The Witches Path
Paganism & The Foundation Of Magical Practices
Let's Get Back To Basics!
For many, the beginning of their spiritual journey begins with Paganism and the exploration of magic.
Paganism encompasses hundreds of different practices from all over the world and throughout history. Much like a tree, paganism has many branches that stem from a variety of practices such as Wicca, Druidism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and more!
From understanding the tools used, elements harnessed, tarot and divination, zodiac and moonology meanings, to crystals, candles, and use of colors in practice, this guide can help you to begin the journey of spirituality and link you to more resources for further research.
Note!
For those wishing to research Witchcraft and the many forms it can take, there is a wealth of resources online from practitioners who specialize in those areas but take note: Witchcraft and Wicca are not the same. Wicca is a nature-based religion that can be a pathway to understanding the essence of magic and can lead you to Witchcraft if you wish it to.
(Wicca is a pagan religion, Witchcraft is a practice)
Let Us Begin...
Note: If you wish to learn more about particular cultural and spiritual practices like Kemetic, WitchCraft and Druidism, check out The Healers Path Online Book!
Birth Chart & Zodiacs
Determined by the date of our birth, we each fall under a particular Zodiac, with an associated element and personality traits of that Zodiac.
Below, I will briefly overview the 12 Zodiacs, their elements, and the dates they fall under, with a link to a specialized site that can help you obtain your birth chart! A birth chart represents the planetary alignments that coincide with your star sign and date of birth. It can also reveal your overall life path, strengths, weaknesses, and hidden messages to help you better understand your spiritual journey!
https://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php
Zodiacs
Aries (Fire): March 21st - April 19th
Taurus (Earth): April 20th - May 20th
Gemini (Air): May 21st - June 21st
Cancer (Water): June 22nd - July 22nd
Leo (Fire): July 23rd - August 22nd
Virgo (Earth): August 23rd - September 22nd
Libra (Air): September 23rd - October 23rd
Scorpio (Water): October 24th - November 21st
Sagittarius (Fire): November 22nd - December 21st
Capricorn (Earth): December 22nd - January 19th
Aquarius (Air): January 20th - February 18th
Pisces (Water): February 19th - March 20th
Note: Many people believe in Cusp Signs. This means they are born within the few days of the Zodiac's transitioning into the next sign and may exhibit traits of both star signs.
For example, I would be considered a 'Cusper' as I was born on the 21st of November. My dominant sign is Scorpio, but as the change to Sagittarius takes place on the 22nd of November, I may exhibit some traits of the fire sign.
Moonology
Moonology is a special kind of astrology.
The moon you were born under can influence how you interact with the world around you, process emotions, your health, and more!
Others can use the different moon cycles to influence spells, charge crystals, and draw energy for the times ahead. Here is a general list of the moon cycles and how you can harness these energies for spiritual purposes!
New Moon:
"A New Start Is Coming!"
A time to make new plans and map the future ahead. Much energy can be harnessed at this time for creativity and new beginnings.
Waxing Crescent
"Have Faith in Your Dreams!"
Look to the seeds of your projects as they lie in the past and how you can cultivate and grow those plans in the future. Have faith that the plans you set in place will come true.
First Quarter
"Your Commitment Is Being Tested"
This is a time when we may begin to doubt if our plans and goals will truly manifest. Review what you have and adjust where required!
Waxing Gibbous
"You Are Very Close to Achieving Your Goal"
Keep your eye on the prize! Remember why this matters to you and why you want to succeed!
Full Moon
"Surrender to the Divine"
Now it's time to release the outcome of all that hard work to the universe, trusting that whatever happens, whether you win or lose, it is meant to be!
Wanning Gibbous (or disseminating moon)
"Take Time to Breathe Out"
After the high energy of the early moon cycles, now is a time to breathe and re-center. Take time to practice self-care and treat yourself to some pleasure!
