Blessed Be, Ted
Ted Andrews passed to another world Saturday, October 24th, after a long battle with cancer.
Ted was a good friend, a good author and an inspiration.
Some people have a natural charisma, and Ted had that but it was his self-honesty and sincerity that brought him a loyal following. Ted’s success never went to his head. He remained forever true to his inner convictions and was devoted to using the medium of his books and talks to communicate his knowledge and beliefs, and to inspiring millions to follow his path. Altogether, Ted’s books published by Llewellyn have sold more than 2 million copies since his first book, Simplified Qabalah, in 1987. He also published with his own press, Dragonhawk Publishing.
All his books were, and are, pioneering. Animal Speak has sold nearly 500,000 copies since September 1993 and remains a bestseller because it speaks deep truths without cumbersome scholarship. Ted wrote from experience, both actual work with real non-human life and his deep inner perceptions. Ted loved his animal world and his books teach us to become attuned to our own spirit animals.
Ted was also an occultist, although her rarely used that word. His writings on Qabalah had the freshness of personal experience and were crafted to bridge from otherworldly mystical to the more friendly and enchanting world of the fairy, the spirit of the forest, and the beauty of the inner child and the outer child’s joy of life and natural ability to cross over to the inner landscape that is as real for a child as hard physical reality is for the adult.
And Ted did write books for children as well as for “grown-ups”—some of whom may have re-discovered that inner world of enchantment and the real alternative world of the fairy.
Ted isn’t gone; he will live with us for a long time to come. We have all lost a real friend in his passing but his spirit will remain close to us. We express sympathy to his wife, and to all who loved him including “creatures large and small” and of this world and another.
Blessed Be, Ted. Blessed Be all your family and many friends.
I consider myself very fortunate to have met Ted several years ago while I still resided in Tampa, Florida. I attended several of his classes and even had him read for me. And if there is one thing that amazes me (to this very day) its the accuracy of his readings.
But in addition to this, Ted also made me aware of his humility. While those of us knew of him as “the” Ted Andrews, to him he just simply Ted. A friend. A guide. And definitely a teacher.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Blessed be Ted.
I had the pleasure and honor of first meeting Ted many years ago, as a fellow Llewellyn author. He was always a gentleman, always sincere, and extraordinarily creative. I have “bumped into” him many times over the years and we always had a laugh together. He will be sorely missed.
Ted Andrews was an inspiration to me. He taught me to listen to my animal friends. Open doors and step into worlds never seen before. Believe in one’s power to transform ourselves and our world. My eyes and ears are now open to all the sights, sounds and communications nature brings to us each day. The simple act of walking in the woods yields such powerful magic, I feel sorry for the person who never experienced Ted’s books…Ted’s vision. Thank you Ted for making my life rich with your creativity, vision, knowledge and joy. I am forever grateful, changed and inspired.
I have been struggling for 2 days with the people at Wikipedia, who (coincidentally?) took his page down on Saturday. I have protested in at least four places, and it looked like for a little while, there might be a chance to fix his page to meet their standard of “neutrality” and not be self-promoting.
But it is down again, and the only recourse is to create a new page from scratch. Honestly, I am not qualified to do that.. Is there anyone at Llewellyn who would be willing to re-build the page that this gentle and wise soul so richly deserves? You can read some of the discussions and arguments here:
http://tinyurl.com/yghgpn2 and here:
http://tinyurl.com/yhshp39
His removed page is here:
http://tinyurl.com/yhryw9d
Please act on behalf of this important man’s legacy.
Thank you!
– Beth Owl’s Daughter
Durham, NC
Ted Andrews was instrumental in opening the door to introducing me to Llewellyn Worldwide. He literally took me by the hand at the International New Age Trade show to sing my praises to Bill Krause. It is because of this introduction and his promise to endorse my book that my first book will be published in 2010 with Llewellyn. I am eternally grateful for his kindness and honored that he recognized qualities in me.
His event at my store, The Crystal Garden,(www.TheCrystalGarden.com) was one of the most memorable events I’ve hosted out of over a thousand plus events offered in the past 21 years… Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude for so many things!
Blessings . . . .
Margaret Ann
[…] Post by owner and chairman of Llewellyn Worldwide about Ted Andrews […]
It is sad to learn of Ted’s passing. I own his book “Animal Speak”, I love it and it will have a permanent place in my personal library. My sympathy goes out to his wife. Blessings to Ted, may he rest in peace in Summer Land.
Animal Speak was my first true guide on this spiritual path.
When I met Ted at Pantheacon, I purchased one of his newers books and got it signed. But I also presented him with my seriously beaten up, dog-eared copy of Animal Speak and asked him to sign it.
