One may determine their Shadow Totem through a variety of methods, yet one of the "easiest" methods is to think of that animal which is the most frightening to us.  For some, this may be a spider, others a lion, yet others still a wolf or a snake.  Yet this is not always a "fool proof" barometer for discovering the Shadow Totem, and it is wise in any event to spend some time going ~Within~ and getting acquainted with this Animal Spirit.

To discover the Shadow Totem that journeys beside you and to uncover the Wisdom that he/she has to teach, an invitation (spoken out loud) to reveal him/herself during your dreams or while meditating, will often elicit a vivid encounter.

Once the Shadow Totem has been revealed, it is important to embrace that Animal Spirit for the Wisdom and Medicine they bring to you on this Earthwalk. Begin with a ~prayer~ of thanks for their Role alongside you, and affirm to yourself that it is your Intent to acknowledge in conscious awareness the Lessons that he/she has brought to you.

The next phase of embracing the Shadow Totem may be both the most painful and the most intensive, yet the Growth that will arise from this process will be the ultimate reward.

As this can be a very painful and/or arduous process, some may benefit from guided counseling and healing.  This can be sought through either  traditional psychotherapy, or non conventional methods such as past life recall, esoteric astrology or intuitive counseling.

Whatever approach is undertaken, it is important to remember that the integration of the Shadow is a phase in which the psyche, body and soul may be vulnerable to outside influences.  Therefore, it is imperative that a counselor be found in which trust is implicitly had, and that the counselor is experienced and highly  capable.  If you do not feel comfortable with the either the method and approach, or the trust factor of a current therapist/counselor, then you will need to find one with whom you can have complete confidence.  Remember, this is your well-being you are looking after, and you have the right to make any changes or choices that you feel are necessary for the integration process to be successful.

During this time, the soul and psyche are especially vulnerable to "psychic attacks" from both non-integrated individuals, and/or from lower level energies that exist on either the Physical or Ethereal (Spiritual) planes.

To prevent such attacks, it is crucial that the aura (the energy field which extends beyond the confines of the physical body), is whole and intact.  If there are any rips or breeches in this field, such attacks may deliver an especially powerful blow.

Successful psychic attacks can result in everything from physical illness to bouts of depression, listlessness and futility which may then become an overwhelming drain that distracts the Conscious mind from resolving and integrating the Shadow.  One of the best defenses against these blows is to surround the Self with a White Light.  Envision the entire body encapsulated in a shield of pure energy, seeing it stream down from above to cover every inch of both the physical body, and the aura.

Once this process has begun, the Shadow may temporarily become stronger, resisting the integrative process, or the pain may become so intense that there will be the urge to discontinue therapy.  It is therefore crucial to surround oneself with positive and reinforcing influences and to reduce external stress by whatever extent and means possible or reasonable.

Of course, it is possible to acknowledge and integrate our Shadow ourselves, yet often a qualified individual (in some instances even friends and family members) who can operate from impartiality and detachment, can provide that neutral voice of reasoning, encouragement and reinforcement when we might otherwise be blind to our own issues/lessons.

By looking at the keywords associated with that Animal Spirit that is your Shadow Totem, one may begin to understand the lessons and challenges unique to that particular Totem.  This, coupled with acknowledging our fears and examining our motives when there is a conflict Within, will assist us as we learn to walk in peace and integration with our Shadow.
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