Last Quarter
"Adjustments Are Required"
Now we start to see the fruit of our harvest. After a much-needed break, we can review the outcome of our plans and make the adjustments necessary to progress forward.
Wanning Crescent
"What Do You Need to Release?
The past weeks have brought stress and exhaustion. Do not lose focus or become disheartened; release fears and worries to the universe and continue towards your dreams.
Balsamic Moon
"A Time for Healing"
There is no better time to heal than now. The success and hardships of this moon cycle are coming to an end. Rest, recoup, and prepare for the next cycle!
Power Moons!
Super Moons
"Emotions Are Running High!"
Energy, Energy, Energy! Now is the time to give yourself the boost you have been needing to launch into the next phase of your life! Be clear about what you want, because change is coming fast!
Blue Moons
"Believe in the Impossible"
A time of miracles and dreams, harness this pure, inspirational energy to change your inner worlds, to connect with the true heart of life, and to cleanse away the negativity of past cycles so you can refresh and move on.
Full Moon Eclipses
"Conclusions Are Within Reach"
What needs to end will end, dramatic changes will happen, shifting in and out of alignment is possible, the oldest of wounds will be revealed, and you will have the power and clarity of this moon to release and heal them.
New Moon Eclipse
"Expect Powerful Change"
Sometimes, change happens to us, not because of us. This moon will dramatically shift you to the path you are meant to be on, to the higher purpose you can attain, and with its energy, you can embrace an entirely new life!
Numerology
Also known as Arithmancy, Numerology is the understanding of numbers, their vibrations, meanings, coinciding letters, and more!
By understanding Numerology, you can chart your life path, identify numbers of power to you, and even help you to divine meaning from specific numbers and synchronicities in life!
Some use Numerology in the form of Angel Numbers, where direct messages can be expressed to you from guiding angels in the form of recurring numbers such as 111, 444, 777, and so on. Others use numerology to have a broader understanding of their life path and significant events.
Angel Numbers
There are a variety of Angel Numbers that can be seen in our day-to-day lives.
Below are the basics, and any Google search of 1111, 1221, 1234, and so on will help you to learn in more depth about each of the numbers you could find.
Note: With angel numbers, you will see them when you see them, as they are guided messages from your angels, sent at times when you need them!
111 - Intuition
"Trust your gut, and listen to your heart; you're going the right way!"
222 - Alignment
"You are in the right place and at the right time."
333 - Support
"Your spiritual guides are around you, sending you love, support, and guidance."
444 - Protection
"The universe is with you; you are taken care of."
555 - Change
"Huge change is coming; remember, the only constant in life is change!"
666 - Reflect
"It's time to wake up to your higher spiritual truth!"
777 - Luck
"Luck is on your side; trust you are on the right path and heading towards your goals."
888 - Balance
"Everything is falling into place as it is meant to be."
999 - Release
"Let's Go! It's time to start a new journey and release what is not serving you!"
Tarot
What is Tarot?
Used in modern times for symbolism and divination, the true origin of the Tarot is unknown, with most believing it began in certain parts of Europe with Spanish Gypsies and as a popular card game in the 14th Century.
There have been many variations of divination cards found across India, China and Europe, making it impossible to know where it began. However, there is a 'standard' deck of sorts that is considered the most popular of foundations when it comes to Tarot: The Waite Set Tarot.
Since then, it has become well known as a tool for divination, with a standard deck containing 52 ordinary playing cards, representing four suits that also correspond with certain elements:
Scepter - Clubs (Fire)
(Intuition & Spirit)
Cups - Hearts (Water)
(Emotion & Heart)
Swords - Spades (Air)
(Intellect & Mind)
And Pentacles (or Disks) - Diamonds (Earth)
(The Senses & Body)
There are the royal cards of each set of suits, with a King, Queen, Princess (or Maiden) and Knight (or Page).
Also contained are 22 special numbered cards, The Major Arcana, each with a special name and meaning:
0 - The Fool
(Freedom, Courage, Potential & Optimism)
"The end of a ray not knowing its relation to the center."
