ANIMAL WISDOM SPEAKS - News

February - Month of the Yak

1/2/2026

February has arrived and this month Animal Wisdom Speaks is dedicated to the Yak.

Yaks are gentle giants, who build their friendships on trust, equality and reciprocity, stay balanced and calm amidst raging storms. No matter, how harsh a winter might be, they keep on walking their path step by step, until the first snowdrop blossoms and blooms and a new spring is dawning.

Yaks allow no pressure. Their herds split to avoid unnecessary fights or to end a looming conflict in the most sensible way. They form groups of true friends, with friendships built on trust, that has grown over time, and equal give and take.

They stay and walk in the truth of their souls and are tirelessly working towards, what they want to bring into this realm. Yaks do not expect from others, what they are not willing to do themselves, and neither will they ever force someone else to do their bidding or sacrifice, what they are not willing to sacrifice themselves.

"Ancestral Yak", coloured pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia) coming into being.

"White Yak", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

Yaks patiently take one step after the other, for they live in the here and now, using the gift of the present moment. Yak says, “There is no guilt in taking your time in healing and nourishing your soul and walking in solitude for as long as need be.” When Yak is walking with you as a companion and mentor, she will never pressure you, but warm you and huddle with you, when you get tired amidst the storms of winter, until you are ready to take another step.

Yaks allow no pressure. Their herds split to avoid unnecessary fights or to end a looming conflict in the most sensible way. They form groups of true friends, with friendships built on trust, that has grown over time, and equal give and take.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

To learn more about the Yak and her wisdom go to

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia (02 - 06 February)

31/1/2026

I am working in Wolfsberg in Carinthia again (02 - 06 February 2026).

If you are interested in an individual or group session, want to learn more about being a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Winterfire and Animal Wisdom Speaks, send me a message via e-mail or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I'll be drawing, too, of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal or are interested in a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media, send me a message and we can arrange a meeting.

You will be able to find me in one of the cafés in town as well, enjoying a cup of steaming hot black coffee with salt, a cup of delicious black tea or hot chocolate with boatloads of whipped cream for a change.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"Tuttut aqupisut", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Carinthia)

I am working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia, from 02 - 06 February.

Ich arbeite wieder in Wolfsberg in Kärnten (02. - 06. Feber 2026). Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Einzel- oder Gruppensitzung habt, ihr mehr über Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Winterfeuer und Animal Wisdom Speaks erfahren wollt, meldet euch gerne via E-Mail, schickt eine Nachricht oder ruft an. Ich freue mich darauf, euch kennenzulernen.

Ich zeichne natürlich auch. Falls also jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male oder ihr euch für eine der Zeichnungen interessiert, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, gebt Bescheid und wir machen uns einen Termin aus.

Ihr könnt mich zeichnenderweise auch bei einem heißen schwarzen Kaffee mit Salz, einem Schwarztee oder einer heißen Schokolade in einem der Cafés in der Stadt finden.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

January - Month of the Giraffe

26/1/2026

January has long since arrived and it may be later than usual, but this month Animal Wisdom Speaks was and is dedicated to the Giraffe.

Giraffe is a great mentor and guide. She teaches us to be patient and balanced, while moving forward, to face any tension with calm and to maintain our composure. She looks at everything from above and has a clear understanding of the bigger picture.

Giraffes follow their path and no-one can stop them. Even when they are hunted by a pride of lions, some of the lionesses have already sunken their teeth in their flesh and are clinging on to them, they keep on walking. They are so balanced, that they cannot be taken down. They simply keep on walking, taking one step after the other.

While she favors expressing her needs and emotions calmly, she will stand up for herself. She is a keeper of peace, that won’t start a fight, but she will finish it, if need be.

"Shadow Giraffe", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Carinthia) coming into being.

"White Reticulated Giraffe", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2024)

A few years ago, I visited a shop, that sells ingredients for ceremonies, tarot cards, crystals and excellent tea. While I was there, the owner and I had a chat about the tarot. I had shown interest in a spirit animal themed deck and the owner asked me, which spirit animal was with her at the moment. I looked at her and said, “Giraffe.” She was surprised.

