(Mudwort Beetle)
Since the first publishing of Animal-Speak in 1993, this book has increased in popularity. Many of Ted Andrew’s writings have been featured on various websites discussing “animal totems”. A shamanistic practitioner, Mr. Andrews speaks to people's desire to understand animals.
Although the author intersperses animal lore and practical means of knowing animals, the majority of the book describes shamanistic rituals on contacting your “power animals”. Mr. Andrews writes for the audience familiar with various New Age concepts. Readers unfamiliar with New Age beliefs can skip over those parts of the book. The animal lessons are clearly understandable for everybody.
“Animal-Speak” covers a wide variety of Warm-looded Ones and Winged Ones but few Crawling Ones. The book’s coverage of Cold-Blooded Ones is restricted to “Alligators and Crocodiles”, “Frogs”, “Lizards”, “Snake” and “Turtle”. Chameleon is covered in a separate entry. (In his later books, Ted Andrews expands his coverage of Cold-Blooded Ones.) Before introducing various animal groups, the author explains, in detail, about that group’s particular characteristics.
One animal lesson Ted Andrews writes about considers what Beetle has to teach. Beetle’s Keynote Word is “Resurrection”. Unlike Warm-Blooded Ones and Winged Ones, Crawling Ones such as Beetle do not have a “Cycle of Power,” when Beetle is more influential on a person’s life. An excerpt of Beetle’s teaching is, “As with many insects, the beetle goes through a tremendous metamorphosis from the grub stage to the winged. Because of this, it is associated with resurrection and change. If the beetle has shown up in your life, examine the need for metamorphosis.”
Although Ted Andrew’s language is sometimes obtuse and difficult to penetrate, many people have found this book worthwhile. What the reader will discover in their readings on “animal wisdom” that many “animal totem” systems are based on ideas presented in this book. Add this book to your library to discern more original work on Animal Teachers.
Purchase animal books by Ted Andrews at Amazon.com
Pictures of "Mudwort Beetle" and "Green Frog" copyrighted by Mary Ann Sterling
Va. Carper
August 15, 2005