1 - Magician
(Creativity, Willpower, Inspiration & Life-Force)
"The initiate, power, superman, the occultist, humanity."
2 - The High Priestess
(Intuition, Dreams, Divine Feminine & Inner Wisdom)
"Occultism, esoterism, mysticism, initiation, mystery."
3 - The Empress
(Fertility, Love, Healing & Happiness)
"Nature in its phenomenal aspect. The ever renewing and recreative force of nature and the objective reality."
4 - The Emperor
(Masculine Power, Order, Boundaries & Protection)
"The law of four, latent energy of nature, possibilities."
5 - The Chariot
(Mastery, Success, Overcoming Obstacles & Journey's)
"The imagination, magic, self-suggestion, and self-deceit."
6 - The Lovers
(Choice, Surrender, Fulfilment & Love)
"The equilibrium of contraries, unification and attainment of light."
7- The Hierophant
(Tradition, Education, Routine & Initiation)
"Mysticism, esoterism."
8 - Strength
(Wild Wisdom, Faith, Compassion & Courage)
"The real power, strength of love, strength of the infinite."
9 - The Hermit
(Guidance, Retreat, Withdrawal & Meditation)
"The path of initiation, seeking truths, inner knowledge."
10 - The Wheel of Fortune
(Synchronicity, Prosperity, Progress & Completion)
"Wheel of life and Chances, change, the four elements."
11 - Justice
(Choice, Fairness, Balance & Clarity)
"Truth, real knowledge, inner truths."
12 - The Hanged Man
(Patience, Independance, Surrender or Sacrifice)
"A new point of view, the pain of higher consciousness."
13 - Death
(Initiation, Transformation, Clearing & Intense Passion)
"Another aspect of life, completion of the circle."
14 - Temperance
(Creativity, Harmony, Magic & Alchemy)
"The first attainment, higher space."
15- The Devil
(Materialism, Obsession, Masterey & Potential)
"Weakness, the fall of man, temptation."
16 - The Tower
(Sudden Illumination, Revelation, Destruction & Creation)
"The force of nature re-establishing the truth distorted by man."
17 - The Star
(Hope, Healing, Bright Prospects & Optimism)
"The real aspect of the Astral world, the imagination of nature, real knowledge."
18 - The Moon
(Facing Fears, Deep Revelations, Psychic Awakenings & Dreams)
"Psychic, spirit worlds, dreads of the night."
19 - The Sun
(Wonder, Creative Expression, Happiness & Fruition)
"The symbol of manifestation of creative power and the fire of life."
20 - Judgment
(Following A Call, Renewal, Decision-Making & Transformation)
"The resurrection, constant victory over life and death, creative activity of nature in the death."
21 - The World
(Completion, Abundance, Success & Fulfilment)
"Nature, the world as it is, inner reality of things, human consciousness and the circle of time between the four elements."
One of the greatest resources for learning Tarot is a website called Biddy Tarot, where you can learn all the detailed meanings and uses for the cards. In modern times, there are hundreds of different Tarot decks, all with their design, meanings and applications of use. From here, it is your choice which Tarot will call to you, but now that you have a foundational understanding of its history, you can pick the best one for your practice! Will you go the traditional route? Or break out into other spiritual mediums?
Have fun finding out!
Chakra's
Chakras refer to different energy centers within the body and can also refer to nerve centers and internal organs. These focus points of energy can be used in meditation practices to guide the spiritualist on their journey and connect them to higher vibrations in spiritual worlds.
Beginning from the top of the body, we will focus on the main 7 Chakras.
