-Chief Dan George

Power Animals are symbols of specific kind of energy to be manifested and aligned with in our life. The animal becomes a symbol of a specific force of the invisible, spiritual realm manifesting within this world in our own life. For the collection "Loving Kindness" I matched a Power Animals to every blend to help even more on your journey of self-healing, self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Ted Andrews in his book about nature symbolism masterfully explains the concept behind the nature totems and how to work with the nature archetypes for self-growth in everyday life:

According to Ted Andrews, every species in nature symbolize specific energies and features that are associated with it. Every species and every aspect of the environment has the power to remind us of what we can, if we wish, manifest within our own life.

We can use animals, plants, rocks and elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) as a way to learn about ourselves and the invisible world. They are archetypal powers that lie behind and oversee all the manifestations in Nature.

The word Archetype comes from the Greek word archetypos. It is composed of two main elements: arche meaning first, original – and typos meaning model or type. It refers to the primal essence of something, its essential foundational principle, even before something becomes manifest in an individualized and / or materialized form.

These archetypes have their own qualities and characteristics which are reflected through the behavior and activities of animals and other expressions of Nature. When we pay attention and acknowledge a spirit of animal or a plant, we are honoring the essence that lies behind it by opening up and attuning to that essence. We can than use it to understand our own life circumstances more clearly.

Indigenous people all over the world were observing and learning from Nature, feeling themselves as one with it and were taking care of their environment. They were humble in understanding how young and inexperienced human beings were in comparison to millions of years of adaptation and evolution that formed plant and animal consciousness.

Working with Power Animals and Plant Spirits we invite them as symbols of specific kind of energy we want to manifest and align with in our life. The animal or a plant becomes a symbol of a specific force of the invisible, spiritual realm manifesting within our own life.

I spent years of working with shamans of different ethnicities and traditions, combining the observed with the deeply rooted traditions of Russian medicine women and phytotherapy.

When I started making my own medicinal preparations I felt a need to acknowledge the spirit of the plant that I am working with, and invite additional allies from the animal and mineral kingdoms.

Here are the Power Animals that I invited to join my Trues Self Aroma healing essential oil formulas:

The Hummingbird in "Happiness" symbolize the enjoyment of life and lightness of being and to be encouraged to develop your own adaptability and resiliency while keeping a playful and optimistic outlook.

The Tiger in "Confidence"is a perfect embodiment of elegant power and grounded self-confidence. Tiger energy teaches self-actualization – you begin to feel comfortable in your own skin and even revel in it. A powerful reminder of overcoming obstacles and fears by reclaiming your place of power, call on Tiger as your Power Animal when you need renewed confidence.

The Owl in "Shadow"gives the strength needed to open your eyes and look into the shadows. It is a symbol of being able to navigate any darkness in our life and if there are skeletons in the closet you can trust that Owl will find them and start the house cleaning.

The Deer in "Maitri" brings the quality of wisdom, connection with inner gentleness, a clear connection and the innocence of their inner child. It reveals to you a fresh perspective on old issues.

The Dolphin in "Release" is associated with the power of breath, the element of water and emotional release, which are deeply connected. It teaches you to go back to your roots, to the depths of your being and rediscover the Love that you truly are.

Resources:

* "Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small" by Ted Andrews, Published September 8th 2002 by Llewellyn Publications