.:|:. Dove Love’s .:. Points and Passions .:|:.

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  I was tagged, um, last week? … for this meme and it sounded like my cup-o-tea (I love doing the open-the-book thing), so here we go :) 

About mid-week this past week, I had sat down to look up the Cardinal totem in Ted Andrew’s “Animal-Speak,” because I’d been seeing that gorgeous bird quite a bit, but before coming upon it, I remembered about needing to do this meme.  I thought, hey, this would be a cool book to use for it.  So I turned to page 123 in “Animal-Speak.”  Found the 5th sentence and these were the 3 sentences that followed:

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“One was the Strasburg Brotherhood of the Crown, and another was formed by St. Nicholas of Vienna in 1288.  In Germany, specifically, there existed a guild of meistersingers at Nuremburg.  This schooling was to teach the power of sound, music, and voice–physical and spiritual.”

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Right off, I thought it was interesting that it started with “One.” :)  Lotsa synchronicities with it.  Just hours before opening to this passage, one of my co-workers was actually speaking German to me!  Yes, this was exceedingly UNUSUAL, to say the least.  Note, the Universe is invariably speaking to us with unusual things, things that don’t happen to us everyday…  I looked at him, and said, “I didn’t know you spoke German.”  He didn’t respond in English, and just kept speaking in German to me, lol  There was also a German reference in an email I received that day…

Here are some interpretations I found at one dream symbol site (yeah, I don’t distinguish sleep-dream symbolism from this awake-dream we’re experiencing):

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Foreign Language

To hear or speak a foreign language in your dream, indicates a message from your unconscious that you do not yet understand.

Foreigner

To see a foreigner in your dream, represents an aspect of yourself that is unfamiliar or strange to you. You may be neglecting or ignoring some important feelings or talents.

Source:  www.dreammoods.com

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That last statement definitely rings true for me…  It’s also interesting that not long ago I made a comment on a blog where I posted some info about the original Saint Nicholas per a question on that topic (Santa Claus).  Hmm, that page that I just linked that to isn’t the source that I’m referencing, but a statement there intrigues me, …  “Nicholas, why dost thou conceal thyself from me? Thou art my helper” … 

{Update:  I feel compelled to add a bit here…  First, just for clarity, I had posted some info about the original St. Nick from one website onto another’s blog, but the St. Nick site I’m linking to above isn’t that one, it’s one I found just in the moment of my typing that paragraph.  But I especially wanted to point out that I realize that the statement, “Thou art my helper” is not (literally, or in this reality) referencing art, lol  ;)  But that’s what I saw when I first read it, intuition doesn’t have to be “logical” — and very often, it isn’t :) …  But I actually took both messages, that the Universe or “God/dess” is asking me why I am hiding myself, by holding back my creative expressions, AND that he/she sees me as one of his/her “helpers”… ah, and that our true (joyful) creative expressions are part of that — it is a “dance” we do with him/her.}

One of my first posts here was called “Create Change with Your Creations,” and not long ago I noticed how it had been right before I started doing all my MS Paint Pics and the post was spurred from people saying a single phrase to me one day that indicated they couldn’t see me…  It made me wonder if it was the Universe saying that I needed to do something to show myself, maybe my art I thought.  Writing, painting, some even consider the Tarot an art…  I’ve had people suggest I create my own Tarot deck, or write a book, and I’ve always felt I would write a book eventually.  I must say, this blog is the most I’ve ever expressed myself … the writing, the computer painting.  Right before starting this blog (Aug 2007), I was getting a plethora of Aces in the Tarot, a sign of new beginnings, the Aces are “seeds,” reflecting great potential.  I feel it has been a significant part of my healing journey.  I think we have no idea how vital it is to express ourselves, our creativity … but it makes sense, we are like that which created us, creators :)  We harm ourselves in not allowing that creativity to flow.

“Brotherhood of the Crown” –  the crown, the crown chakra, associated with universal love and ONE-ness … 

1288 = 19, the Sun card in the Tarot, a major arcana card that can represent our “god-ness’ or “God.”  19 = 10 = 1

“Master Number 88: The elevation of the personal and the infinite consciousness is facilitated to encompass the actuality of “knowing” and the receipt of meaningful, revealing, and significant revelations (and implementation of same) with respect to ones unlimited and unrestricted capabilitites. The concepts of sensitivity and compassion, with the experiencing of each moment, is reflected in the “eighty-eight” vibration.”  (Source:  http://www.lochsrocks.com/meta.asp?insert=Master)

“Meistersinger” — Master singer.  I love to sing, but not in front of anyone, lol   But I’ve always thought it would be such a joy to be a singer…  I’ve felt I might take voice lessons someday.  An intuitive years ago told me that singing would be healing for me.  And on the rare occasion that I do sing (in private), I can actually see a kind of a glow in my face the next day :)  I should do it more often…  “Make a joyful noise.” :)

And shortly after coming upon this “Animal-Speak” passage, I came upon a blog about the power of sound :)  It’s a great post, giving the mantras for each chakra.  I’ve seen the power in doing thse mantras, but I have gotten out of the practice of doing this.  This is strongly motivating me to get back to it…

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that this passage was part of the Canary totem, which is synchronous in that I have winged totems, mostly birds, out the wazoo :)  AND, I have often referenced myself as the canary because I am so sensitive to chemicals, even those that others feel are not harmful or whatever — like I can’t be around stuff like fingernail polish remover and such.  I avoid the laundry products aisle at the store like the plague… 

And if all that’s not enough, guess what was on the very next page, page 124.  The Cardinal totem, which is why I picked up this book in the first place, remember? :)  Cool, eh? haha!