Crown Chakra
Colour: White or Purple
Crystal: Amethyst
Location: Top of the head
Body Part: Central Nervous System
Meaning: Higher Self, divine connection, anything is possible
Third Eye Chakra
Colour: Indigo
Crystal: Lapis Lasuli
Location: Between the eyes
Body Part: Nose, Ears, Sinus
Meaning: Intuition, psychic powers, visions, imagination
Throat Chakra
Colour: Blue
Crystal: Blue Aquamarine
Location: Throat
Body Part: Throat and Chest
Meaning: Communication, clear speaking, honesty, expressing your true self
Heart Chakra
Colour: Green
Crystal: Green Aventurine
Location: Center of the chest
Body Part: Lungs and Heart
Meaning: Emotion, love, peace, compassion for self and others, forgiveness, healing
Solar Plexus Chakra
Colour: Yellow
Crystal: Tigers Eye
Location: Below the ribs, above the belly button
Body Part: Stomach and Liver
Meaning: Sense of self, drive, confidence, willpower, "who I am"
Sacral Chakra
Colour: Orange
Crystal: Orange Stone
Location: Just below the Belly button
Body Part: Sexual Organs
Meaning: Creativity, sensual, nurturing, well of deep emotions
Root Chakra
Colour: Red
Crystal: Red Agate
Location: Hips
Body Part: Survival, Instincts, Groundedness
Meaning: Survival, groundedness, safe, centered, security
Divination Tools
Over the Centuries, there have been many forms of divination practiced among a vast array of cultures!
Below is a brief list of some of the greatest practices that can still be practiced today!
Ogham/ Runes: An ancient alphabet with muddy origins, it was predominantly used in the 3rd- 7th centuries.
The Ogham has approximately 350 Runes and is mostly found in Southern Ireland, while other forms of Runes can be seen in other Pagan Cultures such as the Norse Pagans.
Ornithomancy: The observation of birds, their flight patterns, and their behaviors.
Aeromancy: Involves throwing dirt, sand, or seeds into the air and studying/ interpreting the patterns in the dust cloud.
Botanomancy: Divination by plants, burning leaves, herbs, and tree branches.
Chiromancy: Palmistry and the foretelling of one's future through viewing the hands.
Geomancy: Casting sand, dirt or seeds on the ground and interpreting the patterns on the ground.
Lecanomancy: Three stones are used in a basin of water to invoke the spirit whose help is being sought.
Pyromancy: determining patterns and pictures in a fire or flames of a candle and is sometimes associated with sacrifices to gods.
Splanchomancy: Examining the entrails and bowels of an animal.
Tools
Book Of Shadows/ Compendium/ Diary
Every practitioner should keep a notebook, computer file, or even a specialized spell tome for all their spiritual knowledge and crafts. In this book or document, you can pore all you have learned, compiling information for later use in rituals, spellcraft, herbalism, and more.
Intent
Perhaps the most important of all tools in spirituality, intention is the goal or purpose for spells, rituals, and practices.
Wand
Made from a variety of sources like wood, metal, crystal, and even clay, a wand is a foci, a means to focus your energy and magic directly, and is especially suited in the drawing of sigils (magical symbols) or words of intention in the air.
Athame
A ritual blade, athames are used to draw circles, carve symbols in candles, charge objects, and cut energy chords.
Chalice
A glass, metal, or clay cup used to hold water, wine, or other liquids used in spell work.
Cauldron
A cauldron is used for making potions or brews, burning incense, or even a small fire for spell work.
Besom
A broom of varying size, used for clearing and purifying spaces of negativity.
Crystals
Precious or semi-precious stones or gems from the earth that are used for a variety of reasons.
Some provide healing, protection, and energy and can be used in spellwork, rituals, or raising the vibrations of a room or space.
Chords/ Ribbons
Used intention to bind and seal spells, rituals, and other practices.
Colours
Yellow
Abundance and Joy.
When feeling down and depressed, work with yellow to 'inject happiness' into life.
Also connected to the Solar Plexus Chakra.
Orange
Creativity.
Work with orange to help clear blockages and cultivate creative energy.
Also connected to the Sacral Chakra.
Red
Passion and Love.
