Finding my spirit animal

[OpalChai]

        I had a conversation with a new acquaintance of mine about some peculiar dreams I've been having. They asked if I new my spirit/power animal. I have never thought to try and find it. I was brought up in a traditional Christian setting, church, bible study, the works. I have had confusing spiritual encounters all of my life and no one to ask or answer my questions. So I have just observed most of these experiences curiously. To find my spirit animal I have been exploring shamanic journeying. So far I have had no success. I keep getting weird results that I don't see others having a problem with when I do research. When journeying to the lower world I definitely see (for lack of a better word) entities but no animals approach me.
        In the first attempt I emerged from a cave on a rocky hillside. My view was just above an unending forest. There were birds and I could see motion in the trees, but I couldn't make out what animals were there. I started to feel pressure on the back of my neck like someone was staring at me. If this was my animal I don't want to scare it away. It is hard for me to explain but it felt stronger than an animal presence. I used my peripheral vision to see what it was without being obvious. Against the rock wall next to the cave opening I could see a satyr or a faun, I am not sure. It seemed like he clenched himself against the rocks to hide from me. He had a surprised look on his face. I was terrified and began thinking, Is he evil? Is he hiding so he can escape? HE IS GOING TO GET ME! Then I pulled myself out of the trance. I am proud of myself because most times in these situations I scream and call on the lord. I am sure I gasped a bit, maybe my eyes grew wide. The point is I did not freak out.
        The second time I was by a pond in the forest. I saw plenty of animals all around me fox, owls, fish,etc. None of them wanted anything to do with me. Some looked in my direction. Some sniffed and went away. I got tired of looking around and waiting so I left.
        Third time there was a river flowing through the woods to a waterfall and clear open sky. There were creatures around buzzing with activity, and ignoring me. I glided above the river following the current out over the waterfall and began to fly. I looked around quickly hoping to see a bird of some sort. (I was crossing my fingers for an owl.) The wings were a texture I couldn't identify. There were no feathers! So I shrieked and fled the scene.
        Disappointed with myself I waited until the next month to try again. This time I thought what if I burrow under the ground instead of a cave. When I started to crawl through the ground to the other side I heard a stampede approaching. It either felt like or I heard someone whisper "giants don't move". I looked out through the trees and saw large shadows. The tree tops were missing clumps of leaves in a straight path leading to the giant figures. I had a thought about "Jack and the beanstalk " then left abruptly.
        Is that normal? Just to make sure I had the process right I tested it on my husband. He found his power animal. He saw visions and learned some things about his great grandfather. We also confronted a major phobia (we did not fix it though). If I did everything properly why didn't it work for me I wonder. I was hoping someone here would be familiar with finding spirit animals or journeying. Maybe something you percieved about what happened to me. Even sharing your own experience is welcomed. I am looking forward to seeing other perspectives on these matters. I can only hear my own thoughts questioning my sanity.


 

Edited December 9, 2019 by OpalChai

[mandyjw]

Do you really want to pick just one spirit animal when you created 8.7 millionish species on Mother earth to be loved and appreciated, knowing that you are mother earth herself? Would mother earth pick a favorite? 

I find a lot of meaning in animals I encounter or see, but it's always changing, depending on what aspect of myself I'm wanting to experience or discover. 

[OpalChai]

@mandyjw

7 minutes ago, mandyjw said:

Do you really want to pick just one spirit animal when you created 8.7 millionish species on Mother earth to be loved and appreciated, knowing that you are mother earth herself? Would mother earth pick a favorite? 

I find a lot of meaning in animals I encounter or see, but it's always changing, depending on what aspect of myself I'm wanting to experience or discover. 

You make a very good point. I need to figure out how to build a connection. I am just use to hearing these romantic experiences like someone is greeted by a coven of lions. From that day forth they build this relationship and draw strength from their lion power animal. Then I think to myself are the random animals a message that I lack focus. I don't even know where Mr. Tumnus came from. (Just kidding)

Have you ever meditated on an animal?

If so were they responsive or symbolic?

[DrewNows]

"recognize yourself in nature and recognize the nature in yourself" 

"recognize the medicine inherent in all animals regardless of how revered or rejected  they are within humanity at large"

"express the medicine inherent within your spirit animal" 

Personally i am not sure what is my spirit animal but this may offer some guidance