I smiled at her and explained, “Giraffes follow their path and no-one can stop them. Even when they are hunted by a pride of lions, some of the lionesses have already sunken their teeth in their flesh and are clinging on to them, they keep on walking. They are so balanced, that they cannot be taken down. They simply keep on walking, taking one step after the other. […] Eventually the lions will give up and start their hunt for easier prey, while the giraffe continues on her path.”

Kristin Raphaela Otti

To learn more about the Giraffe and her wisdom go to

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia (07 - 14 January)

3/1/2026

I am working in Wolfsberg in Carinthia again (07 - 14 January 2026).

If you are interested in an individual or group session, want to learn more about being a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Winterfire and Animal Wisdom Speaks, send me a message via e-mail or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I'll be drawing, too, of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal or are interested in a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media, send me a message and we can arrange a meeting.

You will be able to find me in one of the cafés in town as well, enjoying a cup of steaming hot black coffee with salt or a cup of delicious black tea.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"Ancestral Vulture", coloured pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia, from 07 - 14 January

Ich arbeite wieder in Wolfsberg in Kärnten (07. - 14. Jänner 2026). Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Einzel- oder Gruppensitzung habt oder ihr mehr über Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Winterfeuer und Animal Wisdom Speaks erfahren wollt, meldet euch gerne via E-Mail, schickt eine Nachricht oder ruft an. Ich freue mich darauf, euch kennenzulernen.

Ich zeichne natürlich auch. Falls also jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male oder ihr euch für eine der Zeichnungen interessiert, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, gebt Bescheid und wir machen uns einen Termin aus.

Ihr könnt mich zeichnenderweise auch bei einem heißen schwarzen Kaffee mit Salz oder einem Schwarztee in einem der Cafés in der Stadt finden.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

Happy New Year! Ukiumut qaangiutilersumut qujanak! Einen guten Rutsch! Ett Gott Nytt År!

31/12/2025

2025 has been a year of great gifts, changes and shedding of old skins. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and everyone who invited me to walk with them for a while and to those who accompanied me on my path for a spell. 2026 is the year of the horse, a time to embrace the fire in our hearts and set out into the world again, unbridled, untethered and blazing the trail, enjoying our journey to the fullest.

Ukiut tamavimmik inunngoqqinnerusinnaapput. Aallarteqqinneq uummammik tamanut ammasumik qungujunnermillu nalliuttorsiutigisigu. Nammineerlunga kalaallisut ilinniarpunga. Oqaatsit kusanarput. Oqaatsit ilinniartaanarpunga, soqutiginarpoq. Oqaluttuat katersorpailu Kalaallit Nunaannukarpunga. Naapippugut, arriitsumik oqalulaarit, paasipalaarpunga. Kukkuvunga, ilinniasaanga. Qernertumik kaffisortarpungalu titartaavunga. Immaqa kaffitorniartarfimmi takupugut.

"Shadowmare", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

"White Horse", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

2025 var ett år fyllt med gåvor och stora förändringar. Jag fick lära känna underbara människor och gå djupt in i både mitt ljus och mina mörker. Tack till var och en av er och må 2026 bli ett år då vi växer och gå framåt med ett stolt leende och förnyat förtroende i oss själva och våra gåvor. Det är hästens år, en tid att tända våra hjärtans eld igen och sätta ut i världen en gång till.

2025 war ein Jahr der Veränderung, voll des Lernens, eines tiefen Eintauchens in Erinnerungen und geprägt von einer Zeit der Ruhe gegen Ende des Jahres. Ich danke jedem einzelnen, den ich auf seiner Reise ein Stück weit begleiten durfte und der einen Augenblick Seite an Seite mit mir auf meinem Pfad gewandelt ist. 2026 ist das Jahr des Pferdes, eine Zeit die Feuer in unseren Herzen wiederzuentfachen, in die Welt hinauszutragen und zu teilen.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

Merry Christmas! Juullimi pilluaritsi! God Jul! Frohe Weihnachten!

