Shamanic Power Retrieval:  Creating an Alliance with Spirit
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The process of returning power is a joyous event which culminates in the unification of spirit power in the form of an animal guide.  The power retrieval takes an hour or two so I suggest giving yourself an open and flexible schedule - honor the work by setting aside time before and after for reflection and integration.  If you have experience fasting you may wish to do so beforehand in order to help clear the mind and enhance perception.  Otherwise I recommend eating lightly and refraining from strong substances.  You are welcome to invite friends and family to come with you to support and witness the power retrieval. The work begins with your story and intention.  With a prayer for assistance we open to giving and receiving.  Incense and annointing as well as rattling the four directions creates a place of heightened awareness and protection.  To help you to open to the dream-time and clear some energetic distortion I will apply reiki for about thirty minutes to the head and heart.  I will cover my eyes to improve inner vision and begin a recording of shamanic drumming.  We will lie on the floor together with shoulders, hips and ankles touching.  At this point, your role is to stay present and open to receive.  I will travel in consciousness and meet with my guides and teachers, state my intention and ask any relevant questions and then request help in finding a willing power animal for you.  Once an animal has made it clear that they want to work with you I will ask the animal for any information regarding your journey.  I will then bring the power animal into my body and return with the assistance of my guides.  Once I have returned I will sit up and cup my hands over your chest and with force and intention blow the animal into your chest.  After helping you to it up the animal is again blown into the top of your head.  The new relationship is consecrated and "sealed" with the rattle. Once power has been returned I will tell you the nature of your power animal and reveal any information gathered during my journey.  The work is concluded in giving thanks, the circle is opened, and we return to continue anew.
Synchronicity:  Echoes of the Spirit World
You may begin to experience your power animal and animals in general, more vividly and frequently.  If the animal lives in your geographic area you may encounter it outdoors.  If not, you may begin to see it in magazines, billboards, television, in movies, hear people talking about it or you may recognize it in dreams.  Synchronicities are powerful reminders that the univers know and cares about what we do.  Shamanic healing work has ramifications for our internal as well as external lives.  The two worlds are not seperate at all but form a seamless continuity.  It is important to be on the lookout for the occurence of positive synchronicities, for they are the signals that power is working to produce effects beyond the normal bounds of probability.
Deepening your Relationship with your Power Animal
			Each morning, welcome the day and affirm your relationship. Display an icon or picture of your power animal in your home. Wear a charm or pendant in its honor. Make acknowledging your power animal a part of your body practice by calling it to join you when you run, walk, ride a bike, or swim. Let your art practice include drawing, painting, sculpting or writing about your power animal. Allow your power animal to assist you in times of stress and uncertainty by invoking its name.  Just as well, in times of joy, recognize your power animal in celebration and delight.
Revealing the Identity of your Power Animal
Shamans differ as to whether it is advisable for one to tell people about the identity of their animal guardian.  Some say its nature is a most secret matter.  To disclose the animal's identity while one still has it, they believe, may cause the guardian to leave the person.  Others disagree and are comfortable speaking publicly about their power animals.  I believe that humbleness and respect will guide you best, however you choose to proceed.
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