I recently bought a leopard jasper crystal from my favorite metaphysical store. I have a tendency to go for those crystals I am drawn to on that particular day, and this particular one sort of reached out to me. Once in hand, I did a little research in a reference book the shopkeeper has nearby and noticed leopard crystal was good for shamanic journeys and identifying animal totems. Intrigued, I bought the crystal and brought it home.
I decided to use the crystal for meditation, so I laid down and placed the crystal in the middle of my forehead at the third eye chakra. I then focused on going within to my heart space and allowing myself to feel my expanded spirit within the Oneness. Suddenly, I felt the presence of Saul, who sat in the chair next to me. I heard him say, "So, you want to take a journey." I felt myself being pulled upward to a light blue cloud-like place which felt very comforting, peaceful and healing. I stayed in that space for quite some time.
I began to think of the other uses of the leopard jasper--specifically the one dealing with animal totems. I have to confess here that I have never really tried to get in touch with my animal totem. It just wasn't of particular interest although I have nothing against the idea. While I was in this lifted state with Saul though I thought, "What the heck--what is my animal totem?"
Immediately an image of a mountain lion came to mind. Being a Leo, I think I have a natural affinity to cats, and this seemed right. After a while, I became curious about what this totem represents, so I came back to earth and got on the computer to google mountain lion totem. Interestingly enough, I read that the lesson of the mountain lion is to learn to be a fair leader.
Part of what I find intriguing about this is the fact that I have always been a leader, although most of my life I have run away from the responsibility. From the time I was a small child, people were always attracted to me. I was often the one organizing activities and events that everyone wanted to participate in. I was the type of person who knew no cliques--somehow I managed to walk freely in and out of them (even between cliques that were in competition with each other). This changed by choice when I was twelve after I was made aware that not everyone liked where I led. Not wanting to control others, I suddenly stopped (not realizing people were still able to choose whether or not they liked the direction I was leading them in).
As an adult, perhaps the only real leadership responsibility I have held onto is that of parent, but that doesn't mean I haven't been offered the job. In fact, during my twelve years in daycare settings, I went from being cook to assistant teacher to lead teacher to assistant and lead teacher positions within Georgia Pre-K. Within that time, I was also offered assistant daycare director or daycare director positions four times. I always turned those down because I did not feel that was my life calling nor did I want that responsibility. Even in my current part-time retail job, I find myself getting more hours than I really want and increasingly my opinion and advice is asked for in various situations. I work hard and seem to get a lot of respect.
I do believe there is more leadership within my life, although maybe the timing is not quite right yet. I do believe it has something to do with being a teacher and healer and helping others find their own internal connection to God. Quietly, this mountain lion seems to be going with me, nudging me toward those choices that will be good for myself as well as those I will one day lead.
I decided to use the crystal for meditation, so I laid down and placed the crystal in the middle of my forehead at the third eye chakra. I then focused on going within to my heart space and allowing myself to feel my expanded spirit within the Oneness. Suddenly, I felt the presence of Saul, who sat in the chair next to me. I heard him say, "So, you want to take a journey." I felt myself being pulled upward to a light blue cloud-like place which felt very comforting, peaceful and healing. I stayed in that space for quite some time.
I began to think of the other uses of the leopard jasper--specifically the one dealing with animal totems. I have to confess here that I have never really tried to get in touch with my animal totem. It just wasn't of particular interest although I have nothing against the idea. While I was in this lifted state with Saul though I thought, "What the heck--what is my animal totem?"
Immediately an image of a mountain lion came to mind. Being a Leo, I think I have a natural affinity to cats, and this seemed right. After a while, I became curious about what this totem represents, so I came back to earth and got on the computer to google mountain lion totem. Interestingly enough, I read that the lesson of the mountain lion is to learn to be a fair leader.
Part of what I find intriguing about this is the fact that I have always been a leader, although most of my life I have run away from the responsibility. From the time I was a small child, people were always attracted to me. I was often the one organizing activities and events that everyone wanted to participate in. I was the type of person who knew no cliques--somehow I managed to walk freely in and out of them (even between cliques that were in competition with each other). This changed by choice when I was twelve after I was made aware that not everyone liked where I led. Not wanting to control others, I suddenly stopped (not realizing people were still able to choose whether or not they liked the direction I was leading them in).
As an adult, perhaps the only real leadership responsibility I have held onto is that of parent, but that doesn't mean I haven't been offered the job. In fact, during my twelve years in daycare settings, I went from being cook to assistant teacher to lead teacher to assistant and lead teacher positions within Georgia Pre-K. Within that time, I was also offered assistant daycare director or daycare director positions four times. I always turned those down because I did not feel that was my life calling nor did I want that responsibility. Even in my current part-time retail job, I find myself getting more hours than I really want and increasingly my opinion and advice is asked for in various situations. I work hard and seem to get a lot of respect.
I do believe there is more leadership within my life, although maybe the timing is not quite right yet. I do believe it has something to do with being a teacher and healer and helping others find their own internal connection to God. Quietly, this mountain lion seems to be going with me, nudging me toward those choices that will be good for myself as well as those I will one day lead.
