You arrive in the familiar home of your sanctuary. The sun feels warm on your back and
a gentle wind blows the scent of rose petals across your face. You feel warm and content here.
You are at peace. Several animals are here in your sanctuary. Birds fly back forth chasing each
other and a small band of butterflies circle briefly around your head. Somewhere in the
distance, someone is calling your name.

You listen to hear the sound, which is faint at first. But somewhere in the distance
someone is calling you. You look around and you realize that only you can hear the voice. It is
soft and comforting. You begin to follow it. As you leave your sanctuary you happen upon a
path that you didn’t notice before. It spreads away from you off into the forest. As you walk the
path the voice seems to grow stronger.

The forest extends for miles around you. But you know the path. Even though you have
never seen it before, something about it is familiar and you walk without hesitation. You follow
the path until it comes to a clearing. Large stones have been erected here. They extend high
above your head and you can feel a certain power emanating from them. Several symbols are
carved into their face and you take a moment to regard them. You can feel that this is a place of
power. Somewhere amongst the stones the voice is calling. You walk around the clearing for a
moment and you notice that at the center of the clearing a place has been prepared for you.

A large stone rests on the ground. You know that somehow this place is meant for you.
Without hesitation you walk forward and sit on the stone. It is warm underneath you and seems
almost to conform to your body as you sit. You look around the clearing and anticipate the
arrival of the one that has called you here. The voice has ceased calling you. You notice
movement in the forest around you. You can feel this being getting closer. You mentally ask
your guide to show itself to you. You assure it that it has no reason to be afraid. You
acknowledge that although you have not met before, you wish to meet now so that you may better
understand how this guide helps you.

Slowly from the forest, it emerges. You feel a strange connection to this being. Like an
old friend that you haven’t seen in years. You can feel the joy from this being, who is very happy
that you have come here to meet it. It slowly approaches you and you welcome it with open
arms. Without speaking, the guide speaks to your mind and tells you how glad it is to see you.

It tells you that it has long awaited this meeting and it is pleased that you are here to
acknowledge it. You know that this being is a trusted friend and ally. You know that it can never
betray you. You spend a few moments just talking with your guide. You ask it several questions
and are pleased with each answer. (long pause)

After talking with your guide you feel an even stronger connection to this being. You are
pleased that you put your fears aside and contacted it. But you know that now you must return.
 You assure your guide that you will return to speak to it. You promise to honor this guide
in your everyday life. It looks at you with eyes of trust and you know that this only the first of
many meetings with this being. You stand from the stone and begin to walk out of the clearing.
You turn to look at your guide and you see that it is watching you as you leave and you know that
it is never very far away. You wave goodbye and continue back down the path to your sanctuary.

As you walk, you pray a prayer of thanks. You thank the creator for showing you this
wonderful being. You pray that you will continue to work with this being and that the two of you
may enhance the world around you for the glory of the creator.

As you arrive back at your sanctuary you can feel the presence of your guide with you.
You know that soon you will return.

Return from your sanctuary to the doorway. From here return up the stairs and use the
exit process from the relaxation technique. Be sure to record your experiences.

You can perform this exercise often, for several different guides if you wish. Each one
will help you in different ways. Remember, the guides do not have all of the answers and they
are not always omniscient. Some questions they cannot or will not answer. They may even tell
you that the answer to your question is for you to figure out. Also, keep in mind that guides are
there to help, but they are not problem solvers. If you have a serious problem your guides will
aid you but ultimately you must make all of the choices and do what must be done. They cannot
live your life for you.

Exercise 17: Meeting A Teacher

This exercise is designed to put you in contact with one of your spiritual advisors. These
beings are in place to guide our spiritual lives and will teach you lessons throughout your life;
experiences that are very significant. This exercise should be prepared for the same as the
previous one. Take it very seriously. Teachers often affect our lives in many ways so it is
important to pay special attention when working with one. Your teacher can take any form, from
a small child, to an animal, an elderly person or perhaps even an archetypal figure. It will appear
to you the way you will be most comfortable with it.

