Animal Spirit Guides

[HouseDealer]

ever heard of the concept?

i'm sitting here doing a reading for someone, when i hear this LOUD commotion outside my window. it was a big flock of Canadian gees, and they were hungry! i imagine they'd been flying a long while..

i ran down the stairs. yes, ran..grabbed my old bread and hotdog buns, some flour torillas, and fed the lot of them. and there are lots!

they're outside still. my birds are watching these enormous birds eat..they have a great view. they're fixated on it. they're grunting, making mooing sounds. they've found food heaven here for awhile.

...if the old hag next door doesn't chase them away.

anyway, i've had direct contact with geese today.

according to some beliefs, encounters such as this have meaning. the animals are seen as angels which carry a message from creator to you.

the concept is really complicated. it'll take me awhile to figure out what Goose teaches..in different mythologies, etc.

they're Still out there! they're noisy. i like them, but they were afraid of my black trench coat. maybe that was to my benefit. lol~!

i know they are migratory. that's obvious. they don't play around when it comes to food. they fight a lot..having the mindset of survival of the fittest would be something i can relate to.

off the experience with the geese, another thought i can relate it to is to take what is offered and use it. say thank you, and move on.

it just got quiet. four geese are outside, looking up at my window. they made eye contact with me as if to thank me for the food. they now sound content.

they are water birds with webbed feet. my suit is cups, element of water. we have some sort of understanding, maybe, because they could have easily overwhelmed me and i was nervous, yet excited and amused.

there are *never* any animals around here except for little birds here and there, and stray cats. i've lived here for almost ten years now and have never seen the like.

they give a viscious bite. i hope i don't have to bite, and i hope i'm not on the receiving end of that bite, you know??

one goose stuck its entire head up another gooses butt, and they went around like that for awhile. i do not like butt-play. can't relate to that.

i have books, i'll be thinking though..because these beliefs have always fascinated me. as i said in my post about my spiritual background, this came before tarot.

so...geese stopping by for a visit. i believe part of it is my birds draw other birds. the little birds sometimes gather for a peek in at my birds, but not 50-75 geese!

Laura, i know you enjoy this too. what do you think?
any thoughts?
when i find out more info that makes sense, i'll post again about it.

[HouseDealer]

here is an excerpt from a book called Animal Wisdom (the definitive guide to the myth, folklore and medicine power of animals) that was given to me awhile back.

i might as well type as i read, right? the book was written by Jessica Dawn Palmer.

"...Generally goose is considered to be a beneficent animal with links to the Great Mother, the Persephone myth, and the descent into hell each year before the return of spring. It speaks of rebirth, the new dawn and new beginnings. It is linked with destiny, representing the fortunes and the misfortunes of existence prior to the return to the maternal bosom when one's time on earth is through.
Goose is guardianship and protection. Its medicine is good to invoke when one's territory is being invaded. (WOW) Goose is a symbol of fertility and fidelity, therefore associated with marriage. Its feathers make mattresses and comforters; thus, geese speak of warmth in winter and the return of spring.
Despite all the mythology and symbolic importance of the high-flying eagle, it is actually goose that achieves the highest altitude for long distances. (i knew they were very hungry!) Its presence has been recorded by ariline pilots at 10,000 meters (33,000 ft.), and it is able to maintain this altitude for long distances. Therefore, goose imparts strength and endurance. Additionally, this ability to reach heights suggests inspiration. Thus, goose (beyond its traditional association with mother goose) is a keeper of sacred lore.
So, goose is good mediccine whether the topic is marriage, fertility, protection (i'm sticking with this one), and rebirth (this also hits home). It could harald a welcome change, such as the return of spring. If its appearance announces the advent of winter, goose imparts the strength to endure the cold with the promise of eventual spring.
Goose has been laughed at as clumsy, and the person with goose medicine may reflect this; however, the goose individual is not a good one to anger, for he or she can and will bite. The goose person is materialistic and highly protective of his or her young and territory (this Strongly fits). These people possess an innate wisdom about physical life and know how to make the best of most situations."

Goose is not one of my guides. i know my guides. right now they're hanging out, and it all makes perfect sense.

this is interesting to me, always has been. the concept some call Shamanism...i tend to shy away from the word because some native americans really get mad about it. but "Shamanism" is the original religion. the first, very ancient. depending on what part of the world you live in or your ancestors are from, "Shamanism" can be seen in different ways, because of exposure to different animals, and the different and unique belief of each tribe, etc.

[HouseDealer]

http://www.animalspirits.com/index1.html

check it! i've been studying through this site for over a decade.