Well, I got a lot out of my three sentences.  I’m not really big on doing the tagging thing, but here are the directives for anyone else who would like to play :)

1)  Get a book with at least 123 pages, and go to page 123.
2)  Go to the 5th sentence, post the next 3 sentences.
3)  Have fun with it :)

Peace,
Dove

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  I have no idea, lol ;)  Well, I have a few ideas.  I did this a few days ago, and what seems to be the norm, it started out as something that didn’t appeal to me.  I then heard “silk purse,” so I decided to try to transform the “sow’s ear” into something finer  :)   But as always, I simply “played” with it (did what I felt like doing, with colors and lines) and had no intent to create anything in particular, especially anything resembling an actual purse, heh

It looks much more like an eyeball at a distance, the eye is a common symbol in my creations…  In trying to get it to tell me its name, I remembered the “silk purse,” but…  So I decided to ask the cards.  The Queen of Swords came up.   Hmm, “Queen of Swords,” interesting name :)  Then I looked at the “background card” (card on the bottom of the deck) and it was a card that represents not trusting — the Queen of Swords, among other things, is about truth.  Hmm.  Was it saying that I wasn’t trusting that it’s name is “silk purse”?  After looking at this pic again, I think so.  I had noticed the loop that looked like a handle, but then noticed that the whole eye was kinda surrounded by something that might be considered purse-like.  Okay, “Silk Purse,” it is, and we’ll give it to the queen :)

This Queen is about truth, and the eye can represent perception, awareness, a special kind of seeing, seeing with clarity, and one’s true self (one’s “godself”).  It all seems to be about seeing clearly, perhaps seeing oneself clearly…”To thine ownself be true” comes to mind.  The star is also a symbol about trusting, having “faith.”  Perhaps this image is saying that our own intuitive wisdom, our truth, is a “silk purse” even if others see it as a “sow’s ear.” ;)  It’s truly crucial that we learn to trust our own “higher self,” our own truth.

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“The Queen’s Silk Purse” by Dove, February 2008

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  I had the coolest vision yesterday.  The first one I’ve had in a while — I tend to resist meditating, but when I can get myself to do it, I get so much from it.  Yesterday, while meditating, I asked a question about my health, how to improve it in a specific area.  And I was amazed that I immediately saw something in my mind’s eye. 

The image was all soft and dark — shades of gray, charcoal gray, black…but it was calming and sweet.  There was a deep-orange-colored ball sitting on I guess what was the horizon, like one of those gorgeous sunsets in the late, just almost dark, evening.  A silhouette of a person reached out from the right side of this vision, and gently scooped up this orange ball into both of her hands.  She lifted it up to her mouth, still with both hands, put it slowly into her mouth and swallowed it.  It was a beautiful vision, and I was so grateful for it.

And so I then pondered about what might be the meaning.  I had asked a health question, and I’d been told in the distant past, both by an alternative practitioner as well as from my own intuition, that I needed to get more sun.  But it’s also interesting that the sun was this dark orange color. 

And then I came upon a post in my blog roll this morning – I love his/her elaborations on symbolism and all.  When I came upon this recent blog (posted about an hour before I came upon it), it very much intrigued me, very synchronous to my vision yesterday…  The post was about the symbolism of the penny, a correlation with the sun.  But also, the copper.  The color of my vision’s sun could very much be considered “copper.”  While organizing recently, I came upon a copper bracelet, with some lovely Native American designs on it, that I had purchased years ago.   I popped it on my wrist, and have been wearing it a lot lately.  Some believe we can absorb copper from the metal in this way.  So I thought it might be a good thing in case I’m lacking in copper : )  — I have noticed that it has faintly turned my wrist green at times.  I’ve read that might be an indication of a need for copper.

So my sweet vision may have been confirming my continued need for more sun (and Vitamin D) as well as copper all in the same message.  And also a  need to align with the message of the Magician, the number 1 card in the Tarot, which the above-mentioned blog seems to be describing with her penny symbolism post.  AND, the sun can also represent that Higher Power within us — and an ongoing effort to get and stay connected with that is most assuredly one of the best things we can do to improve our health and our lives.

It’s wonderful how one vision, one message, can hold so much meaning : )

Namaste,
Dove

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Dove’s Art    Dove’s Posts At-a-Glance    Dove’s Tarot Website

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  This is for my friend, CV :) … and anyone else who may be drawn to this topic.  

Animal totems are spiritual animal guides.  They bring messages to us via their symbolic presence.  That is, if you synchronously see, and especially continue to see, or hear an animal or the name of an animal, there is a message in that.  The best book, considered a classic, on this topic is called “Animal-Speak” by Ted Andrews.  And here’s a link to a post I did not long ago that touches on this subject, Ramblings on Animal Totems and my Tarot story, “An Owl, a Crow, and a Nudge toward the Tarot”  shares the moment when I became aware of my Owl totem.

They say we each have nine totems, and although I know my nine, I’ve long felt that I have many more.  And the woman who read my aura (see my Tarot story), when she saw “sooo many animals” in my aura, I think that was a reflection of that.  I recall reading how this aligns with shamans.  And I don’t know if I am one, but many things in my life certainly align with that. 

