Animal Spirit Guide Project 1

Pre-vocabulary 1 affinity - closeness, attraction, fondness Kelly has an affinity for hiking the Waterfall Trail. 2

Pre-vocabulary 2 sentient - knowing, sensitive, receptive The visit to the farm revealed that pigs are sentient and delightful, at least as intelligent as domestic pets. 3

Pre-vocabulary 3 interpretation - meaning, explanation, analysis His interpretation of the conversation was decidedly different than my own. 4

Pre-vocabulary 4 attribute - talent, virtue, trait The power to fly is an attribute of many superheroes. 5

According to traditional Native American beliefs, an animal spirit or spirit guide can travel through life with an individual, assisting and guiding that person much the same way a guardian angel would. Different animal spirits may come to a person just to assist with a specific crisis or problem and then leave, never to return to that person.animal spirits 6

Native Americans believe that humans were created to serve as caretakers of Mother Earth. This role bestows insight that all living things are connected and each has a spirit, none lesser than any other. Nature is viewed as a generous friend and ally. This brotherhood with all things is reflected by the respect and reverence they give to animals. 7

How to Find Your Spirit Animals You can find your animal spirit guide by either meditating, day dreaming, sleep dreaming or observing nature. If you have a heartfelt deep affinity with a particular animal, chances are it's one of your spirit animal guides. Pay attention to:  Animals appearing in your dreams  Feeling a deep connection to any animal  Connecting with or thoughts of a certain animal during meditation or any relaxed state  Physically seeing or interacting with a particular animal on numerous occasions over a short period of time The most important thing to remember is that you can't choose your spirit animal(s). They choose you. 8

Communicating With Spirit Animals Shamans possess ancient knowledge that allows them easier communication with the spirit world and the tribe typically depends on them to assist in the interpretation of signs, omens and even delivering direct messages. That's not to say you can't bypass the shaman, but not everyone is able to achieve this kind of spirit connection on their own. 9

The Manataka American Indian Council explains, "Communicating with animal spirit guides is not easy. Animals have a different consciousness and perceive things differently than humans." Since animals are "sentient beings" it would be a mistake to treat them the same way you would a human. This is why shamans or medicine men and women are often the ones who assist in communicating with the spirit world.Manataka American Indian Council 10

Be Open to Animal Spirits Having your spirit animal reveal itself to you could be as simple as the animal appearing in your yard, in a park you visit, on a hike, and many other ways. Pay attention and you will soon discover that spirit animals are trying to connect with your spirit! Read the Native American attributes that spirit animals bring and then be open to receiving their wisdom and advice. 11

What animals do you predict could be your animal spirit guide? 12

Animal Spirit Guide Project Checklist ____ Read one fictional story and one non- fiction article including animal spirit beliefs. ____ To find out your animal spirit guide, take quiz at ____ Read about your animal spirit guide. 13

Checklist continued ____ Write a 2 paragraph Compare / Contrast essay describing the similarities and differences between you and your spirit guide. ____ Write a haiku about your animal spirit. ____ Design your animal spirit totem. ____ Contribute your totem to a class totem pole! 14

Totem Poles: Art of the Pacific Northwest Natives