THE NINE DIRECTIONS

[Terri Benning]

THE NINE DIRECTIONS

Each and every person on earth has nine power totem animals that symbolize the medicine they carry in their Earth Walk. These animals or creature beings represent each person's innate talents, abilities, challenges and dreams. For instance, if a person is linked to a Wolf as a power animal, that person is natural born a teacher, pathfinder, innovator, and self-starter. This does not necessarily mean that a person has acknowledged those gifts and is using them to the fullest. It can mean that Wolf is there to bring that person to an awareness and a greater understanding of those talents.

As you come into the Earth Walk, there are seven directions surrounding your physical body. These directions are East, South, West, North, Above, Below, and Within.

The direction called Within exists within you, but it also surrounds you, since the entire universe is contained within your consciousness. You have a totem animal in each of the seven directions to teach you the lessons of these directions.

The other two animals, which make up your nine animal totems are the ones which are walking at each side of you at all times, and which may possibly have been coming to you for years in your dreams. If they have not come to you in dreams, they may be animals that you are drawn to but which have not appeared amongst the other seven animal totems. You may find that these last two creatures will appear for you at a later date. The two that walk by your side may be from any part of the animal kingdom on Mother Earth.

THE NINE DIRECTIONS

EAST: The animal in the East direction guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guards your path to enlightenment.

SOUTH: The animal to your South protects the child within and reminds you when to be humble and when to trust, so that innocence will be balanced in your personality.

WEST: The animal in the West position leads you to your personal truth and inner answers. It also shows you the path to your goals.

NORTH: The North animal gives wise counsel and reminds you when to speak and when to listen. It also reminds you to be grateful for your blessings each and every day.

ABOVE: The Above animal will teach you to honor the Great Star Nation, it will also remind you that you came from the stars and to the stars you will return. The animal is also the sentinel of the Dreamtime; your personal access to the other dimensions.

BELOW: The animal Below will teach you about the inner Earth, and how to stay grounded and on on your path.

WITHIN: The animal Within will teach you how to find your happiness and to be faithful to your personal truths. Its also the guardian of your sacred space, the place that is yours alone and is never shared except by invitation.

RIGHT SIDE: The animal to your Right protects your male side and teaches you that, no matter where you turn, it will be your Father Protector within. This animal also carries your courage and warrior spirit.

LEFT SIDE: The animal to your Left is the protector of your female side and teaches you that you must learn to receive abundance as well as to nurture yourself and others. The Left-side animal is also your teacher about relationships and mothering.