Imagine a night where the moon hangs low over a quiet forest, and you stand there in your sacred space, surrounded by the energy of the directions. Suddenly you sense a movement in the shadows – not a threat, but a warm presence. A tall figure steps forward, a guardian with eyes like stars, a shield wall against chaos. Beside it dance light spirits, allies who whisper advice and illuminate the way. This is the moment your team awakens – protector spirits and allies beyond your power animal, a network of helpers from the middle and upper worlds who safeguard your journey. In shamanism they are not merely chance encounters; they are your spiritual council, called for guidance, safety and power in rituals, healing and daily life. They build upon power animals by expanding your support, connected to elements, directions and sacred space.
A journey to the council of helpers
You breathe deeply in your protected space, the directions called, the elements balanced. The rhythm of the drum carries you into the middle world, where a path opens through misty meadows. First you meet your power animal's shadow – the loyal companion from earlier journeys – but it nods and steps aside. "It is time for more," it says.
From the north, the portal of the earth, a stone giant rises – your protector spirit, immovable as a mountain. "I am your shield against storms," it rumbles. Its presence fills you with weight and safety, a wall against negative forces. You see how it stands at the entrance to the sacred space, guarding boundaries during journeys.
From the east, a light elf sweeps in, an ally for wisdom – swift as the wind, eyes full of stars. "I am your eye," it sings. "See signs, dreams, paths ahead." It shows you subtle messages in nature, guidance in choices, a bridge to the upper world.
In the south, in the glow of fire, a fire spirit dances, passionate and brave – a protector against inner doubt. "Burn through fear," it flames. Its energy kindles your courage, clears blockages during healing.
In the west, in the embrace of water, a river guide flows, a gentle ally for intuition. "Flow with me," it whispers. It leads through emotional waters, heals wounds from the ancestors.
The center lights up – they gather around your power animal as leader. "We are your team," they say in chorus. "Call us for safety on journeys, counsel in ceremonies, support in life." You feel the pulse of the team synchronize with yours, a network that expands your power animal into a legion of light. The drum calls you home, but they remain – always near, ready to answer.
What protector spirits and allies are
In shamanism, power animals expand into a team: protectors guard (boundaries, energy), allies guide (insight, tasks). From the middle world come nature guardians such as stones or trees; the upper world gives beings of light. They are connected to the directions – north a protector for stability, east an ally for vision. Universal in practice, they strengthen safety during drum journeys and protect the sacred space against disturbances.
Practical exercises for your team
The exercises are step by step, 10–30 min, building on the altar, the directions and journeys. Do them in your sacred space, take note of encounters. Offer thanks (water, incense) afterward.
Exercise 1: Call the protector of the north – the Earth's shield (15 min)
Time: 15 minutes
Tools: A stone on the altar in the north.
Call the north: "Earth protector, come forth."
Visualize or journey: A giant guards the entrance. Introduce yourself, ask for protection.
Feel the weight in your body. Ask: "How do you guard me?" Notice images.
Place the stone, give thanks: "Thank you for the shield."
Ground yourself.
What are you opening to? An energetic barrier against negativity.
Exercise 2: East ally – the Eye of the wind (15–20 min)
Time: 15–20 minutes
Tools: A feather in the east on the altar.
Call the east: "Ally, show the way."
Journey or breathe: A being of light flies in. Ask for guidance on a question.
Listen to the insight – images, words. Gratitude strengthens the bond.
Fasten the feather, give thanks: "Thank you for the wisdom."
Note the signs.
What are you opening to? Daily guidance and clarity.
Exercise 3: South protector – the Courage of fire (20 min)
Time: 20 minutes
Tools: A candle in the south.
Call the south: "Fire guardian, kindle the courage."
Light the candle, visualize a flame spirit. Ask for strength against fear.
Feel the warmth spread. Ask: "What are we burning away?"
Extinguish safely (fire safety: never leave unattended), give thanks.
Keep the spark within.
What are you opening to? Inner power against challenges.
Exercise 4: West ally – the Flow of water (15 min)
Time: 15 minutes
Tools: A bowl of water in the west.
Call the west: "Guide, healing water."
Pour the water, journey to the river spirit. Ask for intuition in relationships.
Let the feelings flow. With gratitude: "Thank you for the flow."
Pour onto the earth.
What are you opening to? Emotional support and healing.
Exercise 5: Team integration – the Full council (25–30 min)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Tools: The full altar.
Call all the directions, the power animal first.
Invite the team: "Gather for guidance/safety." Ask your questions.
See them in a circle, receive a collective message.
Offer incense/water, give thanks. Visualize them guarding you going forward.
Close with grounding.
What are you opening to? A complete support team for journeys and life.
The way forward with your team
Integrate into daily practice: call before journeys, ask allies in dreams. Expand to seasonal guardians or Máddut nature spirits. A strong team makes deeper work possible – secure in the knowledge of support.
These exercises are not tied to any particular tradition and build on what is called core shamanism. As you learn more about the traditions, you can incorporate elements from them into the exercises.
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Sources
Harner, M.J. (1980). The Way of the Shaman: A Guide to Power and Healing. Harper & Row.
Ingerman, S. (2004). Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide. Sounds True.
Eliade, M. (1964). Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. Princeton University Press.
Bäckman, L. (1975). Witches, Prophets and Heretics: Sámi Shamanism in Historical Perspective. Stockholm Studies in Comparative Religion.
Price, N.S. (2002). The Viking Way: Religion and War in Late Iron Age Scandinavia. Oxbow Books.
