Animal Spirit Dance 

Friday evening of our Mabon Retreat, late night after opening ritual, Yarrow Coven will be hosting an animal spirit dance. Some folks have never heard of this type of ritual and have asked many questions. Here is a basic explanation of the Spirit Dance so that you may make an informed decision of your participation.   

This is a Shamanic experience for willing participants only. No observers will be allowed. This rule exists because we want each person participating in the experience to be able to let go and take part without feel self conscious or bothered by external people watching.  Believe it or not, this can make a difference for many people. 

An animal spirit dance is a ritual in which participants welcome their spirit animal to connect with them during trance. This is not a visualization or meditation. Please come prepared to let yourself go and lose yourself to the spirit of your animal spirit guide or to connect to a new guide.  What does "losing yourself" entail?  It means that each person is allowing their animal spirit to take possession of their body in a very controlled, safe and guarded circle.  It means becoming the eagle or ant or bear or cat. It means seeing as their animal sees, feeling as they feel, hunting or gathering food as they do and thinking like they do.  This ritual can be very life transforming and an intimate and personal way to understand the power and medicine their spirit animal has to offer in a way that no book or website can provide. 

There will be watchers and grounders on hand to keep you safe and to bring you out of the trance state. This aspect of the ritual is not taken lightly. We will have experienced watchers during the entire ritual to ensure that predators do not eat or attack their prey who may also be in the circle.  Experienced grounders will be present for helping those coming out of the trance state at the end of the ritual. Please know that this ritual is safe for participants!

So how do we achieve trance?  How do we even begin to enter into such a ritual?  The first step is the feeling of safety for participants. This is achieved through not allowing non-participants to observe the ritual to prevent folks from feeling self conscious.  Next is trusting the watchers and grounders to do their job and know they are there for you to experience trance safely.  Additionally, repetitive drumming aids in altering our conscious to allow us to enter into that alpha state.  Lastly, we have what is called "The Black Drink". Partaking of the ritual Black Drink is optional. It will however, help facilitate your experience. Please note that contents of the black drink are all legal. However, if you are taking any medication for a heart or liver condition you will not be allowed to partake of it. If you should have questions about the black drink please contact Elbee at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

On a last note, it is required that all participants refrain from any alcohol prior to this ritual.

We look forward to your participation!

Yarrow Coven