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.


Core Beliefs Expressed   February 10, 2000
 56 out of 58 found this review helpful

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.


Understanding Animal Wisdom   November 8, 2001
 43 out of 48 found this review helpful

Whether you see animals in real life or just in your dreams, they are communicating with you. Ted Andrews' enchanting book, ANIMAL-SPEAK, is the best reference book to such animal messages that I've seen. While not all animals are included in the book (that would require a HUGE book!), this book certainly does contain very relevant information about a large number of creatures. The author's love of animals is clear from the start, and he provides fascinating tid-bits of little-known information as well as numerous personal anecdotes.

Whether you've been wishing you could understand those perplexing dreams with animals, if you want to choose an animal totem, or if you're ready to start practicing shape-shifting into animal form -- this book is just what you've been waiting for!


Best You Can Find on the Topic of Totems   May 5, 2000
 36 out of 36 found this review helpful

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.


Animal Speak, a how to listen guide.   July 17, 1998
 31 out of 34 found this review helpful

Animal Speak translates the language of numerous other creatures we share earth with, easily. How to listen, learn and relate better to animals and our selves can be gleaned from reading this book. I've been blessed in this life with exceptional encounters with animals.. sometimes it is called: Noah's sense.To friends who envied it I say," Read this book. It can be learned!" I often refer to Animal Speak for further information when a new animal experience occurs. I trust Ted Andrews insights to expand my own understanding of what nature is trying to teach me.I know as humans we tend to ignore and deplete what we don't understand. Animals have always spoke with man and this book can help us hear them! Many thank's Ted Andrews! Encore!! Daynie