tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909361862629402803.post5736660198316993793..comments2017-12-16T06:48:04.814-06:00Comments on Ramblings of a Confused Muse: Familiars, Totems, and Guides: What's the Difference? Does it Matter?River Mourningstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07487930376498733365noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-909361862629402803.post-47451030942172848892014-02-08T09:56:07.899-06:002014-02-08T09:56:07.899-06:00Well, I'm a Hedgewitch, which is a type of Sha...Well, I'm a Hedgewitch, which is a type of Shamanism. I wasn't taught by a specific person, but by reading other's experiences, as well as my own with the Spirits and my own Guides. I've had pets, but never a Familiar, and I'm fine with that. Not having the experience with them, I don't really have a thought about them. They're not important to my practice. Which as a Hedge Witch, I mainly work with Spirits anyway.<br /><br />I used to lump totem and spirit animal together, until I realized that there is a difference. One of mine stood out from the herd and wasn't all that social. This is my Totem, an emblem of my life. I don't interact with my Totem like I do with my Spirit Animals. Although Mountain Goat appears once in a while as a reminder of who I am. <br /><br />My Spirit Animals--I have five--are more like friends, companions, guides, and guardians. I have four who visit me here on this realm, in the dreamscape, and in the astral, then I have one specifically for the Spirit World. He's new :-)<br /><br />I don't bother with "power animal". However other Animal spirits come along with their own teachings, but they're not companions, but Messengers. They come and go. <br /><br />I believe that we are born with Guardians and Guides. Some see them as angels, others as ancestors, and/or animals. I believe that one is with you from birth, others change as you live; and that they choose you. They teach you something, as well as learn about themselves, or so I've witnessed.<br /><br />Great post. I think I may elaborate more on my blog. I love the Totem/Spirit Animal topic. Mine are very important to me. :-)Oracle Foxlyn Wrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02062972183197753089noreply@blogger.com