What is a power animal?
The power animal, also known as the totem animal, is a term that stems from more recent times and comes from North American mythology. But power animals are found in many cultures. In the Norse tradition they are often known as Fylgje. In the Sami tradition they have several names (Noaidegàssi (Gadze) or Sueie are perhaps the most common). These can take the form of both human and animal shapes (and forms that are part human and part animal). Such helping spirits have different functions, but the common denominator is that they are there to provide teaching, advice and guidance.
All people have power animals. We are born with one, and some accompany us for shorter or longer periods. The power animal that often comes during a drum journey is the animal with the qualities we need in order to survive and continue further along our life path.
In earlier times we understood that we were only a part of nature, just a small part. Now many believe that humans are the largest and most important part. We are still only a part of nature, a part of Mother Earth, a part of that which is greater than us. We had respect for nature and killed only what we needed for food and clothing. We did not waste our resources. We respected life and spirit and gave thanks for receiving life, nourishment and what we needed. We were connected to the power that the animal spirits held, and we understood the strength that lay in their teaching. It reminded us that all animals are our sisters, brothers, friends and, most importantly, teachers.
Each animal has its own power and teaching. Each power animal chooses a person it wishes to follow, a friend. You might think that you want an eagle because it is powerful, and believe that you can choose it. The power animal will choose you and make its presence known to you, not the other way around. All you need to do is be a little attentive. It will give you power and wisdom if you learn to communicate with it. Having a power animal means that you have something to learn, and you also have a powerful friend.
Helpers
Our native mythologies and traditions have many helpers. They are often known as the little folk, elves, nisser or gufihtar, among other names. They are all beings that have coexisted with humans throughout the ages. If we stay on good terms with them, they are of great help to us, but one should not fall out with them. The ancestors also belong among the helpers in the shamanic tradition. Every step we take is supported by generation upon generation of ancestors, which is why it is important to safeguard the legacy they left behind.