He took the book and paused for what seemed like a long time. He then looked at me and said ‘You have no idea how good it feels when I see my books look like this.’
It was a special moment and he was an amazing man. Blessings on him and his loved ones through his untimely passing.
I had the privilege of attending only a handful of Ted’s workshops and although we didn’t know each other personally he always welcomed me as an old friend. I carry his teachings with me everyday and find inspiration not only in his occult writings but also from his conservation work. Authentic, gracious and inspired teachers are too few and far between within the pagan community and Ted was certainly one of those rarities. I will always cherish the little time spent with him. This time of year, as always, please remember, honor and thank those that have paved the way for us and gone ahead through the veil. Thank you Ted for sharing your many gifts with us and for making learning truly fun. Goddess speed to you treasured guide. Blessed Be Ted.
I have followed Ted’s work for many years. He has brought into my life many wonderful educational tools. He will be missed here in the physical but never forgotten and will always be able to connect with us from the other side if he so chooses. May all of the animals on the other side embrace him with the same warmth, love and respect that he gave to all other living souls. In light and love, Lisa Freeman
http://lightwingsarchangels.blogspot.com/ BLOG for Animal healing circle
I never met Ted in person but I always felt like I knew him. I guess it was the way he drew you into his books with his honest and true style and the comfortable way he taught you. You knew this man was real and all this was true and came from his heart.I have taught in the psychic/healing field and whenever someone would ask me for an author I mentioned Ted. I have never really found any other author that I felt was so totally from the Heart.Bless you Ted on your new journey and bless your family. You are missed.
I have devoted my life to healing animals and it is a labor of love and inspired by Ted.
My wife and I met Ted at Pantheacon a couple of years ago. My wife was “star struck” when we bumped into him and talked on the elevator. I’ll never forget the class on water divining he facilitated. His effort in writing Animal Speak (and all of his books) is inspiring. He will be missed!
In my opinion, Ted Andrews is and was one of the most incredible and profound authors to ever publish books with Llewellyn Publishing since Israel Regardie. It is absolutely remarkable how much occult, mystical and spiritual knowledge he managed to pass on to all. I own every single one of his books even the kids books. I own all his audio work as well, and truly treasure the gift that is him.
He has inspired and blessed so many. God bless Ted Andrews and his beautiful soul forever. I will circle that day on the Dragon Hawk calender I hang in my office.
There is no coincidence in the timing of Ted’s passing as he hinted in the last few pages of Intercession with spirits the signs of death. He also completed the illustration he always made in so many of his books outling the subtle bounds of energy from many realms forming to the body. He mentioned when we die that we should practice unwinding them, and told us the signs of when someone will soon be passing.
Ted also taught us in How to meet and work with spirit guides that spirits are very real and alive and come back to visit now and then and even instructed us how to communicate with us. He mentioned how some dreams showed him of his books existing in greater libraries.
Ted Andrews is more then human, he came here as a fully realized ascended master to complete these works. He crossed over after completing all that he set out to do. He is without a doubt crossing over into higher dimensions of Nirvana above the Atmic levels and will be available to gain advice from in the future.
Forever a Ted Andrews lover…
Jonny from Occult Talk Radio
[…] Ted died on 24 October 2009, succumbing to cancer. The shock of the announcement is reverberating amongst the many people whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed. Since that meeting in 2007, I had been hoping to see Ted again to resume our conversation. Alas, this is no longer possible. […]
This world is a better place because of people like Ted. His teachings will live on, now only through his books. He was an amazing teacher who taught me the language of the animals. For this I will always be thankful and blessed. He will be missed dearly by those whose lives he touched. Deepest sympathy to those he left behind.
M.Sorce
I met Ted Andrews at Mystic Valley Bookstore in St. Louis, Missouri a few years ago. Although I had grown up on a farm in the Mid West, it was his Animal Speak and Nature Speak books that truly, finally introduced me to the real meanings of nature and animals in my life. He was/is a true gift to the world. I also met a woman, Sue, who became a dear friend, at his seminar.
Also his Animal Wisdom Cards are very special, very accurate and let me know which animal is with me, especially now that I live in Florida.
Blessings to Ted’s family.
To Ted’s Magnificence,
Angela
I am saddened to hear of his passing. I have never had the pleasure of meeting him. I would have liked to, his books have been such a wonderful source of inspiration to me. I have used them, for research in teaching many classes. I will remember him in my prayers and on my day of the dead altar.
Blessings now and here after.
