Article: Once you have identified your animal, learn everything you can about it. What does it eat, and where does it live? Read about its history, behaviors, and the way it is portrayed in literature and the media. What does this animal represent? An animal's particular wisdom is called its "medicine," or power. This medicine can be used to help during a time of need. For example, a hawk's medicine might be its ability to see clearly when others cannot. If possible, spend time near your animal's habitat. Do not be disruptive, but try to learn as much as you can about how the animal exists in the wild. Take what you have learned and use it to help you deal with making big decisions, confronting difficult situations, and reaching your goals. You can draw on your animal's wisdom in everyday life, too, in your treatment of others and the earth. Pay close attention each time your animal appears to you in any form. Do your best to interpret the messages the animal seems to be sending. Remember, the messages will not be straightforward, since animals do not communicate the same way humans do, so you will have to do some deep thinking to understand. Here are some questions to ask yourself: What emotions do you feel when the animal comes? Does the animal seem to be a sign of foreboding or comfort? Does the animal seem to be leading you in a certain direction? It is believed in shamanism that you gain a deeper connection with your spiritual animal by honoring it. In doing this, you are letting it know that its assistance in helping you with your life is appreciated. You can do this by standing up for the environment and animal rights and, in particular, the well being of your spirit animal. Remember that each time an animal species goes extinct, we lose the wisdom of that animal.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Learn about your animal. Apply your animal's wisdom to your own life. Be open to messages. Honor your animal.