Helps to attract new lovers or inspire passion in an existing partner.
In some cultures, red is the colour of prosperity and abundance, so it can also be used for these purposes.
Also connected to the Root Chakra.
Pink
Gentle Love and Kindness.
In matters of love and the heart, pink is a wonderful colour to assist in healing and soothing heartbreak.
Purple
Intuition.
Associated with royalty and the Third Eye Chakra, purple is a powerful colour when it comes to spiritual practices, so it can certainly add some juice to your creative projects and spellwork.
Blue
Peace and Protection.
This colour is not only calming, but it is also deeply connected to the Throat Chakra, so it aids in communication and clarity.
Green
Earth and Growth.
This colour aids in fertility, prosperity, and earthly possessions.
It is also closely connected to the Heart Chakra and can guide us to what we truly love in life.
Black
Protection.
Black is used to ward off spirits and negative energies and is used for uncrossing rituals.
White
Cleansing and Purifying.
White is an appropriate stand-in for any colour, while also being used to clear away old energies, which can welcome happy, new ones. This can connect us to our Crown Chakra.
Crystals
I do not have every crystal in existence listed here, this is just a starting point for learning about crystal vibrations that you can then expand on elsewhere.
Quartz - Master Healer Stone, Spirituality, wisdom, understanding and amplification.
Rose Quartz - Love, trust, harmony, healing, and peace.
Smokey Quartz - Grounding, disperses fear, lifts depression and anxiety, relieves stress, and promotes positive thoughts.
Amethyst - Intuition, spirituality, meditation, calm, and balance.
Lapis Lazuli - Wisdom, grounding serenity, confidence, and manifestation.
Blue Chalcedony - Flexibility, confidence, tranquility, love, and kindness.
Green Aventurine - Luck, wealth, prosperity, balance, and abundance.
Citrine - manifestation, strength, abundance, protection, and success.
Carnelion - Energy, courage, joy, sexuality, and appetite.
Red Jasper - Balance, strength, endurance, determination, and fertility.
Botswana Agate (Moss/ Tree Agates) - Hope, calm, creativity, healing, and soothing energies.
Obsidian - Protection, luck, balance, clarity, healing, and patience.
Amber - Wisdom, luck, balance, clarity, healing, and patience.
Turquoise - Purification, mood stabilizer, self-realization, clears creative blocks and balances all Chakra's.
Moonstone - New beginnings, inner growth, and strength. Soothes emotional stress, enhances intuition, success, and good fortune.
Tiger's Eye - Releases fear, action, energy, understanding; clears clouded emotions and aids balance and harmony.
Bloodstone - Courage, healing, transmuting negative energy, purifying and protecting spaces.
Hematite - Stone for the mind, concentration, and focus; enhances memory and balances meridians (power centers in the body).
Pyrite - Protection, shields against negative vibrations, intellect, enhances memory and recall.
Jade - Serenity, purity, wisdom, tranquility, love, nurturing, good luck, and friendships.
Jet - Prosperity, protection, release, draws out negative energy and protects against violence.
Ruby - Nobility, purity, passion, creativity, energy, and intuition.
Black Tourmaline - Healing, grounding, purification, and powerful protection crystal.
Candles, Chords & Ribbons
Violet/ Purple
Divinity, wisdom, enlightenment, spirituality, and dignity.
Indigo
Mystery, spirituality, idealism, intuition, and loyalty.
Blue
Patience, truth, justice, peace, and tranquility.
Green
Finance, abundance, balance, fertility, and connection to nature.
Yellow
Courage, vitality, creativity, imagination, and focus.
Orange
Appetite, abundance, optimism, friendship, and luck.
Red
Passion, sexuality, control, health, and vitality.
Black
Secrecy, mystery, protection, banishment, and shielding.
(Also a representation of the Masculine God).
White
Purity, wholeness, healing, spirituality, and peace.
(Also a representation of the Feminine Goddess).