[_Angel_]

The Alligator has walked on Earth mother for millions of years and are known in many myths and lore as the keepers of ancient wisdom. Alligators hide themselves in water and mud waiting for unsuspecting creatures to happen by, and then snap. They eat any animal they can swallow and if they cant swallow it; they tear it into bite size pieces.

They only eat when they are hungry and do not consume food unnecessarily. Waste is not a part of alligator medicine. Those with this totem should be careful about over consumption. Digestive disturbances are common with alligator medicine people.

The eyes of the alligator are positioned high on their head allowing them to remain relatively hidden beneath the water and still see above it. Symbolically this hints to clairvoyant abilities.

Hiding in the water ties the alligator to the emotional body of man. The alligator holds the teachings of the discovery and the release of emotions that are locked beneath the surface.

Alligators dig deep burrows when the water is high so that during the dry season they can have a wet alcove to retreat to. These alcoves serve as reservoirs from which other animals can get water. Water is the nectar of life. The sharing of these reservoirs indicates the alligators respect for all life forms.

The power of alligator is its power to survive. They have no known predators. If alligator shows up in your life or in the dreamtime it might be telling you to take care of yourself and secure your basic survival needs.

Alligators come together only for reproduction. They have distinct individual personalities. Those with this totem are usually loners and only join together in groups when mandatory. Alligator medicine people can be great leaders. They know how to survive in any situation and are strong enough to hold their ground.

These fascinating creatures digest their food slowly. Those with this totem should remember to digest and assimilate all experiences thoroughly before moving forward in haste. Alligators teach the art of patience and appropriate timing. They know when to hide beneath the water, peak above it, or take action and snap.

check out this site, its where i'm getting my info. http://www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm

[_Angel_]

Ant

The ant is very industrious. Some ants are solitary but most are part of a large community. Within the community there is a repertory of activities and behaviors. Their activities include gathering and hunting. Within a community each ant knows its place and performs its duties with total loyalty to the whole.

Worker ants are excellent architects and can show us how to construct our dreams into reality. Ants are very persistent and can teach this skill as well.

The power of ant medicine is teamwork. Each ant will do its part to ensure the survival and health of the whole colony, regardless of the role it has been assigned. If ant has to fight, it will; if ant has to dig tunnels, it will; if ant has to carry leaves for miles, it will, all for the good of the community.

Ants are selfless servants always looking out for their fellow ant. They focus on the best outcome for the community and teach the art of self sacrifice and true service. The queen ant has wings and the ability of flight until fertilized. Once fertilized she pulls off her own wings sacrificing her own flight for the birth of a newborn. Although there is a caste system within the ant community all ants honor and respect each other and work for the common good.

Ants are tireless workers and hunters and teach the art of perseverance and patience in all that they do. Those with this totem will find that many of their life lessons will involve the mastery of patience in some way.

Ant medicine is subtle yet powerful. It teaches us how to release our egos and aligns us with the virtue of equality. Imagine what the world would be like if humanity held and applied the values that the ant expresses. The next time you step on, squash, injure or kill an ant intentionally, ask yourself why you are choosing to destroy the unconditional love that the ant shares so freely. Valuable insights about yourself and your history can be learned from this tiny little totem.

[_Angel_]

Badger

The badger is a member of the weasel family. They range is length from two to three feet and are about twelve inches high. Family members often mark each other with scent for recognition since their sight is poor. Their senses of smell and hearing however are excellent. Those with this medicine would do well in professions that incorporate sound as a healing tool. On a personal note, badger medicine people need to develop clear sight, both psychically and physically and not just rely on their other senses for survival.

Badgers have solid muscular bodies. Its outer skin is loose which gives it a deceiving appearance. Because of this it is often associated with illusion. What you see is not always what you get! Its strong powerful jaws represent discrimination of speech. Words can cut, tear and crush or encourage, teach and compliment others. Those with this medicine have the ability to do both.

Badger dens are extremely clean and well organized. They change there bedding often, backing into their dens with straw, so as not to make a mess in the process. Fastidious about their surroundings they will correct any disorder quickly.

The badger brings the gift of tidiness and organization. If badger has come to you in some way it may be saying that you need to concentrate on maintaining an orderly environment to better facilitate your day-to-day living. . It can also teach you how to manage your time more efficiently.

Badgers will fight to their death if cornered. Bold and ferocious they are unsociable animals. Those with this medicine have difficulty relating to others. They will shun authority and stand their ground in any situation. Expressing themselves in a concise balanced way is one of their greatest challenges.