Teachers often present difficult tasks for their students. If you are going through a period
of hardship, pay close attention to the things that you learn and realize. You may not always be
able to contact your teacher, but he/she/it will always be with you and the lesson will be greater
realized if they are not there to explain it. If you attempt to contact your teacher via meditation
and you feel uncomfortable doing so or the images do not readily flow, assume your teacher is
presenting a lesson. Sit back and listen like a good student should. Often things that occur in
our lives are not the result of anything we have done wrong, nor are they things that we can
affect or seize control over. They must simply be accepted as they come and we must trust that
we will weather the storm and be a better being for it at the end. Life’s lessons are hard. You do
not have to understand something to survive it, but you do have to survive it to understand it.
 Life often teaches us this way. It is not our teacher’s intent that we must experience pain
or suffering. Instead it is their intent that we learn and become stronger for it. Your teachers do
not choose the things that take place in your life, you do. On some level you draw things to you
to teach you. Your teachers and guides help you point the way to understanding and wisdom.
The greatest lessons in life take place when we don’t expect there to be a lesson.

This meditation will allow you to better understand what the experiences of life will teach
you. Your spiritual teacher will be more than happy to point them out to you. During the
meditation you will be asked to pause while your teacher gives you a lesson. If you are using a
recording be sure to leave a five to ten minute pause for this. Your teacher may show you
something new or may show you something you have already experienced and what you’ve
learned from it. Remember to let the images flow. Don’t force them or be concerned that you
are making it up. The imagination is there for a reason, the greater the creativity, the more
powerful the experience.

Begin by performing the relaxation technique described in chapter two. Once you have
attained the state of relaxation continue onward to your sanctuary. From there begin the
exercise.

A beautiful day greets you here at your sanctuary. The sun glistens off the trees and the
flowers and lilac bushes offer their scent to you as you walk by. You can feel the warmth of the
sun on your back. The grass tickles your feet. Nearby animals play and frolic. You spend a few
moments just walking around your sanctuary, feeling peaceful and content. But somehow, you
are restless. You can feel the spiritual world around you and you would like nothing more than
to experience it.

Movement catches your eye as a glorious white bird lands just a few feet away. It preens
its feathers for a moment and looks directly at you. You feel something special about this bird,
but you can’t seem to place your finger on it. It flies over to you and lands on your shoulder.
Gently it picks at your hair and nestles against you. You feel a great comfort from this creature.
It whispers softly in your ear “come with me.”

The bird takes to the sky and flies away. Anxious not to lose sight of the bird, you begin
to follow. It flies over a grassy field with several flowers, you run to keep up with it. You are
amazed that somehow the bird never seems to outdistance you. The bird flies softly and
effortlessly on the air. Suddenly you realize that your feet are no longer on the ground. You are
flying with the bird. It soars higher and higher and somehow you are able to follow. Although
high in the air, you know that there is nothing to fear. The landscape passes beneath you as you
fly over the forest, over several clearings and eventually out over the sea. The cool scent of salt
water greets your senses as the water passes quickly underneath you.

The bird flies higher and higher, up into the clouds until they are now below you. The
sun shines brightly up here and you can feel its warmth surround you. You are exhilarated by
the sensation of flight and feel wonderful and free.
 Up ahead you can see a range of mountains. The bird flies toward them. The majesty of
these high peaks is breathtaking as you approach them. Something glints off the sunlight in the
distance and it seems the bird is headed toward it. As you get closer you can see that your
destination is a high tower set amongst the stones of the mountain side. The bird circles it for a
moment allowing you to see it. The building is very tall and seems almost to reach into the
heavens. You feel a significant amount of power from this structure. A small path leads down
the mountain from it.

The bird flies downward and lands on the earthen path. As you land you can feel a
strong vibration from the mountain around you. The path leads up to the building and ends at a
massive door. You watch as the bird flies away. You are content to stay here. You stare for a
moment at the large building before you. The door begins to open. Wordlessly, you stare as a
figure appears in the doorway. This being looks on you with eyes that reflect nothing but
wisdom and strength. You know this individual, even though you’ve never seen them before.
Without a word the figure beckons you to enter and turns to walk inside.

You follow the being. You feel safe and at peace here. The doorway is large and you
enter, the floor you walk upon is stone, yet highly polished. The architecture of this building
extends high above you. The figure walks ahead of you toward what appears to be an altar.
High stained glass reflects behind it. The images are colorful and you recognize the scenes. The
figure stops at the altar and turns to face you. A broad smile crosses their face. You feel
comfortable and happy that you are in the presence of this being. The being begins to speak.

“Welcome my child. It is time that you and I should meet. This is the temple of your
spiritual understanding. You have formed this building and it is yours. I am here because you
have called me. You have sought the wisdom of the creator and you and I will find it together.
Life has taught you many lessons. Although you have struggled to understand them, I have
always been by your side. You have shown me that you are willing to learn, to accept and to
persevere, which is all the creator asks of you.