After the Murrah bombing in Oklahoma City, I wrote Ted to share an experience I had at a nature park. In the midst of chaos and not knowing where to begin to help the people in need (blood donors were being turned away unless you’re a specific type), I went to meditate and walk around my favorte park. I saw a small turtle, yards away from the pond and heading the wrong direction. I didn’t know if he lost, or meant to be going away from the water, but I carried him back & put him on the shore. He dove quickly, and I found solace in being able to help in such a small way. Ted wrote me back, thanking me for sharing my experience. I’ve since lost that letter in various moves but just to acknowledge my story was very meaningful.
Merry Part Ted, until we Merry Meet Again.
This is sad news for those of us who read his books and appreciate his teachings and his humor. Blessed be, Ted Andrews. And deepest sympathy to his family, friends and students.
I feel privileged to be among the ranks of prestigious and inspiring authors like Ted Andrews. Although I never had a chance to meet Ted personally, his books are on my shelves, and I never miss an opportunity to recommend his books to my students. ANIMAL SPEAK is one of my favorites, and his love for the beauty and wisdom of nature and the animal kingdom shines through every page of that book. I know that Ted will continue to educate and inspire us all from his place now in the world of Spirit. Blessings to him and to all.
This is the author that introduced me to psychic powers and wonders of animals and nature. He ignited the light in me to see life in other perspective. How many times I was in nature and when I looked in the trees, plants and animals running around me, I remember Ted. The words can be millions, but the feeling, that one of my teachers is not longer among us is bad for me. But there is a light again . Thank you spirit of Ted, Thank you for my teacher. With love from my heart your student Stefan.
When someone like Ted goes to the other side so early, we asked why, we will never have an answer to that question, because some people have a mission and I am sure Ted was one and his mission on Earth is finish, but he is on other realm and looking down on us and smiling, because I never met the man but his books had help me a lot(I gave some has gifts to friends)his legacy will leave on, he is miss but not forgotten. Peace to is family and friends. Carrie
What a GREAT loss to this world as we know it. Blessed Be Ted Andrews on his new journey. I am stunned by the news. Peace be with his closest family as the wheel turns.
I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Andrews on three separate occasions: The first was a booksigning I had set up when I was working part-time at a Waldenbooks and in following years I attended two of his workshops. Ted was most assuredly a very special and benevolent man – his writings are honest and fantastic and when meeting him in person you just KNEW he lived what he wrote of and believed in.
It’s funny, during my second time meeting him, at an Animal-Speak workshop in Connecticut, I brought two friends along. They are both spiritual folks, though one is more of an analytical skeptic due to his rigorous scientific background. That particular friend went to meet him and look at his books prior to the workshop starting. As that friend walked back to our seats, me and our other companion looked up at him in amusement as he sat down, looked at us seriously and said in awe “The energy flowing through this guy is UNBELIEVABLE – it will be worth hearing what this guy has to say!” :oD
Ted did have a way of relating to each of his fans, with sincerity, humor, knowledge and kindness. My sympathies go out to his wife and family. Ted, Requiescat En Pace…
It was in 2001, that I, whilst browsing a now gone, New Age shop entitled Spellbound that I came across a number of books that looked exciting and on reading the back of the book and the inside there was something that just clicked with me.
These books, I am proud to say were the very first books that got me onto my Spiritual pathway…. These books were written by Ted Andrews, his words were written with such amazing clarity and to this day even amidst my own Spiritual development I look back and fondly read from the much worn and read books.
I would always walk around my hometown with them and would often read out of them to interested friends, colleagues and acquaintances even to the point where I would make notes of passages in my Spiritual Journals.
Last night I was going through some correspondence and I had been talking to a friend back in 2002 about buying a book on Crystal Balls and the link I had given her was for Ted Andrews book and upon clicking the link I then found out the sad news that Ted had passed, I had no idea. Its not corny of me to say that he was a Spiritual Mentor for me and I was amazed.
But as Ted had said in many of his books he is still around and that death is not the end its in many ways the beginning.
Ted, for all the learning and all the wisdom you have given us and much knowledge coupled with insight may you rest in peace with the best Loving and Good Energies from the Highest Realms.
Does anyone know how to get in touch with a person who Ted knew and respected regarding Animal Totems? In other words an expert in this area? I am doing a program based on his books but would love to have a guest! Thanks, Sarah
Thinking of Ted Andrews today on the anniversary of his passing. Wondering how his wife is doing. Sad that we will never have another book from this wonderful gentleman.
How very sad it is to hear Ted Andrews has passed. I am just learning about this TODAY… over a year since he passed. Every day I select a Nature’s Oracle Card from Ted’s very inspirational messages. He has passed but will always be a part of my life. Thank you Ted Andrews.
