The Animal Guide

…Breathe

The soft steady drumming filled the dark room. I took a deep breath as a chill ran down my spine. My body began to relax as I steadied my breathing. 

…Breathe

I was engulfed by a warm, white light. I squinted as I noticed a blueish hue to the blinding light. I enjoyed the warmth that surrounded me as I laid down in this circle of light. The ground was hard, but warm and comforting underneath my fingers. A blanket suddenly appeared at my feet. As I pulled it up, I realized it was an animal pelt. The rusted-colored fur was soft and heavy in my hands. I felt an odd sense of nostalgia as I snuggled into the blanket's embrace.

…Breathe

Trees surrounded me and I realized I was in my oasis, the clearing by the river. I stood from my makeshift bed and walked towards a flowing stream. I looked around at the towering trees, breathing in the crisp fresh air. Ravens cawed from their perches, welcoming me home. As I looked back at the river a bridge appeared on the other side of it, leading out of the clearing. I looked down at the coursing river that blocked me from my goal. I took a deep breath and stepped into what I expected was a deep body of water. But instead, like God, I walked on water.

…Breathe

Without hesitation, for fear my new gift might fail me, I ran towards the bridge. I stopped at its threshold and studied the roman styled bridge. The white marble was pristine, not at all weathered by the rough elements. A thick fog surrounded the heavy structure and obstructed my view of the end. I took a deep breath and step onto the overpass. The stone was cold and sharp on my bare feet as I slowly began my way across. I knew I was walking across the water, I could smell the salt that filled the air, but I couldn’t see anything through the gray mist. With confidence, I continued my way to the end.

…Breathe

Eventually, the bridge led me towards a clearing. The clearing was not much different from the one I was previously in. Similar trees and a coursing river surrounded me. I looked at the trees expecting to see the ravens, but the branches were empty. I looked around at the forest that surrounded me, realizing how alone I was in this unknown territory. I could hear the rustling of fallen leaves as I braced for what was approaching. 

Slowly, a snake started to slither towards me, but I felt unafraid. A scorpion followed, then an elephant, a dog, a cat, a giraffe, a multitude of animals began to join me in this clearing. As I watched all these different animals encircled me a butterfly flew past my face. I felt at peace.

…Ask your spirit animal to step forward

All the animals took a uniformed step forward. I looked at the animals confused. How could they all be my spirit animal, I thought. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. 

Please let me see you…

A raven landed on my shoulder and nuzzled my head. A chill ran through the left side of my body where the raven sat and I smiled softly, knowing he was the one. I looked around as the animals parted like the red sea. I walked towards the stream and approached an old oak tree. I put out my hand and the raven jumped onto my fingers. The beautiful, blackbird allowed me to guide him to a low-hanging branch.

“Will you tell me your name?”

Odin…

I froze, my mind must be fucking with me. “Odin, huh? Sure thing.” As if sensing my doubt the raven looked in my eyes as if he was seeing through me. His eyes began to flash quickly with different images. I saw Joan’s death, a warrior fighting in a battle, a beautiful castle, and a thousand other imagines before landing on a plane. 

World War II…

“What do you need to show me?”

The past holds the key…

I watched the bird fly off and stared as it soared high into the sky. I gasped as I quickly came out of my meditation. I looked at the shaman woman who stared at me with concern.

…Breathe

“I need to do a past lives meditation.”