Shapeshifting can be spiritually and magically understood as the ability to change and shift the thoughts, sensations, and awareness humans usually inhabit. As humans, we have the ways that we perceive the environment around us, but with a bear, an eagle, or a lizard inside our body and mind, the way we perceive the world and ourselves changes radically. By inviting the animal energy to become a part of us, we shift and change our perception.
Why do shamans and folk magic practitioners shape-shift?
Animals can lend vast energy reserves to magical, spiritual, and energy works. For instance, I have known a shaman from the West Coast who typically invites the spirit of the ox or bull into her body. Consequently, I can pull strength from a vast source of energy just like how some domesticated bovines plow fields, pull, carry and move heavy objects in the farms and plantations during the early times and hitherto. Sometimes we need aggressive or ferocious energy that we may find challenging to invoke without aid; wild beasts can help us get in touch with our own inner, archetypal aggression and ferocity and use it healthily and defensively. Likewise, if one is doing a Stay With Me spell on her partner or husband to conjure up a long-lasting love, faithful love, genuine love, and unconditional love, we can consider invoking the spirit of a loving and monogamous animal into our bodies; like a seahorse or a swan. Henceforth, working with animal energies can be a good practice.
Other than that, in Kabbalah, a Jewish conjure man once explained to me that there's a so-called 'animal soul' or the "nefesh habehamit." According to Zoharistic tradition, it's the source of all our self-serving drives. The animal soul, therefore, is a self-centered passion. That doesn't mean it's evil. It can be neutral and even good. This is what he utilizes when he's doing shape-shifting ceremonies. He invites a particular animal spirit and allows it to occupy his animal soul. In his practice and experience, through persistent, joyous exposure to the spirit of the animal, the nefesh habehamit can be trained to desire other pleasures too (more spiritual and divine) throughout everyday human affairs as it is already being sustained and tolerated during shape-shifting meditations and rituals. Inviting the animal energy to become a part of him helps him shift and change his understanding and maintain that discipline required for further growth.
Shapeshifting or zoomorphism was introduced into the Hoodoo tradition by the Native Americans. Muscogee, Navajo, Seminole, and other American Indian tribes are closely related to animals, including insects, birds, and reptiles. Indigenous American myths and folklore often feature shape-shifting stories between animal and human forms. Marriage between people and different animal species is also a common theme. Furthermore, in some stories, animals foster human children.
A few figures are famous in Hoodoo legends who possess shape-shifting abilities; one good example is Uncle Monday. Legend has it that Uncle Monday was a witch doctor from Africa who became a slave in South Carolina. No one knew anything about him except for his name and his proficiency in magic. He escaped slavery and sought refuge among the Seminoles in Florida. He promised himself that he would never let the Whites capture and enslave him again, so he asked a Seminole shaman to grant him a shape-shifting ability to always be able to defend himself. Upon gaining his new power, he inevitably became a popular source of Hoodoo services. One day, a woman found him in the shack with a severe arm wound. He then disappeared for a month, after which two men saw an alligator shedding its arm skin one night. The next day, Uncle Monday was back in town with no injuries.
Morris Slater, also known as 'Railroad Bill,' an African-American criminal and Hoodoo practitioner who lived his life on the rails, becoming famous for jumping freight trains and stealing money and goods that he would later simply give to the poor. According to some popular accounts, he usually engaged in shootouts. Still, since many believed he was trained in the powers of Conjure, it was said that he could change himself into various animals to evade capture.
Some Hoodoo practitioners from the past (and maybe until today) who practiced shape-shifting acquired honorific titles with animal names, such as Dr. Buzzard, for instance. His title was most possibly derived from blending African and Native American spiritual and religious elements. Buzzard has spiritual significance in West African and Southeastern Native American ethnic groups. In Cherokee animal lore, world-renowned storyteller, Gayle Ross, reflects that "each animal had its place. Buzzard was known as a great doctor, while Turtle knew the secrets of conjuring. Frog was to marshal at the council house. Rabbit's job was to be a messenger."
It is necessary to either attain shape-shifting by requesting that the animal spirit fix a vessel which can then be used as a key to activate the contained energy when needed; or through shamanic journeying or ceremonial invocation. The difference between the two is that: the journey to the spirit realm is the reverse of the ceremonial invocation. In invocation, the practitioner invites the animal spirit into the physical realm, while in journeying, the practitioner travels to the spirit world. It is always wise, however, to ensure that one has a comprehensive understanding of grounding and protection techniques before commencing the absorption of animal energy in any method. Otherwise, you can invite other entities, which can sometimes be challenging to return. Some animal spirits are also tricksters, like snakes, crows, coyotes, and foxes, so working with them is not a good idea unless you're experienced with shape-shifting and dealing with tricksters.
