This morning while taking my dog, Dusty Boy for a walk, a doe and two fawns bounded across our path, of course Dusty barked like crazy. And soon all I saw were bright white tails bouncing through the tall green grass into the woods. I recalled that the deer symbolizes gentleness, warmth, caring, and overall peacefulness... that's pretty much how my day has been. Through nature's creatures, many life lessons are taught, and they have been passed down by many cultures and through multiple generations. As we seek oneness in our lives, animal symbolism can play an important role. In today's episode, we will explore your nine power animals, nature's creatures that illustrate your abilities, talents, gifts, and lessons or challenges in your life. Basically, when you call upon the power of an animal, you are asking to gain an understanding of that particular animal's strength, and essence. In this modern day, we are very fortunate to have many indigenous teachings to guide us. One of my favorite resources is entitled “Animal Speaks” by the late Ted Andrews. In the following visualization, we will walk in balance with Mother Earth, and uncover the nine power creatures that you personally resonate with along your path. Let these creatures effortlessly arise in your mind's eye or imagination. Our intention today is to simply see who arrives ...who comes into your vision. And then afterwards, you can look up the deeper meaning check out the resources on the show notes page.
So, let's get started... Close all tabs. Shut down distractions and find a comfortable seated position and relax. Spend a moment concentrating on slow, relaxed breathing. Consciously relax all parts of your body from head to toe and toe backup to head seeking more and more into relaxation. Sinking like a ragdoll into your chair. Now visualize an inviting walking path. You're out in nature and it's stretching invitingly out in front of you. Feel the sun on your face. Perhaps it's peeking through a lovely canopy of trees overhead. The sun has risen in the east and is illuminating your path from that direction. The first of your nine creatures appears in front of you. Is it four legged, two legged, a winged one or crawling? Spend a minute or so studying its shape, and behavior as it materializes in your imagination. Don't worry if an animal didn't appear this first time. Many nations recognize the eagle as the spirit of the east. So, you can embrace the eagle for now as a symbol of bravery, wisdom, and higher vision as we continue down nature's path. The traditional significance of the animal in the east is that it guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guards your path to illumination and awakening.
As the path curves to the south, be alert to whatever animal might appear before you. Spend a minute or so looking for this second, nature's power creature. The animal of the south protects your inner child and reminds you to trust what lies before you. If you didn't discover a particular animal, perhaps a butterfly or a snake is hidden among the bushes alongside your path. Both are symbols of transformation and leaving the past in the past. Enjoy how the path twists and turns displaying the various splendors of nature all around you. As we curve to the west, search for your third power animal in your mind's eye or imagination. Animal of the west leads you to your personal truth and inner answers. It shows you how to reach your goals. If an animal didn't clearly appear for you during this visualization...think about the owl as a symbol of wisdom, intuition and insight or perhaps the Jaguar for confidence, and manifestation.
Let's continue down the path in search of your fourth power creature. What was the fourth animal to appear for you? This creature of the north gives you wise guidance, enhances your intuition, reminds you when to speak, and when to listen, as well as, to be grateful every single day... counting your blessings often. If the power creature didn't appear in your vision, perhaps it is the hummingbird. A symbol of timelessness, healing, intuition, and magic.
Next, we come to a clearing with a fallen log that makes the perfect bench... settle into it. Here we will sit and watch for the fifth power creature to arrive in the clearing. This animal is the guardian of dream time, and reminds us to honor the Great Spirit. It is a reminder that you came from the stars and to the stars you will return. If an animal did not clearly appear for you, perhaps it is the magical Raven, psychic, introspective, intuitive, magical and courageous.
Still seated in the clearing, we wait for our sixth power creature to arrive. This is the animal of the direction below and represents Inner Earth... how to stay grounded and focus on our spiritual path or purpose in life. If a creature didn't appear in your imagination, envision the turtle as an ancient universal symbol of Mother Earth, protecting, patiently nurturing with strength and longevity. Creature number seven is different because it usually appears quickly and easily in this journey. Because it is your personal power animal, that animal within what animal are you drawn to? Was there a favorite animal in your childhood? This powerful creature brings you joy and is your own sacred guide. We leave our comfy bench and begin again down the path as we wander... creature number eight appears on your right side. The male side of your physical body is often a four-legged powerful animal perhaps a bear, buffalo, or lion. It is your father-protector, carrying courage and a warrior spirit. Bear instinct, healing, willpower, self-preservation and a great strength. Or a buffalo... sacredness, abundance, gratitude and stability. Perhaps a lion protector, authoritative, courageous leader and a great strength.
Our ninth and final creature appears on the left side of the path as you continue on your journey. This animal is a protector of your female side, teaching you to nurture yourself as well as nurture others. It gives you guidance regarding relationships as well. It can appear as an insect, animal, or winged one. So look for any of these within your imagination or mind's eye. If a creature didn't appear for you, then consider the peacock symbolizing beauty, refinement, sexuality and self-confidence or perhaps a rabbit in motion, joyful, artistic and fertile. Another consideration is the generous turkey willing to share and sacrifice. Perhaps a wolf, which is known to be a pack animal with connections, friendships, and a tight knit family.
As we conclude our walk, gather these nine creatures into your life and repeat this process as often as necessary to call in your personal power. Call in your nature's creatures guidance. Call it into existence, “Call IT in with Dar!”
Transcribed by https://otter.ai