So how did I discover my totems?  It wasn’t that long after I was nudged toward using the Tarot that I had a similar experience with animal totems.  I was guided towards some cards called, “Medicine Cards” that came with a book (by Jamie Sams/David Carson).  The very first time I shuffled these cards, I was very curious as to what card the Universe would most want to show me.  It was the Owl card.  This I already knew was one of my main nine totems, and the same with my Crow totem (see Tarot story).  I mention in my above “ramblings” post how the owl had come to me, and how I mentioned in my Tarot story how I’d had dreams of owls as well, and then when she saw it in my aura, that was the final confirmation I needed on that one.  With the crow, I can’t honestly remember how I knew that one, it was just something I knew.  I had lived in a wonderful wooded area before all of this started, and lotsa crows were there.  I liked them :) … and that’s a good indicator that a certain animal is one of your totems.  There was also this one crow that used to “visit” us there.  The wildest thing, it had one white feather.  We called it “White Feather” :)  But again, I don’t remember the actual point where I knew, I just knew.  And that right there can be the totality of discovering one of your totems.  And then it was especially nice when the aura reader saw the crow on my shoulder :)

I discovered the rest, the other seven main totems, through the Medicine Cards.  In the book, it has a spread that you can do.  Just do it one time, and it will show you your totems.  I might not have embraced this except that I saw one of them during a meditation immediately before drawing this spread.  As I began to meditate in preparation for doing this, I immediately saw the eyes of a wolf, directly in front of my eyes.  I felt sure in that moment that this was one of my totems.  After the meditation, I shuffled the cards and began to to lay them out.  The second card was the wolf :)  Ya’ gotta know, that was a thrill.  I smiled as I drew the rest of the cards.  Most of them were winged ones, which aligned with my owl and crow…and the name the Universe bestowed upon me a few years ago, “Dove.” :)   I even had an intuitive once reference me as an “Earth Angel.”  More wings ;)  And that nudges me toward seeing birds and angels in the same light…

Further synchronicity with the totems I already knew and that I saw in the spread that day is that I’ve seen that my own personality and such align with many of the characertistics of these animals.  It’s come to me that these animals actually recognize us on some level, that we actually have this energy, that it is a part of us, part of our spiritual energy.  This is why we are drawn to them and they are drawn to us.  We’re like their family :)  Cool, eh?

 I have had so many amazing experiences with the crow, it’s definitely a part of my heart.  If there’s a crow around, you can bet my attention will immediately zero in on it.   But birds in general thrill and captivate me.  I think they’re absolutely phenomenal.  Again, if you love a certain animal this much, that’s a very strong indicator that it is one of your totems.  Additionally, if you feel/believe (intuit) that a certain animal is one of your totems, then it very likely is. 

My life and health issues, my personality, my “challenges” are all reflected in these animals.  It’s very beneficial to know one’s totems.  For example, the hummingbird is one of mine.  One day in reading about it in the “Animal-Speak” book, I noted how the hummingbird eats very often, it has to…  It was around that point when I discovered my own blood sugar issues, and per this knowledge of the hummingbird, I began experimenting with eating every few hours.  Doing so was life-changing for me — one of the best health-improving rituals I’ve adopted.  Many of my totems are solitary ones, and this helps me to understand my own strong need for solitude…

Different people discover there totems in different ways.  Besides using the cards, you can simply ask the Universe to show them to you and then wait and watch :)  They might come to you in dreams, on television shows, books, magazines…through other people speaking of certain animals, etc. etc.  Ultimately, trust your intuition in knowing them when they come :)  Then get the book and read about them, you’ll see yourself in them…  The more you’re open to them (respect/honor/enjoy, call upon them), the more you’ll see the “magic” in them, and in this way (among many) that the Universe speaks to us  :)

Peace,
Dove

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Dove’s Art    Dove’s Posts At-a-Glance    Dove’s Tarot Website

Synchronicity is always so cool :)  I opened the page just now to my blogroll and the first thing I saw was a beautiful pic of a daisy via a wonderful blog with the most wonderful images from Nature.  It’s also interesting that his title to this post includes “owls,” which is a strong symbol in my life, primarily representing “intuition” or “psychic” ability.   That was the first blog listing, the very next one amazingly also had a mention of daisies :)  So I immediately know there’s a message for me in the daisy.  I scanned the other blog listings, and there too I saw messages that seemed on point for me.  And the daisy is interesting because I just made a post regarding both love and simplicity — before knowing the meaning of this symbol.  Here are some interpretations I found for the symbolic meaning of daisies:

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Daisy - Innocence; loyal love; purity; faith; cheer; simplicity

Source:  http://www.tokenz.com/meaning-of-flowers.html

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Daisy Share your feelings

Source:  http://www.buzzle.com/articles/flower-meanings-symbolic-meanings-of-flowers.html

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I found other sites with these same meanings for the daisy.

I was also intrigued when (still on my blogroll page) I came upon a blog listing that was elaborating on the symbolic meaning of the number three.  On the way to work, a crow cawed at me three times :)  The crow is like my bro’ (heh).  Anyway, I always pay attention when the crow speaks.  So here we have the “three” twice this morning.  Here’s an excerpt from this blog that seems most appropos for me, but several things in this elaboration of the three seem likely messages for me as well:

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“If you are dealing with emotional issues, Three’s are sending you a message to deal with these issues in a creative manner.  Invoke play methods such as journalling, drawing, dancing, singing - any creative outlet in order for you to get some emotional clarity.”

