Journeying to Meet Your Spirit Animal: Connecting to Your Inner Self

The Power of Shamanic Journeying

lies in its ability to connect individuals with their own spiritual nature and their deeper connection to the natural world. It allows one to enter into a trance state, during which the veil between the physical and spiritual realms becomes thinner and the subconscious mind is able to access a higher level of consciousness.

Shamanic Journeying is often used in traditional cultures as a means of healing and understanding oneself, as well as the world around them. It is a method that taps into the wisdom of the universe, providing guidance and a deeper understanding of the meaning of life.

Through shamanic journeying, one can gain insight into their own psyche and the internal struggles they may be facing. It can also provide clarity in times of confusion and direction in times of uncertainty.

This practice can be especially powerful when used in conjunction with other shamanic practices such as drumming, rituals, and plant medicine. It is a way to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and forge a deeper relationship with the natural world.

If you want to learn more about shamanic practices or general ideas of how to start exploring spiritual worldview, take a look at the intro to shaman journey to get acquainted with the main principles and practices of shamanism.

Preparing for Your Journey

Before embarking on your shamanic journey to meet your spirit animal, it’s important to prepare yourself in body, mind, and spirit. Begin by cleansing and setting intentions for your journey. Take a cleansing shower or bath, visualize yourself releasing any negative energy, and set a clear intention for what you hope to gain from the experience. Next, create a sacred space where you won’t be interrupted. This can be as simple as lighting candles and incense or as elaborate as setting up an altar. Consider choosing tools to help you enter into a meditative state, such as a drum or rattle, or a guided meditation recording. Remember to be intentional and respectful throughout the preparation process, and consider seeking the guidance of a shamanic healer to support you before and after your journey.

Cleansing and Setting Intentions

Cleansing and setting intentions are two crucial aspects of shamanic journeying that serves to prepare you for your spiritual trip. A clean and focused mind helps you to connect to your inner self deeply and receive guidance from your spirit animal. Here are the ways to properly cleanse and set intentions for the shamanic journey.

Cleansing: Before beginning the journey, you must remove any negativity and stagnant energy from your body and surroundings. This is because these bad energies can interfere with connecting to your inner self. There are different methods of cleansing including smudging, bathing, or meditating. The most common method is smudging. You can light sage, sweetgrass, or palo santo to disperse the negative and stagnant energy. Bathe by adding Epsom salt or sea salt, which can remove negative energy and improve blood circulation.

Setting Intentions: Setting intentions brings focus to your shamanic journey. This process helps you to concentrate your mind on specific thoughts, goals, or desires you would like your spirit animal to help you manifest in your personal life. Determine what you want from the journey and set those intentions clearly. You may choose to write your intentions on a piece of paper, speak out loud, or meditate on them. Ensure your intention is specific, heartfelt, and positive.

By cleansing your mind, body and setting intentions, you enter the journey with a focused mind and a clear heart, aided by your animal spirit. Drums of a shamanic healer will ease your mind even more. So, before beginning, have a shamanic-healer-in-modern society play the drums to help you connect to your inner self and settle into a meditative state.

Creating Sacred Space

Creating a sacred space is a necessary component of journeying and connecting with your spirit animal. To experience the full potential of the shamanic journey, it’s important to be in an environment that is free from distractions and energetic interference. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed during your journey. The space can be indoor or outdoor, but it should be a place that feels safe and nurturing to you.

Before beginning your journey, it is important to cleanse the space of any negative or unwanted energy. This can be done by using sage, palo santo, or other cleansing herbs. You can also use sound to cleanse the space by playing a shamanic drumming track or using a singing bowl.

After cleansing the space, it’s time to set your intentions. Your intentions are like a map that guides your journey. Set an intention for what you hope to gain from your journey. This could be gaining clarity on a life situation, healing emotional wounds, or simply connecting with your spirit animal.

Choosing the right tools can also enhance the sacredness of your space. Some people like to bring crystals, feathers, or other natural objects that hold personal significance to them. Others prefer to have a special blanket or shawl to wrap themselves in during the journey. The tools you choose should facilitate your journey and help you feel more grounded and connected to the experience.

Creating a sacred space is essential for the shamanic journey to be successful. By setting your intentions, cleansing the space, and choosing the right tools, you can create a space where the magic of the journey can unfold. Remember, the most important thing is to trust yourself and the journey, and to let yourself surrender to the experience.

