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Animal Magic: Working with Spirit Animal Guides
An introduction to the world of animal magic; how to find, recognise, connect and work with the power of animal magic.
112 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2017
23 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 1, 2017
Copy received via NetGalley for a full, honest review --
Rachel Patterson continues to be a very easy yet informative read, with fascinating insights as to how you can improve or add to your craft.
While I'm not sure a lot of the practices here would work for me personally, it was nevertheless a very good and interesting look into how animals guides can work with you every day.
Rachel Patterson continues to be a very easy yet informative read, with fascinating insights as to how you can improve or add to your craft.
While I'm not sure a lot of the practices here would work for me personally, it was nevertheless a very good and interesting look into how animals guides can work with you every day.
March 3, 2017
Review: Animal Magic I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.Although I've always been interested in spiritualism and it's various practices, this was the first time I've read an actual book about it. Coming from a complete newbie, but I think this was a great introduction, if not to witchcraft and wicca, to spiritualism and working with animal familiars and spirits. As a species, humans tend to think we're better than animals and completely ignore what they can teach us, but I've never agreed with that assessment. This guide did a really great job of sharing what you can learn from animals, and what they can symbolize when appearing in your life or even your dreams. I actually had an interesting dream while reading this that tied in nicely with the author's narrative.While the author had a good go at making a comprehensive list of the animals, some that I were interested in were unfortunately left out. Understandable, as obviously it would have been much longer if she had listed every single animal... and then it would have been more of an index than a guide. There are also very practical and easy to follow exercises and meditations to find your own spirit guides, which I'm looking forward to try myself. This book left me with a working knowledge on how to find my animal guides and a sparking curiosity to learn more.
February 9, 2017
I am a book reviewer , I received and promptly devoured this work .
I am frequently asked about spirit animals, this book along with Animal Magick by Ted Andrews will now be in my books to recommend library. Sorry no spoilers here
I am frequently asked about spirit animals, this book along with Animal Magick by Ted Andrews will now be in my books to recommend library. Sorry no spoilers here
February 5, 2017
This is an excellent introduction to spirit animal work. It includes a handful of different paths, details for meditations or ceremonies, and even a rough guide of characteristics and such. I will absolutely be hunting down other guides by this author.
March 12, 2017
I received a free ARC of this title from Moon Books via Netgalley.
I'm a fan of Rachel Patterson, and I follow her blog on Patheos. Patterson's approach to the subject of witchcraft is very practical, no-nonsense, and down to earth. Her sensible writing, bereft of zany woo-woo and fluff is an example that I wish more authors would follow. If you're a witch who wants to read a book about animal guides that gives practical, workable exercises, then look no further. This very succinct book provides enough information to get started.
Some of the topics covered include what animal magic is and the benefits of practicing it, meditations and simple spells to employ when attempting to figure out which animal has something to teach you, and how to incorporate your guides into rituals and other workings after you've connected with them. Also included is the obligatory brief listing of traditional associations belonging to the more commonly known animal guides, but Patterson encourages the reader to use their own intuition to learn what the animal has to teach them as opposed to relying entirely on a paragraph from a reference book. Much appreciated.
I would recommend this title to anyone who is curious about animal guides, just getting started working with them, or has been working with them and would like some new ideas to try out and deepen their current practice. Fans of Lupa's works will also appreciate the solid content and no-nonsense approach.
I'm a fan of Rachel Patterson, and I follow her blog on Patheos. Patterson's approach to the subject of witchcraft is very practical, no-nonsense, and down to earth. Her sensible writing, bereft of zany woo-woo and fluff is an example that I wish more authors would follow. If you're a witch who wants to read a book about animal guides that gives practical, workable exercises, then look no further. This very succinct book provides enough information to get started.
Some of the topics covered include what animal magic is and the benefits of practicing it, meditations and simple spells to employ when attempting to figure out which animal has something to teach you, and how to incorporate your guides into rituals and other workings after you've connected with them. Also included is the obligatory brief listing of traditional associations belonging to the more commonly known animal guides, but Patterson encourages the reader to use their own intuition to learn what the animal has to teach them as opposed to relying entirely on a paragraph from a reference book. Much appreciated.