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Yep, that’s what I’ve been working on with my MS Paint pics, but I need to do the journaling as well…  Interesting how it correlates to the “Share your feelings” of the daisy :)

Anyway, I need to pull together more from the other messages I saw…but I primarily wanted to share about the daisy, such a cool synchronicity to pop up at the beginning of the day :) And such a wonderful picture of a daisy. Check it out per the above link. I posted on there how the center of the daisy brought to mind a crop circle pattern.  And, of course — since it popped into my mind — that has meaning too :)

Ahhh, it’s all so intriguing — you skeptical peoples don’t know what you’re missing, lol ;)

Peace,
Dove

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  This Nature Blog is awesome, I so enjoy his pics…  His recent one of the garter snake spurred my memory of all my snake encounters in the past while living in a wooded area, so many wonderful critter encounters there :)  The individual who encouraged me to live there told me there were no snakes – and I believed him (lol), and I actually didn’t see one for quite a while.  And, of course, my first encounter with one was with a monster of a snake!! 

On a daily basis, I would walk laps at the edge of the dense woods that surrounded this place — gawd, such delicious seclusion there.  For some reason I had the tendency to stay on this path, so it wasn’t long before I’d created a cleared (no grass) path.   One day I was taking my joyous, leisurely, totally private evening walk and to my horror I almost stepped on a HUGE (I’m talkin’ huge, babe) snake lying across (horizontal to) my path — no doubt enjoying my nice cool dirt path on its belly.   I screamed, um, just a little (heh), and I ran like hell to the house.  And I’m sure the monster-snake was equally horrified by my scream…and did its best to quickly hurry toward the safety of the woods. 

Granted, I only saw it for an instant (very close to it), but I’d say it was at least four inches in diameter and at least five foot long.  At least. 

Anyway, for quite a while afterward, I stayed indoors – for a ridiculously long time — or so it seemed.  The sight of that snake totally freaked me out.  But I missed my walks so much, I missed my other critter sightings, and so I finally decided I was going to walk anyway.  I didn’t see the monster-snake again for a long time — not sure how long.  But I did begin to encounter other,  much smaller snakes, only a handful in the on-and-off years that I lived there (covering about a decade).  But what I learned was that they invariably run, er, slither away rather quickly upon seeing me :) 

Yeah, I learned that they are equally afraid of us, and with that knowledge and experience, I kinda lost a lot of the fear I had about them.  I actually have a few fun memories of them.  One where the snake just about slapped itself silly up against the concrete foundation of the house when I came upon it, and clearly frightened it.  It then zipped under the porch, never to be seen again.  Another was when I was feeling playful upon seeing a tiny snake – it looked like it was checked with black and white.  I chased it (lol) up a cedar tree and as soon as it got on the trunk, it was like it vanished…  Ah, but my most enjoyable snake memory (and, I must admit I’m glad, there weren’t that many snake encounters) was right before I made a major move in my life.  My friend brought it to me and said he’d just found it under a rock — it was gray and orange.  It was maybe eight or nine inches long — and its mouth was tiny, but I still wouldn’t have held it without gloves :)   It was wonderfully enjoyable to hold it, because it was weaving in and out through my fingers.  I just loved that, and stood there for the longest time playing with it.   In the past, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d ever do such a thing.  I changed and grew so much while living there…

So what happened to the monster snake?   Well… One day, as I was walking my neat little dirt path, I suddenly heard something shaking in the brush of the woods — it wasn’t that far behind where I’d just walked.  I turned to walk back, kinda guarded, wondering what it could be.  As I took a few steps toward it, two HUGE wings rose up outta the brush (gawd, I miss that place) and upward it went.  I still don’t know if it was an eagle or a giant hawk.  It was probably a hawk.   I was only a few feet away from it.  As it rose up, likely not happy about my presence, up came what had to have been the monster-snake.  It dangled from the mighty bird’s claws.  Lifting the newly-deceased snake’s body was clearly a challenge, the bird struggled frantically to go upward.  I was mesmerized as it finally got up into the air.  It’s claws held the head end of the snake as the other end dangled – the dangling part about two or three times longer than what it held.  I knew it wouldn’t be going far like that.   It flew maybe twenty or thirty feet deeper into the dense woods, higher into the air than you would imagine it could with that load, where I think it felt comfortably safe from me.  And it quickly droppd down into the woods.  It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.

I invariably consider unusual things that happen to me as symbolic messages.  And I always try to see the message in the “highest” or most positive light.  This happened shortly before major changes began to happen in my life — a lot of dangerous situations, and yet I made it through (amazingly and, often, miraculously) without any real harm coming to me.  I’ve always felt I was protected…  The snake totem often represents transformation (major change) and the hawk totem can be about messages and protection.  I know I felt wonderful, blessed and safe after watching this.  Remember, this snake had represented something that I felt might harm me…

The following is a hawk totem interpretation that I just came upon in doing a search for it, and it definitely reflects the things that began to happen to me following that amazing sight.  It would also seem that’s true about the hawk becoming a permanent totem, it has come to me many times in various ways.  Hawks are awesome :)

 Dove

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HAWK TOTEM

Power, Magic, Messenger

Hawk is the messenger, the protector and
the visionaries of the Air.
It holds the key to higher levels of consciousness.
This totem awakens vision and
inspires a creative life purpose.

