The Book of Beasties - by Sarah Seidelmann (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Beastie [bee-stee]: The overarching spirit of any species of insect, reptile, bird, mammal, or mythical creature that exists or has ever existed; also known as an animal totem or spirit animal.

"From an ancient perspective, everything--including all natural things, like rocks, flowers, trees, insects, birds, and mammals--is alive and infused with conscious energy or spirit," writes Sarah Seidelmann. If you're one of the many people looking to reconnect with the creativity, wisdom, and vital energy of the natural world, here is a fantastic guide for tapping into the power of animal totems, or "beasties."

The Book of Beasties invites you to explore why certain animals show up in your life--and what teachings they may be trying to share. Packed with information, illustrations, and traditional and modern insights into the unique qualities of different beasties, The Book of Beasties teaches you about:

- Guest Beasties: how certain beasties enter your life to give you messages or assistance you need just when you need them
- Core Beasties: meet the guiding beasties who are your lifelong companions, friends, and helpers
- Beastie Relationships: tips and techniques for deepening your relationship with beasties and becoming more receptive to their support
- Beasties A-Z: an expansive compendium of individual beasties and their unique qualities--including bats, wolves, elephants, salmon . . . even unicorns and dragons!

"A message brought by a beastie may be about beauty or family or work," teaches Sarah. "It might offer you guidance on a prickly problem. Or it might make you smile just when you need it." Whether you're a long-time shamanic practitioner or simply curious about what secret messages your favorite animal might have for you, The Book of Beasties is an ideal resource for discovering the wild and wonderful world of spirit animals.

Review Quotes

"A really fun book for finding life guidance via animal biology! As a self-identified sea cow (endangered vegetarians), I now feel less embarrassed about my ability to float in a pool for days." --Maria Bamford, comedian and star of Netflix's Lady Dynamite

"Good news for those of us who love animals and want a better life! Sarah Bamford Seidelmann has written a rambunctious romp through the world as she sees it: bursting with possibilities, magic, and, of course, beasties. Reading this book is like spending a day being trained by Merlin. Seidelmann is instructive, though provoking, inspiring, and endlessly generous in helping readers discover their purpose. Enjoy The Book of Beasties while cuddling up with your favorite dog, cat, bat, and chimpanzee. You'll all have a wonderful time." --Martha Beck, New York Times bestselling author of Expecting Adam and octopus enthusiast

"The Book of Beasties guides readers into a profound understanding of the personal messages offered through spirit animals. Detailing the techniques for applying their transformative, healing medicine, Seidelmann empowers us to dissolve the boundaries between what is seen and interpreted by the outer physical eye and the inner eye of the soul." --Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Life Visioning

"Warning: this book can change your life into a dangerously fun adventure. With a blend of humor, grace, and specificity, The Book of Beasties opens us to a world where wisdom--nature's and our own--is lurking at every turn. Seidelmann reveals how even our seemingly mundane encounters with the wild--from the ant attack in our cupboard to the howl of the neighborhood coyote pack--can usher in divine insights." --Jaimal Yogis, author of Saltwater Buddha and All Our Waves Are Water

"What happens if you marry legend, lyricism, and practicality? You create a doorway of light: The Book of Beasties. In a fresh and beautiful style, Sarah introduces you to all things beastie, describing the dozens of spirit animals ready to grant you advice, guidance, and a sprinkling of magic . . . This book is sure to become a daily source of inspiration and insight." --Cyndi Dale, intuitive, healer, teacher, and author of The Subtle Body and The Subtle Body Coloring Book

"The Book of Beasties is a wonderfully insightful invitation to the deep wisdom of animal spirits, as they beckon, cajole, forewarn, encourage, and celebrate with us. Sarah's writing style is warm and life affirming. Each beastie's words offers bright knowledge that awakens us to the sensitive and intelligent world we share." --Jacqueline Freeman, biodynamic beekeeper and author of Song of Increase: Listening to the Wisdom of Honeybees for Kinder Beekeeping and a Better World

"As someone who has worked with animal spirits all of my life, I am delighted with the depth and the beauty of The Book of Beasties. More than any other collection I know, Sarah's work with beasties brings shamanic tradition into the twenty-first century in a lighthearted, accessible way for all of us who value all creatures as our teachers and healers. There is much good in these pages, and wisdom applicable to all. If you've never considered nature as a potent teacher in your life, consider it now, and start your journey with this book." --Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers

About the Author

Sarah Bamford Seidelmann
SARAH BAMFORD SEIDELMANN was a physician living a nature-starved, hectic lifestyle until a walrus entered her life and changed everything. She has trained at the Martha Beck Institute and Michael Harner's Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and is author of Swimming with Elephants (Conari Press, 2017). She lives in northern Minnesota. For more, visit followyourfeelgood.com.