Animal Kingdom  &  The Craft

 

Obviously the use of animal parts for spellworking is no longer practiced; however, the power in the animals has not been lost to modern Witchcraft.  Magickal use of the animal power/spirit can be done in many ways: photographs, pictures, stuffed toy, figures.

Many Witches believe that messages from the Divine exists in nature...thus animals.

 

Familiar Friends and Spiritual Signposts

Many choose to have a familiar, spiritually attuned create to whom the Witch turns for insights into nature' lessons, and for help in the workings.  Today's favorite include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies and even frogs. Any living creature with whom you feel have angoing relationship, bond or connection with may fulfill the role of the Familiar. The animal is more than merely a pet for is the revealer of truths and a respected partner.   What about an astral creature for a familiar or a Lion or Tiger at the local Zoo?

 

Power Animals and Totem

Power animals and totems also serve as helpers.

A power animal is a creature whose attributes u may take on for a short time, while that energy is "in play".

Totem animal seems more attached to a person's spirit and often becomes a lifelong spiritual companion. The animal may reveal itself in a stray encounter, a dream, through repeated sightings in a variety of ways.  The key in the process of finding a Totem Animal is for the Witch to remain open to nature's vaoice and to avoid anticipating what her animal may be.

What happens when u discover ur totem or power animal?  The value of these energies varies a lot from culture to culture.  What is important is to remember is that an animal's symbolism embodies the whole creature: both positive and negative aspects of the animal.

 

~Animal Omens and Signs~

Witches realize that happenstance encounters with most wild animals are becoming increasingly unlikely, so they have come to consider other animal appearance...for example photos, cards advertisements.

Here is a small list of animals and their corresponding signs.

• Ant: Biting predicts a quarrel
• Beetle: The larger the beetle, the better the luck
• Camel: Good Luck
• Cat: Meeting a black cat brings improved fortune
• Cricket: Domestic Bliss
• Dog: Something new on the horizon. (unless a black dog, which predicts misfortune)
• Donkey: Unexpected burdens
• Fox: Beginnings that get off on the wrong foot.
• Frog: Matters of love or health (the condition will tell more)
• Gazelle: A bad omen if it is moving from left to right.
• Goat: Fortunes will be improving 
• Hare: Be Cautious
• Horse: Good news is forthcoming
• Lamb: Peace & Harmony
• Lizard: Disappointment or lack of closure
• Mice: Difficulties, often of a financial nature
• Mole: Moving to a new home
• Mule: Business interests taking a downturn
• Pig: Worries
• Snake: Treachery & betrayal, or jealously
• Spider: Financial losses (esp if encountered in the evening)
• Toad: The death of this creature protends increased tension.
• Weasel: Sickness or Distress

8This of course is only a small list.

Morgan 08/03

The Everything Wicca & WitchCraft Book

 

~Outdoors~