A Hawk totem is filled with responsibility
because Hawk people seek the overall view.
They are aware of omens and spirit messages.

A Red-Tailed Hawk Totem is special.
It has direct ties to the Kundalini, the seat of primal life force.
It is associated with the base chakra.
If you have this Totem, you be aware of and work toward fulfilling your soul’s purpose.
It reflects a greater intensity of energy within your life:
physical, emotional, mental and spiritual forces will all be strong within you.
The Red-Tail Hawk is a permanent totem — it will always be with you.

It is associated with the number “14″ with the Tarot card Temperance.
This card represents the teaching of higher expressions of psychic ability and vision.

Source:  http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/hawk.htm

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  Here’s one of my recent MS Paint pics…referenced in my Snake Totem post.   I have no idea what the bee-hive looking thing is, but I like it, heh

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“Rising” by Dove, September 2007

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Phoenix Totem…
 
Phoenix, hear my heart’s desire.
Fill me with renewing fire.
Renew my body, mind and soul.
Loving Phoenix, make me whole.

Keeper of the Fire of Creation

Represents death and rebirth.
Transformation and Regeneration.
Protector of all fire.

This totem gives hope in the midst of despair. 
Helps you transform your life into something purer
and brings you closer to spiritual awareness.
Call upon the Phoenix for strength and renewed energy when facing trials of life.

Symbolizes the Sun, dying every night to be reborn with the dawn.
The Chinese believe that the Phoenix has been sent to Earth
to help the development of mankind.  Known as the Feng-Huang.

The Phoenix that I know is a traveler
going through the inky vastness of space;
it can take mortal form when it wants to — during one of my lifetimes as a large red bird.

Source:  http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/phoenix.htm

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I’ve been getting the Snake totem recently…including painting one in a pic with MS Paint a few days ago, which also included what appeared to be a phoenix.  The snake seems to be representing the kundalini.  An interesting depiction, the snake nestles upon the phoenix.  I remember while painting it, I kept getting that a snake wanted to be there.  I resisted putting it there, but then gave into the intuitive nudge.   It’s called “Rising.” 

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Snake:  Symbol of Rebirth, Wisdom, Sexuality, Healing 

The snake has been a source of controversy as to its symbolism for centuries. In some religions it represents the the lower elements (devil), and in others it symbolizes healing and higher transformation.

There is so much written about the snake, that you should study it carefully to find all the lessons that it can teach. Here are some of the lessons you will learn if the snake is your personal totem.

• Rebirth of Power
• Healing and Wisdom
• Secrets of the Underworld
• Creative energy slowly released
• Compassion, clairvoyance, charm
• Death and then rebirth by shedding old ’skin’
• Sexual and creative life force

 Source:  http://www.crystal-cure.com/snake.html

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The Snake

Snakes are fascinating creatures that deserve respect.  Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility and transformation.

In Israel the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility.  In Egypt the cobra was  known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs which symbolized immortality.  In Christian lore the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross sometimes portrayed with a woman’s head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures a snake rising up through the spine represents the kundalini, or life force being awakened.

One of snakes most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.

The eyes of a snake are always open protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin the snakes markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue.  This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Learning how to see into the hearts of others is part of what it teaches us. .

Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and transmutation. Soundless in motion and invisible at rest snakes are unable to produce their own body heat.  They are often seen lying in the hot mid day sun.  The suns warmth coupled with the snakes behavior regulates their body temperature.  Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this totem need very little food to energize themselves. They are usually cold and prefer warmer climates.  Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.

Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound.  They are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld where secrets are stored.

The snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power, creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.

 Source:  http://www.sayahda.com/cyc4.html

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  Gawd, it’s a gorgeous day :)  I’m sitting here at work, playing as usual ;) … the front doors are open (which I sit right next to) and the lusciousness of a sunny, 70-degree day and its intoxicatingly light breeze is pouring in…lotsa green trees and blue sky paint the background of my delightful view :) I decided to paint on MS Paint some more this morning.  The amazingly creative spider came through, sprinkled with moons — it’s all representing a plethora of creative energy going on.  It wants to be called “Moon Juice.” heh… I love that :) You can’t see it from this pic, but on her back she has a purple full moon and a couple of crescent ones above that. 

Purple = spirituality.Here she is…

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Here’s an article that I just came upon.  It’s a nice little intro toward learning the significance of animals appearing in our lives.  If this is a topic with which you have interest, I highly recommend a book that’s considered the classic on “animal totems,” (spiritual animal guides).  “Animal-Speak,” by Ted Andrews.  A wonderful book with lots of information on animals and the messages they bring to us, with explanations as to how the messages align with the animal’s lifestyle and such. 

Dove

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ANIMAL SYMBOLISM

When we come across certain animals in our lives it can be an indication that they are put in our path to give us messages from Spirit about what it is that we need to focus on in our personal healing at that moment in time.  Below are some generalities about different animals and what it means when we have contact with them.

ARMADILLO - putting up boundaries.   We learn from the armadillo - which, by rolling into a ball, can be completely armored against attack - how to consciously define our own emotional and physical boundaries.  Carrying our protection with us and using it when it is necessary for our well being.

