The beginning of a fresh new year can be an excellent time to embark on activities that strengthen the intrinsic connection with one’s own spirituality.
In 2020, when this blog was mere days old, I shared an entry called 12 Ways to Live a More Magickally Focused Year.
The next year, in February 2021, as a bit of a follow-up to that entry, we explored 14 Ways to Love Your Witchcraft Even More.
The ideas housed in these posts are well worth visiting (or revisiting, as the case may be) now that 2022 is officially underway. 😃
They are, of course, far from the only ways to connect further and deeper with your witchery and/or spirituality (as, indeed, witchcraft can be practiced independently from faith or spirituality).
As dawn rises on a new year, a spiritually significant topic that frequently springs to mind for me is that of our animal spirit guides.
Please note that I did not say “spirit animals”. To my mind and those of many nowadays, this particular term is primarily usually reserved for those of certain ethnic groups, particularly indigenous peoples from around the globe.
While you might be inclined to say that reversing the order of the words is akin to splitting hairs, such is far from the case.
Guides – be they celestial, land-based, otherworldly, amongst the departed, part of the animal realm or otherwise are generally things that anyone on earth can connect with.
Any one of us can feel that we have one or more power/guide animal spirits with us or seek such out if they are not already a part of our lives and spiritual practices.
Many books that were published during the 1990s, 2000s, and even some of those from the 2010s do not necessarily make this distinction and veer into what a lot of folks today would rightly view as cultural appropriation.
I am very happy to say that this is not the case with the first book that I’m reviewing here this year: Spirit Animal Guides: Discover Your Power Animal and the Shamanic Path by Chris Luttichau.
This tremendously lovely book was first published in 2009 (with the title of Animal Spirit Guides) and has subsequently been reprinted over the years.
The copy that I am reviewing in this post was printed in 2019 and was purchased with my own funds.
Book specs:
Name: Spirit Animal Guides: Discover Your Power Animal and the Shamanic Path
Author: Chris Luttichau
Publisher: CICO Books
Page count: 160 pages
Binding: Hardcover
A contemporary approach to an ancient tradition
Chris Luttichau, this book’s author, is a well-known and highly respected teacher and healer who has traversed the globe learning traditional ways from knowledgeable teachers, practitioners, shamans, and others who possess time-honoured wisdom and approaches to life.
He holds tremendous respect for the earth and its inhabitants, very much including those of the animal variety, and keenly weaves elements of ancestor work, prayer, and dreaming into western (neo)shamanism.
The topic of shamanism enters the picture in Spirit Animal Guides. It is done so with immense reverence, broad strokes, and a reminder to us all that nearly every early culture around the world had spiritual leaders, healers and teachers who today could easily fall under the header of having been shamans.
This is true for my ancestors from locations such as the frozen north of Russia and the verdant Celtic + Norse lands, much as it is for many of us with far-reaching roots to Oceania, North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, and other parts of Europe as well.
In 1998, Chris – a native of Denmark who currently resides in the UK – founded an international teaching organization and accompanying website called the Northern Drum Circle, where he periodically writes on topics pertaining to animal spirit guides and shamanism.
I have never met or interacted with Mr. Luttichau (who travels far afield to hold workshops through North America and Europe). However, it only took a few paragraphs into his book Spirit Animal Guides for me to sense that we would likely hit it off well and share many points in common.
Spirit Animal Guides: Discover Your Power Animal and the Shamanic Path features a gorgeous array of full-colour illustrations by artist Melissa Launay, each of which helps to bring the topics that Luttichau talks about and the selection of animals that he highlights to life all the more.
At 160 pages, this is not a huge book by any means. However, the information it houses far exceeds that of many longer titles on the subject of animal spirit guides.
First split into two sections (Section 1 and Section 2, respectively), then broken down into five chapters (plus a handy index), and further divided into numerous subchapters, this book has an excellent flow to it leads you to want to read it from cover-to-cover.
I have done so now three times since this book entered my life and have enjoyed it all more with each reading.
Spirit Animal Guides by Chris Luttichau begins with the opening lines, “The purpose of the teachings in this book is for you to discover whether they feel true for you. Find out if they awaken a remembrance within yourself and your body of an ancient instinctual bond between you, nature, and animals.”
