animal medicine
Animals As Healers
Pet owners know about the many benefits of animals in their lives. But what exactly do they give us beyond companionship?
Our ancient ancestors not only loved animals; they revered them. Many of these cultures were shamanic and knew of the psychic properties of all the animals in our world. Today we live in a modern world, but these connections are still there. Animals that we regard as common or even nuisances, such as pigeons, ants, spiders, and even rats, all have lessons to teach us. And we can learn, even as we avoid them.
As with our dreams, it’s a good idea to keep a small journal on the animals you encounter. Think about what each creature means to you personally. Meditate on the way it sounds, moves, and looks. A gray squirrel in a park may give you the idea to become more agile and quick physically, or that you need to start saving money for lean times. No two people will see an animal the same way. Continue reading
A Life Lesson From My Favorite Angel
Recently, I found out that my favorite angel is suffering from cancer and was given six months to live. Of course I was devastated and my heart was broken. This dear, angelic friend just happens to have four legs, a sable and white coat… and one blue eye. In her physical form she’s a Shetland Sheepdog, more commonly knows as a “Sheltie”, but she is also one of the most powerful healing energies I’ve had the privilege to encounter in this life.
As an animal lover I’ve always known pets are special and they come into our lives for various reasons. Dogs especially are founts of unconditional love and they give us an opportunity to be guardians of the highest caliber. They are teachers as well as companions, soothing our spirits, lifting our emotions and many times teaching us patience and leadership. They are quite simply extraordinary beings. Continue reading
A Message Of Hope From Hel’s Pond
A yellow butterfly guided me to Blanke Helle, or “Hel’s Pond” during a recent visit to Berlin, Germany. It darted ahead of me all the way from the bus stop in AlboinStraße, until I reached the entrance to the park where lies forgotten, and hidden from public notice, the ancient pagan site sacred to Hela, or Hel, the Norse-Germanic goddess of death and the underworld.
I have been guided by butterflies on a regular basis over the past two years, since the first one appeared to me at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. I was much encouraged by the sudden presence of this golden, magical creature, because it predicted that my visit to this sacred pagan site would be less somber than I had imagined. Yellow butterflies represent rebirth, new life, transformation and resurrection in several cultures. The Irish believe yellow butterflies to be an indicator of the peaceful transition of departed souls. And in Christian tradition yellow butterflies are symbolic of the Christ’s resurrection from death. They are also regarded as a sign of the presence of angels. Would Hel’s dark waters ultimately leave me with a message of hope? Continue reading
Cats Among Us
Everyone enjoys companionship in some way, shape or form. One of my favorite sources is the domestic cat. I believe those of us who are “owned by cats” will live longer than those who live without at least one cat in their life.
Think of their versatility: home defense against small varmints, free earthquake alarm, lap warming, purr therapy, and so much more. However, the main reason why I love my two cats so much is their silent gift of unconditional love. Cats are very ritualistic. They tend to come to you when you need them the most. It’s almost like they can feel your energy, they just sense when you need a friend, and without a thought, they are there, to comfort, heal and love. When I go to bed every night, my cat always jumps up and sleeps near my head. Faithfully every night. Continue reading
Spiritual Practices To Promote Alignment
There are many types of spiritual practices that will bring alignment to your life. Spiritual practices are the methods by which we understand the inner world, and learn just how much impact our inner world has on the outer world.
Jesus said, “With faith the size of a mustard seed you could move a mountain.” Faith is a constant, and always brings forth the manifestation of our inner beliefs. Spiritual practice allows the practitioner to gain spiritual awareness, and by doing so shifts negative or useless beliefs into useful beliefs that can have a profound impact on the journey of life. Continue reading
Prairie Dog Wisdom
In Native American tradition the “prairie dog” brings with it a special message of retreat when it crosses our path. In times of stress and over-exertion it reminds us to take some time out, withdraw from our busy modern lives and recharge our batteries.
This is what the prairie dog does when it gets into trouble. It withdraws into the safe depths of the earth, with several escape routes waiting in case of emergency. The prairie dog teaches us to pick our battles carefully. Prairie dog medicine is also symbolic of the opposite. In times when we have become too withdrawn and disconnected from family, friends and the world around us, this magical animal encourages us to reach out to others and join in social activities. Continue reading
Afterlife Signs From The Dearly Departed
When someone close to us passes on they often give us signs to let us know that they are still around. Our loved ones are very eager to let us know that everything is fine with them when they cross over.
Those who have passed on still know what goes on in our daily lives and they still love us. They want us to know that. Not all of us can always sense them around us, that doesn’t mean they will not give us a sign.
These signs from the other side come in different ways, shapes and forms:
Animals & Insects
Loved ones often come to us in the form of an animal or other creature, from a butterflies and puppies to birds and wild animals. These animals might show up from nowhere, cross our path, call to us from outside, fly into a room, or even land on us! The Monarch butterfly is a well-known symbol of loved ones visiting us from the spiritual realm. Continue reading