BADGER -  about using the roots, minerals, plants and herbs.  When badger appears in our life we should turn to those things nature can provide to help us heal.  It is about tapping our inner resources to make changes in our lives, as well.  Keeping focused on the goal.

BAT -  is about rebirth.  Shaman initiates undergo a ritual death in which they face their fears and are reborn without their old identities. Bat medicine teaches us to release fear and any pattern which no longer fits in with our pattern of growth.  A new beginning, trusting one’s instincts, the bat is powerful medicine.

BEAR -  teaches us about introspection.  Bear medicine teaches us to go within, in order to digest our experiences and to discover that we contain within ourselves the answers to all of our questions.  We are our own best teacher.  Then bring what we find within to the surface and share it with others.

BEAVER -  is the builder.  Beavers work in cooperation to build their homes, and this medicine teaches us that we can create and fulfill most powerfully when all involved appreciate the talents of each and work together in harmony.  Pay attention to our dreams, then in turn make those dreams a reality.

BUFFALO - teaches us about prayer and abundance.  Buffalo teaches us that true prosperity comes when we are grateful for what we have and when we live in harmony and love with all other beings.  We can truly manifest whatever we want in our life and buffalo reminds us of this fact.  When buffalo appears in our lives, the universe is presenting us with opportunity for abundance, pay attention.

BUTTERFLY  -  is about transformation. Butterfly fearlessly leaves the safety of its cocoon to meet a new world in a new form, trusting its untried wings to allow it to fly. It is a powerful symbol for anyone who’s contemplating or in the midst of a major change.  It is about bringing color and joy to our lives, learning to dance with joy as we make those changes in our lives transforming us and our lives.

CANADIAN GOOSE -  remind us of the Sacred Circle, how life cycles on and about family.  The migration of Canadian Geese marks the passages of the Great Circle of the Year, and reminds us of the sacredness of the cycles of our own life.  We can also learn from the cooperative and communal behavior of these birds, who never abandon a sick or wounded member of the flock, and who know when to lead and when to seek guidance and follow.   The goose is also about traveling to distant places, it is about breaking free from one place to move on in your life in order to survive.  If you are stuck in an old pattern, goose can help you move forward bringing new patterns in.

CANARY - it is about the power of music, the voice and song.  Learning to use the power of music to heal your life, to connect to the universe.  We have a tendency to forget just how powerful music can be, it can change our brainwaves and make entry into different meditative states possible for those of us who cannot quiet the mind on our own.

CAT-  brings us to wholeness and acts as a spiritual link between humans and the universe.   It is about magic, mystery and being independent.   The cat, a creature which combines a high degree of sensuality with a deeply psychic and spiritual nature, teaches us that the physical and spiritual worlds are not separate, but one.  Be careful when your cat does not take to someone - you do not want them around you.

CHEETAH -  teaches us about speed and focus.  Unlike other felines who stalk, then pounce on their prey for the kill, cheetahs, the fastest four-footed animals alive, run down their prey. Their lesson to us is that of accomplishing our goals with speed and focus. When we feel stuck, cheetah medicine can launch us into motion. If we are moving with great speed but little direction, cheetah energy helps us to keep our eyes on our goals and to find the most direct way of achieving them.

CHIMPANZEE -  reminds us to live in harmony. Chimpanzees are close to humans on the evolutionary scale, and the medicine of this animal can help to restore to us the simple ways of life that create joy. Chimpanzee medicine can nurture in us playfulness, curiosity, and self expression.  They teach us about living in a community and being part of the group and family, taking care of one another.

COUGAR - is about personal power.  When cougar appears in our life, it is time to learn about power, strength, and using the personal tools we have been gifted with by spirit.  Learning to be assertive.

COYOTE -  is the trickster.  When we’re being too serious about life Coyote may come along to teach us to laugh at ourselves.  It is also the karmic enforcer, reminding us that whatever we do to others will be done to us.  Learning to balance wisdom with a sense of humor to make life work for us.

CROW -  integrity and doing unto others as we would like them to do to us.   Crow teaches us to know ourselves beyond the limitations of one-dimensional thinking and laws.  It is about bringing magic into our lives.   This animal teaches to appreciate the many dimensions both of reality and ourselves, and to learn to trust our intuition and personal integrity.  There is magic wherever crows are.  They give us the message that there is magic alive in our world and this magic is ours to use and create a new world for ourselves with.

DEER -  gentleness and unconditional love. The power of Deer medicine is that of unconditional love. Only love, both for ourselves and for others, can dissolve the barriers which prevent us from realizing wholeness.  Be gentle with others and self.

DOGS - protection, companionship, faithfulness.  When dog comes into our lives it is to teach us about being a companion to others, being loyal and protecting others.

DOLPHIN - brings to us  earth wisdom.  Dolphin teaches us that in attuning to the rhythms and patterns of nature we can learn true communication with the wisdom of All That Is and share this wisdom with others.  It is also about learning to breathe, we forget sometimes to breathe deeply and fully.  Remember that to breathe is to live.

DOVE - reminds us how important peace is. The peace symbolized by Dove is that of the deepest kind. It quiets our worried and troubled thoughts, and allows us to find renewal in the silence of mind. In such moments of stillness we are able to appreciate simple blessings.  It reminds us that no matter what is happening in our lives, there are always new possibilities open to us.