“I have been with you through all of your troubled times. I have never left you alone, but
there were times that you needed to understand things for yourself. These were times I could not
help you. I can do nothing for you my child. I can merely help point the way, if you are willing
to listen. Your life is yours. You decide how you honor the creator. I have often wanted to step
in and take the burdens of life for you, but in my heart I know that you could weather them.
Life’s lessons are hard, but know that you are never alone. I am always here to help you and to
guide you, but ultimately you face the lesson. As much as I would like to help you, I cannot take
your troubles away any more than you can. My presence is here for your guidance. I can often
see your life from a perspective beyond your normal perceptions. Trust that no matter the storm,
eventually it will pass and I will help you through it.”

You feel a great connection to this being. Instantly you are reminded of times of hardship
in your life. They sadden you for a moment, but you soon realize that you made it through and
are a better person for it. You regard this being with a new understanding. You know that you
must live your life, no one can do it for you. You feel stronger knowing that this teacher is here
to point the way. You ask your teacher to show you a lesson. To point out how it has helped you
through a past situation, and how it can further help you in the future. Your teacher smiles and
begins to teach you. (pause)

After the lesson you thank your teacher for the things it has shown you. You feel at peace
and comfortable knowing that you can turn to this place of inner wisdom when troubles arise.
You give your teacher a warm hug as they walk you to the door. You leave this temple feeling
energized and powerful. The bird is waiting for you on the path. As you walk toward it, it takes
flight and you begin to follow. With a final glance you look back upon the temple, your teacher
stands in the doorway and waves. You know that you will soon return.

The bird flies back toward your sanctuary and you glide effortlessly behind it. The sense
of freedom and power is almost overwhelming. You land softly in the garden of your sanctuary.
You thank the bird for taking you on this wonderful journey as it flies away.

Return from your sanctuary to the doorway. From here return up the stairs and use the
exit process from the relaxation technique. Be sure to record your experiences.

You can return to your temple as often as you desire, after all it is yours. But keep in
mind your teacher is not there to answer every question you may have. You may bore them to
tears if you ask explanations for everything under the sun. Keep in mind that most things that
require understanding require an experience. Answers are like labels on a jar, meaningless until
you open the jar and see what’s inside. Many of the things you ask your teacher they will answer
with a question that makes you consider what is being taught. Wisdom is simple. Sometimes
the answer to your question is so close to your face you look beyond it.

Visit your teacher when you require clarity. When you seek guidance on something
important, visit them. If you are confused on how to handle a difficult person or situation, your
teacher will be more than happy to help you decide what to do, but they will never decide for
you. You make all of your choices and you face all of the consequences. Your teacher is there
to help you, help them by considering what is being taught and making your own decisions.

Exercise 18: Meeting a Guardian

Guardians are often our most powerful spiritual allies. They represent the primal,
powerful and protective sides of our spirit. Guardians are with us to prevent harm, both
physically and spiritually. This relationship is sometimes difficult to understand. People
sometimes react to a hardship or misfortune by saying “Why didn’t my guardian help me?” or
“Where was my guardian when I needed it most?” Our guardians want nothing more than to
protect us from all physical or spiritual harm, but sometimes we face things that we are meant to
experience, even so far as death. Our guardians are there to protect us when they can, to the
extent that they can. The path of our lives is fraught with hardships and pain. If our guardians
were to prevent all of it we would learn nothing from life.

Often our guardians protect us by making us avoid situations or people that could do us
harm in the first place. It is very rare that your guardian will rush to your aid and attack the
adversaries of your life. Instead they often warn us from danger. They prevent danger by
guiding us away from it. Whenever you feel a strong feeling of danger or fear, listen to it. This
is most likely your guardian warning you and telling you to take a different course of action.
Like other guides, guardians cannot take the place of your free will. You are always able to
make a choice. Pay close attention to your feelings about people, places or situations. The
presence of your guardian can be readily felt if you pay attention to it.

Nothing saddens our guardians more than when they are powerless to help us. But they
too understand what we must go through. Guardians will stay with us and guide us through so
that we may be stronger at the end.

