Blog Archives - Shadow Maven

Guides, and Spirits, and Totems, oh my!

3/25/2024

Aside from writing books and blog posts, I also write tarot and oracle deck reviews for a friend that owns a metaphysical store. Today I began a review for a rather large tarot/oracle duo called The Ark By Bernadette King. (Large but fabulous, by the way). One aspect of this deck is how each animal within it can relate to a person as either a Spirit Animal, a Totem Animal, or a Power Animal. Now, I have seen these terms used almost interchangeably in some texts, but it is my understanding that they are all separate terms that relate to the different contexts/situations these amimals present themselves to a person, and therefore, also bring different meaning/messages from each animal.
As I understand it, a Spirit Animal is one that may come to you in meditation, or presents itself to you in multiple forms (in person, in logos, in advertising, on tv, etc..), multiple times. You just seem to see them or hear about them everywhere. They seem to be trying to get your attention to give you a sign or a message you need to hear.
A Totem Animal is one you feel drawn to or a connection with. Maybe you collect figurines or stuffies (I used to collect monkey related items, now I am drawn to dragons and wolves), they are your wallpaper (on your electronic devices), or you like to wear clothes that depict them. You may even donate to speicific charities to help them. Due to the connection you feel with them, they may likely represent a part of you, your personality, and/or your approach to life.
Finally, a Power Animal is an animal that you feel has the energy or traits you are looking to call upon or bring into your life. This could be to help with a certain situation, to overcome something you are going through, or any other reason you may need to call on energies/traits you feel are needed, but that you lack.
While there many books out there that explain the "meanings" given to each animal (Steven Farmer Ph.D animal guide books and oracle decks are also fabulous for this), one can get a feel for what they mean themselves by researching that particular animal, its characteristics, and habitat/lifestyle. Intuitively, you will find the information/meaning you need in the moment.
This is only my understanding/experience, of course. How about you?

Speaking of Spirituality...

3/18/2024

As I was sitting here drinking my morning coffee I was reminded of something I once read (if anyone knows who originally posted this please let me know in the comments, I would love to credit them) about tea and spirituality. I believe this is just as true for coffee. They wrote that drinking tea (or coffee) is one of the most spiritual morning rituals. The tea itself represents earth (as it is made from earthy things), which you add to water, and heat with fire, which creates a delicious steam (air), which, when you drink, nourishes you mind, body, and soul (spirit). While we may not think of our morning tea/coffee as actual ritual, it really is a mini ritual that is quite important to a lot of us. Think about how that first sip makes you feel, or how "off" your day feels if you miss it. Now, not every hot beverage you drink is going to help you feel this way. I believe that in order to tap into this amazing elemental energy you must treat this experience with mindfulness. Be "in the moment" and really enjoy it. However, I think our days would all be improved on a mental and spiritual level if we started each day this way. If we took the time to breathe in this nourishing energy and set good intentions for the day, before heading out into the hectic world where who no knows what awaits us. Not just a good morning ritual; being able to take even 5 minutes during the stressful times in our day (on a lunch break, after work, before bed, or after a difficult meeting/customer) could change the tone of a "bad day" or stressful situation.
This also made me think about all the other things we do throughout our day that, if we did them mindfully rather than mindlessly, they could improve our mental/emotional state. Things like eating, setting up our work space, saying good morning/goodbye to your kids/pets/significant other, and even breathing; if done mindfully and with appreciation, can help set a tone of good intention for the day.
How much more joyful and calm would our lives feel if we added even a small amount of spirituality to our otherwise mundane every day tasks? How might our lives change just by apprecitaing those little moments, rather than rushing through to get that next thing done? How might those little changes in you affect others around you in a positive way? Only way to find out is to try it. If you already do this, what changes have you seen?

Practicing mindfulness has been shown to help the body better respond to stress. Chronic stress, as you may know, impacts a person in many negative ways, on different levels (physical, mental, and emotional). A little mindfulness can go a long way.

Trains vs Rabbit Holes.

3/11/2024

I am an avid reader. When I find a topic I am interested I tend to buy several books on the subject so I can get as much information for different perspectives as I can. From all that information I take what I need and/or what makes sense to me to form my own opinion/beliefs. When it comes to the metaphysical, I find not everything works or feels right to everyone. My practice is personal and very eclectic because of this. That said, sometimes reading on one subject leads to other subjects, and then others, and so on. It can end in a real rabbit hole of information, theories, and oh so many more questions. Not that I think this is a bad thing. Sometimes I really enjoy the process, even though it can feel like I have multiple trains, on multiple tracks, going in all directions. I love the interconnectedness of it all. How do you do it? Do you focus on one thing, learning all you can/want to before moving on? Or do you also find yourself going off on tangents when what you read brings up new theories/questions for you? In essence, do you jump down the rabbit hole with both feet, or do you prefer the safety of the train? Or does it depend on the topic in question?

Science or Sorcery?

3/5/2024

I read a lot of metaphysical and science books, but some of my favourites are the ones that bring them together. I find it fascinating that science continues to prove the validity of theories that metaphysical practitioners, healers, witches, shamans, and the like have taken for "fact" for generations. From the many conversations over the years that I have had with various practitioners, I have noticed that many of us ride the line between science and faith. I am curious, though, how people reconcile the two. Personally, I don't feel there is a conflict. Knowing how something works doesn't remove the "magic" for me. The universe is still an a amazing and magical place, as I see it. That said, I wonder how many of you feel the same. Do you focus on one more than the other? Do you read books/articles that give insight on how your magical practices have scientific basis? Do you avoid the science and just have faith in your work? Do you even think about it? I would love to hear your thoughts on it.