Journey 207 - Power Animal

2/3/06: “A Journey taken to determine a Woman's Power Animal, taken at her Request. As the Journey began, my Lower World Guide and I met in a heavily clover-covered and flat Area. Off to our right, a short Distance away, was a glowing and glistening, tall Birch Tree, all by itself. Crosses and I sensed that the Opening to the Lower World was near the Tree, so we went over. As we arrived, we saw a Chipmunk emerge from a Tunnel at the Base of the Tree. He stopped as if to stand guard as we descended through this Opening. We entered this Tunnel at it was huge, with tall Lilacs lining the Sides and overhanging our Path well above our heads as we went down. Eventually both the Lilacs and Tunnel shrank, until there were Lilacs no more. Then, the Tunnel narrowed and its Walls showed red, purple and maroon as we moved along. We finally reached the Lower World. It was as it almost always is, with a large Bay off to our right. Circling above this Bay, cutting out a perfect Circle, were numerous all-white Gulls. We knew we had to check out what they were circling over. We hopped aboard an all-white Swan and drifted across the Bay to find out. There, directly beneath the center of the Seagull Circle, was a Hippopotamus, mostly submerged in the Water. Could it be THIS was the Woman’s Power Animal? If so, it would be a first for Hippopotamus. Indeed it was, we discovered. Hippo was dark brown above the Water. But then numerous Gulls cam down and lifted the Hippo out of the Water, and it was all white where submerged. They let him back down into the Water and then numerous Gulls landed on him. Swan then took us back to the Shore. As we headed back up the Tunnel, and reached the lilacs, we saw Owl, Cardinal and Chickadee welcoming us back. We got to the Surface and as we did, a tremendous Condor came and grabbed the top off the Birch. He picked it up in its entirety and flew it way up into the Sky, and pasted it into a Cloud, where it stood. I then thanked Crosses and came back.”

NOTES: First off, there was much more imagery in this Journey than normal. This tells me the Woman has lots of Spirit Power. There are quite a few totems here, each of which has spirit Power to offer, in addition to the Power Animal. Here are brief summations, derived mainly from Ted Andrews’ seminal books:

Chipmunk: Speaks to keeping creations out of sight until they are truly ready to be revealed. Keeping your self “below the surface” until the right time to emerge is important. Usually the first 6 weeks after initiation is the vulnerability time. Most important, Chipmunk tells you to trust what you hear in the other person’s voice, not the actual words. Note the Chipmunk in the journey was a protector of the info in the tunnel we entered..

Birch: The “Lady of the Woods”, helping us connect to all goddesses of the woodlands. Birch reminds us that new dimensions are opening for us, and balance is necessary in entering them. Birch awakens the energy of new beginnings and a cleansing of the past, of old, no-longer-useful ideas. Keep energies and efforts purposeful. Shamans use staffs of birch to awaken an energy that enables them to pass from one plane of life to another. The fact the tree as pasted onto a cloud indicates the great heights to which this skill can be used..and Clouds in themselves represent the in-between state of gas and liquid..

Lilacs: Obviously a favorite of the woman’s. Keynotes: balance of the spirit and intellect; contact with spirit is imminent. Lilac helps align and balance the Chakras (see Chickadee below)! It draws protective spirits into one’s life. It is a great healing spirit, whose blossoms are filled with fairy and elf activity. The fairies are musical in their communications, and so can help harmonize your life and activate greater clairvoyance and the ability to explore past lives. Lilac means it is time to open up and develop trust in your spirit guides.

Seagulls: Represent the interface of sea and land..the fairy realm, the moving between dimensions, equally comfortable in both. This implies the Woman has lots of energy to move between dimensions..a skill she has already highlighted in telling me of her ability to see spirits. Gulls also represent freedom. The fact they were circling perfectly pays tribute to the circular nature of Spiritual thinking..for example, the linking of all time and space into one single point where the Shaman visits to get information.

Swan: Represents the true beauty and power of the self. This makes it extremely important that swan transported us out to her Power Animal. Swan awakens the emotion response, and also allows one to react more sensitively to others emotions. Its long neck serves as a bridge between had (upper worlds) and body (lower worlds). This implies access not only to your own true self and beauty, but to other realms and powers as well. Swans prefer it cold and so live in the north. Qualities of the north include courage, alertness, patience, endurance. Greek legend holds the Swan sings its most beautiful song just before death (hence, the swan song in our cultural references). The swan song is synonymous with poetic fancy..so swan can teach the mysteries of song and poetry, touching the child and beauty within.

Owl: Represents the mystery of magic, omens, silent wisdom and vision in the night. Its yellow eyes represent the sun alive in the dark of night. Owl allows one to see and hear what others try to hide. They fly silently encouraging one to keep silent and go about ones business. Owl people are uniquely able to see into the eyes and souls of others. They should listen to the “wild imaginings” that result.

Cardinal: Represents renewed vitality through recognizing self-importance. Their distinctive whistling reflects we should be listening to the inner voice (the feminine) more closely. The female cardinal is rare in that she is bright-colored and also sings like her mate..really emphasizing the power of the feminine. The fact Cardinals in the Catholic Church are named after this bird calls for the Woman to revisit her spirit life as well.

Chickadee: Represents cheerful and truthful expression. Is black cap signifies use of the higher mind and higher perceptions. Black is also associated with mystery, the feminine and the great womb of life. Cherokees consider the Chickadee the Bird of Truth. There are seven types of Chickadees, corresponding to the 7 energy centers in the human body called Chakras. When these are balanced, there is greater realization of the truth in the world. Truth shared correctly can add joy and cheer to life, as well as healing.

Condor: represents the ancient mysteries of life and death (that is, the actual truth about them versus modern ideas); communion with the spirits; and soaring above limitations. Its taking the tree into the sky was a perfect example of a being (the tree) rising well above its limitations..with condor’s help!! The Woman can use her Totems likewise to soar.

Hippopotamus: Her Power Animal: Its keynotes: creative power to shape shift one’s life, and sacred baptism. The River Horse, it spends much of its time in water, the ancient realm of birth, power, imagination, healing and artistic sensibility. It is the place of sacred baptism. Water awakens higher sensibilities, enables lucid dreaming and greater conscious spirit contact. Creative and artistic energies grow stronger. Hippo can submerge itself in water so only its eyes and nostrils are above the surface..Hippo people can thereby immerse themselves in the feminine and emotional powers of their lives and thereby maintain invisibility. Hippo people tend to have a life path chosen for them, and they have to follow it. Hippos main enemy, Crocodile, is no match for the adult, which can bite it in two. This shows strong protective abilities for all of Hippo person’s creations.

2/8/06 Her reply: "I was in total awe reading my PA Journey. Now I thought I was a squirrel or chipmunk. I have 3 squirrels in my yard that I feed all year long and at the school where I work (a private Catholic all boys boarding school) I have my 2 little chipmunks that I feed 9 months as I am off the other 3. I love Lilacs and birch trees. You are so gifted. I enjoyed reading every word. AND you took and do take so much time presenting what you see on each journey you take. I can't thank you enough. I must have read it 10 times all ready. You are quite a guy. I never imagined MY PA would be a HIPPO. I hope you have a wonderful night. Talk to you soon. "