“The animist wakes up in the morning, and makes note of the dream she just had. She looks at the events that happened in the Dreaming, and sees that there are some potential issues at play among the spirits that dwell in and around her house. She gets up, and makes coffee. She thanks the coffee for its tasty goodness, and the water for keeping her and the rest of the world alive. She talks a bit to the cat, and thanks the dogs for watching over her and the house during the night. When the coffee is finally done, she pours two cups, one larger and one smaller. To the smaller cup, she adds cinnamon, sugar and a touch of red pepper. She also pours cold water into a small bowl, to which she adds a few pinches of dried rose petals. She takes the smaller cup of coffee into the living room and places it on the mantle in front a turtle shell and a few stones. She speaks: "Spirits and allies who aid and guard me, I give thanks to you. I ask that you bless all who dwell in this house, and all the creatures with whom I share this land. Watch over all of us, and guide us to make the best use of our intentions, time, and energy. I thank you. May there be peace between us always." The animist then takes the bowl with the water and rose petals out the front door, through the yard, and out to the gate that leads to the street. Just inside the gate, she places the bowl of water on the ground, dipping her fingers into the bowl, and traces a sign upon the gate itself. She says: "Creature of iron, of discretion and discernment, I make this offering to you. May you be ever blessed for the work that you do, and may you always stand strong against those who would do us harm. Keep out all who wish us ill and only allow those who bring love and kindness to enter this space." She checks the lock on the gate, and returns inside the house to finish her own coffee. The animist lives in a spirit-filled and spirit-infused world.”