DRAGON - teaches us about transformation. Though Celtic tradition gives specific qualities for dragons of the elements of earth, fire, water, and air, in general terms, Dragon’s power is that of shedding its skin and emerging as a new, transformed being.  Dragon is also about magic, using the magic within to transform your life.

DRAGONFLY - lets us see past the illusion, letting light in so that we can see what we need to see to make our lives better.   When we’ve tricked ourselves into believing that the limitations of physical existence prevent us from changing and growing Dragonfly medicine teaches us to pierce our self-created illusions.  Dragonfly reminds us to let our colors shine by using the light within.

EAGLE -  reminds us of courage and spirit.  Eagle flies fearlessly, bridging heaven and earth, and teaches us to courageously face our fear of the unknown in order to fly as high as our heart’s joy can take us.  Finding out the true emotional aspects within self, using them to rediscover the child within, and awaken a higher sense of passion, creativity, spirituality, strength and healing.

ELEPHANT -    can teach us the power of gentleness, commitment, and communication in relationships. They are are deeply committed to all creatures with whom they have relationships, are powerful when protecting others and gentle in nurturing them. The matriarch of a herd practices leadership in a way that is both gentle and inclusive. Elephants’ ability to communicate telepathically can teach us how to truly listen to others.

ELK -  is about stamina and strength. This medicine teaches us the best use of our energy, helping us to take on no more than we need to accomplish, and to endure on our chosen path until we’ve reached our goals.

FOX -  being able to camouflage self.  It is about using our instincts and creative energies.  When we learn to detach from our surroundings and to observe with all of our senses we will be able to anticipate and create the future as we wish it to be.

FROG  -  bring healing.  As water cleanses the arid earth and returns life to it so Frog’s medicine can wash away any physical and mental energies which deprive us of harmony and peace, and helps to replenish our own ability to heal ourselves on all levels. It is a symbol of recognizing one’s own power, of adaptation and using sound and nature to make changes in our life.

GAZELLE - remind us to be alert and aware. Gazelles, as the intended dinner of the big cats, are vulnerable, and maintain a high alertness to what goes on in their surroundings. Because cheetahs can run faster than them, gazelles have evolved the ability to nimbly dart from side to side, thus putting themselves out of the path of the cheetah’s straight-line dash. They teach us that with awareness and skill, we can be comfortable in our own vulnerability.

GIRAFFE -  is about grounded vision. The giraffe, the tallest of animals, may be as tall as 18 feet, with a neck as long as 7 feet. Ungainly as this animal may seem, its weight is well distributed, and it’s vulnerable only when it bends down to drink water. Giraffe teaches us to view our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive and that in our desire to evolve spiritually, we must always remember we are physical creatures.

HAWK -  is the messenger.  IT is also about visionary power and guardianship, the hawk is very protective of the young in its nest.  It teaches us about providing for family and self.   Hawk teaches us to be observant and to pay attention to what we may overlook. This could mean a talent we don’t use, a blessing for which we haven’t expressed gratitude, or a message from Spirit.  The hawk has keen eyesight, it is about opening our eyes and seeing that which is there to guide us.

HIPPOPOTAMUS -  emotional clearing.  The hippopotamus, sacred in Egyptian and African traditions, is the second largest mammal on earth. Its name means “Water Horse,” and it spends most of its day in water. This animal, very substantial in physical terms, can guide us in grounding ourselves so we can face and dissolve emotional issues (the power of water).

HORSE - travel, freedom and personal power. Personal power is our servant, to be neither abused, squandered, nor kept to ourselves. When we share our power with others and teach them how to nurture their own power, our journey becomes faster and more joyful.  It teaches us to travel forward on new journeys to discover our own power and freedom.

In Celtic tradition the horse-goddess governs the life cycle of birth, death, the afterlife, and rebirth; thus, to work with Horse medicine enables us to feel comfortable with all aspects of this cycle.

HUMMINGBIRD -  joy, love an beauty.  Hummingbird darts lightly through the world, spreading its message of joy and beauty, and teaching us to appreciate the wonder and magic of everyday existence.  It  teaches you how to live in joy and peace.

LION - brings us courage to make the right choices. The Lion symbolizes the astrological sign of Leo, which rules the heart. Courage comes from the heart and from one’s deep sense of personal authority, which creates the power to act in a way that accords with one’s spirit. One who acts truly from the heart is capable of leadership, achievement, and the kind of success that encourages the accomplishments of others.  It is also about not being able to speak one’s own truth, or to “roar” if you feel threatened in any way.

LIZARD -  is about dreaming. In our dreams we imagine different futures and choose which we will materialize. Lizard teaches us the importance of respecting and remembering our dreams, incorporating the messages from our dreams into our lives.

MOOSE - helps us with self-esteem.  It is also about the magic of life and death.   Moose represents expressing the joy of accomplishment, not to boast or seek recognition, but in a spirit of sharing, born of the understanding that joy is contagious.  It is about learning to explore new depths of awareness within self and your environment.

MOUSE -  is about awareness, paying attention to detail.  Mouse teaches us to pay attention to the little details which might get overlooked in our mad dash to see the big picture, and reminds us not to overlook the obvious.

MOUNTAIN LION -  teaches us how to lead others.  To be true to oneself, allowing neither fear of responsibility nor the jealousy and insecurities of others to divert one from one’s path, is the mark of a genuine leader.

