One type of animal spirit, that’s really only heard through Shamanism or Paganism, is called a “familiar”.
The familiar is a spiritual entity that appears in animal form to facilitate the communion between a human and the spirit world.
Many believe that a true shaman doesn’t just decide to walk the “Path”. The potential “initiate” has to first be chosen. Then the “initiate” must accept a spirit being or deity as their mentor. Many times, this mentor will send forth an animal spirit to guide the initiate to them. Or in many cases, they themselves may take the form of an animal spirit, only later revealing their true nature.
For instance, an owl accompanies Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The owl represents wisdom and never leaves her side.
In the past, familiars were also associated with witches and superstition, like a black cat. But that notion has become too narrow and antiquated.
Nowadays, a familiar is simply an animal that has personal and spiritual meaning to you. And you don’t need an otherworldly experience or an altered state of consciousness to connect.
Many people describe enjoying a spiritual experience with a particular animal. Take for instance, their pet. Some feel their pets are familiars since they experience such a sacred and strong bond. Some might even experience telepathic communication with their pet.
Some describe their pet familiar as a “spiritual teacher,” while others choose words like “companion” or “messenger.” The animal is a messenger for healing, teaching, and wisdom.
Now, if animals have souls, it’s perfectly reasonable to intuit that those souls might return again and again. Thus, our understanding of “a familiar spirit”. If you have an affinity for animals, you’ve probably no doubt noticed that some animals are just different somehow. Maybe more aware. Smarter.
Some who don’t seem like animals at all, but more like little people. And it’s these animal spirits that seem to return in other incarnations. Again, the idea of a “familiar spirit.”
Pets often appear in my readings who have had past lives with the same owner. Their pet has been with them before in other lives for a variety of purposes. A familiar can be any animal where there exists a strong bond.
Animals are wise. Wiser than we think. They have great insight and awareness.
Italia Oliver M.S. Ed., lovingly channels messages from Spirit to provide you guidance and clarity, and helps you connect with crossed-over loved ones. She’s an Intuitive Medium, Voice Channeler, Spiritual Advisor/Teacher, and Certified Angel Card Reader.
Her life changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was during the healing process that she began receiving messages from the angels. As a child, she experienced psychic phenomena and off-world visitations.
Italia offers Readings in Soul Guidance, Mediumship, Tarot, Angel/Oracle Cards, Romance/Relationships, Life Purpose/Career, Past Lives, Starseed Origins, Auras & Chakras, Ancestral Healing, Astrology & Moon Cycles, and Your Angels & Spirit Guides. Along with Readings, she also offers classes, courses, and private One-to-One Intuitive & Mediumship Development Mentoring Sessions.
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Email: italia@italiaoliver.com/ (562)331-4845
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