WHAT IS A POWER ANIMAL?

The Power Animal concept is universal to all cultures. Animals have been used as symbols for clans, family names and totem poles in tribal cultures and Native American lore. Early priests/ess and magicians adopted guises of animals by wearing skins and masks. The Bushman of Africa imitated animal movements in rituals and developed myths with animal symbolism. Shamans use them as an integral part of their practice, believing that power animals protect you from negative energy and illness. Animals are used in the United States for clubs, for example the "Lion's Club," or mascots for organized sports. Even parents use them to protect their children at night in the form of a teddy bear.

A Power Animal or "Totem" can be a life long companion or you may have several throughout your life that come and go and help you during a crisis, time of healing or changing areas of your life. You can draw strength, courage, wisdom and protection from your Power Animal. Every animal has unique characteristics that they use to overcome challenges. They possess special energies that are an important part of our spiritual journey. When we acknowledge and align ourselves with our Power Animal we can draw upon these energies whenever needed. If you are uncertain as to what your individual Power Animal is, you can simply choose to wear an animal that has characteristics you admire.

WHAT IS MY POWER ANIMAL?

There are several ways to determine what your personal Power Animal is:

• You can ask your Power Animal to present itself to you
• It can appear to you through meditation or in a dream.
• It can appear to you through indirect messages.
  For example: You may come across an article on mountain goats in a magazine, pass by a goat farm while driving and later see a program featuring goats on TV.
  
• It may appear to you through direct messages as in several encounters.
• You can consult a Shaman
• It can be an animal you feel a strong connection to or, whose qualities you are inspired by.

Use your instinct.

Wear your power animal T-shirt when you need an extra boost of confidence, a little luck, comfort or healing or just to show it your appreciation and respect.