True to its word, that is precisely what this book not only sets out to do but accomplishes with skill, insight, and inspiration aplenty.
The author addresses the topic of animal spirit guides and the long-held relationship between those who engage in shamanism, while also delving into the fact that humans from many walks of life have sought out (or been chosen by, as the case may be) animal spirit helpers/guides since time immemorial.
Early on in the book, he talks openly about his own spiritual journey, guides readers through methods they can undertake if they are presently seeking an animal spirit guide, and explains what he means when through this book he describes the “animal medicine” associated with the critters featured therein.
Before delving into the selection of animals that Luttichau has chosen to shine the spotlight on, readers are treated to the author’s thoughts pertaining to such areas as “The power animal as your mirror”, (a brief look at) “Shamanism and spiritual reality”, “Dream recall”, “The drum journey”, and various ways of working with your power animal.
In the section regarding shamanism and spiritual reality, Luttichau states that “The teachings given here about power and animals are closely linked to the shamanic tradition. Shamanism does not constitute a religion, and it gives each human being the freedom to explore reality with an open mind and heart to find her or his own truth.”
To my mind, this is one of the most accurate, even-handed and approachable descriptions of this subject I have yet to encounter.
It jives with my own views on the subject, though I readily acknowledge that under the broad banner of shamanism and traditional beliefs, certain elements are closed culture to those outside of those specific groups/ethnicities.
Luttichau discusses how many of us have – or can have if we are not already consciously connected to such – at least one primary “power animal guide”.
He leads readers through ways to find, connect with, and strengthen the bond between themselves and their primary power animal guide, as well as what might be termed secondary animal spirit guides – of which the author states he believes many of us have at least four.
One being our lead animal spirit guide and the other three being members who – along with said power animal – form what the author terms our “Circle of [Animal Spirit] Allies”.
Thusly called because each one is thought to represent or hold a place within the four cardinal points of a circle (those being east, west, north and south, respectively)
He goes on to discuss how each of these four is likely to embody different traits, serve to teach us various lessons, and how we ourselves can be seen in some respects as a manifestation of the creatures that comprise our Circle of Allies.
Furthermore, Luttichau thoughtfully reminds us that “There is no rush to find all four animal spirits in your circle. In fact, it is generally a good idea to take your time, letting the search unfold in a natural, general way”.
The information pertaining to one’s Circle of Allies is housed in the final pages of the book.
Sandwiched between that section and the beneficial introductory topics (some of which I touched on above), one finds the bevy of animal friends that Chris Luttichau opted to shine the spotlight on in this book.
He chose to do so by corralling various animals into groups based on where the critters in each spend the majority of their time.
As such, they are categorized as Earth Animals, Air Animals, Water Animals, and Water/Earth Animals for those creatures (think frogs, otters, and beavers, for example) who divide their time between both environments.
The selection for each group varies a bit in size, though multiple entries appear for each category of animal.
Naturally, no book or other type of resource (i.e., a website on the topic) can possibly cover every animal on earth. 🌍
Objectively, there are titles out there with larger amounts of animal spirit guides listed in them.
Yet few that I have personally encountered do as good a job of discussing the symbolism, messages, and “medicine” (aka, important lessons) that is linked to each animal featured therein.
For every critter in Spirit Animal Guides, the author relates an encounter or other type of interaction that he has had throughout his life with said animal.
This lends the book an appealing personal quality which helped me to feel all the more connected to the messages of the various animals Luttichau chats about.
Pulling from the whole of the animal kingdom, the author includes creatures from across the world.
Some are commonplace in many of our lives and/or general environments (i.e., cats, dogs, horses, certain types of birds, and buterflies).
Many we may encounter in person only on very rare occasions and others still are animals that (save perhaps outside of locations such as zoos and animal sanctuaries) we may never come face-to-face with in real life.
The author believes (much as I do, too) that as a general rule one does not pick their animal spirit guide(s) at random or based on their favourite creatures.
Rather, it is usually best/most effective to either intentionally seek your animal allies out or allow them to present themselves to you organically. Often, though not always, via one’s dreams.
Therefore, this book is not a shopping list of animals to pick and choose from to get the animal guide that you most want.
