A Calling of Animal Guides
15 Tuesday Jan 2013
Written by Nicole Rushin in Animal Totems, Dream Speak, Dreams, Mythology and Symbolism
Tags
Animal Totems, Animal Wisdom, Nicole~, Spirit Guides, The Integration of Animal Guides, The Story of Crow
My Animal Guides are part of my personal Dream-Speak. They belong to the collective I meet at the table of my dreams and if I am honest and open they tell me things directly and answer my questions.
Most often, the integration of their messages into my Dream-Speak is not found in resource books or even by scouring the web. It is found by asking direct questions, “What do you want?” Or “What have you come to teach me?”
Clarity is key. Animals don’t understand our wobbling. They don’t understand the inability we have to make decisions quickly and swiftly. They don’t understand why we have lost our instincts. Our Animal Guides want directness and questions that cut through the mist. And in turn, they are direct with us.
“What do you want, Crow?”
Crow is one of my personal guides. His answer came to me one Sunday morning as I was resting in that sweet spot between awake and sleep. On this Sunday, the word labor rolled through my head and then the words, “Stop struggling and just write girl – just write!”
Where I live, in the Southern Bible-Belt, Sunday is the day to stop laboring. It is the day all the shops shut down. The seventh day was the day God finished his work and rested. He looked around and said, “Oh My – Isn’t It Good!” Growing up in the south you are hard pressed to even find a shoe store open on Sunday. When I ran my garden center I thought it would be great to open on Sunday because gardening seemed like a relaxing hobby. It wasn’t work or labor, but an enjoyable pasttime. (errr…nobody came) But these are the traditions deeply embedded in our society, and that, is just the way it is.
To labor actually means to struggle to bring something forth. But what is this thing, this idea, this work that we are to stop laboring with? Stop toiling over? What are we fighting against? What are we supposed to be resting from? What is the work? But most importantly, what is the struggle?
Since the day I heard Crow’s answer roll through my head I’ve made Sunday my official day of the Crow. It is not the day I stop working, but the day I stop laboring, the day I stop struggling with my work. It is not a day I sit on my laurels. It is the day I accept what is and what can’t be changed. Crow-day is the day I find joy in my work again. I try to look around or back or up and say, “Isn’t it good!”
If I am struggling with my writing, on Crow-Day, I want to know why. I want to get back to the place where it feels right and restful. And that is why Crow’s word is law to me. He tells me to simply accept what is.
“Stop toiling and laboring,” Crow says, “And just look. Look at where you’ve been. Look at all the work you’ve done.”
Crow has been one of my closest guides since that day as he blankets me with protection.
I love the way the Crows chase the Hawks away from our property, the way they talk back and forth and hover over the Chickens. In turn, the Chickens, and especially the Roosters, listen when the Crows speak. I believe the Roosters hear the Crows calling, ‘Hawk-Hawk’ before they even hear the Hawk’s steady shrill. They listen because Crow’s word is law. (And you thought they were saying Caw-Caw?)
I don’t believe totems are one answer fits all. You can get help from books, but in the end the answers will come from your own experience with an animal. For me, the word law for Crow came from the Medicine Cards book, but the description did not connect with me until I heard that word, labor, in my head. And then everything clicked! It all made sense!
There was a shift in my writing after this day. A new perspective on the work I was doing.
Below is a short list of my personal Animal Guides and some of the things I’ve learned from them. Some of these revelations came to me with the help of books, some of them through dreams, but all of them came to me through taking the time to query and ask the most direct and simple questions, “What do you want? What have you come to teach me?”
When you ask a direct question your mind goes to work on the answer.
~~~
Armadillo – Boundaries and honoring and accepting my self imposed limitations.
Bluebird – Finding joy in my work and in all things.
Cardinal (redbird) – The awakening feminine, the creative awakening. The counterpart to Little Red Riding Hood.
Cat (domestic) – Domestic animals have deep lessons and many stories to offer. All of my cats represent different things to me, but generally they represent the vulnerabilities I try to protect. My cat Tavi, represents the Beautiful Crone. She is wise and witchy! Yet so zen and unwavering in her self confidence. I gotta’ be more like her.
Crow – Accepting what is. A shape-shifter because his word of law exists in all things. Giving up the struggle.
Cedar Waxwing – Gratitude. Learning to give and also learning to accept the gift of receiving.
Bat – Rebirth, a guide through the deeper levels of the spirit and sleep. Transcending and moving through the phases of emotion.
Bear – Presence! How am I approaching others? Am I being defensive? Am I taking things personally? Bear also has another side. A side that is a fierce mother and protector, a side of introspection and she is a master of sleep. Bear has very contrasting dark and light sides. She can mean many things so I always have to listen and watch my feet.
