Many of the world's Shamanic traditions are well known.
Native American, South American Indian, Aborigine and Tibetan.
But has anyone followed any European Animal Lores such as the Nordic or Celtic way?
Celtic stories of Animal wisdom fascinate me.
Noticing a cat's behavior or the flight of birds give me insights to my day.
Animal archetypes cant be ignored, but the Foxes, Hawks and Ravens of Celtia are classics.
Is anyone aware of our home grown Totems?
Tell me more about it. Do you have any of these for yourself in any ritual?
The spirits of animals are Divine.
They are here to guide, honour and protect us.
The blackbird for example is known as the Herald of the Fair Folk. If you follow a black bird as a child, it may lead you to their Fairy Circles.
There are many more stories and customs referring to animals, birds and fish in Celtic Lore.
I have ritual Totem stones, feathers and images with wich focus my energy.
My girlfriend equates much power to the Owl and the Legend of Blodeuwedd.
To me the Celtic Adder and Wren are to be ritualised at different times of the year.
They are awakened with dance and song, poetry and drumming.
AS a Welshman I don't call myself a Shaman, but a Bard of the Goddess.
Edited: Harkon on 2nd Mar, 2008 - 8:42pm
Which Old Time Religion do you mean?
Reverence for Nature is not a religion, its a belief system. It guides me from day to day.
You can be a Christian Pagan, a Muslim or Hindu Pagan or even an Atheist with respect for God's creation.
Even the Arch Bishop of Canterbury is a member of the Bards of Wales, I don't see a problem with it.
All thats important is in a civilised community everyone has a right to follow any belief, faith, philosophy or religion as long as it harms no-one.
You can be a member of any church, lodge or cult if you choose.
You can stand alone with your belief, you can follow it in any grand or humble building, even under the stars.
People have suffered and died through the ages for this right.
Harkon I would not worry over Hunter's comments, some believe and some do not that is just how life goes. Tell me more about your energy focus.