Since some of us have been chatting a bit about Shamanism and I'll also be doing my classes on journeying, I thought this might be a cool place to start.
So questions about journeys and power animals, talking about your personal experiences, etc... open for discussion and learning on the topic.

I've been practicing shamanic techniques for about 12 years now. I was first introduced to healing techniques and very quickly to journeywork. I guess with journeying it kind of seemed like my imagination at first, but then rather quickly, it became real. It's kind of like second nature. Now I know that it doesn't matter if it is real, imagined, or whatever... just that you get something from the experience. At first I always needed someone else or a cd to drum or rattle for me. Now, I can do it and journey at the same time. I quite often journey without anything, just getting info quickly while walking or driving or whatever. I lead larger groups on journeys and am able to be aware of how everyone is doing by just kind of journeying with them. (That part is hard to explain in words, it's an experiencial thing.) Teaching just evolved itself into my life. I never quite intended it to do so, it just happened and I've gone along with the flow. I learn so much from each and every person I come in contact with, whether that is a quick conversation in the store, that they attend a class, or that they study with me.

The animals that I'm personally working with right now are Hawk, Deer, Dragonfly, and Florida Panther/Cougar. Bringing messages, gentleness, seeing through illusion, and strength into my life. Lots of other aspects too.
Hawk helps me to clear a path to my goals and brings messages to those whom I am about to approach about new ideas as well as carrying messages back to me and helping me to see things from a broader, different perspective.
Panther helps me to be strong and keep up my self esteem. To remind me that there is power in everything I do and think. Also about stealthness.
Deer reminds me to use power with gentleness, to just BE, and also to speak with tact and truth.
Dragonfly basically is constantly helping my to tear apart all of my false / limiting beliefs and to stay out of the box. (Oh she says... what box...is there a box?)

Spirit guides? Well, there are tons. Some for personal help and searching. One that helps me with shadowwork. Several that I work with while healing others. A couple that give me guided meditations while I'm leading them in groups. A few that automatic write (one writes great poetry lol). They are of all shapes and sizes. Basically whatever I need to see and hear for what is going on.

I guess that's enough to open... what about you?
Love and Light,
Dawna