I am really intrigued by the idea of shapeshifting: moving from human form into the body or form of an animal or creature. I'm wondering if you believe this is possible, and if so, how it may be accomplished. If it's not possible, where do you think this idea comes from? Thanks!
Brittany
Astrea:
Shapeshifting could be one of the most misunderstood concepts in metaphysics. The most common definition is that a person can manifest in the form of some animal. Some believe that this centers on one's totem animal. For instance, if your totem is a bear, you would shapeshift into a bear. If it's a hawk, that's what you would become if you could change into animal form.
Once altered into an animal state, the person can then go about the world doing mischief or creating bliss, whatever they choose. In some cultures, this is the way people get lessons or information from their totem animals. In others, the shapeshifter is regarded as a dangerous creature filled with malice, even to the point of murder.
In Native American cultures, the Medicine Man or Woman was often cast in the role of the shapeshifter, giving them more power over others and implying that they could change forms at will. Some believe that these people could use hypnosis to create the illusion of turning into an animal, while others believe that it would actually happen.
Personally, I believe that shapeshifting, like vampirism, has evolved. Just as the modern vampire might feed on another's energy instead of blood, the modern shapeshifter changes his or her outward appearance with clothes, jewelry, makeup and other adornments.
Daddy always used to say when we got called for jury duty to dress poor but honest,
and lots of mothers tell their children to wear clean underwear when driving in case they get in a wreck. There are all sorts of examples of shapeshifting, and we all probably engage in it without realizing it. When we dress up for a date or put on makeup, aren't we creating an attractive illusion? That could be considered a shift from what's natural to another shape.
Dressing for success is another example of creating a change in how other people may perceive us. None of us would show up for a job interview in the same outfit we wear to clean the house, and we try not to wear our ratty old clothes to church.
All these are examples of what the modern, contemporary shapeshifter may do to present a certain image to others. In some ways we are all shapeshifters; we just cover our true natures differently now, for in most cultures, it is no longer necessary to change into an animal form in order to create what we want or make our point.
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Susyn:
Shapeshifting is an ancient metaphysical concept. Throughout the centuries, this ability to change from human form to creature form has been cited in mythology, folklore and even movies. Once you understand the true nature of shapeshifting as well as its purpose, you'll find that it is quite possible and easy to accomplish.
While you don't physically turn into the animal or shape you want to emulate, the true purpose of shapeshifting is to enable you to take on the energy and essence of the creature in question, learn more about it, and experience what it experiences. For example, if you want to enhance your inner strength, you might be drawn to practice shapeshifting into the essence of a lion; for speed and endurance, a horse; for success, an eagle.
Shapeshifting is a way of transcending the human body on a soul level in order to explore the nature of a particular animal. This can be accomplished through meditation or astral projection. The first step is to practice a guided meditation that focuses on the animal that possesses the essence you want to experience.
Let's say you'd like to shapeshift into a bird so that you can experience how it feels to fly freely across the sky. You might begin your meditation by focusing on a photograph of the type of bird you are drawn to. Notice the feathers, the beak and body language of the bird. Visualize your arms turning into wings, your face morphing into the bird's, and an overall feeling of lightness and peace.
Once you have taken on the physical aspects of the bird metaphysically, you can transport yourself into the air using imagination and creative visualization to recreate the ability to fly.
This may not seem like the shapeshifting portrayed in movies or legends of old, but you are sure to come away from this meditation changed. Once you have experienced life from the bird's point of view, you will possess new awareness and gifts you can use to soar to new heights of experience.
A wonderful guide exists to help you identify the nature and powers of many animals that were used by Native Americans during their own shapeshifting ceremonies. I recommend you pick up a deck of Medicine Cards at your local metaphysical bookstore or online so you can use this information as a foundation for any shapeshifting meditations you'd like to perform.
Astrea:
Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.
Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!
While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!
I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!
As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.
I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.
You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!
Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.
A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.
You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.