Dog (domestic) – Again domestic animals tell us different stories. But the dog can represent instincts, the freedom of play, the wild creative or even loyalty to a job or a calling. My dog, Mackenzie has taught me many things, but mostly she teaches me about my beliefs about protection and freedom.
Hen – Finding the mystical in the everyday. The lightnesss of feathers and moonlight.
Horse – A transporter of passion and conviction. Steadiness. Of all the animals, the Horse knows most of all when I am not being truthful or when I am being wishy-washy. I can’t hide anything from those big watery eyes.
Ladybug – A totem for luck, fame and the dual nature of the feminine. What I show and what I really believe.
Owl – Smart and Wise. (ahhh, I’ve a lot to learn from my owl) To have Owl as a guide is a high honor. I must admit I am smart and wise and maybe wise beyond my years, but I also must know what to do with my smarts. Owl visits those who are too smart for their own good. Owl visits those who need guidance, but are too stubborn to ask. Owl guides those who don’t know what to do with their smarts. Owl sees truth through lies, but it is up to me to know what to do with this truth.
Rat or Mouse – Focusing too much on the little things, navel gazing, existential angst.
Rooster – Finding the masculine voice. Speaking out for what is mine, for what is my truth. The calling of integration and poetry.
Snake – Wisdom through change and transmutation. Introspection and a need for isolation. Oddly enough, the snake is my counterpart to the Nun archetype. Snake is hard to get to know, seems cold, but makes all of her decisions based on a stern dedication to a path and to conviction. Driven by ideals and the spiritual life.
Squirrel – Prepare! But don’t prepare for doom. Prepare for the good things, for the now, for the winter cabin of my dreams. Do your homework! Do your research! But find the balance in this. Sounds funny, but squirrel visits me in the bathroom, the room of preparation.
Turkey – Selfless giving and sacrifice. What do I need to share more of? What am I holding back?
Turtle – The earth. Wisdom found in nature and self sufficiency. Don’t rush. What’s the hurry? Everything is here – now.
Vulture / Buzzard - Opportunity. Take advantage of the resources at hand.
Wren – The happy industrious work of making a home.
~~~
Again, this is a short list and I’m sure I’ve left many animals off. (I think they will forgive me for that)
When I get a message or learn something wonderful from an animal guide I call this integration. The integration is the calling of an animal onto my ark; the great raft that carries me across the waters of the collective.
Above all, it is the basic instinct of every animal to survive, and as we integrate their meaning into our lives, they teach us great things about our own survival. They teach us how to move easily through our changes and through our present situations.
I would love to hear about your animal stories.
What have you learned from a Butterfly, from a Hummingbird? From a Lion? From the Bear?!
Nicole~
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15 comments
January 16, 2013 at 7:54 AM
I truly believe that animals are the guides in this world that direct us to the path we are going to travel. Protect and help us through the rough times and when I dream or see a symbol at least three times in a row of a certain animal spirit, I know there is a message for me.
Just last week the dreams of paticular black dog keep showing up in my sleep. My mother has been failing for a month now and the family has been with her almost every day. Dog tells me to keep the faith no matter what is going on in my life. When dreaming of a dog concentrate on the breed to discover the need or purpose dog is trying to convey to you. Mine is large black flatcoated retreiver. Family dog, protective and loving in nature. Color pitch black, death is approching.
My black dog in my dreams sits near me very close as almost reassuring me all will be right. That her time is near and whether here or in the after life she will always be protected and with loved ones she knows. Now don’t ask why I feel this from this very comforting dream but I do. This was my message from my spirit animal guide. I’ve learned from my black dog, the true meaning of family. I’ve learned when are times come this is not the end. Only a new beginning.
To close ones eyes and sleep the dreams of truth brings comfort to my soul. Paulette
January 16, 2013 at 9:00 AM
How comforting, Paulette. I will keep your Mom in my thoughts. What a wonderful carrier for her into the next phase – a faithful dog.
Domestic animals can mean so many things – so you are probably right to look at the breed. Years ago I had dreams about a dog that I could not let out of the house. It was a German Sheppard. I came to understand my feelings about safety and trust, but never really understood the German Sheppard connection. They seem like militant dogs to me. Very – very – faithful and honorable. A dog that would do whatever I wanted maybe.
Your Mom will be protected in the next phase of her journey. We have a skewed perception of death in our society – that it is some sort of end. It is not. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and thanks so much for sharing your story.
Nicole~
January 16, 2013 at 7:56 AM
What a most perfect timing blog post for me. As I sit on the mountaintop in my new home, I ask that same question, “What do you want, what have you come to teach me?” The answer not so clear yet but it’s been foggy outside and dreary – the sun will shine on Friday and I too will feel the rays of light.
I believe I may have part of the answer – I am alone but not lonely.
Thank you for being my teacher today Nicole and I have missed your posts!