I would recommend this title to anyone who is curious about animal guides, just getting started working with them, or has been working with them and would like some new ideas to try out and deepen their current practice. Fans of Lupa's works will also appreciate the solid content and no-nonsense approach.
March 20, 2017
I gravitated towards "Animal Magic" as both a skeptic and a curious onlooker, having experienced a close affinity to an animal myself over the past two years. I think this book is better suited for people who already have knowledge in witchcraft and would take more out of it in a practical sense than I did. As a neutral reader, the material ranged from very familiar and even at times apparent, from what I remember reading about familiars from years back, to the complex and technical, like the sections on guided meditation. I think I wouldn't have minded it as much if I'd enjoyed Patterson's writing style more, which was actually the main source of frustration. The lack of editing at times, along with the use of ellipses to try adding some character to her jokes or witty remarks just didn't work for me, making it hard to focus when my mind was going over each sentence as an editor and trying to find better ways of wording it at certain moments. It wasn't bad, but I feel like the best way to learn about the topic would really be to sit down with an expert and have an in-person, casual conversation.
October 29, 2019
Great overview of animal magic fundamentals
Pagan portal books are not meant to be in-depth, academic tones on a subject. They're introductions to a subject and Animal Magic by Rachel Patterson is a great example of this type of "101" book. She investigates different types of animal magic, some probable origins, modern versions, provides some nice meditations to help the reader search for done animal guides of their own. Provides a few common correspondences and always reminds the reader that they should go with what feels right and correct for them. She is a kitchen witch, not a ceremonial magician....us kitchen witches tend to go with our instinct rather than the book. Perhaps that's why she writes a fine book!
Pagan portal books are not meant to be in-depth, academic tones on a subject. They're introductions to a subject and Animal Magic by Rachel Patterson is a great example of this type of "101" book. She investigates different types of animal magic, some probable origins, modern versions, provides some nice meditations to help the reader search for done animal guides of their own. Provides a few common correspondences and always reminds the reader that they should go with what feels right and correct for them. She is a kitchen witch, not a ceremonial magician....us kitchen witches tend to go with our instinct rather than the book. Perhaps that's why she writes a fine book!
November 26, 2018
Quick read.
Interesting meditations to try.
I was disappointed that Aquarius was missing from one of the charts & “pig” was not included for a spirit guide. I know not every animal can be listed but griffins and dragons made the list.
Interesting meditations to try.
I was disappointed that Aquarius was missing from one of the charts & “pig” was not included for a spirit guide. I know not every animal can be listed but griffins and dragons made the list.
October 28, 2017
Another great installment in the Pagan Portals series, I will be recommending this to all of my friends. As always, an in-depth look at a major aspect of magic, one I greatly enjoyed reading.
March 19, 2020
Too repetitive. The cover art was what caught my eye.
December 14, 2020
So interesting! I love animals but haven’t thought about connecting with them like this before, it’s a thoughtful and insightful book that I’ll dip into often!
July 29, 2022
There was some appropriation of Native American practices that made me uncomfortable.
August 13, 2024
Interesting animal meanings
October 6, 2020
Pagan Portal Ancestral Healing Edited by Trevor Greenfield
112 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
Release Date: July 31, 2020
Self-Help, Religion & Spirituality, Multicultural Interest
Trevor Greenfield has been a practicing Shaman for over 25 years.
The book is written as short stories by multiple authors all on the same topic.
Healing in the Ancestral Soul by Kenn Day: The author talks about Family Constellation Work technique. He includes a very powerful paragraph about forgiveness that I have copied and read over and over.
Walking the Bones: Reconnecting with our Ancient Past by Taz Thornton: She discusses animism and the belief everything has an energy or spirit.
Intergenerational Silence: Witnessing Yesterday to Heal Today by Irisanya Moon: The author discusses trauma (including rape and abusive relationships) and how we as humans deal with it.
Of Things Lost and Love Gained by Imelda Almqvist: She tells us about pain and trauma and how we can become more spiritual by learning from the past.
