Spirit Animals and the Wheel of Life: Earth-Centered Practices for Daily Living

Spirit Animals and the Wheel of Life: Earth-Centered Practices for Daily Living

Though our ancient ancestors had a deep spiritual connection to the natural world, most modern humans have lost that connection, resulting in ever-increasing ecological assaults on our planet. As environmental quality continues to worsen, we must find a way to spiritually reconnect with Mother Earth--before it is too late. "Ecospiritualism" is a form of spirituality that embraces, and takes responsibility for, the natural world we live in. One of the most practical, enjoyable, and simple ways of reclaiming our ecospiritual connection with Mother Earth is journeying with the spirits of animals just as our ancestors did thousands of years ago. Animals, most intimately connect with Mother Earth, are the perfect guides to the ancient wisdom we have lost. Mole, eagle, badger, wolf, bear, mountain lion--each animal has its place on the sacred medicine wheel; each has knowledge vital to the future of our Earth and to rediscovering our rightful place in it. In Spirit Animals , author Hal Zina Bennett offers an accessible form of "spiritual orienteering" in which personal power animals are the guides and teachers, and shamanism is the means by which we work with and learn from them. Bennett, a much-published author on the subject of Earth-centered spirituality, has written a gentle and persuasive volume about what we can learn from the animals around us. His message is that every animal is a reflection and expression of the spirituality that flows through the entire world, and that if we can learn to hear the lesson contained in the essence of each animal, we can re-experience the wonder of that world. Bennett's book includes suggested meditations and exercises, as well as an appendix on smudging (ritual marking of space). For collections where there is a strong interest in New Age spirituality. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. it provides tools for understanding our own lives and finding spiritual guidance that is grounded as the earth itself. -- The Light Connection, April 2001 Animals have been among our greatest teachers for at least 30,000 years. They taught our ancestors to gather food, hunt, build community, stand in their own power, how to love, and how to establish a living relationship with nature and the Creator. More recently we have lost touch with the animals, leading Zen poet Thich Nat Hanh to remark that if we are to save the world we must learn to "hear the sound within us of the Earth crying." The ancient spiritual practice I describe here tells how to listen once again to the spirits of the animals and to hear what the Earth requires of us. I have followed this spiritual practice for over 15 years–a sacred shamanic path as important today as it was for our ancient ancestors who found guidance in this way 30,000 years ago. By embracing the animals' teachings and honoring our sacred links with Nature, we may learn once again to bask in the Mystery and beauty of Creation. We can relearn the language of our own souls. The animals' teachings are vital for our times, telling how to reclaim a heart connection with our environment, enhancing our intellectual concerns for the environment. It answers questions we should all be asking: "Why did God insist that Noah save the animals?" What do the animals want? Why do they come to us in our dreams? What is our kinship with them? This is an Earth-centered spiritual practice that can put you in touch with your own gifts, your own love, while clarifying choices in your daily life. It is as practical as it is prophetic and healing. Learn more about the author's books and workshops at: HalZinaBennett.com Hal's highly acclaimed work includes countless articles and more than 30 successful books. Hal's interest in creativity, human consciousness, metaphysics, and the ancient wisdom traditions began as a teenager, following a coma and near-death experience that left him temporarily blind, during which time he was initiated into the reality of the inner world. Used Book in Good Condition