Lupabitch
March 5th, 2008, 06:25 PM
I've been thinking (and writing) a good bit about totems; thought I'd share some of the thoughts here:
http://therioshamanism.com/2008/02/27/some-rambling-on-totems/
http://therioshamanism.com/2008/03/05/dangers-of-stereotyping-totems/
As I'm preparing to transition (hopefully) into my second phase of training in therioshamanism at the spring Equinox, I've been thinking a lot about totems and other allies, who and what they are, and how I interact with them. Where the first six months have largely been dedicated to creating/discovering the basic cosmology I'll be working in, the next six months will focus on creating and strengthening relationships with spirit allies of various sorts, in preparation for more intense work later on.
I think it's entirely too easy to get stuck in the easy path of going on whatever other people have said about various spirits, deities and other guides. But what I'm finding, as I work with the totems and other animal spirits, is that there's a lot more depth to the relationships--and the spirits themselves--than what is often assumed.
Which is why, of course, it's important to actually work with the spirits--and not just ask them for things. The ones I work with are a part of my everyday life--moreso now that I'm in training. I don't just contact them when I need something from them; I pray and meditate daily just to touch base. Granted, I work more with some than others, but those I work with more have shown me much more depth than just their totem dictionary entries, for which I am very appreciative.
Enough rambling from me. What about you? What are your experiences with the spirits in your life, totems or otherwise? How deep is your involvement with them?
http://therioshamanism.com/2008/02/27/some-rambling-on-totems/
http://therioshamanism.com/2008/03/05/dangers-of-stereotyping-totems/
As I'm preparing to transition (hopefully) into my second phase of training in therioshamanism at the spring Equinox, I've been thinking a lot about totems and other allies, who and what they are, and how I interact with them. Where the first six months have largely been dedicated to creating/discovering the basic cosmology I'll be working in, the next six months will focus on creating and strengthening relationships with spirit allies of various sorts, in preparation for more intense work later on.
I think it's entirely too easy to get stuck in the easy path of going on whatever other people have said about various spirits, deities and other guides. But what I'm finding, as I work with the totems and other animal spirits, is that there's a lot more depth to the relationships--and the spirits themselves--than what is often assumed.
Which is why, of course, it's important to actually work with the spirits--and not just ask them for things. The ones I work with are a part of my everyday life--moreso now that I'm in training. I don't just contact them when I need something from them; I pray and meditate daily just to touch base. Granted, I work more with some than others, but those I work with more have shown me much more depth than just their totem dictionary entries, for which I am very appreciative.
Enough rambling from me. What about you? What are your experiences with the spirits in your life, totems or otherwise? How deep is your involvement with them?