In the next exercise you will journey to meet your guardian. Prepare for this exercise
with the same care that you did for the previous two. Keep in mind that sometimes our
guardians can work better if we are not aware of them, so do not be disappointed if this exercise
takes repeating before you get results. Guardians are not like people, they do not seek
recognition for their actions. If your guardian does not show itself to you or your glimpses of it
are brief, do not be discouraged. Perhaps it can work better for you if you don’t get in its way by
taking its attention from its vigil. Your guardian is there to provide guidance, just like any of
your other spirit guides. You can approach them with questions and ask their advice on certain
matters, but their main goal is your protection. Have faith in the protection that they provide and
listen to them.

Begin by performing the relaxation technique described in chapter two. Once you have
attained the state of relaxation continue onward to your sanctuary. From there begin the
exercise.

You stand on the familiar ground of your sanctuary. Around you the animals play and
birds playfully chase each other around a tree. In the distance you can see a storm. A low
rumbling of thunder echoes in the distance. Somehow you know that it is getting closer.

The animals stop and begin to scurry to the protection of their burrows. Lightning
flashes in the distance and the sky begins to darken. Although you feel some trepidation, you are
not afraid of the storm. You begin to walk toward it.

The wind whips around you and the trees seem to dance in the silent cadence of some
unheard music. Leaves blow by you and periodically the sky brightens with the flashes of
lightning. Undaunted, you press on. Rain begins to fall, slowly at first, but soon the thunder
sounds as the rain begins a merciless torrent to the ground. Your face and your body are wet,
yet somehow you are neither cold, nor uncomfortable. You know that something walks with you.

You can feel its presence behind you. Just knowing that it is there comforts you. Its
presence seems to make the power of the storm insignificant. You can feel this beings strength,
power and unrelenting protection over you. You know that you have nothing to fear. This being
is with you and no harm can come from the storm.

The rain beats hard upon the ground, the lightning flashes almost continually and the
sound of the thunder is deafening. Yet still you press onward. Rain slaps against you and the
wind threatens to carry you away. Yet the presence of the being behind you keeps your feet
firmly on the ground. You can feel its protection over you like a shield.

Ahead of you a large mountain stretches upward to the sky. The clouds are dark around
it and lightning flashes fiercely around its peak. The rain continues to volley about you and the
wind bites hard on your face. Suddenly, you feel this being behind you rush past you and you
catch brief glimpses of it as it races up the mountain. The storm seems to react violently and the
wind and rain crescendo in a loud combination of lightning and thunder. As this being reaches
the top a bright flash of light issues and the clouds begin to part.

Almost instantly the rain and wind begin to die down. The dark clouds rush from the
peak of the mountain and dissipate into the air. The thunder issues a final clap of defeat and the
lightning is nothing more that brief flashes of light. Immediately the sun begins to shine. The
trees stop waving and you can feel the warmth of the sunlight on your face. You look toward the
top of the mountain.

Standing there at the top is this being of courage and strength. It looks down upon you
with eyes of power, a strange ferocity emanates within them. You know that this is a being of
protection. You know that it watches over and protects you from harm. You are amazed by its
appearance of might. You know that while this being is by your side, no harm can come to you.

It regards you for a moment and disappears. Although you can no longer see it, you can
feel its presence with you. It walks behind you and guards you from harm. You know that you
need merely call upon it and it will be there.

You turn from the mountain and begin to walk back toward your sanctuary. The water
glistens off of the grass and the wet smell of rain greets your senses. As you arrive back at your
sanctuary, the animals appear slowly from their burrows and nests, knowing that now it is safe.
You too feel very safe. You know that this being of protection is by your side and that you need
never fear.

Return from your sanctuary to the doorway. From here return up the stairs and use the
exit process from the relaxation technique. Be sure to record your experiences.

This exercise can be repeated as desired. Sometimes in times of stress or pain it is nice to
be reminded of our spiritual allies. This exercise can be done when you are feeling lost or afraid
to remind you of the constant vigil of protection your guardian provides. Trust that this being
will be there when you need it. Listen to any feelings of doubt or fear that you may have, often
this is how your guardian will communicate with you. Do not be surprised if your guardian
appears as a super-hero, a deity, or even a person in your life. It will reveal itself in a way that
you will feel most comfortable, if it reveals itself at all.

Exercise 19: Meeting A Totem Animal

Native and Aboriginal people have long traditions surrounding the power of animals.
Animals are pure beings, never questioning their existence or the reasons for anything in their
life. They live as the creator intended them to, without the petty misfortunes that we absorb
ourselves with. A rabbit will die crushed in the jaws of a coyote without ever feeling sorry for
itself or questioning why. Animals represent powerful spiritual energies and are often looked
upon as powerful archetypal symbols in Native societies.

