All Categories - Winterfire

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia

5/7/2026

I am working in Wolfsberg in Carinthia at the moment. If you are interested in an individual session, group seminar or ceremony, if you want to learn more about being and becoming a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Winterfire and Animal Wisdom Speaks and how to become a part of the circles, send me a message via e-mail, messenger or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I am drawing as well of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal or a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media has sparked your interest and curiosity, 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 black coffee with salt, black tea or - as I do not drink as much coffee right now - a glass of water.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"Gekek", white crayons & pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

Kristin Raphaela Otti (c) 2023, film still, interview in the Lavant Valley)

Ich arbeite im Augenblick in Wolfsberg in Kärnten. Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Einzelsitzung, einem Gruppenseminar oder einer Zeremonie habt oder ihr mehr über Schamanen und den Weg des Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Winterfeuer und Animal Wisdom Speaks und wie man Teil der Kreise wird, 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 jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male oder eine der Krafttierzeichnungen, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, euer Interesse und eure Neugier geweckt hat, 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

Animal Wisdom Speaks - May

5/3/2026

May has arrived and this month Animal Wisdom Speaks is dedicated to the Badger, a fierce no fairweather friend who will walk through any storm with you and who will either hold space for you, while you are feeling and experiencing your emotions to the fullest, or stand their ground – and up to you! – telling you what needs to be said with an open heart.

Do not run from your emotions, but dig deep and follow their root system to the seed, the cause, they sprouted from. While journeying into the depths, tend to the roots you find, mend, heal and cut, feel, sense and experience your emotions to the fullest.

Badgers are fearless and not to mess with. They prefer peaceful solitude, but if a predator crosses their boundaries and threatens their world, they will defend themselves without mercy. The Badger does not know the meaning of giving up and backing down is not an option for them.

"Ancestral Badger", pastels & crayons representing the colours of the Northern Lights, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

"White Badger Cub", white pastels & crayons, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2025, Marco Polo Eiscafé, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

They invite us to dig deep, take a look beneath the surface of all people and things and go to the root of any emotion that might come up.

The Badger says, “Do not run from your emotions, but dig deep and follow their root system to the seed, the cause, they sprouted from. While journeying into the depths, tend to the roots you find, mend, heal and cut, feel, sense and experience your emotions to the fullest. Sit with them in the outskirts of the storm, its midst, the eye and then feel the first ray of the new sun on your face, while the clouds are dispersing. The storm has to run its course, so it can end.”

Kristin Raphaela Otti

To learn more about Badgers and their wisdom go to

Animal Wisdom Speaks

Animal Wisdom Speaks - April

4/1/2026

April has arrived and this month Animal Wisdom Speaks is dedicated to the Cassowary, a fierce protector and mentor that honors the individuality of their mentees, knowing that everyone carries their own unique gifts within and is walking their own individual path, teaching that there is not just one way – but many.

Cassowaries are a keystone species, meaning that they have a disproportionately large effect on the habitats they share with other species. They teach you to never underestimate yourself, your role or importance in a cause, a group or an environment. Without the keystone, the arch or bridge collapses. Trust in yourself and your abilities.

The greatest teachers and mentors on my path were - and are - the ones who would challenge me time and time again, coax me out of my comfort zone, let me look into the hungry eyes of the limiting thoughts I had had about myself, watch me teach my own mind about its infinite potential and wait for me on the other side of the all-devouring stream I had never thought of being able to cross.

Those were the teachers that were fine with me finding my own way and not follow the path they had walked on, who would fuel the spark of creation within me and not belittle me for being different and try to extinguish my flame.

"Ancestral Cassowary", pastels & crayons representing the colours of the Northern Lights, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia) coming into being.

"White Cassowary", white pastels & crayons, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2024, Cafe Eiles & Café de L'Europe, Vienna)

The Cassowary is such mentor and teacher. While the female Cassowary leaves after having laid the eggs, the male Cassowary stays to protect the clutch and the chicks. He lets them explore and discover their territory for themselves, never reprimanding them, but furthering their individuality, observing and watching over them. They will bring the chicks back into their nest, albeit, if some form of danger arises that the chick is not yet prepared for and protect them fiercely, if the need should arise.

Cassowaries are a keystone species, meaning that they have a disproportionately large effect on the habitats they share with other species. They may be solitary birds and prefer staying hidden, but if they were to vanish the ecosystem would collapse.

