Spirit Animals and Their Power
Spirit Animals and Their Power
When I discovered my Spirit Animal, it was from a Shaman whose belief was that everyone should know their spirit animal, and it should be stamped in their passport along with their name and birthdate. The importance of understanding the Animal Kingdom and how we can use their “medicine” is a forgotten but important tool. The Indigenous peoples understood animal medicine and included it in their practice of honoring Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants.
Understanding the Animal Kingdom and your Spirit Animal can uncover how to interact with your friends and family; it could be a major benefit for those working on relationships. It creates a layer of understanding, giving those around you a broader picture of how and why you or they may react or get along with others. Think of how a Rabbit and a Fox would get along. With this information, you would recognize why a Fox should never corner a rabbit (if they want to continue a conversation or relationship!)
A few interesting examples:
Wolf would suggest that a person would be equally comfortable with being/working in a group (pack) or travelling alone. Wolf has sharp focus and a great sense of direction.
Owl prefers the nighttime and has a keen eye to see that which is hidden. Owls face their threats straight on without retreat; they can be fearless.
Raccoons can be extremely adaptable and resourceful. He can live in the city and in the country. The mask may signify he is hiding something or has the ability to be deceitful.
Draft Horse. I did a reading for a man (and his wife) who is a major workaholic; he works long hours, never complains, but never seems to move up within the organization, and is ok with that. The Draft Horse showed itself sharing how they can continue to pull heavy loads and never tire or lose their patience.
I once had a mother and daughter who came to me in hopes of helping them understand each other. They didn’t get along and had tension between them for years.
What I discovered was fascinating. While a bit lengthy, it highlights the importance of understanding another’s Spirit Animal, as this can lead to greater understanding of behaviours and attitudes, giving relationships a chance or a “break” when one truly understands the underlying motive and behaviour.
The Mother had Beaver Spirit Animal. Beaver medicine is very goal-oriented and mission-focused. The amount of time required is not as important as finding and locating the required pieces for the project and fitting them together to make a “whole” or complete project without any leaks or openings; think of the beaver lodge or dam!
A beaver cannot be rushed through a project. Beaver has an eye for detail, as each tree and branch is strategically chosen and placed. A quiet, solo, hardworking animal.
Sometimes, overexpression of Beaver medicine can lead to frustration when working with those who are less industrious or have no perceived vested interest in job completion and pride of work.
The Daughter had Blue Jay Spirit Animal. With Blue Jay medicine, you are either in a Power position, which could be perceived as a bully, or placed in a position where power is used against you.
Being ever curious, the amount of knowledge can be vast, but not always deep. Blue Jay medicine is very outgoing and can speak to anyone about a wide variety of topics. This can be problematic for those with Blue Jay medicine who may find themselves constantly moving from one idea or project to the next without depth or completion.
Blue Jay has strong observation skills necessary to analyze a situation quickly and command attention when it is necessary to use its voice in communication. With balance, Blue Jay medicine can either command attention with its words of wisdom or excessive chatter and diversionary tactics.
No further explanation needed.
One more story, I’d like to share, which resulted in a lesson (for me) in “trusting myself”.
A fellow at a spiritual Retreat was interested in getting a reading. He suggested we do a trade. Turns out he was a masseuse (Aww geez, can you see my internal grimace when I discovered that). I was really not interested AT ALL. He hung around a lot that week, and I felt like I knew him. He had a girlfriend who came and went throughout the week, making me feel better about that part of it. He explained that he had lost a lot of weight as he had a big eating problem and wanted to understand that. I declined the massage offer but felt obligated to give a “free” Spirit Guide Reading as we had discussed (big mistake). He was absolutely persistent on a fair trade for a massage. Fair enough, I convinced myself of the give and take of spiritual gifts. (lesson to me). So I relented and reluctantly went ahead with it.
It was not a good experience, nothing really bad, but nothing really good. In fact, I was uncomfortable the entire long hour. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I scolded myself the entire time for allowing myself to be talked into this (lying half naked with this semi-stranger who had guilted me into this). I remember asking to cut it short (some excuse). When I got home, I worked on his Spirit Animal Reading/Report.
IT WAS A WEASEL!!!!
It was so “spot on” that I couldn’t send it to him! Seriously, I felt like such a smuck for telling him who he was! I mean, he had to have known! Here’s a bit of what I wrote.
Weasel; this is your Spirit Animal. It is suggested you research the weasel to understand its habits, as these are all for you to embrace and understand for yourself. (cop out on my part.) I realized this and then really couldn’t send it.
Weasel is mainly a meat-eater and require tremendous amounts of food. A weasel will eat from 1/3 to ½ its body weight in food per day! They eat small amounts of food all day long, which helps expend the energy they require. Pay special attention to this dietary advice, as it may serve you well in your situation; (small meals throughout the day). Weasel Medicine is both brilliant and observant. They often sense what others are oblivious to.
Note, I never sent the report, nor did I have any contact with him at all. I easily forgot about the entire cringeworthy experience.
So this leads me to think of the weasel in the hen house. Why? Because I received an email from a Lawyer citing that he found my name on a client list (of this fellow). Turns out quite a few of his female clients began talking to each other about sexual improprieties during their massage. Charges were being pressed, and if I had anything to share, this was the time to step up. I was absolutely gobsmacked!
I looked up Weasel again to help refresh my memory on Weasel Medicine (negative traits), and I found this: “Folks with this spirit animal are exceptionally brilliant and observant. They can sense what other people are oblivious to.” (https://www.spirit-animals.com/weasel-symbolism/) Ugh, (head smack)! I like to think that I am way more evolved, older, wiser, and brave enough to share what I discovered. I would have handled this ALL in an entirely elevated manner. This, I assure myself, will NEVER happen again! (and I am grateful that I did not have the same experience as the other women).
Takeaway for me. Not only is it beneficial to understand the character traits of your own and your friends' Spirit Animals, but there is an option to call on the Spirit Animal that embodies the energy you might need at a particular time. Duh, no brainer for me.
Have you seen an animal cross your path recently? Go ahead and look up the symbolism; it will astonishingly resonate with what is going on in your life currently. Often, they have a message for you. Seeing an Owl may help you recognize a dilemma in your life that requires you to face your fear. Possibly, the Raccoon is telling you to use its medicine to be more resourceful. How about embracing the Lion when facing adversity and needing to react with nobility and grace? The world of spirit animals is limitless, and their willingness to guide us is the most wonderful gift directly given from the Animal Kingdom. Consider tapping into this limitless resource. The animals are ready and willing Guides to help us on our path.
Ask and you shall receive.
Oh, and my all-time favorite symbolism website is:
https://www.whats-your-sign.com/