Totems are animal spiritual representations of the forces of the universe. They surround
us and guide us just as other guides do, and often fill any of the roles of spirit guides previously
mentioned. We have several totem animals that guide certain aspects of our personalities and
spiritual qualities. It is not necessary to identify them all, but it can make you feel closer to them
when your understanding of how they help you is unfolded. Often you will find qualities of an
animal’s personality that mirror your own. This animal could very easily be one of your totems.

The below list is a brief generalization of what certain animals represent. Keep in mind
this is merely a generalization. A complete understanding of totem animals would require
several books, not just a small section written in this one. If you feel particularly drawn to a
certain animal, study all you can about it and see if its qualities apply to your life. There are
several authors that can give you a much better understanding of totems than this book provides.
The representation of each animal will differ greatly from source to source, so it is important to
read a lot on a particular animal and determine what it represents to you.

Badger: Self reliance, Ferocity, Digger for secrets

Bat: Initiation, Death/rebirth, Transition
Bear: Strength, Power, Seeker of wisdom in dreams (hibernation)
Buffalo: Abundance, Life, Sacredness
Butterfly: Metamorphosis, Change, Freedom
Crow: Magic, Creation, Hidden intelligence, Trickery
Cougar: Will, Stealth, Patience
Coyote: Concealed wisdom, Quickness, Trickery
Dolphin: Power of breath, Meditation, Silent communication
Eagle: Divinity, Healing, Wisdom
Fox: Camouflage, Invisibility,
Hawk: Vision, Perception, Scrutiny
Horse: Power, Freedom, Travel, Journeys
Lion: Strength of feminine or passiveness, Protection, Warning
Owl: Clarity, Omens, Prophecy, Wisdom
Rabbit: Fertility, Warning, Unobtrusivness,
Raccoon: Carefulness, Dexterity, Disguise,
Skunk: Respect, Self esteem, Warning
Snake: Initiation, Resurrection, Shedding of the old
Spider: Creativity, Fate, Past and Present
Tiger: Power, Passion, Devotion
Turtle: Protection, Motherhood, Subtlety
Wolf: Guardianship, Loyalty, Teacher of lessons

This list should give you a brief understanding of what an animal represents when you
encounter it either physically, in dreams or a meditation. It is by no means complete. Follow the
aspects of the animal in question, you may be surprised how familiar it sounds. If you have
always felt drawn to a particular animal it is not by accident. Quite possibly your spirit
recognizes a kinship with its power and you feel drawn to it for this reason.

The below exercise will allow you to explore your totem animals and see how they help
you in your everyday life. Prepare for this exercise as you have for the others in this chapter.
Totem animals are with us in many ways, the below exercise will reflect what is referred to as
the Totemic cycle. It will help you to discover what totem animals are guiding you presently in
your life. These animals may be totems that you carry with you always or they may be totems
that have entered your life for a short period. The answer is for you to determine. Remember
some guides are with us our entire lives, while others may only be with us for a short while. This
meditation will allow you to visualize what animal energies are present.

Animals represent forces of nature or aspects of one’s spirit. If a totem animal is present
it implies that your spirit has sought this quality or aspect to help it during its travels. Some
animals it will require for your entire life, while others it may only need for a short while. The
animal you see is a representation of this energy. If your spirit seeks strength it may associate
this with the bear. If your spirit seeks wisdom it may associate this with the owl. The spirit will
identify the animal as the purest symbol of these energies. Animals are pure creatures of nature.
Often our spirit seeks out the powers that these animals represent. This pattern may change as
the requirements for our growth change.

The Totemic cycle reflects what animals or energies surround us at the present. When
you repeat this exercise often the animals that appear will be different. This meditation may be
done regularly to see what aspects you should be adhering to.

Begin by performing the relaxation technique described in chapter two. Once you have
attained the state of relaxation continue onward to your sanctuary. From there begin the
exercise.

You stand in your sanctuary feeling warm and at peace. A gentle wind blows by as the
animals that reside here rush playfully about. You regard each one of them for a moment and
admire the truth and simplicity that they live by.

In the distance you can hear someone calling your name. The voice is familiar and you
know that the journey you are about to take is significant. You leave your sanctuary and follow
a worn path in the forest. You know deep within you that you have walked this path before,
many times. The way is familiar and you are pleased with where you are headed.