Taking the animal energy directly into oneself through either of the two processes must be done by bringing one's auric vibrations into harmony with animal vibrations. The energy which is to be transferred is harmonized. The practitioner can choose to alter the vibrations of his body through:
- Drumming
- Rattling
- Dance
- Chanting
- Walking
- Deprivation or Fasting
- Entheogens like salvia, amanita muscaria (mushroom), peyote
- Shamanic music
Of course, the use of entheogens within any sort of ceremony is only advised for those who are mentally stable and magically competent - I do not personally endorse the use of these substances. Still, if one chooses to use psychoactive substances, he should be aware of the repercussions involved and preferably have another person present in case of an adverse reaction.
Fixing an animal vessel can be done by acquiring objects from animals that already have deposits of animal energy. In traditional shamanism, practitioners wear regalia that imitates an animal. It could be a headdress made of antlers, a band into which birds' feathers have been pierced, or a mask made of an alligator's head. Some even use symbolic footwear like sandals with iron deer hooves, birds' claws, or bears' paws. Nowadays, Hoodoo practitioners who practice shape-shifting wear articles of clothing or ornaments decorated with animal bones, skin, or teeth. Others wear aprons with representations of animals. The ritual use of regalia and adornments derives, at least in part, from that concept of magical and spiritual metamorphosis: through these animal vessels, the practitioner changes his form to either invite the animal spirit or enter the world of the spirit in a way analogous to the practitioner's inner transformation.
The process of fixing is carried out within sacred space in ritualized form - the entire process of cleansing, blessing, and fixing the vessel may be performed within the same ceremony. The animal spirit whose aid you will be receiving is invited into the sacred space through invocation. It should be noted that blessing the vessel in the name of God is the best approach for most Hoodoo practitioners, as most of them, if not all, work within the Christian religion. However, this will depend entirely upon one's relationship with the animal spirits if you are already working with one.
Concerning fixed vessels, if you do not specify precisely what you seek from the animal, it is left to speculate. It will supply you with only enough energy to conceivably carry out your spiritual works. This means that if you do not specifically request a permanent fixing, it is likely that the vessel will only contain enough energy for a single-use or a handful of uses. If you wish for the vessel to serve as a 'general purpose' spiritual item, you must be specific in your asking. Although non-corporeal entities are undoubtedly aware of much more than we are, they are not always mind-readers.
Once you have acquired your fixed vessel, there are many methods for using it aside from being a tool for shape-shifting. You can create a concoction or tincture by soaking the vessel in tea or alcohol. If used in healing, they may also be used by placing them upon the inflicted area(s) of the body or in sachets that may be placed by the bedside or beneath the pillow.
When an animal spirit has agreed to aid you by gifting you with a vessel, it is courteous to provide the animal spirit with a suitable offering. Because animal spirits are obviously spirits of animals, they are often pleased with offerings that reflect animal experience. Whereas some entities may prefer flowers, cooked foods, and other natural objects, animal spirits prefer offerings that have been their source of nourishment or their homes.
Birds enjoy offerings of seeds, nuts, fruits, worms, bugs, and nests. Herbivore animals like goats, bovines, and horses can be given any vegetation as offerings, such as grasses, fruits, leaves, vegetables, roots, and bulbs. Carnivores will, of course, accept raw meat and blood as offerings.
If you are uncertain what a particular animal spirit may enjoy, examine and study how these animals live and what kinds of food and energy requirements this animal needs to survive. Animal spirits can also express themselves through direct intuition or other methods such as dream works or divination. I sometimes use a pendulum when asking for clarification on a particular animal spirit's preference for various items.
Basic Shape-shifting Technique
This meditation is designed to bring you closer to the concept of shape-shifting as it relates to how we can achieve spiritual and magical metamorphosis. It is also an exercise that serves to open your subconscious to subtle messages or impressions. This exercise 'unites' you with your animal spirit. It helps develop your sensitivity and receptivity to psychic experiences.
Firstly, this meditation is best done in a very dark room. Feel free to use a candle or dim nightlight if you are uncomfortable meditating in complete darkness. Set yourself in a comfortable position, whether standing, sitting, or lying down. You can light some incense, like sage, tobacco, cedar, or sweetgrass, and put on some music if you like. Although it may be better to start with either soft shamanic music or elementary sounds like a drum or a rattle, as other music may become distracting from listening to your rhythm. Be sure the room temperature is comfortable and not too hot or cold. You should wear comfortable clothing with your fixed vessel (mask, amulet, hairdress, etc.) or meditate naked. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
Ideally, you should learn to breathe in such a way that you slow your mental processes but not in such a way that it is distracting. What my teacher taught me, to begin, is to inhale through the nose, with the tongue lightly touching the roof of the mouth behind the teeth, creating a connection from the lower jaw to the upper, and breathing out through the mouth with the tongue comfortably positioned for the out-breath (not touching the roof of the mouth). As I do this, I count from one to four in my mind. Next, I hold my breath for a count of four, also. I then exhale, counting to four once again. So the process would be: breathe in (1-2-3-4), hold the breath (1-2-3-4), and breathe out (1-2-3-4). You are free to use any method that works for you. After a few of these counts, I breathe more normally, inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth. Concentrate on the breathing sound, hear the exhale, and hear the exhale. It sometimes helps to make an audible sound as you exhale, whether it's the marked audibility of your breath escaping or something akin to a 'k' sound, followed by the exhale.
