#PowerAnimal丨Reprinted “Messages from the Animal Kingdom” Part One: Symbols in the Natural World
This content is reproduced from Ted Andrews’ book “Messages from the Animal Kingdom”. This book is reproduced to allow those who have found their own power animals to better connect with their own power animals.
Part One: Symbols in the Natural World
The ancients understood that visible form was the only representation of invisible power, so they expressed their worship of higher divine powers by veneration of all things on earth. The ancient sages studied all things and found that they can best be understood only through God’s supreme creation - whether it is organic living things or inorganic nature. The existence of every life in the world symbolizes the wisdom and ability of the eternal Creator. (From The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P.Hall (Los Angeles: Philosophical Research Society, 1977), p.LXXXV.)
Chapter 1: The role of gods and magic played by nature
Once upon a time, humans thought they were part of nature, and nature was part of themselves. Therefore, dreams and reality are inseparable realities, and nature and the supernatural are also integrated with each other. People at that time used natural images to express this concept of unity and gradually instilled transpersonal experiences.
In the past, shamans, priests, and priestesses were keepers of the sacred knowledge of life. These people were so connected to the rhythms and forces of nature that they were able to move between the visible and invisible worlds, reminding people that all trees are sacred and that animals can speak if they are willing to listen.
Ancient priests and wizards would wear furs and masks and dress up like animals, indicating that they could awaken and master the special powers of certain animals. They perform rituals following the rhythms of the natural seasons to awaken stronger fecundity and vitality. For them, each species and the environment in which it grows can remind them of the meaning of life. They can build a bridge between the natural world and the supernatural, and let people feel in their lives that both worlds are real.
Although these rituals and behaviors may seem primitive or even silly from the rational point of view of modern society, the power of this belief is still very powerful today, and the laws of nature that govern body and spirit are still in operation. Different societies present this law in their own unique ways, but the consistent ancient alchemical law of “as above, so below” may be said to be the most special way of expression. (Three Initiates, The Kybalion (Chicago: The Yogi Publication Society, 1940), p. 28.)
This law holds that everything is interconnected and has its own special meaning. We cannot separate the body from the spirit, nor can we separate the tangible from the intangible. “This law enables one to unravel many of the dark contradictions and secrets hidden in nature… Ancient alchemists considered this law to be one of the most important spiritual tools, allowing man to see into the obstacles caused by the unknown… and to deduce the unknown from the known.” (The Kybalion, op. cit., pp. 29-30.)
Therefore, studying natural totems allows us to understand the importance of spiritual power in our earthly lives. Totems can be any natural objects, beings or animals, and their phenomena and energy are closely related to our lives.
Through animal imagery and other natural totemic symbols, we can understand ourselves and the visible world. We do not need to agree that these images and totems are for a higher intelligent life, but there is indeed a primitive power hidden in nature and managing its operation. These primitive forces have different characteristics and will be displayed through the behavior and activities of animals and other natural phenomena.
When we pay attention to and recognize a certain natural totem, we can honor the essence behind it, open our mind to it, adjust ourselves, and understand our own life situation more clearly. We can share this power, or “magic.” Natural totems—especially animals—symbolize the special energy we display in our lives. Animals have become symbols of a special power in our invisible spiritual life. The characteristics and activities of these totems will reveal our own inner motivation and abilities. Through the study of totems, we can learn from them and summon this primitive energy when needed.
Land animals have strong symbolic connotations tied to their animal habits. They represent the emotional aspects of life, often reflecting qualities that must be overcome, controlled or reproduced, while also symbolizing the invisible forces we can use in the tangible world.
Birds are often considered symbols of the soul. Their ability to fly reflects our potential to elevate our awareness to higher realms. They are also the bridge between earth and heaven. Although the totems of flying birds have their own characteristics, they can all be used to inspire hope, inspiration and ideas.
Aquatic animals can also be a totem, water being an ancient symbol of the planet and the creative element of life. Various fish and other aquatic animals symbolize guidance for intuition and imagination, while also reflecting our inner feminine qualities.
Insects are also part of nature and can serve as our totems. From Egyptian mythology worshiping the fertility of bees, to the African Bushman tribe worshiping the praying mantis, to the many myths about the Spider Woman weaving the universe, we can see that insects play a dynamic role in the spiritual system of nature.
By studying and interpreting the animals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles, etc. you encounter, you can better understand the situations you encounter, gain more knowledge about the energy you may encounter, and apply it in your daily life. You will also learn how to use this energy more effectively when dealing with your own life.