Instead, it is excellent resource if you wish to learn more about the overall subject of power animals and how to connect with your own, while deepening your knowledge of the creaturl(s) that you feel are or may become your own animal spirit guides.
(Remember, most of the time they select us, not the other way around. 🤎)
The information housed within this book is also handy if you believe a particular crritter has made its presence known to you as a means of delivering a message or serving as a sign and you wish to uncover what that sign/message may be convaying to you.
After all, many of us will engage with, see, think about, and feel pulled towards a substantial number of animals throughout our lives. Not every one of them will factor heavily into our spiritual journeys or serve as an important sign/message.
However, each can be appreciated and help us to remember how incredibly blessed we are to share our planet with countless thousands of creatures from the tiniest insect to the largest blue whale and everything in between.
How Spirit Animal Guides by Chris Luttichau rates with me
As someone who believes strongly in animal spirit guides, has identified and continues to actively work with their own, and who really enjoys this topic, I have read my fair share of books on the subject over the years (including classic titles from other well-known authors in the field, such as Ted Andrews and Steven D. Farmer).
None has felt quite as inviting or enjoyable to me as Spirit Animal Guides: Discover Your Power Animal and the Shamanic by Chris Luttichau.
If you are looking for more of a straight-up reference book, there are titles with larger selections of animals out there. Yet, few of possess the earnest heart and captivating spirit of Luttichau’s look at the topic.
Each time I have reached the last page of this book, I have found myself wishing that it went on for hundreds more.
The author has a friendly, inviting way of writing (not unlike that of David Dillard-Wright, whose book A Mindful Evening I reviewed here last summer) and excels at informatively teaching his readers, while never coming across as preachy, condescending, or know-it-allish.
This makes the book all the more of a wonderful reading experience and helps to cement it as a title many of us are apt to reread in its entirety and/or dip into as needed throughout the course of our lives.
Spirit Animal Guides is not specifically geared towards witches or Pagans. It is open to, and inclusive of, those from a vast swath of different spiritual paths and belief systems.
Anyone who has positive intentions and genuinely wishes to seek out their power animal(s) can do so throughout the course of their life.
I adore the broadness of this book, the methods used for finding and building a bond with one’s animal spirit allies, and the respect that is paid both to the subject of shamanism and to the members of the animal kingdom that are highlighted throughout its 160 pages.
Whether you have numerous books on your shelf pertaining to power animals or are eager to pick up your first, Spirit Animal Guides is a fantastic title that I very highly recommend.
Working on a scale of 1 – 5, with five being the highest possible rating, I would give Spirit Animal Guides by Chris Luttichau 5 stars out of 5.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Have you read the book Spirit Animal Guides – and if so, what are your thoughts on it? Are animal allies a part of your own spiritual journey? 🐴📖🦁
PS: If you are eager to learn more about Chris Luttichau, I encourage you to check out this terrific podcast interview he had with Accidental Gods, visit his website, and look into his latest book (which I have not yet read, but certainly hope to one day), Calling Us Home.
Thank you for another interesting read Autumn, even if this is definitely a subject I am not or only vaguely familiar with. What a gorgeous cover too! xxx
It is my heartfelt pleasure, dear Ann. Scores of thanks in turn for always been such a supportive, wonderful friend and blog reader.
How right you are regarding the cover and art throughout this book. Even if one did not find that the written material in this book resonated too deeply with them, the artwork alone could make it worth picking up a copy of, IMO.
I adore this book and really hope that the author continues to put out more content on the same themes covered here, as well as others. He is a great writer and clearly someone who knows the subjects he covers inside and out, which helps to endear this book to one’s heart all the more.
Warmest hugs from the snowy depth of Canada,
🖤 Autumn
Sounds like a very interesting book Autumn, the pages you posted were very interesting and well written. Happy New Year my friend!
Thank you sweetly, Donna. This book really is a gem. I adore the knowledgeable, peaceful, and highly informative (not to mention inspiring) tone that the author maintains throughout the whole book.
That, coupled with the gorgeous artwork and the subject matter itself makes it a standout winner in my books (wordplay not overly intended, but it does certainly fit here).
Big hugs & the happiest of wishes for a cozy, terrific second half of January.
