Spiritual Practices on an Animist Path

 I integrate various spiritual practices into everyday life and interactions as an Animist, which also helps ensure I show up as my authentic self. These practices include shadow work, shapeshifting, and journaling, amongst others. 

Gothic imagery often conjures images of the macabre and unsettling, while also evoking a sense of mystery. It is an aesthetic that is unafraid to confront the darker aspects of existence- death, decay, etc. This aligns with the exploration of our shadow self - the parts of ourselves we keep hidden from ourselves and others. Gothic imagery serves as a visual and symbolic tool that enables us to navigate through emotional complexity while embracing the mystery of what further transformation awaits us.

Shadow work refers to the spiritual practice of confronting the hidden, unconscious or repressed aspects of oneself. It is the practice of integrating the darker aspects of oneself into a more balanced and authentic self.

Through shadow work I observe that personal transformation and empowerment come from owning all aspects of myself - even the darker, less socially acceptable parts. Once I have embraced my shadow, I am better able to form my own sense of morality, as opposed to following prescribed rules.

Seeing words as having power sees language as not merely a tool of communication, but a means of shaping reality. Words can have a powerful effect on everyday interaction and are seen as having the ability to create opportunities and meaning. Choosing words carefully thus becomes a form of intentional magic, creating the relationships and financial opportunities you want to manifest.

When I shapeshift into my fox form, I essentially become supernatural due to now being a fox in all interactions. By embodying the qualities of the fox, I am better able to protect myself when needed, while also showing up as my authentic self. This fox form helps give a sense of grounding and safety, offering guidance when needed.  

Journaling is a practice that ties into shadow work and self-exploration. Through reflection I am able to uncover and process my internal essence, thereby giving me a sense of direction.

Other practices can also be employed such as walking meditations and using dark, atmospheric music for spellcraft. Seeing as my Animism is highly individualistic due to having LHP tendencies, I incorporate and adapt these practices in a way that works for me. By integrating these spiritual practices into everyday life, I engage with the world in an empowering and authentic way.

Fox Symbolism from a Predatory Spirituality Framework

 Predatory Spirituality emphasizes the embrace of one's primal, instinctual, and predatory nature.

Foxes are natural, solitary predators, skilled in surviving in their environments. They symbolize the ability to harness one's instincts and use them for personal gain. In a predatory spirituality context, the fox is a symbol of mastery over one's environment and the ability to outwit and overcome obstacles with grace and intelligence. Foxes are skilled problem solvers.

The fox, often seen as a creature that works intelligently rather than forcefully, reflects the strategic approach of predatory spirituality. It encourages others not to navigate their world through physical strength but through calculated decisions, allure, and subtlety. Foxes are solitary creatures, which aligns well with predatory spirituality's emphasis on self-sufficiency. The fox is able to thrive alone, relying on their own cunning, rather than on others to succeed. 

Foxes have eyes that are specially adapted to see in the dark. They see what others may miss and are thus more prone to catch their "prey"- interpreted here as opportunities for financial or personal gain. This can also be interpreted as seeing situations that others may generally consider ''unpleasant'' or ''frightening'' as moments for self-exploration and self-empowerment.

Foxes can make over 40 different sounds. This can be interpreted from a predatory spirituality perspective as the ability to remain unseen by others through the ability of shapeshifting. Through a strategic mindset, the fox manages to always stay ahead of others due to their secrecy. Foxes have impeccable hearing, which symbolizes the ability to be able to read between the lines or use seemingly useless information and make it useful through magick. They are able to not just hear but to really listen.

Through cunning, strategy, and intelligence, the fox manages to be what is of the most importance overall: a survivor.

The Fox in LHP Symbolism

 My animal totem that is representative of my authentic self is the fox. In this post, I will explore how the fox totem can be seen through a framework that emphasises LHP tenets. 

In the LHP, the focus is on individualism, self-deification, and the rejection of conventional morality. The fox fits into this framework through its nature as a trickster - a being that manipulates rules and is not easily categorized from a moral perspective. In many cultures, the fox is associated with being representative of both wisdom and deception or even wisdom through deception. This speaks to the LHP tenet of embracing the shadow self through creating your own sense of morality, as opposed to following a moral framework that would be viewed as acceptable by broader society.