If you’re interested in exploring more about shamanism and its significance, check out this article on Shamanic Cosmology and Its Significance in Healing and Personal Growth

Choosing Your Tools

Choosing Your Tools is an important part of preparing for your shamanic journey. It involves selecting the right instruments to use during your trance state that will help you connect with your Spirit Animal. One of the most common tools used in shamanic journeying is the shamanic drum, which is said to induce a hypnotic state that makes it easier to enter into a trance. Other options include rattles, singing bowls, and bells, which all produce sounds that can help to alter your consciousness.

It’s important to choose tools that resonate with you and that help you feel comfortable during your journey. You may want to experiment with different instruments beforehand to see which ones you feel most drawn to. You might also want to consider the materials that your tools are made from, such as natural materials like wood, leather, and bone, as they are believed to be more conducive to spiritual work.

Another important tool to consider is any plants or herbs that you might want to use during your journey. Certain plants have been used in shamanic practices for centuries, such as ayahuasca, peyote, and mugwort. These plants are believed to have psychoactive properties that can help you to access altered states of consciousness and connect with your Spirit Animal. However, it’s important to note that the use of certain plants and herbs can be dangerous and is not recommended for everyone. Always consult with a professional shaman or healer before incorporating plant medicine into your practice.

In addition to choosing your tools, you may also want to consider incorporating other rituals and practices into your journey, such as smudging with sage or palo santo, creating an altar, or performing a nature ritual. These practices can help you to create a sacred space and bring intentionality to your journey.

Internal Link: For more information on shamanic drumming and its different types, check out our article on Shamanic Drumming Types.

The Journey Itself

During the shamanic journey, the traveler enters into a trance state to connect with their spirit animal. This state of consciousness can be achieved through a variety of methods, including drumming, chanting, or guided meditation. It is important to remain open and receptive to the experience, allowing yourself to be fully immersed in the journey. Once you have entered into the trance state, you may experience vivid visions or receive messages from your spirit animal. The encounter with your animal guide may be both intense and transformative. By embracing this experience, you can gain valuable insights into your inner self and connect with the wisdom of the natural world. For those looking to incorporate shamanic practices into their lives, there are a variety of resources available, from shamanic healers to nature-based rituals to exploring the use of plant medicine for personal growth and healing.

Entering into a Trance State

Entering into a trance state is a crucial step in any shamanic journey. The aim is to reach an altered state of consciousness where you can connect with your spirit animal. To enter into this state, you should create a safe environment by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Choose a quiet place where you won’t get disturbed.

Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths in and out, letting go of any tension and stress in your body. As you breathe, allow your thoughts to drift away and center your mind on your intention to meet your spirit animal.

You can enhance the experience by listening to shamanic drumming or nature sounds, which induce a trance-like state. The sound should be rhythmic and consistent, so it’s easier to fall into a trance.

It’s normal to feel a little uncertain or apprehensive when you first start to enter a trance state. However, keep reminding yourself that you are safe and that this is a positive experience. Imagine yourself floating away from your body, moving beyond your physical being and entering a new realm, where you will find your spirit animal.

Once you are in this altered state, allow yourself to let go of any expectations or preconceptions about what your spirit animal might look like or feel like. Trust that the animal that appears to you is the right one. You might see it, hear it, or feel its presence. However your spirit animal comes to you, accept it with open arms and let it guide you.

Entering a trance state is an essential part of the journey to meet your spirit animal. The experience can teach you a lot about yourself and help you in many aspects of your life, including personal growth, healing , and navigating life transitions. It’s a powerful tool that connects you to your inner self, the world around you, and the spirit world.

Meeting Your Spirit Animal

During the journey, your guide will help you connect with your Spirit Animal, a powerful entity that will offer guidance and support as you navigate through life. Meeting your Spirit Animal can be a truly transformative experience, as it connects you with a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world. It may take some time for your Spirit Animal to reveal itself, so it’s important to remain patient and keep an open mind throughout the journey.

When your Spirit Animal does appear, it may take on a form that is familiar to you or it may surprise you with an unexpected form. Trust your intuition and be open to the message that your Animal brings. Your Spirit Animal is here to offer insights into your strengths, your weaknesses, and your purpose in life. It may also help you overcome challenges and obstacles that are standing in the way of your personal growth.

As you connect with your Spirit Animal, you may feel a deep sense of oneness with this powerful entity. Your Spirit Animal may offer guidance through symbols or messages that are communicated through feelings, emotions, or images. It’s important to remain attentive to these messages and to honor the guidance that you receive.