I had the great pleasure and blessing of meeting Ted more than 10 years ago at a talk he gave at the nearby Theosophical Society. I was especially taken by his descriptions of the meanings of having certain animals, birds, etc. coming into one’s life, as this had been happening to me with increasing frequency for nearly 5 years at that point. Afterwards, I bought his book “Animal Speak” and he kindly autographed it ‘…May your life be blessed by Mother Nature..’; it will be one of my personal treasures forever.
I was so sad to read (more than 6 months after his passing, as it turned out)of his death from one of the deadliest of all cancers: pancreatic cancer – the same kind that took my own mother’s life over 30 years ago. (There is a pancreatic cancer website, by the way; think it’s PanCan.org…I’ll be making donations in both his and my mom’s memories.)
Rest peacefully in the arms of the Great Spirit, dear Ted, and blessings and thanks to you, your family and Llewellyn for sharing your incredible gifts with the world. I’m sure that your spirit and work will continue to live on and inspire many, many more people to your vision, as they have me and countless others.
Blessed Be!
[…] http://www.llewellyn.com/blog/2009/10/blessed-be-ted/ […]
Thinking of Ted Andrews on the anniversary of his death 2012 and how much his writing means to me and how many books of his I have in my possesion and still love to read and refer to.
Just heard of Ted’s passing. Had the pleasure of meeting him and attending a lecture @ the animal sanctuary where he also signed his book for me. He was a delightful spirit…like a leprechaun…
I have been puzzled by reviews that speak in the present tense of Ted Andrews but finally now know that he is no longer with us and has joined his ancestors. Yet his influence over me has been powerful when I started the journey of the Red Path and got to know about his books. I am sorry that I didn’t get a chance to hear him speak but his voice is very strong in his books. Thank you Ed,
Ming
For several days now the Name Ted Andrews and a loving gentle face has come into my Heart’s thought.
Today as I was ordering a couple of items from Llewelyn’s it seemed impossible to get beyond the name: Ted Andrews, and sensing in my heart it was helpful guidance, I ordered what Llewelyn offered by Mr. Ted Andrews.
It was not enough. The Gentle prodding urged me to the computer to look up Ted Andrews, and perhaps get or some how participate in whatever it is Ted Andrews offers.
That is how I found this, and learned that he has passed away some time ago. There is no doubt in my Heart’s thought that he is listening and responding to Seekers and to students; and giving his guidance to the receptive heart.
Thank you for all that you published concerning Mr. Ted Andrews.
Respectfully,
with a glad and grateful heart,
Helga Cozad
Ted Andrews was a cool dude. I just found out that he passed away today.
Six years from his physical death, Ted Andrews’ spirit is still here with us; in his words, that he shared with us in his books, in the magic of his cards, and the magic of his self. I want to share a story with him, and thought this would be a good place to write it down, the timing of the anniversary of his passing seems more than serendipity. It is a tale of ambiguity of the animal symbols, and using the cards to start a quest, rather than be the one answer. About 6 years ago, I came into a copy of his Animal Totem cards and book. One day, not sure why it felt right, I sat down to do my first reading (ever) shuffled, and the Antelope card leaped out of the deck. I was tempted to use it as the first card, as it was a nice animal, but overcame that temptation, stuffed it into the deck, and shuffled until satisfied. Antelope again came up as my first card, the East, so pretty strong for any co-incidence. All the other animals that came up that day, were ones that I knew, and many that had already appeared to me, but never the antelope, or as in the card, the “not true antelope”. I went to Sedona, and wandering through Boynton Canyon vortex, I was praying for the antelope to come to me, turned the corner, and there was a small herd….of deer, but I really wanted them to be antelope, as that was my totem. I then continued hiking up the trail by myself, as my husband turned back to get the camera forgotten in the car. By myself,(and another power) I walked up to a major rock spire, and just calmly clambered up the side of the rock up to the tiptop point, as if I was born doing this, rather than like all the rest of my days, needing encouragement to walk over a log to cross a stream. It was special, but I did not have a clue that it was my “not true antelope” that was with me then. A few years later, I was looking at a picture my husband took, of me, actually scrambling as fast as I could away from a blind Ibex running straight down the mountain at me, but it appears as if I am heading straight for it to butt heads, and realized that two years prior, my Ibex totem was coming straight at me, and I did not recognize again my “not true antelope” when it appeared to me. But the Ibex is in the Goat family, not an antelope, so I wondered why the Goat did not show up in the cards. A few months ago, I came across Ted Andrews’ “Animal-Speak” and last night read his words, about the quest to discover your totem, and during the night, realized that if I had drawn the Goat or Mountain Goat card, I would not have been searching to find the Ibex, which is my totem. With “not native american” ancestry, the animals who choose you may just have something in common with the symbolic card chosen. Keep Questing, Ted, and thank you.