|
In my practice of a mostly shamanic type of spirituality
I have a collection of guardians and allies (some that are spirits, some that are corporeal) that I commune with when
I pray, and that I call upon when I need more empowerment than I feel I can muster alone.
The next page introduces you to my closest allies in corporeal form. This page discloses a few things about what I call my guides
and guardians of spirit, who come to me from the seven directions. It should be understood that these are only my personal
guides/guardians, and that other people have different ones. I find it most powerful to allow the beings that
wish to come to me to do so without the strict affiliations imposed by structured traditions. And besides, being different
has always appealed to me.
I have been taught, in trying to walk this road without a tribal community,
that it is up to me to discern for myself the guardians and guides that are mine, and starting point among
the directions that resonates the most as being right for me. I start in the East, where the sun rises, where the day
begins, and normally use a 7 direction system, as is indicated below.
From the EAST comes HORSE to bring me
the empowerment and freedom needed to navigate the new beginnings in my life, big and small. HORSE has been a significant
companion ever since I can remember, and becoming a meaninful symbol of the need to run my own course in my adult
life. As a shamanic totem, HORSE carries me on inner journeys, ensuring I have the means to return safely.
From the SOUTH comes
OWL, bringing development of perspectives, growth of wisdom, insight on ideas that spark my efforts to begin the creative
processes. OWL has recently taken an increased role in my life, teaching me to sharpen my inner senses, and to hunt
knowledge that is hidden from most. As the nighthawk, she reminds me to acknowledge that there is a dark side to my nature
that need not be denied, but that has something of value to learn from.
From the WEST comes a SHE-WOLF, teacher of the mysteries
of intuition and emotion, finder of the paths of purpose, change, and integration of what has been learned. WOLF helps me
to operate in situations that call for nurturing of those less experienced, to find my place within the community, while not
losing my need for lone independence.
From the NORTH comes Kodiak BEAR who brings
things into manifest reality after appropriate periods of introspection, self-reflectiveness, and renewal.
The largest of the BEAR family, Kodiak rises up in fierce protection when I am in danger of making costly material mistakes,
but she also curls around me when I feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and alone.
From the ABOVE comes HAWK, bringing me messages from
the Ancestors, all those who have walked the Red Road in faith and trust of the cosmic plan and the workings of the life force.
HAWK reminds me to look and listen to my higher self, and to my connections with all my heritages, native, celtic, scandinavian,
germanic.
From the BELOW comes leatherback sea TURTLE, largest
of the marine turtles, who takes me down into the deep unconscious where lie my hidden self, and all aspects of instinct and
reflexive patterns through which I swim in being / becoming who I am. TURTLE also reminds me to be mindful of all my
relations in the many creature worlds, the plant world, and the mineral world.
From the WITHIN or CENTER, comes PUMA, representative
of most of the big cats, also known as cougar or mountain lion. PUMA brings me natural leadership ability, along with
the tendency to appear aloof---a disguise for being eminently watchful. PUMA provides me with strength, determination
and assurance of taking right action that leads to right results.
|
