Book excerpt: Animals are not only beholders of great beauty, but they are also beholders of ancient wisdom. Molly Friedenfeld The idea of spirit guides speaking through animals and birds dates back to ancient times. Today, if we're open to watching and listening to our totem animals, we can develop beneficial relationships withthem. We can also recognize that when a totem animal appears to us in a special way, it s offering insight into what's happening in our lives. This helpful book will give you a greater understanding of more than 60 totem animals and their unique meanings in an A to Z encyclopedic listing, lead you through the steps for accessing a chosen spirit, and help you explore the role of animal spirits in cultures around the world. Also included are chapters on: Totem Animals Around the WorldYour Totem AnimalWorking with Your Totem AnimalStrengthening Your Connection to Your Totem AnimalYour Child's Totem Animal/p> This user-friendly guide is practical and accessible and offers insight and wisdom for daily life. A color edition of this title was briefly available from Sterling in the North American market in 2010. "