Unlocking Your Spirit Power Animal: Allison Charles on Animal Guides and Shamanic Wisdom
Have you ever encountered an animal at a pivotal moment and felt like it carried a message for you? On Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, rockstar shaman Allison Charles sheds light on how animals serve as spiritual guides and how we can harness their wisdom. Her book, Animal Power, explores the role of power animals in our lives and how they can be medicinal, guiding us toward greater self-awareness and healing.
What Is a Power Animal?
Power animals are spiritual allies that appear in our lives to provide insight, healing, and protection. These animals come to us in dreams, meditation, or real-life encounters, each carrying a unique energy and lesson. Allison explains that every individual has a core power animal that remains with them throughout life, while others come and go, offering guidance for specific situations.
Maria’s Power Animal Reading
During the interview, Allison performed a live power animal reading for Maria. One of the animals that came through was the armadillo, a potent symbol of healthy boundaries. This aligned with Maria’s personal journey, as she has been working on setting and maintaining boundaries in her life.
“All of us need to cultivate better boundaries,” Allison shares. “The armadillo’s shell reminds us to create a protective space while still allowing for deep, meaningful connections.”
How to Discover Your Power Animal
If you’re wondering how to find your power animal, Allison suggests the following steps:
- Pay Attention to Repeating Animals – Notice if a specific animal frequently appears in your life, whether in person, dreams, or media.
- Use Meditation or Guided Journeys – Engage in a shamanic journey or meditation where you ask for your power animal to reveal itself.
- Consult Animal Power – Flip to a random page in the book and see which animal appears—it may hold a message for you.
Kelsey, Maria’s co-host, tested this method and landed on hummingbird, an animal she has always felt deeply connected to. The synchronicity confirmed her intuition.
The Healing Messages of Animal Encounters
Maria shared how mosquitoes have been a nuisance in her life since 2016—the same year her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Looking up the meaning of mosquitoes in Allison’s book, she discovered they symbolize foundational change and perspective shifts. This realization added deeper meaning to an otherwise frustrating experience.
“The universe speaks to us in so many ways,” Maria reflects. “Now I see these moments as guidance rather than coincidences.”
Surrendering to Spiritual Gifts
A major theme in Maria’s reading was her untapped spiritual abilities. Allison encouraged her to surrender to the journey and trust that her gifts will unfold naturally.
“If you feel called to explore your spiritual path, say it out loud,” Allison advises. “Ask the universe, ‘I’m ready—show me the way.’ And then be open to receiving the signs.”
Maria’s husband, Kevin, also came up in the reading. While he is open to spiritual exploration, he approaches it with curiosity and humor. Allison suggests that having his support will create a safe space for Maria to fully embrace her spiritual evolution.
The Missing Dog: A Future Volume?
One notable absence in Animal Power was the lack of a dog. Allison explains that most power animals in the book are wild creatures rather than domesticated pets. However, she hinted at a potential second volume, where dogs and other companion animals may take center stage.
“Dogs come into our lives as teachers,” Maria adds. “They show us unconditional love and, in some cases, even take on our burdens.”
Final Thoughts
Animals are more than just beautiful creatures—they are spiritual messengers waiting to guide us. By recognizing and honoring their presence, we open ourselves to profound personal growth and healing.
For those looking to deepen their connection with power animals, Allison’s book Animal Power serves as an excellent guide. Whether through meditation, observation, or simply keeping an open mind, the wisdom of the animal kingdom is always within reach.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
