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I was in a wiccan store looking at a book about non-human animals, basically it was about why its important to find one species we truly feel connected to. I thought this would eb great, considering I truly love all non-human animals.... except bats, they just really freak me out. I think all non-human animals are so fantastic and interesting, I wish I could have them all.... and why can't I?

Anyways, I should stop ranting. Someone slightly older then me walked up and said, have read the book I presume, "Have you chosen one?"

"Well, I don't think we really 'choose' per say," more like the way nature intended it to be right?

"Well sure, soi what animal do you feel connected to the most?"

And then it hit me, throughout my enjtire life I have felt a love and compassion for the hippopotomas. I just think they are sch a great species. While I do love all the others, the hippo kind of... stands out in a way. I'm not even going to get into explaining why. A

Anyways I told him this and his reply was, "People nowdays. They think they can just pick some random, stupid animal cuz' its cool. No one on earth gets connected to a hippo!"

"Well what should I be attached to then."

" I don't know, something normal like an eagle, or a wolf, or a horse, or even an orca."

"Well those are all great, but what seperates those from the hippo?"

At this point he just walked off saying something about the misuse of our faith.

So, what are your thoughts on the matter? Who do you think is right(its okay if you side with him, but either way explain why.)

Yeah, its true about how much grief we already get, people don't need to be adding to it. The trouble is, wicca is not a concrete religion. Everyone has thier own views, its truly a totally seperate deal from one wiccan to the next, so I guess a lot of confuion like this would happen.

And as for the orcas, don't ask me why he said it XD

Orcas are really sacred to Pacific Coast native american tribes, so that might be where he's drawing it from.

Personally, I have to say I'm jealous of you. Even before taking up Wicca I searched for my spirit animal and hoped to have a really unique animal as my spirit guide, but sadly it seems to be some kind of combination between a hawk and eagle. They pretty much appear (usually in abnormally large sizes) around important events in my life. This is kind of disappointing for me because I've always striven to be unique, and I mean, come on. Everyone says they're a wolf/eagle/bear/hawk. Who honestly wants to be like everyone else? I suppose I should really be honored, because it seems like an eagle or hawk would be important totems that other people 'choose' but I was given (or like to think that, at least).

I think its wonderful that you are connected to a unique animal. I wish I was so lucky, though the old eagle-hawk is starting to grow on me.

Hippo's are lovely, I think they'd probably represent something like perseverance, having thick skin, maybe even emotional strength. I say go for hippo, read as much as you can about them, learn about them, etc.

And don't let people's bull get in the way of your spiritual journey, that's just wrong.

Wow, it was really nice to see all these posts. I'm not going to lie, I was kind of doubting whether or not the hippo was mine or not. I suppose I should stop doubting it and just follow what I think is right. Thanks guys!

Any animal is suitable as a spirit guide (er connection or whatever you were referring to)...whoever you were talking to that said it should be something "normal" was full of s**t, to put it bluntly.

Sure, there's nothing wrong with wolves and bears and eagles, and they are really great animals, but I personally find it more interesting when people are connected to more unconventional animals...I'm not saying that someone should base their connection on what is the strangest, but I'm saying that either way it shouldn't matter. It's your personal thing.

I've always thought that hippos were pretty cool animals. I am actually very connected to whales and manatees. A manatee came close to me and my family (they're usually very shy) on a full moon when I was very young. They are very special to me. Some people think that they're ugly though :/ but they really are peaceful and beautiful animals in my opinion. I like narwhals too, but I've never seen one in real life. Definitely not the norm, but that's my thing. So whatever you wanna do, go for it.

To be honest, I'm quite jealous that you get a unique animal xd I get a fairly typical feline.

I think i am connected to cats... I did a spell (actually, i think someone in this guild wrote it, but i may be mistaken) to find my spirit guide. You were supposed to do it before you go to bed, and then put the piece of paper you wrote the spell on under your pillow. That night, i had a dream about a little petite black and white cat, with a bell collar. It talked to me... I wish i could remember what it said... -.-