The Cassowary teaches you to never underestimate yourself, your role or importance in a cause, a group or in an environment. Without the keystone, the arch or bridge collapses. Trust in yourself and your abilities.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

To learn more about the Cassowaries and their wisdom go to

Animal Wisdom Speaks

Working in Wolfsberg, Carinthia

3/11/2026

I am working in Wolfsberg in Carinthia at the moment. If you are interested in an individual session, group seminar or ceremony, if you want to learn more about being and becoming a shaman, storytelling and ceremonies or Winterfire and Animal Wisdom Speaks and how to become a part of the circles, send me a message via e-mail, messenger or give me a call. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I am drawing as well of course, so if you want me to draw your spirit animal or a drawing you have seen on my websites or social media has sparked your interest and curiosity, 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 black tea.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

"White Golden Eagle", white pastels & crayons, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia)

Film still taken from “Winterfire – Everyone can do something for Mother Earth”, © 2023 Johannes Milchram & Kristin Raphaela Otti

Ich arbeite im Augenblick in Wolfsberg in Kärnten. Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Einzelsitzung, einem Gruppenseminar oder einer Zeremonie habt oder ihr mehr über Schamanen und den Weg des Schamanen, das Geschichtenerzählen und Zeremonien oder Winterfeuer und Animal Wisdom Speaks und wie man Teil der Kreise wird, 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 jemand von euch Interesse daran hat, dass ich sein Krafttier male oder eine der Krafttierzeichnungen, die ihr auf meinen Webseiten oder Social Media gesehen habt, euer Interesse und eure Neugier geweckt hat, 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

Animal Wisdom Speaks - March

3/9/2026

March has arrived and this month Animal Wisdom Speaks is dedicated to the Seahorse.

Seahorses have three hearts beating simultaneously, so if one heart gets tired, the others keep the seahorse strong, until it is fully recovered. They show us, that we have many resources within us and that when the heart that has been wounded in the past, is tired, the one being in the here and now and the one dreaming our highest good into being will be able to keep us whole, until the wounded one is mended.

Seahorse knows, that it is vulnerable despite its armor-like plates, but it knows its vulnerabilities are not weaknesses. It acknowledges them and teaches us that recognizing our vulnerabilities is a way to empower and protect us and others.

Seahorses are poor swimmers, yet they are able to rest even in the roughest of seas with their tails wound around a stationary object. They swim along their path, one stroke after the other, resting and securing themselves when needed and continue on their path, when they have regained their balance, showing us how to navigate the stormiest of emotions and situations.

They are stealthy and apt hunters, able to camouflage themselves to move silently with minimal interference while approaching even the most evasive prey. They may be among the slowest moving of all fish, but they are among the most dexterous, teaching patience and being in the flow.

"Shadow Seahorse", black pastels & crayons, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Hotel, Café & Konditorei Hecher, Wolfsberg, Carinthia) coming into being.

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

Their eyes move independently. They can see what lies behind them in the past, their present state and even glimpse into the future and see what lies in front of them at the same time. All of that while being able to anchor themselves to any object, while being completely at peace within themselves, finding their balance again if needed.

Seahorse knows, that it is vulnerable despite its armor-like plates, but it knows its vulnerabilities are not weaknesses. It acknowledges them and teaches us that recognizing our vulnerabilities is a way to empower and protect us and others.

Instead of lamenting over the fact, that it is a poor swimmer and thus not able to speed along its path, it uses the time needed to anchor itself to reflect and rebalance, thus gaining insights and wisdom, constantly learning.

Kristin Raphaela Otti

To learn more about the Seahorse and its wisdom go to

Animal Wisdom Speaks

Animal Wisdom Speaks - February

2/1/2026

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

Animal Wisdom Speaks

Working in Wolfsberg, Austria (02 - 06 February)

1/31/2026

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) coming into being.

I am working in Wolfsberg 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

Animal Wisdom Speaks - January

1/26/2026

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.

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

"Shadow Giraffe", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Carinthia)

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 interested 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

Animal Wisdom Speaks

Working in Wolfsberg, Austria (07 - 14 January)

1/3/2026

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) coming into being.

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!

12/31/2025

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

Author

Kristin Raphaela Otti

I am a shaman and storyteller from Carinthia, Austria, tending the fires of winter in the hearts and walking with those, who wish to embark on a journey deep within.

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