The Book of Beasties: Your A-To-Z Guide to the Illuminating Wisdom of Spirit Animals

by Sarah Bamford Seidelmann

Beastie [bee-stee]: The overarching spirit of any species of insect, reptile, bird, mammal, or mythical creature that exists or has ever existed, from salmon and dragon?ies to woolly mammoths and unicorns.

As more and more people seek help with the challenges of modern life, many of us are looking to the wisdom of nature for guidance--especially when it comes in the form of spirit animals. In a quirky and delightful style, Sarah Seidelmann's The Book of Beasties introduces us to the power of animal totems, or "beasties," inviting us to explore why certain animals show up in our lives and what teachings they may be trying to share.

"A message brought by a beastie may be about beauty or family or work," teaches Sarah "It might o?er you guidance on a prickly problem. Or it might make you smile just when you need it." Perfect for seekers and shamans alike, created for people who live in the countryside or the big city, here is a book that decodes nature mysticism and invites you to explore the world of spirit animals.

Genres: Spirituality

364 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2018

About the author

Sarah Bamford Seidelmann MD is a 4th generation physician, accomplished writer, shamanic healer, artist, and coach. Her six books have all been instant Amazon best-sellers. Her What the Walrus Knows app for iOS has users in 65 countries. For twenty years, Sarah was a board-certified pathologist (what she calls a “disease hunter”). After decades of seeking out illness, she grew curious about what creates health. Through her own investigation and with the help of her spiritual ally, Alice, an elephant in spirit form, she discovered that creative self-expression is fundamental to our vitality and health. Sarah specializes in helping others foster a connection to spirit by spending time in nature and observing the birds and animals. Sarah has been an instructor and curriculum creator for Martha Beck’s Wayfinder Life Coach Training and an official contributor for Maria Shriver’s Architects of Change. Sarah is currently making art and preparing to publish her seventh book: a richly illustrated and entertaining volume about boundaries for helpers + healers. She co-leads a creative community called SHINE for writers and artists who are committed to showing up for their work, no matter what.

Reviews

[christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have a copy of this book close at hand so they can dig in and find out why the keep seeing butterflies or bunnies or have two nights in a row dreamt of snakes. Love, love, love Seidelmann's writing style: conversational, funny, intuitive.

[Amanda Imes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a library gal. I don't keep books at home unless it is a book I want to reference again and again. The Book of Beasties is a go-to for me. Any time I have an intimate encounter with an animal in the wild, I cannot wait to get home and look up the animal. What is already a treasured experience, a wild animal encounter, is enriched by considering the messages the animal may provide in my life. The book intrigues, delights, and inspires on every page. It is also visually stunning and would make a lovely and whimsical addition to any coffee table or book shelf. Struggling to make conversation with guests, whip out The Book of Beasties and I am sure you and your guests will be laughing in no time.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea that nature & the natural world are sending us messages is not a new one, but Sarah Seidelman makes it clear that anyone can benefit from listening to the beasties and that it's absolutely necessary to tune in to what the natural world is telling us. This book comes with a thorough (I'm sure that there are animals not included in Part II, but I haven't found one yet) guide to each animal and what messages they may be conveying. Seidelman also emphasizes the importance of listening to your truth. This book isn't designed to be read once and put on a shelf - rather it is a guide to be used over and over and over. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book.

[Renetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to use this book, for further clarification, when I have animals on my tarot or oracle cards. Reading the introduction about the Walrus, I learned that the author is from Duluth, MN. I head that way from time to time so I'm hoping to find the Walrus too!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting & detailed & great for a beginner like me!

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book and concept to investigate why certain animals show up in one's life and what the symbolism or meaning of that might be. I am not 100% sure what my beastie is but I suspect crow. Not glamorous but the information lined up well and gave me insights.
The book contains fabulous illustrations and an A-Z directory of animals to check out. I think it is a great resource and nice coffee table book.

[Jennifer Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to book to learn about the wonder and magic of the animal world around us. It is an inspired piece of work with not only in depth research of the biological qualities of the beasties but also spiritual guidance. Could not suggest it more!!!!

[Kayce Hughlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book. Easy to read and insightful snippets with great depth on how to befriend the Beasties who wander, fly, slither, or swim into your life.

[Anna Urbanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good primer for those who practice personal spirituality and want to consider animal mentors without the pretense.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was very good at explaining how to find your own spirit animal and how it can affect your life for the better. My copy only went went through B. I would love to see the rest of the animals thru to Z. I admire her dedication to this subject. I was gifted a copy of this book from Net Galley for a honest review.

[Ann T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sounds True Publishing amd Netgalley for an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.

If you are interested in welcoming more spirituality into your life and you like animals this is the book for you. The ARC I received only went up to The letter B of the alphabet but it was a good taster for reading the whole book at a later date. I really enjoyed the concept of this book and thoroughly recommend it.

This would be a lovely, unique gift for animal lovers in your life.