My formal introduction to Shamanism was a class/workshop conducted by the Foundation For Shamanic Studies. I learned to journey to the rhythmic beat of the drum. This drum beat brought us into the theta state of mind. During this class we participated in and discussed healing techniques, spirit animal retrieval, and divination. We journeyed to both the upper worlds to meet guides and lower worlds to meet spirit animals. Sometimes I was successful; sometimes I was unsuccessful. From this experience I developed a sense and feeling of what spirit animals and guides are and what they do and don't do. The form I studied at this workshop is Core Shamanism as developed by Michael Harner.
Before this class, I contacted my first a spirit animal in a vision, a dream-vision. I define a dream-vision as one in which I see the action through my eyes and have control over what I do. The spirit animal appeared to me and assisted me in solving a problem. This animal often appears in dream-visions with messages and lessons. In some concepts of Shamanism, this is not accepted as a legitimate journeying technique, but it does work for me.
I sense this animal is my main spirit animal. He is seen at some Reiki healings by clairvoyant friends. I sense his presence during extremely difficult healings involving the removal of tricky unfriendly entities. He seems to enjoy this greatly.
During some Reiki healings I conduct, I see some of my many animal helpers or sense their presence when I call on them. Some clairvoyant healers I work with say they have not seen animals active in healing before. Is this because I am the only one they know who calls on on my spirit animals and asks their help? I don't know.
I don't generally discuss who my spirit animals are. I've heard both sides of the story; that it's OK to discuss them and that it's not. I choose to stay on the safe side, not because of fear but because, in most instances, it isn't necessary for others to know this information; I've found it's often better to only give out some information on a need to know basis.