Overall, meeting your Spirit Animal is a powerful experience that offers invaluable insights into your inner self and your relationship to the world. Take the time to honor and embrace this entity, and allow it to guide you on your journey towards self-discovery. This is one of the ways in which shamanism and animism are connected.

Oneness with Your Animal

As you continue to journey and interact with your spirit animal, you might start to feel a sense of oneness with them. This oneness is a powerful feeling of unity and connection with your animal, which can bring a deep sense of peace and understanding.

During this phase of the journey, you might feel like you are seeing the world through the eyes of your animal, or feeling the sensations of their body. You might even experience a kind of merging with your spirit animal, as if the boundaries between you are dissolving away. This feeling of oneness can be intense and transformative, as it allows you to tap into a deeper level of consciousness and understanding.

This oneness is an important part of shamanic journeying and can help you to integrate the lessons and wisdom you gain from your spirit animal. By embracing this feeling of unity and connection, you can develop a deeper sense of respect for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.

The experience of oneness with your spirit animal is a cornerstone of

shamanism and animism, highlighting the deep relationship between humans and the natural world. It reminds us that we are not separate from the rest of creation, but rather an integral part of it. Through journeying and connecting with our spirit animals, we can tap into this powerful sense of oneness and gain a deep appreciation for our place in the universe.

If you want to learn more about the relationship between shamanism and animism, check out our article on “The Relationship Between Shamanism and Animism“.

Integration and Reflection

After completing the journey and meeting your spirit animal, it’s important to take the time to integrate and reflect on your experience. To bring your journey back with you, write down any insights and messages you received, and consider how they relate to your life. Take note of any shifts in energy or emotions, and allow yourself time and space to process these changes. Reflect on the qualities of your animal and how they can help you in your daily life. It’s also important to express gratitude and respect for your spirit animal and the journey itself. This can be done through a simple act of appreciation or a more formal ritual. By taking the time to integrate and reflect on your journey, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your inner self and the guidance your spirit animal has to offer.

Bringing Your Journey Back with You

Bringing Your Journey Back with You is an essential step in the shamanic journeying process. This is the point where you integrate the teachings and experiences you received from your spirit animal into your everyday life. Below are some tips on how to effectively integrate your journey:

Tip	Description
Journal Your Experiences	A journal can be a powerful tool for processing and integrating your journey. Write down everything you remember about the trance state, meeting your spirit animal, and the messages you received. Refer back to your journal when you need a reminder of the insights you received.
Create a Ritual	Perform a ritual to honor your spirit animal and the experience you had together. This can be as simple as lighting a candle or as elaborate as a full ceremony. The important thing is that it feels meaningful to you.
Visual Reminders	Keep visual reminders of your journey around you to help you stay connected to the experience. You can do this by creating art based on your journey, or by finding objects that remind you of your spirit animal.
Apply Your Insights	The insights you gained during your journey can help inform your daily life. Use what you learned to make decisions, solve problems, and navigate challenges. Strive to live in alignment with the teachings of your spirit animal.
Share Your Experience	Sharing your journey with others can help solidify the experience in your mind and heart. You can do this by telling a trusted friend or family member about your experience, or by joining a community of like-minded people who also practice shamanic journeying.

Remember, the integration process takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself as you adjust to the new perspectives and insights gained through your journey. With the help of your spirit animal, you can continue to grow and evolve on your path of self-discovery.

Reflecting on Your Experience

Reflecting on your shamanic journey experience is an essential part of the process. After all, the aim of journeying is to gain deeper insight into yourself through communion with your spirit animal and the spiritual realm. As you start to come back to reality, take some time to sit quietly and reflect on your journey. Try to remember as many details as you can while they are still fresh in your memory.

Think about how you felt during the journey. Did you experience any strong emotions or physical sensations? Did you feel scared, protected, or exhilarated? What did your spirit animal, or other spirit beings you encountered, teach you?

It can be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal to help you process and remember what you experienced. Jot down any messages or insights that came to you during the journey. You may also want to draw or sketch any symbols or images that appeared to you on your journey. All of these can be valuable tools for understanding and unpacking the meaning of your journey.

Reflecting on your journey experience can also be an opportunity to notice how you have changed or shifted in significant ways as a result of the journey. Did you come to any realizations or receive any guidance that helped you to better understand your current life situation? Did the journey change your outlook or perspective on a particular issue or challenge you were facing?