Nature has endowed its inhabitants with innate adaptability, which allows animals to live in specific ways and in specific places. Adaptation can be divided into physical and behavioral adaptations. The most basic example is that some animals grow thick fur to protect themselves from the cold, while some animals adapt to cold climates by migrating. Animals such as goats have the dynamic adaptability to survive in mountainous environments. Their legs evolved for this reason, allowing them to grip the ground more powerfully and reliably; they also have more red blood cells, allowing them to survive in mountainous areas with lower temperatures. By learning how these totems adapt to survival, it helps us apply these same principles in our lives. This book has five purposes:
Help you find your natural totem.
Help you learn how to more effectively honor, coordinate and awaken their power in your life.
Help you discover your own hidden power and specialness through the reflection of the totem.
Help you apply totem skills and adaptability to your own life environment.
Help you learn the language of nature (physical, spiritual and magical), interpret it through symbols and omens, and apply the maxims expressed in it in your life, thereby developing reverence and respect for all life and higher powers, and taking life into your own hands.
True shamans and nature observers strive to reconnect mundane human life with nature and spirituality through totems and rituals. Animal totems and natural signs help us transcend ordinary, waking consciousness so that we can more easily attune to surreal realms and beings. The first step is to understand that all phantoms and images originating from nature or the inner psyche are, to some extent, real.
For most people, the most troublesome thing is interpreting what they see and hear inside themselves or in nature. Interpreting, studying, and learning about what you see and hear helps to engage with it. Rather than automatically accepting a natural totem, you need to undergo a process of validation, and you will learn how to do this in the following chapters of this book.
Don’t discard a totem just because it doesn’t seem as attractive or powerful as you think. In fact, this totem may allow you to control your life more appropriately. Sometimes only by studying and exploring a particular totem can the special qualities of it be revealed. Remember, seeking out what is special about nature’s symbols is one of the ways you can honor it.
Humanity has lost its connection with the rhythms and patterns of nature, and as a result, the magic of reality has slowly withered. Nature is always trying to tell us that all forms of life have something to learn from. As long as we learn to listen to nature, we can get rid of our original outdated concepts. We will find that everything has a magical creativity as the driving force of life, and this is the true meaning that nature wants to teach us.
Wizard wearing a mask
*This is a popular shamanic symbol derived from prehistoric cave paintings. There were many mysterious forces surrounding ancient humans. People responded to this force through imitation and tried to connect gods and humans. Priests used totems and graphics to assist themselves in interacting with the mysterious forces. Through dance, special clothing, and more, the priest or priestess has complete control over the god and his powers. It is a symbol of seers, shamans and the manifestation of natural forces. Such graphics invoke supernatural powers, allowing people to transcend nature. Wearing an animal’s skin is one way to soothe its spirit and honor its power. *
Symbols of animal totems
*The characteristics and activities of these specific animal forms and figures can reveal many of our innate powers and abilities. *
To be continued
joya joya is the founder of Full Moon Phoenix Society, a cosmic nature witch, Kurak Akuyek (fourth-level Paq’o and wisdom keeper), Misha Carrier, and manifestation coach.
She began studying mysticism in 2012 and has taught mysticism for more than six years. Her systems include pendulum healing, Rune / Runes / Lu’en rune mastery, Rider-Waite and Thoth tarot reading, Lenormand tarot reading, Usui / Holy Fire Reiki teaching, angel healing, angel Reiki teaching, crystal healing, crystal Reiki teaching, Akashic healing, Sub maker subconscious audio production, PGM research, and many other Eastern and Western mystical systems.
She has supported 5000+ cases, specializing in money, abundance, relationships, love, and emotional healing themes, using multiple spiritual healing methods to help clients manifest their wishes.
【Tarot】She studied the modern Golden Dawn Kabbalah tarot system (Rider-Waite / Thoth) with teachers including Lon, and studied Rana-system Lenormand with Rana.
【Reiki】She studied with William, founder of Usui / Holy Fire Reiki, and many international Reiki masters. She has learned nearly one hundred niche Reiki systems, including Shamballa Reiki, Angel Reiki, Crystal Reiki, Money Reiki, Abundance Reiki, Tulip Reiki, and more.
【Shamanism】She studied shamanic healing systems with Alberto Villoldo Ph.D. and Andean traditions. In the Inca tradition, joya is Kurak Akuyek (fourth-level Paq’o and wisdom keeper) and Misha Carrier.
【Witchcraft】She studied many Witch / Wicca courses internationally, and ultimately chose to study modern Witchcraft practice with a senior hereditary American witch with more than 30 years of experience, maintaining regular online exchanges.
【Healing】She has studied many Western body-mind-spirit healing systems, including angel, crystal, Akashic, and pendulum systems.
【Art Aesthetics】She studied KDCA essential oil perfumery, KCCA scented candle, and all-round incense-making courses, and became an instructor. "
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