The fox's adaptability and resourcefulness represent a focus on autonomy, self-mastery, and the use of silent knowledge and magick to influence the natural world around you to align with your wishes. The fox thrives in both the light and the dark and is likely to interpret negative experiences as an opportunity to experience self-exploration and self-empowerment. 

Through being a fox in all interactions, I become ''supernatural''. Through aligning with the core qualities of the fox - adaptability, intuition, transformation, feminine energy, deception, kindness, and cunning, I am not confined by conventional norms and expectations and able to protect myself against potential threats. This fox-like essence manifests as an ability to express my authentic sense of self despite any adversity that may come my way.  I get to choose when to reveal myself fully, and when to remain in the shadows.  Being a fox means living authentically, not hiding parts of myself to fit in, but instead embodying the true essence of who I am, which often challenges social norms as a result. This sense of authenticity is what ultimately makes life meaningful. 

Animal Totems and LHP Symbolism: Embracing Anthropomorphic Representations of the Authentic Self

As an Animist, particularly one with LHP tendencies, I view my internal essence - my core truth - as sacred. This essence is not up for negotiation or compromise. Those who respect me will accept me fully, honoring my inviolable nature. My essence is to be recognized as sacred, and anyone who violates or disrespects it by failing to accept me as I am - family included - has no place in my personal life. This commitment to personal boundaries is not just a preference; it is essential for my spiritual health. 

In order to set boundaries, it is essential for me to embody the true essence of who I am - becoming the person I've always been. This process of self-realization and self-acceptance - of shedding the societal layers that have obscured my authentic self - is crucial. I can only set boundaries effectively once I have a strong sense of self. By showing up as my authentic self , I am better able to honor the boundaries of others.

Animal totems offer us an opportunity to fully understand and embrace who we are. They teach us how to exist as persons among other persons, recognizing the personhood of others- many of whom are not human. By incorporating animals into the concept of personhood, we are able to connect with the animal kingdom not as lesser beings, but as persons in their own right. These totems empower us to become "supernatural" by embracing personal transformation and authenticity, while also offering protection when needed. Once aligned with our authentic self, we access an otherworldly confidence where the ordinary rules no longer apply.

Native American- Inspired Animism: Exploring Nature Spirituality with Left-Hand Path Tendencies

 Animists see the natural world as alive with meaning, perceiving it through our senses as being filled with "magic". By describing Animism as both a religion and a form of nature spirituality (hence the capitalization), I position it as not merely a worldview, but as a holistic and sacred path - one that encompasses reverence for the natural world, and a deep, direct relationship with the spiritual energy that flows through nature. This makes Animism not just a way of seeing the world, but a spiritual practice with its own set of rituals, sacredness, and principles that guide our relationship with nature and all its living forms. In this sense, Animism goes beyond an abstract philosophy; it is an active, immersive religious path, where we learn to be a person among other persons, only some of whom are human. Animism is recognized as a religion in its own right, a form of nature spirituality that falls under the Pagan umbrella.

I describe my particular brand of Animism as Native American - Inspired Animism with LHP tendencies.

Native American spirituality is diverse, but it generally emphasizes a strong connection with nature, the belief that all things - animals , plants, rocks etc. - possess a spirit or energy, and a profound respect for the interconnectedness of life.

The Left- Hand Path, on the other hand, is typically associated with individualism, self-deification, breaking societal norms, and exploring aspects of spirituality that challenge mainstream or traditional religious beliefs. The LHP often involves personal empowerment and embraces what may be considered unconventional in mainstream culture.

A sense of respect for the natural world, combined with a focus on personal sovereignty, self-determination, and individualism, empowers the practitioner to live authentically and on their own terms. Celebrating complexity, and fostering empowerment through authenticity is essential, with self- exploration, self-empowerment, self-preservation, and individuality seen as positive traits.

In my Animism, I have the freedom to choose how I wish to engage with the world. There is an absence of dogma, as I allow myself to discover and honor my own internal essence without having to conform to traditional spiritual frameworks. I understand that others may find approaches to Animism that are valid for them, and that is perfectly acceptable. This blog will explore how certain spiritual practices allow me to show up in the world as my authentic self: unapologetically