PART I

She brought the Night hidden in her sad Wolf eyes
The perfume of a twilight, her strongest scent
Half Wolf, Half female - what a strange wedding
Mother Nature has offered us to see...

Throughout history, kinship relationships and their relationship with the land have formed the very core of their cultures. Many of those cultures view life as a circular pattern. Through that circular nature, many have known the art of shape shifting. Lakota Sioux warriors would shape shift into buffalo to become better hunters and honor the animal, and Andean shamans would transform into plants to learn their healing properties and their ways. The Toltecs would shapeshift and gather energy by pulling together the power from the universe; for instance, from dead stars. Through a complex set of physical movements, breath and intention, they gathered and collected energy to be used toward a specific purpose.

When we merge into those elements of the natural world around us, we enter their being, stepping into their essence and becoming one with them. Each aspect of that element becomes an aspect of yourself.

What Is Shapeshifting? Shapeshifting is a type of meditation of the relationship between humankind and nature, in particular animals. It is based on assuming certain characteristics of an animal. Traits and talents are included in these characteristics. These characteristics, traits, and talents are assumed for a limited time and for a particular purpose. A shapeshifter is able to change shape either at will or under special circumstances. Their ability depends on the level of degree of energy or quality the life of the creature possesses.

There are three levels of shapeshifting: mental, physical and astral. It is a power, which does not have to be taught. The most important requirements for shapeshifting are psyche and endurance. Psyche governs the maximum rate at which changes can be safely made, while endurance governs both how long one can keep shapeshifting and also how long a form can be maintain once achieved.

How Do I Shapeshift? They key to learning how to shapeshift is merging, sometimes called the 'thirteenth factor'. Merging is the point where there is no division between body, mind, and spirit. Everything becomes Oneness, and all knowledge and wisdom are readily accessible in this place of being, dependant on your intentions and desire. Merging is the mystic state where you become one with all things.

To learn to shapeshift, you should be in a place where you can meditate, but where there is enough room to move around. You should be dressed comfortably so that you may move freely.

The two main components of the merging process are breath and intention. First, your intention needs to be specific, simple and directed. Focus on the intention before, during and after merging. Pay close attention to how you are breathing. Relax!

I find it easiest to use "in, 2, 3, 4, out, 2, 3, 4." Hold your breath briefly in between. Repeat this as many times as needed for you to relax. After practice, you will find that merging becomes automatic. Let yourself become that animal in posture, stance, movement and sound.

How does this animal see, hear, taste, touch or smell? What is it experiencing? Move as it would move. Become with it all the abandon of a small child. Experience it as long as you wish.

As you learn more about shifting and abandon the structures and forces that hold you to the Earth, time and space become very fluid and soft. This creates a gateway to Oneness, a threshold of awareness where your perspective alters and changes permanently. Once you move through that threshold, you are transformed. It becomes a metamorphosis and you move with the fluidity of that animal. You become transformed.

Conclusion Shapeshifting is a way of getting to know an animal better. It allows us to take on animal form while on shamanic journeys or while visiting the astral plane. On a very basic level, it allows for a richer and fuller perspective of life and experience. And when we shift, we connect with our creative ability and spiritual center, regardless of your religious, philosophical or cultural preferences.

For all things merely shift shape. And shape shifting is a natural state of existence within ourselves.

PART II

The Mirrored Self
Self Guided Shapeshifting Meditation

You will need:

• White Candle
• Mirror
• Incense
• Complete Quiet

Shapeshifting is a type of meditation of the relationship between humankind and nature, in particular animals. It is based on assuming certain characteristics of an animal. Most shapeshifting forms takes on that of the Familiar Self. Since the Familiar Self is the animal spirit dwelling within, the most effective way of internal searching is through the discipline of meditation.

Meditation is a technique that can help us readily access our creative, innovative, animal impulses. The key to learning how to shapeshift is merging. Merging is the point where there is no division between body, mind, and spirit. Everything becomes Oneness, and all knowledge and wisdom are readily accessible in this place of being, dependant on your intentions and desire. Merging is the mystic state where you become one with all things.

This exercise is the foundation for many subsequent exercises. Spend some time repeating this exercise and becoming comfortable with it. It would be best to go find a location that allows complete privacy. Find a spot that is secluded or at least where you will not be disturbed.

The two main components of the merging process are breath and intention. First, your intention needs to be specific, simple and directed. Focus on then intention before, during and after merging. Pay close attention to how you are breathing. Relax!

Find an aromatic incense, which is designed to relax you. I find the ones that are most beneficial are those made for astral travel. Light the incense and begin to relax, occasionally closing your eyes and breathing deeply. When you begin to feel yourself emerge with your surroundings, turn off the lights and light a white candle in front of the mirror. The mirror should be at face level so you can observe your facial expressions with the candle being directly in front of it. I have found the best location to do this is at a desk with your feet flat against the floor. Once you have lit the candle, turn off all lights so the candlelight is all that you see.

Now, close your eyes and breathe deeply, allow yourself to relax and mentally allow yourself to drift to your favorite place of relaxation. I find it easiest to use "in, 2, 3, 4, out, 2, 3, 4." Hold your breath briefly in between. Repeat this as many times as needed for you to relax.

When you feel yourself begin to slip away, open your eyes and stare into the mirror. Observe any facial expressions that might begin to occur. Softly call out to the spirit of the animal that resides within:

"Oh spirits of the familial world, I ask that thee appear as I accept your into my life. Guide me as you have so guided those before you."

Slowly open your eyes and again gaze into the mirror. Imagine your face begin to take on the shape of that animal that resides within. Feel the energy coursing throughout its body and it's breathing escaping into the sounds of silence around you. Let it flow.

Again close your eyes and begin to breathe "in, 2, 3, 4, out, 2, 3, 4" and feel the transformation begin to occur. Slowly open your eyes and gaze past the shadows of the mirror and see yourself fully immersed into the animal that you are. Welcome it and allow it to speak its messages to you. The shadows are the dwelling of your familiar self. Know that you are welcome to come back at any time.

It is time to return to the physical world now. Open your eyes and begin to see yourself transforming into the image that is you. You are returning now.

I find it best to write down my experiences that have just occurred. Take a moment to recall them including what feelings occurred within when you were transformed. Take the teachings of this animal to heart, for it is a natural state of existence within ourselves.