🖤 Autumn
Looks like a very interesting book with some wonderful photos and a great review by you. I don’t quite understand “spirit” animals, but I’ve always had a fondness for horses and dogs 🙂
That’s beautiful, Carol. I love hearing about the animals that others are strongly drawn towards, no matter if that individual feels a connection to the concept of animal spirit guides or not.
I adore both of those animals, too – as does my husband. His father worked at a horse racing track when Tony was growing up, so he got to spend a ton of time around these majestic creatures and is such a natural with them to this day as a result.
We’ve long said that if we ever had the means (and the land needed), we would joyfully keep horses of our own.
Is that something you have ever had the opportunity to do yourself?
Thank you very much for your comment, my friend. I hope that you had a great weekend and that it unfolds into a really nice second half of January on your end.
🖤 Autumn
This book certainly does sound a full five star read. Thank you for including so many of the book’s pages and photos. This act allows one to get a better sense of the author’s tone and learn if his words are a good fit for the reader.
Another lovely review, Autumn!
It is my heartfelt pleasure, dear Debi. Honestly, with illustrations this enchantingly lovely, it was all I could do not to photograph and share every last one of them. Alas, I highly, highly doubt the author, the illustrator, or (perhaps above all else) the publisher would be keen on that, so I played it safe and didn’t go too wild (pun mildly intended) on that end of things.
I am hoping to share at least five book reviews beyond this one (and possibly more – but I don’t want to get too ahead of myself there when the year is still in its infancy) throughout 2022, including one that is all about Halloween crafts (it is not a witchery or Paganism book, rather a general public, so to speak, title).
I highly suspect you’ll find as much favour with that title as I did/do. 🎃
Many thanks for your wonderfully kind comment and for being the perpetually lovely soul that you are.
Scores of hugs,
🖤 Autumn
You always review the most interesting books. The concept of spiritual animal as being a kind of guardian angel or a spiritual mentor is something truly fascinating. I’ve read somewhere that when it comes to spiritual animals we should examine our own history and culture, because different animals can be associated with different concepts in different traditions. One should also be careful not to copy and replicate the animal symbols and traditions from ingenious people as those can be sacred to them and they don’t want to see them used just because it’s ‘trendy’. It is lovely that this book writes about the concept of spirit animal respectfully. I’ve always been fascinated by different spiritual/ theological concepts, traditions, religions, cultures, customs and so on. The subject of shamanism is something I have read about albeit not in great detail. Every culture can teach us something. Thank you for introducing us to this spirit animal guide by Christ Luttichau. I also like the illustrations. Have a lovely day.
Thank you very much for your insightful comment, dear Ivana. I sincerely appreciate you touching on those points – which I concur with across the board.
Thankfully and happily, the author, Chris Lutichau, does a solidly good job of being mindful of cultural appropriation and does not, IMO, cross any lines there in this wonderful book.
Beyond the pages of this title though, the bigger picture does indeed require us to be mindful and considerate of traditional beliefs and practises, as well as things that may be the sole domain of certain closed cultures/belief systems.
You are completely right about the need to avoid hopping on any trendy bandwagons that may veer down that path. Indeed, for example, even though it has been a highly used buzzword in recent years, I have never really personally felt comfortable using the word “tribe” (as in things like “My tribe” or “Find your tribe”), as to me – especially in a 21st-century context – that word primarily applies to indigenous cultures. And as I am not a member of one myself, I really try to avoid using that word out of its most appropriate contexts.
Your views are always welcome and appreciated. Thank you again for sharing all that you did here.
Many wishes for a terrific, safe, cozy and very happy second half of January coming your way.
🖤 Autumn
This sounds interesting and one would love to indulge in to read. As always you are interesting…xx
You are exceedingly kind, dear Ann. Thank you very much for your heart-touchingly lovely comment.
It sincerely means a lot to me that you enjoy the diverse array of subjects I cover here.
I have more ideas for new posts swirling around in the ol’ grey matter than I could write in a decade, so hopefully I will be able to continue bringing lots of diverse, informative and enjoyable entries your way throughout 2022 (and beyond!).
Many thanks again. Wishing you a fantastic second half of January.
🖤 Autumn