24/12/2025

„Storyteller Mouse“, white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

Every single one of us without exception is a gift given to this world. There is no need for grand gestures or long speeches, for we came into this world without wearing fancy clothes or bringing along a handful of gold: We are enough in everything we are. We are the gift, the seed of light within us, our wisdom and medicine, the fire in our hearts, a beacon and hearth, grown through our experiences and nourished and nurtured by our unbreakable will and unconditional love for life while journeying through our darkest nights.

Juullimi pilluaritsi!

Tamatta allanut tunniussinnaasatsinnik tunissutissaqartarpugut. Tunissuvugut: qamannga pisumik asanninneq, qungujunnerput, uummaterput.

„Storyteller Mouse“, white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

„Storyteller Mouse“, white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

Var och en av oss är en gåva. Det finns inget skäl att bära en mask eller att vara nån man inte är. Det finns ingenting du måste göra: Du själv, ditt ljus och elden i ditt hjärta är gåvorna.

Jeder von uns ist ein Geschenk, eine Gabe an die Welt, an die Wesen, die sie beseelen. Wir alle sind bar jeden Zierrates geboren, in sich vollkommen. Keine Geste ist vonnöten, kein Gold ist mitzubringen, keine große Rede zu halten, unser Herzen Licht, das hell in den dunkelsten Nächten erstrahlt, ist unsere Gabe und unser Geschenk.

„Storyteller Mouse“, white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

Kristin Raphaela Otti

Working in Wolfsberg, Austria (17 - 23 December)

16/12/2025

I am working in Wolfsberg in Carinthia again (17 - 23 December 2025).

If you are interested in an individual or group session or want to learn more about being a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Winterfire and Animal Wisdom Speaks, send me a message via e-mail or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I'll be drawing, too, of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal or are interested in a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media, send me a message and we can arrange a meeting.

You will be able to find me in one of the cafés in town as well, enjoying steaming hot black coffee with salt or a hot chocolate with a drop of peppermint oil while drawing.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"Shadow Vulture", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia) coming into being. Do not fear your shadow, but get to know it and acknowledge it. And no, you will not find it in your darkness. Go to where you are blinded by the light.

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia, from 17 - 23 December 2025

Ich arbeite wieder in Wolfsberg in Kärnten (17. - 23. Dezember 2025). Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Einzel- oder Gruppensitzung habt oder ihr mehr über Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Winterfeuer und Animal Wisdom Speaks erfahren wollt, meldet euch gerne via E-Mail, schickt eine Nachricht oder ruft an. Ich freue mich darauf, euch kennenzulernen.

Ich werde natürlich auch zeichnen. Falls also jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male oder ihr euch für eine der Zeichnungen interessiert, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, gebt Bescheid und wir machen uns einen Termin aus.

Ihr könnt mich zeichnenderweise auch bei einem heißen schwarzen Kaffee mit Salz oder einer heißen Schokolade mit einem Tropfen Pfefferminzöl in einem der Cafés in der Stadt finden.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

Working in Wolfsberg, Austria (09 - 12 December)

6/12/2025

I am working in my hometown Wolfsberg in Carinthia again (09 - 12 December 2025).

If you are interested in an individual or group session or want to learn about being a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Winterfire and Animal Wisdom Speaks, send me a message via e-mail or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I'll be drawing, too, of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal or are interested in a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media, send me a message and we can arrange a meeting.

You will be able to find me in one of the cafés in town as well, enjoying steaming hot black coffee with salt or a hot chocolate while drawing.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"Snow Fairy", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia) coming into being.

Ich arbeite im Augenblick wieder in meiner Heimatstadt Wolfsberg in Kärnten (09 - 12 Dezember 2025).

Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Einzel- oder Gruppensitzung habt oder ihr mehr über Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Winterfeuer und Animal Wisdom Speaks erfahren wollt, meldet euch gerne via E-Mail, schickt eine Nachricht oder ruft an. Ich freue mich darauf, euch kennenzulernen.

Ich werde natürlich auch zeichnen. Falls also jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male oder euch für eine der Zeichnungen interessiert, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, gebt Bescheid und wir machen uns einen Termin aus.

Ihr könnt mich zeichnenderweise auch bei einem heißen schwarzen Kaffee mit Salz oder einer heißen Schokolade in einem der Cafés in der Stadt finden.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

December - Month of the Bellbird

1/12/2025

December has arrived and this month Animal Wisdom Speaks is dedicated to the Bellbird, a mentor and guide whose heart is singing the song of eternal hope, bearing the message that harmony and balance will come to those that do not give up and persevere through adversity. It has been chosen as a messenger, a bearer of prophecies and tidings of the One-and-All, travelling freely through the veils.

“The Bellbird’s heart knows about the connection between the hearts of all beings of creation. Since the male and the female bellbirds differ greatly in color and looks, it knows that the color of your feathers or skin is not important. It is your heart, that shows your true colors.”

It is shy and secretive, but the Bellbird will speak, whenever it is called to. It has one of the most unusual and distinct voices among all of the flying messengers. The call of the Bellbird is the loudest call on Earth. It sounds like a bell and it wards of evil spirits and offers protection. It carries tones of healing and love, soothing the hearts of the beings it is protecting and bringing peace to their minds.

Young Bellbird chicks do not sing instinctively, but learn their songs from their elders and practice them until they can bring together all the different tones in harmony.

"Shadow Bearded Bellbird", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia) coming into being.

"White Bellbird", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

The Bellbird knows how to unite even the most diverse group of beings, for its presence is soothing, calming and brings harmony. It uses its unique call to call to prayer and to stand united as one.

Its heart knows about the connection between the hearts of all beings of creation. Since the male and the female bellbirds differ greatly in color and looks, it knows that the color of your feathers or skin is not important. It is your heart, that shows your true colors.

It loves fruit and plays an important role in seed dispersal in its habitat. It knows exactly where the seeds will be of the greatest use and rather than letting digestion take its natural course, it regurgitates the seeds exactly where they will find the best soil to blossom, bloom and thrive. It teaches us to spread our seeds of wisdom wisely and to ponder where they will fall on fertile ground.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

To learn more about the Bellbird and its wisdom go to

Bellbird Wisdom

Working in Wolfsberg, Austria (04 - 10 November)

2/11/2025

I am working in my hometown Wolfsberg in Carinthia right now. If you are interested in an individual or group session or want to learn more about being a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Animal Wisdom Speaks, send me a message via e-mail or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I'll be drawing, too, of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal, commission a drawing, are interested in a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media, send me a message and we can arrange a meeting.

If the drawing that sparked your interest has already found a home, you can always get a print (on canvas).

You will be able to find me in one of the cafés in town as well, enjoying steaming hot black coffee with salt while drawing.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"White Raven", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025) coming into being at Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia.

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia, 04 - 10 November 2025.

Ich arbeite im Augenblick in meiner Heimatstadt Wolfsberg in Kärnten. Bei Interesse an einer Einzel- oder Gruppensitzung oder wenn ihr mehr über Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Animal Wisdom Speaks erfahren wollt, meldet euch gerne via E-Mail oder ruft an. Ich freue mich darauf, euch kennenzulernen.

Ich werde natürlich auch zeichnen. Falls also jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male, ihr eine Zeichnung oder Illustrationen in Auftrag geben wollt oder euch für eine der Zeichnungen interessiert, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, gebt Bescheid und wir machen uns einen Termin aus.

Sollte eine Zeichnung schon eine Heimat gefunden haben, gibt es auch Drucke auf Leinwand auf Anfrage.

Ihr könnt mich zeichnenderweise auch bei einem heißen schwarzen Kaffee mit Salz in einem der Cafés in der Stadt finden.

Kristin Raphaela Otti