Description
This article is from the Religion-Shamanism FAQ, by Dean Edwards,
Stef Jones, Jilara, Jane Beckman, Ann Albers with numerous
contributions by others.
30 Power Animal
A spirit perceived as taking an animal form which
instructs, guides and protects an individual or shaman and usually
becomes closely identified with the individual concerned. Unlike the
clan or group totem, this is a distinctly personal relationship with
an individual or collective animal spirit-being. The presence of a
power animal is thus unique to an individual, rather than being shared
by a group, family or clan. (Others in the group, may also have the
same power animal.) These spirit beings are prominent in many
shamanic and non-shamanic Native American traditions. In such
traditions, both shamans and non-shamans may have power animals
as spirit guides.
Dean Edwards (deane@netcom.com)
Michael Harner defines a power animal as: "a spirit being that not
only protects and serves the shaman, but also becomes another identity
or alter ego for him."
Michael J. Harner (The Way of the Shaman, 1980, 1990; page 43.)
Power Animal:
An animal that has a particular trait or affinity connecting it to
a person. It may be "just" an animal, or an embodiment of all the
spiritual traits of that animal, such as Coyote as trickster.
Jilara (jane@swdc.stratus.com)
A spirit or energy being, usually perceived in the form of an animal,
that acts as a protector for a person. The spirit can be contacted
shamanically and asked questions, honored, etc.
Stef Jones (stef@netcom.com)
Power Animal:
Earth energy that is part of your soul-cluster; represented in the
sacred dream as an animal; the essence of the animal that is part of
your energetic make-up
Ann Albers (albersa@aztec.asu.edu)
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new-age, paranormal, spiritual, shaman, kam, consciousness, spirit, visions, dreams, oobe, soul, siberia, native, dreamtime, ecstasy, journeying, otherworld, sacred, axis-mundi
