Secrets of Shamanism

JOSE AIID LENA STEVENS 75

attended a series of software training seminars there and

had not felt the usual exhaustion from information over-

load. When, the following year, the series was moved to a

much plusher, more modern facility uptown, he felt the

typical wipeout after each class. Since that time, Jack

had discovered that places of power exist even within the

city environment, and he had begun to learn how to find

them. He just "knew" that the Bayview Center was such a

place.

Although no one else knew quite why, the fifteenth an-

nual computer software convention was a huge success.

As a final note, you need not always be physically present
at a power spot to benefit from its special properties. Once
you know where a power spot is, you can journey there sha-
manically or re-create it in your mind's eye. Try developing
this habit with a favorite power spot so you can recall it
whenever you wish. You can even shamanically create or
build your own clubhouse or workshop, where you carry out
tasks and hang out whenever you want to replenish yourself.
This can be your own secret place, guarded by your power
animal, an ally that is described next.

THE POWER OP ANIMALS

The shamans' power is directly related to their totems, or
in other words, their animal allies. The greater the totems,
the stronger their power animals, the more influential they
are. To a shaman, a human being is not better or more aware
than an animal, even though humans largely depend on ani-
mals for their source of food. Animals, like rocks, have pow-
erful spirits, each with its own talents, and are uniquely
qualified to assist people in specific areas. The shaman's re-
lationship with animals is a mutually beneficial one. The sha-
man offers the spirit animal respect and devotion, while the
animal offers guidance and assistance with a great many
tasks beyond the shaman's personal abilities. One of the
chief gifts that power animals offer is protection and guard-
ianship to the shaman during arduous tasks. Animal allies
may also be used to help find lost objects, mediate problem-
atic relationships, and in general assist in the achievement of
a challenging goal.
Each power animal has a specialty, so the shaman may
need to consult with several if a problem has a variety of
aspects to it. The hawk is good at seeing things from afar
while the fox is known for its intelligence and cunning. Gen-