Pay close attention to any insights that come to you during your reflection. They may not be obvious or immediately clear, but with time and contemplation, their meaning may become more apparent. Reflecting on your journey is an opportunity to integrate what you learned into your daily life and to nurture the ongoing relationship with your spirit animal.

Expressing Gratitude and Respect

Expressing gratitude and respect is an essential aspect of journeying to meet your spirit animal. After you have completed the journey and returned to your normal state of consciousness, it is important to acknowledge the animal who has shared their wisdom and insight with you. Expressing gratitude can take many forms, such as offering a prayer, lighting a candle, or saying a few words of thanks in your own way. You can also choose to make an offering to show your appreciation for the guidance and wisdom that your spirit animal has shared with you.

It is also important to show respect for your spirit animal and honor the teachings and lessons that they have shared with you. You can do this by continuing to connect with your spirit animal through meditation or other spiritual practices, and by integrating the lessons that you have learned into your daily life. For example, if your spirit animal has taught you to trust your intuition, you can make a conscious effort to listen to your inner voice and follow your instincts in all areas of your life.

Ultimately, expressing gratitude and respect is a way of acknowledging the sacred bond that exists between ourselves and the natural world. By cultivating a deep respect for the wisdom of our spirit animals, we can cultivate a deeper sense of connection to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. So take the time to express your gratitude and show your respect for the gifts that your spirit animal has shared with you, and be open to the many ways in which their wisdom can continue to guide you on your journey through life.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Inner Animal

After journeying to meet your Spirit Animal and experiencing the power of Shamanic journeying, you may be wondering what comes next. The answer is simple: Embrace your Inner Animal.

Your Spirit Animal chose you for a reason, and by embracing its qualities and characteristics, you can tap into its wisdom and power. The key is to not just see your Spirit Animal as a separate entity, but rather as a part of yourself. This is where the true power lies – in the oneness with your Inner Animal.

Incorporating the lessons you learned during your journey into your daily life is crucial for integrating this newfound wisdom into your life. Whether it’s embracing your creativity like the fox or standing strong in your convictions like the bear, you can use your Spirit Animal’s qualities to guide you in your daily life.

Remember to express gratitude and respect for your Spirit Animal and for the journey itself. This connection you’ve made is sacred and should be treated as such.

Embracing your Inner Animal not only helps you tap into your own power, but it also allows you to connect deeper with the world around you. You’ll start to notice the intricacies and interconnectedness of all living things.

So go forth with confidence and the knowledge that you are an integral part of the natural world. Embrace your Inner Animal and let its guidance and wisdom lead you on your journey of self-discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a spirit animal?

A spirit animal is an animal that is believed to represent a person’s inner self or spirit. It is often seen as a guide or protector that can offer wisdom and insight.

How can journeying to meet your spirit animal benefit you?

Journeying to meet your spirit animal can help you connect with your inner self, gain clarity and insight, and provide guidance in your life’s journey.

What are some common tools used in shamanic journeying?

Some common tools used in shamanic journeying include drums, rattles, and other musical instruments that can help induce a trance state.

Can anyone meet their spirit animal through journeying?

Yes, anyone can meet their spirit animal through journeying. It just requires an open mind and willingness to connect with the spiritual realm.

Do you have to have previous experience in shamanic practices to journey to meet your spirit animal?

No, you do not need to have previous experience in shamanic practices to journey to meet your spirit animal. It’s helpful to have some knowledge and guidance, but it’s not necessary.

What is the importance of cleansing and setting intentions before journeying?

Cleansing and setting intentions before journeying can help create a sacred and safe space for the journey. It can also help clear any negative energy that may be blocking the connection with your spirit animal.

What is the difference between a power animal and a spirit animal?

A power animal is an animal that offers support and strength in specific areas of your life, such as courage or protection. A spirit animal, on the other hand, is seen as representing your overall inner self.

Is it possible to have multiple spirit animals?

Yes, it’s possible to have multiple spirit animals that represent different aspects of your inner self.

What should I do if I encounter a challenging spirit animal during my journey?

Encountering a challenging spirit animal during your journey can be an opportunity for growth and understanding. It’s important to stay open and curious, ask for guidance, and try to understand the message that the animal may have for you.

How can I continue to work with my spirit animal after my journey?

You can continue to work with your spirit animal by meditating on its energy, incorporating its qualities into your daily life, and seeking guidance through future journeys or dream work.

References

• 7 Ways to Connect With Your Spirit Animal
• HOW TO FIND YOUR ANIMAL