White is an appropriate stand-in for any color.
Brown
Animals, balance, nature, study, and grounding.
Turquoise
Awareness, compassion, intellect, travel, and recharging.
Pink and Magenta
Love, healing, friendships, compassion, romance, nurturing, sensuality, festivity, energy, and magnetism.
Gold
Success, prosperity, masculinity, abundance, and victory.
Closely represents the sun and the God.
Silver
Intuition, femininity, wisdom, stability, and achievement.
Closely represents the moon and the Goddess.
Magical Herbs
Anise (Star Anise)
Evil Eye Ward: Anise can help ward off the Evil Eye, offering psychic protection while also stimulating happiness and psychic abilities.
Burned as incense to increase psychic awareness and abilities, Anise can be placed on an altar to increase the power generated and can be carried for luck.
Bay Leaf (Laurel)
Purification: great for purifying spaces like homes and businesses, and clearing spaces of negative energies. Most often, it is burned and should go up in flames very quickly.
If it does not or blows out quickly, it may mean there is a spirit nearby!
Beeswax
Great All-Rounder!
Beeswax is used in a variety of natural health products, as well as the honey itself, providing incredible healing properties.
For magical purposes, you can make candles, decorative seals, and natural polish, and use it as a base for herbal salves.
Black Cohosh (Black Snake Root)
Strength: There are two primary areas which Black Cohosh can be used:
Healing: Helps to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Magic: Love, courage, strength, and protection.
Butcher's Broom
Protection: Used to protect while scrying and divination rituals.
Blue Cornflower
Mother Nature: Use the blue petals to make homemade ink for your book of shadows!
Or use it to honor the mother of all nature.
The deep blue pigment is great for connecting to water elements and the Throat Chakra.
Cinquefoil (Five-Finger Grass)
All Purpose: An all-purpose magical herb, the five points of the leaf represent love, money, health, power, and wisdom.
Stimulates memory. eloquence and self-confidence.
Cinnamon
Charms: Use charms to draw money and prosperity to you!
You can also blow crushed cinnamon on doorways around your home on the first day of a new month to clear negative energies.
Celery Seeds
Psychic: A great mental and psychic herb, helping to focus psychic powers and concentration.
Dandelions
Root Divination: Divination, wishes, and calling spirits.
Use in dream pillows and sachets for sleep protection, or bury in the northwest side of your house to draw good luck.
Devils Tongue (Liastris Odoratissima)
Attraction: To attract men, increase psychic powers, and aid communication.
Dragon Bone
Spirits: Used to enhance spells that communicate with spirits and grounding to the physical plane.
Dragons Blood
Power: A diverse resin, Dragon's Blood is used to amplify spells and provides courage to the caster.
Protection, banishing, emotional strength, and manifestation.
Goat’s Rue
Banishment: Burn to banish negativity or bad habits.
Add to baths to break hexes and curses.
Green Cardamom
Love: Put very simply, Green Cardamom is best for lust, love, and fertility!
Jalap (High John the Conqueror)
The Conqueror: A powerful herb of strength and confidence, conquering any situation, obtaining success, winning at gambling, luck, money, love, health, and protection.
Job’s Tears
Luck: Pronounced as 'Jobe.' Job's Tears attract luck, money, finding employment, wishes, and blessings.
Mandrake
Protection: Protection, prosperity, fertility, and exorcising evil.
Mugwort
All-purpose: Carried to increase lust and fertility, prevent back pain, cure disease and madness, astral travel, divination, and prophetic dreams.
Nettle
Dispelling: Dispelling darkness and fear, strengthening the will, and aiding in the ability to handle emergencies. Sprinkle in the home to drive off evil spirits and negativity.
Reflect Curses. And sprinkle on yourself to remove jealousies, gossip, and envy.
Nutmeg
Grounding and Protection: Offering protection from evil spirits and negative energies, Nutmeg provides grounding and stability, while also attracting good luck.
