Quote:
Originally Posted by erego  I don't think it is a loss of soul; I think it was a sense of, a bit of soul lingering in the place, more of like a string between you and that. |
erego,
I follow a Native American spiritual tradition and interacting with Animal Allies (totems) and Journeying are both a large part of that tradition.
"Animal Speak" is a fine primer for totemic study, but nothing beats a live teacher - someone who can help guide you through the Nagual, teach you about Journeying and help you open up to your Guides and other allies.
For my part, I have a very strong "Life Totem" or "Power Animal" that has been with me since I was born and remains my constant companion, teacher and protector. During Journeys, I also interact with many other Allies in their animal forms. I've been given messages from Spider, Trout, Fox, Snake, Racoon, and so many others that it's impossible to list.
As for the issue of "lingering" that is absolutely a potential risk and that lingering
can lead to Soul Loss. Sometimes, when we are connected in a strong spiritual way, whether through Journeying or Meditation or whatever means you use to connect, we do so in a very fundamental way that our spirit recognizes. If we are not concious of this, it can be very tempting to stay too long in that realm. If we do not conciously bring ourselves back or have someone help call us back in an appropriate manner, we can lose a small bit our spirit in the translation.
That's the bad news. The good news is that that portion of spirit is pretty easily regained. Much easier to regain a "lingering" spirit than one which was lost due to physical or emotional trauma. Those bits tend to want to stay hidden and can be obstinate to bring back.