In love, light, and peace,
Nancy
January 16, 2013 at 8:00 AM
I do have an animal story Nicole – in 2011 I went with a friend to visit his parents in Concord, NC and they live on a farm – there was a creek behind their house and John took me to this creek. That day along the creek, I had 5 dragonflies land on me – not one landed on John. I had one on my left hand and I brought my hand up and spoke to the dragonfly – transformation, focus on the present – it told me. I started to live in the present moment. The dragonfly taught me and I listened!
Peace,
Nancy
January 16, 2013 at 9:06 AM
I love this story, Nancy! I’ve heard that dragonflies travel easily back and forth between worlds. Yes, I guess they are always transforming. When I was young I thought they would sting me and I was a little bit afraid of them. Who told me that? So silly. I don’t think they sting. Reed bought me a dragonfly necklace when we first got together so it has always been a guide that connects us. Five Dragonflies – this sounds like a good name for a poem.
You are never alone, Nancy. Pick up the phone anytime. Call me – I am always wondering what you are up to. And post some pictures of your new place!
Nicole~
January 16, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Yay Nicole! I have been missing your voice in my days.
Recently I’ve been watching a mocking bird obsessed with himself in various windows, opening his wings and settling back and opening his wings again. I see him from my morning contemplation seat. He is reminding me not to get lost in images of my own self, reminding me of the depth of the world around me. Turn and face, he says, Turn and face.
January 16, 2013 at 9:22 AM
Hi Lisa! Thanks for missing me. I read all of your posts, but often I read them on my phone so it is not always easy to leave a comment. Mockingbirds! This is one of Reed’s animals. Anytime he has to go into a meeting or work within a group I remind him, “Watch your Mockingbird.” They can be sassy and brash sometimes, at least his Mockingbird is anyway. I like this simplicity of that, ‘Turn and face – turn and face.’
Nicole~
January 16, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Very interesting!
I especially like Squirrel, Turtle and Bat …
And of course Crow – very Taoist!
January 18, 2013 at 3:11 PM
Hello Gabri!
How have you been?!
I never thought to look at Crow as being Taoist, but you are right. And it give the Crow a whole new look and feel.
Very interesting.
N~
January 18, 2013 at 11:54 AM
I love this Nicole! It popped into my inbox right after I wondered..Could I really have this many animal guides?!
The one two that have popped up recently…though they’ve been around and I’m just noticing, are the hedge hog and porcupine. They tell me…Stop worrying about being liked. You don’t have to worry about being too “cute” or too prickly — there is balance. Be yourself *and* protect yourself when you have to. You’ll be OK.
January 18, 2013 at 3:14 PM
I had the porcupine come up in my cards one day. Porcupine’s word in the Medicine Cards is innocence. Which I thought was really cool. Roll over and show your belly more. Laugh! Only use your spikes and daggers when your trust has been betrayed. Sounds like a great Animal Guide to have. They are kinda cute too!
N~
January 23, 2013 at 12:24 PM
You wrote, “I love the way the Crows chase the Hawks away from our property”. The other day I saw crows chasing a shin hawk and I wondered what incentive crow had to chase hawk–that there was some altruism in it. Today when I read your post, I realized crow had been protecting Squirrel who last week appeared as one of my guides–they remind me to play, to jump, to twirl, to spin for the pure joy of being alive.
January 23, 2013 at 5:53 PM
Yes, I do believe they are protectors! I have seen them chase the hawks away on many occasions.
Today I had a strange thing happen. I was shutting the gate to pull out of the driveway and I heard Crow talking in the tree. I turned and watched for maybe a few seconds, long enough to acknowledge him and then to see his mate flay in. They were sweet together on the branch. On my way down the road a man walked right out in front of me carrying a box! He didn’t even look and this was on a fairly busy state highway! I realized that if I had not stopped to look at those Crows, if I had not stopped long enough to acknowledge them and just say “Hi! I hear you!” I could have hit him. I would have arrived seconds earlier and he may have been hit. It was surreal. It made me feel like I was on the right path and I had just read your comment before I walked out the door so maybe I was extra alert to the animals. It made me feel like stopping to connect to my animals puts me in sync, it puts me in the pace of nature.
And I love that about your Squirrel. There is this balance of play and preparation that Squirrel brings. A feeling that everything is so right because I am ready for it. I have all my nuts and acorns all lined up! And I’m not playing because I’ve worked – I’m playing while I work!
N~
March 31, 2013 at 10:59 PM
My awareness of animals-as-guides is new and growing. You mentioned in your post the use of books in cultivating knowledge on this topic – do you have any suggested titles? I greatly enjoyed this post – thank you for sharing your perspective!
April 1, 2013 at 1:15 PM
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for commenting! Ted Andrews is a great source. He has a book called Animal Speak that is really excellent. I also highly suggest the Medicine Cards book and deck, they come together in a set. But it is always best to just ask yourself first how the animal makes you feel. What attributes do they have that you admire?
Nicole~