12/ln the Shadow of the Shaman

When you have done this, tum a quarter tum to the right one more
time and face the direction you started with. You have completed
your full circle. Feel the energy of all the directions surrounding you
in your complete circle.

From where you stand, at the beginning of your circle, walk forward
slowly, no more than twelve paces, and look for an object from
Nature.This may be as simple as a leaf or a twig.It may be a feather, a
stone, or even a bit of colored glass. When you have walked no more
than twelve paces, return slowly, tracing your footsteps back to where
you began. You may find something you overlooked the first time.
When you have returned to where you started, take a moment to
connect with your object from Nature and to give thanks for the gift
you have received.

When you are ready, tum a quarter turn to the right and slowly walk
forward, no more than twelve paces, to find an object in the next
direction.Continue as you began until you have completed your circle
of the four directions and have found your objects from Nature.

The key is to find one totem in each direction. If you find four dif­
ferent kinds, that is fine. If you find four similar kinds, that is also fine
and may be a clue to the type of energy you need to work with. It's
advisable not to concern yourself about what you find as much as
how you connect with it. Enjoy yourself.

When you have found each totem, try to leave a litile something
in return, for thank you.

My adoptive Seneca parents, Grey Eagle and Gentle Earth

Woman, carry special pouches of tobacco to give thanks for the gifts
they find in Nature.Cornmeal is also good, as are small shells, stones,
or herbs. I have often put lots of pennies in my pockets just for this.
Copper is a gift from the Earth, too.l also leave small polished stones.
I left one in returr. for a bright red toadstool one day. Later, in the
sweat lodge ceremony, I heard someone else tell of finding it. They
felt it was a very special totem for them. It sounds funny, but totems
travel strange paths.
Totems from Nature will constantly show up in the environment
as you follow the shamanic path. You may be concerned that your
home will end up as a museum of natural history.That sounds kind of
nice unless you get pushed out by the overflow.After you get over the