Spend some time listening to your breathing; hear the rhythm of the breath. Try to hear your heartbeat as well, beating along with the rhythm of your breath. If you have a drum or rattle and wish to use it with this process, feel free to beat along to the rhythm and heartbeat. As you listen, clear your mind of all thoughts.
Then in your mind, set a place where your ethereal body can go to relax. This could be a lake, seashore, forest, mountain, garden, or some other location - it depends on you. For example, it should be very specific to a lake with beautiful sunrise scenery. Imagine yourself standing at the visualized place. This is the place that reflects your inner world. Take a good look at it. Is it the kind of condition that you would like? Is this where you could see the animal spirit you intend to invite?
Create a clear, concrete picture of where you want to go in your inner mind. Include as many details as possible, including colors (deep blue lake), texture (sandy), sounds (birds chirping), and weather (sunny). Look around you. Make the visualized place more comfortable and beautiful. Focus on it. Feel the air, the earth, the water, and the warmth of the sun you're perceiving.
Next, because you're actively seeking a connection with your animal spirit, you might want to form it as a question and focus on the question in meditation. Like, "who is with me?" I think it's essential that you approach the question without any expectations as to the answer; simply listen for it. Once you ask the question, the answer might not come right away. If that's the case, watch for it even when you're not in meditation; you can receive answers, clues, or some helpful information through more mundane means, and then try doing this at another time. If you have received a response, introduce yourself and communicate with the animal spirit. Allow it to answer as it will and go from there. If the spirit isn't ready yet, respect that and try asking permission again at some other time. Once you have gained consent, it's time to try shape-shifting.
Now, envision the animal spirit before you moving at the same time and rhythm as your breathing. See it as sentient and alive, mobile and dynamic. Hear its rhythms along with yours. Then as you breathe in, visualize the animal spirit in the form of smoke entering you with your breath. Imagine the animal spirit drawing down into your lungs. With the exhale, visualize the 'breath' of the animal spirit being drawn back from your lungs and out with your breath.
Then concentrate on feeling your breath, feeling the animal spirit inside you. As you breathe in, feel the animal's breath against your lips, tongue, and mouth; feel it going down your trachea or windpipe, down to your lungs. Feel the animal's energy traveling into your bloodstream and to the heart, feel the spirit being supplied through your body, as it does, and feel your muscles relax. Feel the animal's breath in your lungs and exhale through your mouth.
Continue doing the breathing exercise for a few seconds until your form changes and your movement becomes more like the animal. At this point, physically move your body like how the animal moves in the real world - leap like a frog, crawl like a snake, gallop like a horse, jump like a hare or play like a monkey. Recognize the animal power within you, coursing through your veins, pervading every cell. You are now the animal of your own forest, sea, garden, or fields. Interact with other organisms and the environment around you. For example, if you are a dog, you might start drooling in response to the sight or smell of food, or if you are a cat, you might begin to groom yourself if you feel that you already need to regulate your body temperature.
Make a mental note of any other feelings that come to you from the animal energy, sensations of hot and cold, for instance, or feelings of obstacle or blocking in any area, and write them down after the meditation.
Concentrate then on tasting your breath and the energy of the animal. Imagine what the energy tastes like to you. Is it sweet, sour, bitter, salty, or a combination? Does it have a different taste when exhaling or inhaling? Can you taste it in other areas of your body aside from your tongue? Again make a mental note of it and write it down after the meditation.
Now concentrate on smell; what does the energy of the animal smell like? Does the smell change as the energy moves through your body or out? Or perhaps it has no scent. Note this again for later, and write it down afterward.
Concentrate once more on the animal energy; imagine it again moving through your body as you move the different parts of your body, mimicking animal movements in a cycle, along with its associated feeling, smell, taste, and rhythms to your body.
Once you are satisfied with your experience, pay attention to your breathing once again. Envision the animal spirit draining from your body as you exhale, coursing backward through your veins and seeping from your skin. Perceive your human form distinct against the backdrop of the visualized place; see yourself energized, renewed, and empowered. Envision the animal spirit before you again, and thank it for lending its fundamental energies to you.
Bring your consciousness back to the physical world. Listen to the sounds around you, and wiggle your toes and fingers. Slowly open your eyes and take a moment to observe your surroundings. If needed, you may wish to ground yourself, especially if you feel light-headed or uneasy. Write down unusual sensations, ideas, or experiences you may have had during the meditation. Pay attention to any impressions you may receive afterward.
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