Symbols enable complex communication to carry meaning and reveal what the psyche is trying to keep hidden. They help us to understand and explore our internal world. When a shamanic journey is conducted to access other realms of consciousness or levels of reality a person usually obtains higher guidance, often through symbolic language. In these journey’s a power animal or messenger from the world of spirit may show up in the awareness, as a teacher or guide.

Images of animals embody their strengths and attributes but also their shadow aspect. Old memories and unresolved emotions can be lodged at a misty or concealed level. The animals can help us to interpret these issues: tell us what they are. For example the shadow aspect of a Panda is, trying to help too many people, doing too many things at once, being overly sensitive and becoming easily stressed. You may know this as ‘people pleasing’. On a metaphysical level this is caused by lack of synchronicity between heart and head or an inconsistency between what is really wanted and a fear of expressing those needs.