Orange
Abundance: Orange attracts abundance and happiness through love!
The colour orange is also closely connected to our Sacral Chakra, our energy center of creativity and passion.
Cloves
Purification: Used in exorcisms, purification rituals, protection, and to ward off negative entities, clove can clear away old vibes and raise spiritual vibrations.
Red Clover
Success: Put in baths to aid in financial arrangements and apply to potions for lust.
It can also be used in sachets or incense to attract money, love, fidelity, success, and luck!
Rose Of Jericho
Resurrection: An everlasting flower of peace, growth, and prosperity. Known as the resurrection plant, if you place the dried flower heads in a bowl of water, the flower will renew and turn green again!
Sage
Purification: Sage is undoubtedly one of the most popular herbs used in the spiritual community.
Most used for smudging and self-purification, sage can be used when dealing with grief and loss, and carried to improve mental ability and bring wisdom.
Energetics: Sage is cooling, dispersing, and drying. This allows it to cool the fire and clear excess water.
Thyme
Loyalty: Attracts loyalty, good luck, affection, and the good opinion of others.
Use in dream pillows to ward off nightmares and ensure a good restful sleep.
Valerian
Purify: Valerian is a substitute for graveyard dirt/ dust in spells, used to purify sacred spaces, and it is said that having valerian root nearby can settle an argument between couples.
Wolfsbane
Shields: Used in charms to ward off attacks.
Wormwood
Clairvoyance: Use incense for clairvoyance and to summon spirits.
It can also be used to enhance divinatory abilities and to remove anger and violence.
Yarrow
Guardian: Yarrow is a very protective guardian herb; in old times, it was said that evil could not cross a line of yarrow, so it provides great protection and warding from evil and negative spirits.
Yellow Dock
Attraction: Sprinkle an infusion of yellow dock around a place of business to attract customers.
Fertility, money, and healing.
Spirit Animal Guides
There are a variety of ways a spirit of nature or even a deity may communicate with an initiate, animals being the most common among them.
There are a variety of ways they may communicate, some can be called, while others will approach you when it is time to impart valuable lessons or guidance to a recipient.
Animal Spirit Guides are not to be mistaken for Totems or Spirit Animals, however, so let us take a closer look at these different spirits.
Totems
Totems are avatars, sacred objects or symbols that represent the quality, abilities and characteristics of an animal and is closely tied to particular ancient cultures such as the Native American’s.
These are avatar’s you call on for guidance, provide protection and can impart wisdom to those who call on it.
Spirit Animals
Spirit Animals come to you; they cannot be invoked, and they appear in great times of need to teach valuable lessons to the recipient.
This may be an animal that randomly comes to mind, you see out in nature or have an interaction with on the physical or spiritual level (an animal approaching you in nature or dreaming/ meditation conjures the image of the animal coming forth without you seeking it).
Animal Spirit Guides
Animal Spirit Guides are more akin to familiars, an animal connected to your soul path and mission in life to help guide you.
Connected to shamanism and witchcraft, animal spirit guides are entities that will appear when you are ready to walk a certain path. These often represent deities and may even be the embodiment of the god they represent. (Example: The Celtic Goddess Morrigan will often appear as a raven or crow, and only after a period of initiation will she reveal her true form to the initiate).
Long Story Short
Totems are physical objects that embody the qualities of an animal spirit. Spirit Animals are entities, both physical and spiritual, that seek out an individual and cannot be invoked. Animal Spirit Guides are familiars that can be called to aid you on your life path, often representing deities and great spirits of nature.
Below you will find summaries of different spirit animal guides, along with some handy links to learn more about Totems, Spirit Animals, Familiars and Spirit Guides.
How to Invite & Communicate with Spirit Guides
The most common ways you can discern and identify your spirit guides, or seek guidance from spirit animals, are:
Meditation
Drawing
Journalling or intuitive writing
Idols or totems with the animal's likeness