Shamanism teaches us that the intelligence of nature is all around us, waiting for us to reach out with open hearts and listen to its guidance. When we turn our attention to the incredible community of animal life and the teachings they have to share, we open ourselves to a vibrant, interconnected world full of spiritual truths and transformational insights.

Through myth, tradition, science, and story--combined with the power of personal observation--we can see how animals offer profound life lessons every day:

• Ants readily demonstrate the power of teamwork.
• Bears show us how to protect what's most important to us.
• Eagles embody the value of clear vision.

In the first section of this book, Ruiz explains how power animals represent a path to our own personal power and provides a foundational understanding of the animal world based on the symbol of the medicine wheel and its association with the elements of earth, air, fire, and water.

The second section contains a power animal compendium covering over 200 animals. Each entry includes exercises, prayers, and chants for use in communicating and collaborating with these powerful allies on your own personal journey toward awareness and healing.

The result is both a reference guide to the wisdom of the animal world and a road map for activating this wisdom within yourself.