Welcome, and thanks for stopping by today!
I’m guessing you are here because you are wondering, ‘what exactly is a Power Animal Art Reading?’
It’s a good question. To answer I’ll need to tell you a little about my story. It’s a bit unusual, but hang with me – I think you’ll find it makes sense in the end.
How it all started
As a small child I drew compulsively. I was also crazy about animals. I would spend hours outside observing birds, squirrels, ants, and neighborhood cats and dogs. When the weather didn’t allow that, I’d be inside playing with and learning from a menagerie of small pets.
Over time, I learned that if I held still, watched and waited, the animals would allow me into their world. If I kept quiet and listened, they taught me things no one learns in school. Plants, too, silently revealed their secrets as I followed their cycles of growth over the course of seasons.
Naturally, most of my drawings were of the animals and plants I knew and loved, along with others I knew about only from books, TV and trips to the zoo.
Learning animal wisdom through art
Even as a very small child I had an intuitive sense that animals can teach us and empower us – and that I could unlock their lessons through art.
In the process of drawing, I would mentally and emotionally “tap into” the power or energy of the animal. By assimilating their energy in this way, I could then draw upon it in times of need. If I needed to be bold, I “became” a lion. If the footing was rough, I called upon the mountain goat. The power and speed of horse energy carried me over obstacles in life.
I’ll admit, that may sound a little bit bizarre, but stay with me for a minute and let me explain.
It’s not as woo-woo as it sounds at first. I was simply using the power of imagination – the same thing elite athletes use when they use visualization techniques to improve their performance.
As I grew older, I began to recognize that in addition to carrying the energy of the animals, the works of art I created – like dreams – had meaning.
“Tiger”, watercolor on art board, 16×20″, collection Anne Michelsen.
At first it took me years to realize what a particular painting might mean. It wasn’t always easy for me to accept my unusual gift, either. I confess I ran from it for a very, very long time.
But the more I began to open myself to the process and give myself permission to know what I know, the easier it became to decipher the messages in my paintings. In studying the works of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, I began to understand the archetypal power of the animals I drew, and see them as invaluable tools for self-discovery and transformation…
In fact, they became trusted guides that helped me towards discovering and fulfilling my true purpose in life.
Bringing my gift to the world
One day I discovered that this gift wasn’t just for me! By holding a specific person in my mind, I found I could tap into their personal energy and create symbolic images uniquely for them.
What’s more, I learned that I could interpret these images. I started writing out the messages and meanings revealed to me as I created the artwork. That way, the person receiving it would not just have a beautiful picture, but one that could help them better understand themselves, and even improve their life!
It was hard for me to believe at first, but time after time people would tell me the images and interpretations I gave them were spot-on relevant to their lives.
People often express a deep, unexplainable connection to the artwork I create for them. Many say that simply observing their painting and meditating on its message helps them connect with undiscovered truths about themselves and their relationships with others, and forge a deeper connection to the spiritual world.
How I create a personalized Power Animal Image
When I set out to do a Power Animal Art Reading, I begin by connecting with the person. I really feel that this is an interactive type of art, and the person I’m doing the reading for is the co-creator of the piece.
If I know the person well, all I have to do is think of them deeply. If I don’t know the person, it helps to have a brief conversation with them. At this time, we can decide what specific aspect of their life they’d like to focus on. Looking at their photograph can also help me attune to their energy.
Once I’ve connected with the person, I retreat to a peaceful place and sit quietly with eyes closed. There, I hold the person in my mind. Sometimes I repeat their name silently like a mantra. Then, I simply wait for the animals, nature spirits or other totem images to appear in my mind’s eye – just as I waited for the birds and animals of my childhood to show themselves to me so long ago.
It is simply a matter of opening to inspiration, and to the positive animal energies that are supporting that person.
Sometimes, the power animal will make itself known right away. Others are shy and I have to sit patiently for a long while before they come into view. Once they do, I begin to draw. I never know in advance what images will appear.
The first draft of the piece is always a drawing. This allows me to get the message down quickly. For those who wish, I go on to paint the image. Sometimes the process of painting opens up additional layers of meaning.
As I begin intuitively working in concert with the shapes, colors and symbols that present themselves, the ultimate outcome is a beautiful, one of a kind piece of art that delivers a deep connection with nature and newfound sense of inner purpose for the recipient.
For each piece of artwork, I also include a written or recorded interpretation. This reading explains the potential meaning(s) of the animal(s) and/or other power symbol(s) appearing in the piece, along with any intuitive knowledge I may have received while working on it.
By the way, I have to mention that this isn’t fortune telling, and I don’t channel spirits. It’s a process of empathy and intuition. These images are invariably positive. They represent your inner strengths and potentials, and the positive energies that are there for you to help you tap into them. You may also discover suggestions for how to live a better life. But no dire warnings from the beyond! 😉
Connecting with your Power Symbol
You may be wondering how best to connect with the power embodied in one of my Art Readings, once it is in your hands.
Great question! My upcoming guide, To Ride the Mythic Beast: How to Connect with the Transformative Power of Your Totem Animal, offers some great suggestions that can help you align with your totem to effect powerful changes in your life. Click here to reserve your free copy.
Connect with me
In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined that my art would have such a profound effect on so many people…
It’s my greatest desire to have you connect with one of my pieces or even to create a custom piece, just for you.
The really exciting part is, a single piece of art can carry multiple meanings, depending on the viewer. As you take the time to view my art, FEEL beyond the surface to discover the personal message that lies in wait, especially for you. And I’d love to hear what you think!
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to speak to me about commissioning a custom piece for yourself, a loved one or even your company… simply contact me below and I will be in touch with you right away.
Bright Spirit Studio 
Leave a Reply