Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There was a time when humanity recognized itself as part of nature, and nature as part of itself..." (more)
Key Phrases: faerie realm, nuestra cordera, reptile totems, New York, Brukner Nature Center, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Animal Speak includes a dictionary of bird, animal, reptile, and insect totems, which describe each creature's meaning.

Product Details

• Paperback: 383 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 28th Printing edition (2004)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0019696JU
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (130 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,015,645 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

141 of 148 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirit Guides and Totems, July 6, 2000

By	Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Betwixt FL and CA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small (Paperback)

Animal Speak by Ted Andrews

Spirit Guides and Totems

I discovered this book on a trip through the White Mountains of Arizona, where I was born. After reading the book I have purchased several more copies as gifts and had them sent direct from Amazon. For anyone interested in Native American culture, shamanism, connecting with and understanding the creatures that share the Earth with us, this is a "must have" book. Animals speak about the events and emotions in our lives. For a writer the book brings a wealth of background character information.

Have you ever dreamt about an animal, a panther, a snake, a bear or a hawk? Did you wonder why the dream seemed important. Have you ever glanced out the door or window to see a spider casually weaving an intricate web or a raccoon or dog glancing back at you? What does a totem mean and do the inhabitants of this modern civilization have personal totems? Do you have pictures of a particular animal scattered throughout your house? I have many pictures of panthers and jaguars in the rooms in which I spend my time because I feel connected to the jaguar of South American history, especially the Mayans. Why?

My answers were in this book, but even without questions I have found Animal Speak is loaded with wonderful information about so many different creatures. Plus, it is a delight to discover what the underlying emotions may be when someone tells you that they like (or hate) dolphins, woodpeckers, ants, bees or perhaps a coyote which is actually linked to the dog.

For the mystic the answer is yes we have totems. The animals (perhaps pets) in a totem can change as they bring messages that are to warn, protect, comfort, guide, remind or whatever is needed.

57 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Core Beliefs Expressed, February 9, 2000

By	Alison Kruk (Arlington, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small (Paperback)

I have been reading about/practicing with Animal Communication, and other holistic modalities (such as Reiki and Flower Essences) for awhile, and trying to find a path which puts it all together. Andrew's book has given me a tremendous set of insights into the basis for my beliefs and spiritual path, an intuitive foundation. Such ideas as communication starts with listening, respect and trust. And, as Andrew's mentions in his book, "They (Shamans) helped people remember that all trees are divine and that all animals speak to those who listen". (Page 1). One more quote, from page X, "When we learn to speak with the animals.....the animals are no longer our subordinates. They become our teachers, our friends, and our companions". He presents many such insights in the book, which give words to many of the thoughts and beliefs I hold.

Great reading for anyone who is pursuing a spiritual path which includes reverence for nature in any form. Thanks to Ted Andrews, from the animals.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best You Can Find on the Topic of Totems, May 5, 2000

By	Josh Mitchell (Council Bluffs, Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small (Paperback)

Now, I'll try to make this as easy as possible for those of you who don't know what Totems are. Totems are Spirit Guides (spirits who help you along on your journeys through life) that come to you in the form of animals. A Totem can be any animal that you have a strange connection to. This book is very good when it comes to the topic of Totems. Trust me, I've done a lot of studying and have seen a lot of information, but this has the most extensive collection of knowledge.

The best part of the book that is original that you can find few other places is it's huge dictionary of animal Totems. You can look up your Totem animal in the dictionary and it will give you the animal's history and folklore. It will also give you suggestions for someone who has that Totem. But that isn't the only good thing about the book. This book teaches you to find Totems if you don't yet knoww how. It tells you how to meditate to find your Totems, or, for the less patient, it gives other ways, too. Animal Speak also teaches you to read Totems in your life. Other topics include things that you won't find in other books like the Preadator and Prey Theory, magic with bird feathers, honoring your animal Totems in many ways, and working with TOtem medicine. All of these are extremely useful and you can learn about the topic greatly. This good and all, but the book is not reccomended for beginners on Totem study and preferable for advanced people serious about the subject. The book is okay for starters, but some things are not explained as well as they should be for those who know nothing about Totems. Totems are a very interesting topic and this book is very good for the adventerous one that you know.