Working with Animals

Sacred Meadow Circle Virtual Gathering Discussion Summary:

Thank you to those who were able to attend the Sacred Meadow Circle Virtual Gathering with the suggested topic of discussion about Working with Animals

The discussion was on working with animals in the craft, covering four main approaches: practicing on animals, practicing with animals, practicing as animals, and animal practices.

Working with animals from a metaphysical perspective can be incredibly rewarding, mostly because animals don't have the mental clutter that humans do. Animals are natural empaths. Because they rely heavily on energetic signatures for survival, they are highly sensitive to their environment and their human companions.  Animals frequently absorb or mirror the emotional or energetic states of their owners. It was explained that a sudden shift in a pet’s behaviour or physical well-being can often be traced back to stress, grief, or tension held in the home environment. 

When facilitating a metaphysical session for an animal, a practitioner must first establish pristine boundaries. If an animal is approached while carrying your own stress or an overeager, forceful desire to "fix" them, they will likely walk away or become defensive. The practitioner has to ground themselves completely and project a calm, neutral, and inviting essence. It was explained that animals don't try to intellectualize what’s happening, they don't have a placebo effect, and they don't carry skepticism. Animals operate entirely in the present moment, reacting strictly to shifts in energy, vibration, and intention.  When extending a practice to domestic pets, livestock, or wildlife, the entire dynamic of the workings shifts.  It was explained how animals can receive energy work similar to humans, and we discussed the importance of understanding animal behaviour and sensitivity when conducting metaphysical practices with them.  

Unlike humans who will sit on a table for an hour, animals dictate the terms of their energetic sessions. Many animals prefer distal or hands-hovering work rather than direct touch.  They will clearly signal when they've had enough. For example, a dog might lie down and sigh deeply as they absorb the energy, but the moment they have had enough, they will stand up, shake their coat as a classic energetic clearing mechanism, and walk to the other side of the room. While working with animals, that exit should be honoured immediately. 

It was advised to keep in mind that animals possess a much wider and more sensitive auditory range than humans, making sound a potent but delicate modality. For example, use of sound healing.  It was explained that high-pitched or overly intense frequencies can startle an animal's nervous system. Gentle, grounding tones, such as the deep resonance of a large bronze bowl, a low-frequency crystal singing bowl, or soft drumbeat rhythms, are excellent for soothing anxious animals or calming a restless space. We discussed how because their bodies are highly receptive, they don't just hear the sound; they feel the physical sound waves moving through their muscle tissue and bone structure. When incorporating earth elements, a passive, choice-based approach is paramount. Never attach crystals directly to an animal's collar or leave them loose where they could be swallowed.

Some suggestions shared were, instead, place stones near their resting area or underneath a pet bed. Protective, grounding stones like smoky quartz or black tourmaline can help create a stable anchor for easily startled animals.  We also described how animals have an olfactory system thousands of times more sensitive than ours. So, essential oils should generally be avoided or used with extreme caution, as many are highly toxic to cats and dogs when absorbed or inhaled in enclosed spaces. Dried herbs placed out of reach, or simply working with the energetic essence of a plant, is much safer. The most crucial element of metaphysical animal work is absolute consent. Because animals communicate non-verbally, practitioners must learn to read subtle body language as explicit "yes" or "no" responses.  It was emphasized that any metaphysical work should complement, not replace, traditional veterinary care and stressed the need for consent from animals, which can be communicated through subtle body cues.

The participants were invited to share their experiences and opinions on working with animals.  We discussed the concept of working with animal spirits in magickal practices, explaining animism and the differences between evocation and invocation. A participant shared their experience with familiars and totems, describing how they interact with their spirit companions. Another also described their personal experience working with ravens and using raven symbolism in their practice, emphasizing that there are many ways to incorporate animal practices into magical work.  Others discussed working with animals as spiritual guides and animal synchronicities.  One shared their personal experience with a familiar, describing how their past cat's energetic presence continues to influence their practice.

The discussion highlighted different perspectives on working with animals, including seeing them as energetic essences, spirit guides, or natural signs.  Working with animals requires a practitioner to step entirely out of the ego. It was advised to avoid trying to force an outcome and to just offer a clean, supportive, energetic space when working with animals, so that it happens naturally. 

Please join us for the next Virtual Gathering of the Sacred Meadow Circle! More information is available at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/gatherings