Ahead of you the voice continues on. The sound is soothing. The path through the woods
is very long leading you deeper and deeper into the forest. You know that you have nothing to
fear, you have walked this path before.

The trees give way to a large clearing. Four large stone gateways sit at the edges of it,
one faces north, another faces south, and the two remaining face east and west. In the center of
the clearing someone has prepared a campfire for you. It flames lick quickly from the logs that
are set there. You approach the clearing and walk up to the campfire. The heat from it is warm
and pleasant. You warm yourself by the fire and take a moment to watch and marvel at it.
Silently you begin to pray.

You pray that your totem animals that guide you presently will appear to you. That the
forces you require for growth will show themselves to you. As you pray, you vision the smoke
rising from the fire and carrying your prayers to the heavens. You know that they will be
answered.

You stand and turn to face the east gate. You open your eyes and watch it closely. From
the forest beyond you begin to detect movement. Something approaches. The animal appears
from the forest. You take a moment to regard this animal, who at first appears not to notice you.
But soon your eyes meet and you feel a connection to this animal. Silently you ask the animal
how it represents you. After a moments pause it answers. (pause briefly)

Satisfied with the answer you thank this animal and turn toward the south gate. You can
hear movement off in the forest and you know that another is on its way. You wait patiently as
the animal approaches. As the forest parts you begin to see it. You study the animal carefully,
how it moves, what it looks like. You feel drawn toward this animal. Silently you politely ask
how this animal represents you. After a moments pause it answers. (pause briefly)

You thank the creature for its answer and turn toward the west gate. You watch carefully
as another of natures guides appears from the forest. You are not at all surprised at the animal
that appears. Its eyes meet yours immediately and you can feel the strong connection that it has
with you. Silently you ask this animal how it represents you. After a moments pause it answers.
(pause briefly)

With gratitude toward this creature you turn toward the north gate. You wait patiently
and watch the forest for this animals approach. Eventually it appears. Again you feel a strange
yet powerful connection to this animal. Silently you ask this animal how it represents you. After
a moments pause it answers. (pause briefly)

You thank all four of these magnificent creatures for coming to you at this time. You
reflect deeply on the answers they have given you. You briefly walk up to each one of them and
say goodbye. One by one the animals disappear once again into the forest. The fire begins to
die down and you take a moment to thank the creator for the power he has shown you today.

You leave the clearing feeling powerful and at peace. The walk back to your sanctuary
seems to take no time at all. Your mind is filled with the lessons these animals have taught you.

Return from your sanctuary to the doorway. From here return up the stairs and use the
exit process from the relaxation technique. Be sure to record your experiences.

Pay close attention to the answers you receive from the animals. Their answer may not
come by way of words. Instead the animal may move, look at you, or may seem to continue
performing its normal everyday actions. Animals represent forces of nature, often just its
appearance should be enough to show you what it is representing inside you. They need not
respond in an eloquent manner to show you what they are teaching. Watch them, study them,
understand them and the answer will be clear.

The placement of the animals is also significant. The four directions are much more than
points on a compass. Each direction represents the cycle of life. East represents the beginning
or the spring. The south represents growth, or the summer. The west represents maturity or fall,
and the north represents death, or winter. The animals will appear in relation to what aspect of
your life they are guiding you through. The animal from the east watches over the things in your
life as they begin. The animal to the south watches them as they grow, and the animal west
represents them as they mature. The northern animal guides them as they eventually fade away.

The cycle of life is bound by this cyclic principle. All things, including relationships in
your life, jobs, experiences, lives, follow this cycle. Everything is born, grows, matures and
eventually dies, where the process starts over again. This applies to everything. As new
endeavors are approached the cycle begins. Some of these cycles are very short, while others
may last lifetimes. The animals that watch over these aspects may also change, so it helps to
perform this meditation often to see what forces surround you at the present time. Some animals
may maintain their positions consistently, some will only show up once, and others may change
positions on the cycle. Remember to pay attention to these things as you experience them.

After performing this meditation pay close attention to the world around you. Often the
animals that you have seen will appear in your life. You may see one by the side of the road.
You may be flipping channels and happen upon a show about an animal. These are not
necessarily accidents. Often the spiritual powers that surround you (represented by the animal)
will attract others of its type. Likewise, if you see a particular animal consistently it may be
trying to teach you something. Watch the world around you. The creator has infinite ways of
teaching you if you pay attention and listen.