Plant and Animal Allies with Rieka Moonsong

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming Rieka Moonsong, a Wiccan High Priestess and shamanic practitioner, to discuss the fascinating world of plant and animal allies. Rieka's journey with these natural guides began at a young age, and she has since honed her skills in working with their energies for both magickal and healing purposes.

Rieka shared her early experiences with animal guides, recounting a vivid memory of a wolf spirit that visited her as a child. This encounter marked the beginning of her lifelong connection with animal allies, which she affectionately refers to as her "herd." These guides, whether they appear physically or metaphysically, offer messages, protection, and healing. Rieka emphasized the importance of paying attention to recurring appearances of animals, as they often carry significant messages meant to guide us on our spiritual journey.

On the topic of plant allies, Rieka explained how each plant possesses unique energies that can be harnessed for magical purposes. She described the process of connecting with plant allies, which involves learning their "songs" and forming a bond with them. For instance, rosemary serves as a calming and grounding ally for Rieka, while the bristlecone pine teaches resilience and strength in adversity. She also highlighted the dual role of plants in both metaphysical and medicinal practices, sharing her personal use of herbs like mullein and calendula for health benefits.

One intriguing aspect of our conversation was the discussion about familiars. Rieka clarified that while pets can be familiars, not all pets are. A familiar is a spirit that forms a covenant with a witch to assist in magical endeavors. This bond can transcend lifetimes, as evidenced by Rieka's familiar, who has reincarnated multiple times as different animals. She also touched on the possibility of having non-physical familiars and the importance of recognizing and respecting their presence.

For those new to working with plant and animal allies, Rieka offered valuable advice: be open to the energies that come to you and take the time to learn about them. Whether it's a sudden attraction to a particular plant or repeated encounters with an animal, these experiences often carry deeper meanings and opportunities for growth.

If you're curious about how to integrate plant and animal allies into your magickal practice, this episode is a must-listen. Rieka's insights and personal anecdotes provide a rich understanding of the powerful connections we can form with the natural world. Tune in to explore the magic that surrounds us and learn how to harness it for your own spiritual journey.

Listen to the full episode and don't forget to check out Rieka Moonsong's books and resources for more in-depth guidance on working with plant and animal allies. You can connect with her at https://www.justamountainwitch.com.