OTTER -  female energy. Otter is receptive, playful, and free of jealousy. As both women and men begin to express the highest qualities of this medicine the world can become a joyful place where all can play without fear of harm or loss.  It is about finding the time to play, not just work.

OWL - brings us wisdom, teaches us about the mystery of magic, vision in the night.   Owl, the night hunter, has the ability to see what others may miss. The gift of this medicine is to be undeceived by external appearances and to discover the truth beneath them.

PEACOCK - individual beauty and wholeness. This bird, honored around the world for the beauty of its feathers, has also an association with resurrection. For us it can help in shedding the old and drab feathers of the past and to claim our the true beauty of our individual natures. As such, it helps to enhance confidence and self-esteem.

PRAIRIE DOG - about community.  When this animal appears in your totem it is about being more active in the community, taking part in community affairs.

RABBIT - helps conquer fear.  It is also about fertility and new life.   The more we focus on our fears the more we attract them to us. Rabbit medicine teaches us to attract to us abundance, love, health, and a warm, dry burrow.  Rabbit sacrifices self for others to live.

RACCOON -  is about dexterity and  disguise. Though Raccoon’s mask is commonly associated with its so-called banditry (it has been know to open house doors with its clever hands in order to take human food) the mask has a deeper meaning. It teaches us that none of us are quite what we seem, even to ourselves, that in our lives we can experience the freedom of many identities. This medicine helps us to assume and release the many roles we play.

ROBIN -  teaches us about growth and renewal.  Like many birds, robins are good parents, and one aspect of this power animal is the ability to nurture oneself into true adulthood. This concept also relates to Robin’s traditional connection to spring. This is the season of renewal, and when we let go of the past (much of which comes from childhood experiences) we are renewed, and free to nurture and serve both ourselves and others.

SEAL - helps us listen to our inner voice.   Using our imagination, creativity.  The seal reminds us of our connection to our deep inner rhythms, feelings, and knowing, as represented by the sea. When we fear drowning in these depths, Seal reminds us how to swim.

SALAMANDER -  is about transformation and disguise. This animal helps to connect us to the mysteries of the earth and to feel grounded in the present moment. Some salamanders are terrestrial, others and aquatic; while in magical traditions, Salamander also relates to the element of fire,

SKUNK - brings us an awareness of self-respect. When we fully accept who we are and learn to express the essence of ourselves, without ego, we attract those who share our path and repel those who don’t. Skunk medicine is the original “Walk your talk.”  It is about developing a good self-image.  In brings increased sensuality spiritually, sexually, psychically.

SALMON - perseverance.   Salmon journeys to its ultimate goal against all obstacles in its quest to be reunited with the Divine. The energy of this animal helps us develop the wisdom to find the meaning and purpose of our lives, and to move with perseverance on our spiritual path. The salmon would not survive as a species unless they persevere and take on life’s challenges, so too must we press forward no matter what difficulties or roadblocks in our way.

SNAKE -  is about shedding the past and changing the future, rebirth.    As Snake sheds its skin so we can shed our illusions and limitations in order to fully use our vitality and desires to achieve wholeness.   Snake is about transition in our lives from one phase to another.

SPIDER  -  teaches us to weave our lives.   As Spider weaves her web so we weave our realities. This medicine teaches to remember that we are the creators of our lives.  When spider appears in your life think about writing down your thoughts, telling your story.

SQUIRREL - teaches us to gather and prepare for the future.  Squirrel, in preparing for winter, gathers only what it needs. This medicine teaches us to discard not only unnecessary physical objects but those negative beliefs which limit our trust in love and abundance.

SWAN - teaches us to walk in grace.  Swan teaches us to trust the grace of our being as it operates in both the physical and spiritual planes, and urges us to rejoice in the gifts of our physical bodies and our intuitive minds.

TIGER - being focused, living in today.  The tiger is one of the most powerful of the big cats. A solitary, silent hunter, it symbolizes removing all distractions from the mind and being purely focused on the present moment. Thus, Tiger is able to call on all of its abilities in order to achieve success.

TURKEY - about shared blessings and harvest.  Another name for the turkey is earth eagle.  Turkey is about combining spirituality and the blessings the earth gives us, harvesting and using them to make your life better.

TURTLE - teaches us the importance of the Earth. By following the example of Turtle we can learn to ground ourselves in the nurturing and protective energy of the earth and to flow with its energies at a pace which assures completion of our tasks.  It is also about knowing when to retreat, go into our homes and look within for strength and protection.

WHALE - is the record keeper.  Through the rhythm and patterns of sound Whale teaches us to hear our inner voices, to be in touch with our personal truths, and thus to know the wisdom and feel the heartbeat of the universe.

WOLF - learning wisdom.  Though the moon rises every night Wolf always finds something new to learn from it. We, too, in exploring the hidden paths of consciousness, may discover new truths to share with the rest of our clan, the human race.

ZEBRA - teaches us the beauty in individuality. The zebra’s distinctive stripes serves as a protective camouflage against predators, who are often unable to pick an individual out from the herd. For herd members, the stripe patterns, unique to each zebra, have the opposite effect of helping to identify individual zebras. This power animal thus helps us to both maintain our individuality in group settings and helps us to be supportive members of our communities. A third spiritual meaning for the stripes has to do with the integration of opposites, thus enabling us to see a deeper truth.

Source:  http://www.theearthangelconnection.com