The badger is a remarkable digger and can get beneath the surface easily. This ability ties the badger to the mysteries of the underworld, where the magic of life and creation is stored. It also symbolizes a strong connection to plant and animal spirits and can teach those with this totem how to align with life both above ground and below it.

[HouseDealer]

Badger is one of mine as well.
Cougar too.
Skunk..my reputation always precedes me.... LOL

i'm so tired right now, but i know who they are. Swan is my second within guide.
Snake is also one...Transmuation, death..rebirth..just a few words that come to mind.
Bear..i'll have to think of the rest later. been up all night...so tired!

love this discussion thread!!

if you scroll up, you'll see a link. it's incredible, this site...and the message board? even better. i really urge you to check it out, if you're interested in how animals teach us..Shamanism...for lack of a better word, is so very interesting, and very much Real.
has anyone been to the Animal Spirit Guides site by chance? it has over 350 animal wisdoms...Diana is a Shamaness, and it is truly wonderful...to see and understand the "meaning" or "medicine" of these animals.

[_Angel_]

Bat

There are different species of bats, which have widely divergent characteristics. Some are small and others are large. With one or two exceptions, the large bats live on fruits and find their way visually. The small bats feed mostly on insects, catching them on the wing by a process known as echolocation in which an animal produces sounds and listens for the echoes reflected from surfaces and objects in the environment. When this medicine is fully developed in man intuitive and clairaudient abilities are accurate. When underdeveloped psychic perception becomes clouded by imaginings of the mind.

Bat holds the power of adaptability. Everything about them, senses, feeding, flight, mating and size is suited to their particular environment. When bat appears in your life its message may be to examine your surroundings to discern what bounty is being offered to you, and then alter your patterns so you can receive it.

An out of balance bat will get scrambled and confused and will fly into things. Are you crashing into barriers as you try to get what you need and want in life? If so, bat may be trying to tell you to take a moment to get your bearings and determine the relative importance of what you are seeking.

Because the bat is a sociable animal it can indicate a need for more sociability or increased opportunity with greater numbers of people. It has great auditory perception and can navigate through the dark easily. Their built in sonar enables them to know what lies beneath the surface. Those with this medicine have uncanny abilities to discern hidden messages both from people and the environment..

When bat appears it is asking you to surrender yourself to the process of change. Opportunities unknown to the conscious mind are about to manifest.

[_Angel_]

Awesome site. I saved it to my favorites. thanks for sharing.

HouseDealer said:

Badger is one of mine as well.
Cougar too.
Skunk..my reputation always precedes me.... LOL

i'm so tired right now, but i know who they are. Swan is my second within guide.
Snake is also one...Transmuation, death..rebirth..just a few words that come to mind.
Bear..i'll have to think of the rest later. been up all night...so tired!

love this discussion thread!!

if you scroll up, you'll see a link. it's incredible, this site...and the message board? even better. i really urge you to check it out, if you're interested in how animals teach us..Shamanism...for lack of a better word, is so very interesting, and very much Real.
has anyone been to the Animal Spirit Guides site by chance? it has over 350 animal wisdoms...Diana is a Shamaness, and it is truly wonderful...to see and understand the "meaning" or "medicine" of these animals.

[_Angel_]

Bear

There are several types of bear including the Grizzly, Brown, Black, Kodiak and Polar. Bear has played a prominent role in many Native cultures. They are considered to be a highly desired ally and spirit helper because of its fearless power. It is believed that the power of Great spirit lives through this animal. Because of this a constellation was named for it, Ursus Major, The Great Bear. Some tribes prayed for medicine dreams that would show bear to be their guide. Others felt the bear was too powerful a medicine and would only hunt them if it meant not starving.

In some traditions bear is the spirit keeper of the West. The place of maturity and good harvest. The gifts that bear offers to those with this totem are strength, introspection and knowledge.

Unlike other animals who are active during a specific time of day, the bear is active both day and night. This symbolizes its connection with solar energy, that of strength and power, and lunar energy, that of intuition. It enhances and teaches those with this totem how to develop both within themselves.

During the winter bears spend several months sleeping in dens without eating, a condition that resembles hibernation. The more fat their bodies have stored up the deeper the sleep. Bears live on this fat throughout the winter. It teaches us how to go within and find the resources necessary for our personal survival.

The bear holds the teachings of introspection. When it shows up in your life pay attention to how you think, act and interact. Use discernment in all that you do and discriminate with care. Bear teaches you how to make choices from a position of power.