In Shamanic cultures the Shaman is required to have a guardian spirit. He cannot be a Shaman without one. The guardian spirit empowers the Shaman with it's magical powers and serves as the Shamans 'animal power' or alter ego.
Within an altered state of consciousness, in which he performs his duties, the Shaman assumes the form and power of the guardian spirit. He sees it, converses with it, and uses it to achieve his mission. The guardian is never harmful to the Shaman but escorts him through the underworld or accompanies him into mystical ascents into the skies.
The Shaman can contact his spirit regularily and this is called "dancing the animal". One spirit will not stay with the Shaman throughout all his life, but other spirits will come and stay and go as needed to empower him.
Guardian spirits are not to be confused with spirit helpers which have minor powers such as the messanger totem animals which come and go or the ones of healing for a particular need.
Guardian spirits are acquired through great vision quests, fasting and seeking in times of seperation, or in dreams or places of great power ceremonies.
CheyFire
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