When I first learned that we would be picking spiritual animals I was confused. I was not sure what to expect and definitely did not know what I was getting into. However, a spirit animal can mean different things to various cultures and religions. For example, "Contemporary cultures also have totem animals, such as those for clubs or societies like the Lions Club.. or for sports teams such as the Chicago Bears... Even Christianity has the totems of the lamb and the fish." (546) A spirit Animal can be a persona that you wish to take on in different situations. For example, many dancers say when they go out on stage, Beyonce is their spiritual animal. They want to replicate how she dances and how she is able to put on such a great show. I am excited to find my spirit animal as well as our class' spirit animal. This is also known as Totemism. Which is, "Social or religious groups that feel a special affinity and which is often considered to be the mythical ancestor of the group." (545) This animal will represent the various personalities of the class. I cannot wait to go on this journey with the class and create memories that we will never forget! 

     In a way, we are similar to the Black Elk in his search to find his Spirit Animal. "While I was eating, a voice came and said: It is time; now they are calling you."(566) We will all discover when the right time is to find our Spirit Animal. It may come through meditation or even just walking on the sidewalk going to class. The Black Elk seemed to have trouble connecting with the spirits and them accepting his offerings. "O Great Spirit, accept my offerings! O make me understand!"(567)  Sometimes when we are looking so hard for something, it is usually staring us in the face. This can also be applied when looking for answers from God. It is said that prayer is one of the most powerful weapons a Christian should use. You should pray when things are going great, as well as when things are going bad. Waiting for an answer however, is it not always easy. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (Mark 11:24) Another hard thing to realize is that sometimes the answer we get is not always the answer we were hoping for. Yes will not always be the answer and it is usually for the best. It is important to remember that no matter what you are going through, God will always be there!