Dealing with Ancestral Shame by Mabh Savage: The author explains how it is okay not to accept the past mistakes of our ancestors as our own. She also states that it is okay to cut someone out of your life if they have harmed you.
Ancestral Healing by Elen Sentier: She talks about ancestral healing not only with connecting with our human ancestors but also with the land.
Stuck in the Rage Stage? By Dorothy Abrams: The author discusses denial and the importance to move onto the next step of anger. She also provides rituals to help with this action.
Looking them in the Eyes: Animals, Ancestry and Animism by Andrew Anderson: He discusses the importance of all life and how he became an ethical vegan to honor his animal ancestors.
Recovering the Bones Healing the Past by Angela Paine: The author explains how mourning for a lost loved one allows both people to heal and move one.
Saving the Tinkers’ Heart by Fiona Tinker: She provides a statement from her website which describes the Tinkers’ Heart as a space sacred to Scotland’s Travelling people.
Schism & Split: Wounds that can never heal by Melusine Draco. The author provides explanations on how words can cause harm. Words become actions and damage can occur.
When I first started the book, I didn’t realize the stories were written by separate authors since they flow together so well. Actually, had to start reading the book a second time so I could feel each story separately. The feelings and emotions along with forgiveness and love are brought to the forefront with this book.
112 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
Release Date: July 31, 2020
Self-Help, Religion & Spirituality, Multicultural Interest
Trevor Greenfield has been a practicing Shaman for over 25 years.
The book is written as short stories by multiple authors all on the same topic.
Healing in the Ancestral Soul by Kenn Day: The author talks about Family Constellation Work technique. He includes a very powerful paragraph about forgiveness that I have copied and read over and over.
Walking the Bones: Reconnecting with our Ancient Past by Taz Thornton: She discusses animism and the belief everything has an energy or spirit.
Intergenerational Silence: Witnessing Yesterday to Heal Today by Irisanya Moon: The author discusses trauma (including rape and abusive relationships) and how we as humans deal with it.
Of Things Lost and Love Gained by Imelda Almqvist: She tells us about pain and trauma and how we can become more spiritual by learning from the past.
Dealing with Ancestral Shame by Mabh Savage: The author explains how it is okay not to accept the past mistakes of our ancestors as our own. She also states that it is okay to cut someone out of your life if they have harmed you.
Ancestral Healing by Elen Sentier: She talks about ancestral healing not only with connecting with our human ancestors but also with the land.
Stuck in the Rage Stage? By Dorothy Abrams: The author discusses denial and the importance to move onto the next step of anger. She also provides rituals to help with this action.
Looking them in the Eyes: Animals, Ancestry and Animism by Andrew Anderson: He discusses the importance of all life and how he became an ethical vegan to honor his animal ancestors.
Recovering the Bones Healing the Past by Angela Paine: The author explains how mourning for a lost loved one allows both people to heal and move one.
Saving the Tinkers’ Heart by Fiona Tinker: She provides a statement from her website which describes the Tinkers’ Heart as a space sacred to Scotland’s Travelling people.
Schism & Split: Wounds that can never heal by Melusine Draco. The author provides explanations on how words can cause harm. Words become actions and damage can occur.
When I first started the book, I didn’t realize the stories were written by separate authors since they flow together so well. Actually, had to start reading the book a second time so I could feel each story separately. The feelings and emotions along with forgiveness and love are brought to the forefront with this book.
December 13, 2022
Una buena introducción al simbolismo de los animales, diferentes puntos de vista dependiendo de la cultura con la que se trabaje, y bastante contenido práctico. Siento que la autora pudo haberse extendido un poco más en algunas partes, pero en líneas generales es bastante útil.
A good introduction to animal symbolism, different points of view depending on the culture you work with, and plenty of practical content. I feel like the author could have gone on a bit longer in some parts, but overall it's pretty helpful.
A good introduction to animal symbolism, different points of view depending on the culture you work with, and plenty of practical content. I feel like the author could have gone on a bit longer in some parts, but overall it's pretty helpful.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews