Do you feel a real connection to animals? Does it seem like certain animals gravitate towards you?
Animals offer meaning if we are willing to listen.
It is said cardinals represent dead loved ones visiting us. These beautiful birds’ mate for life. The male and female bird share care duties for hatchlings too!
When I find myself unexpectedly worrying about a relative, a pair of cardinals will show up outside of my back door and hang out for a little while. I like to think it is my parents letting me know they are watching from heaven, and the relative will be ok.
“Cardinals are believed to be messengers between the physical and spirit world,” according to TagVault.org. “Many individuals have reported personal encounters with cardinals during times of grief, finding comfort and reassurance.”
What Our Feathered Friends Can Tell Us
Whether it is cardinals, wrens, robins, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, hawks, or owls, each can offer us a unique message. Look for patterns. If you see a particular bird frequently, there may be a deeper meaning. Ted Andrews’ book, Animal Speak and the companion book Animal-Wise, can offer insight.
“Every animal is a gateway to the phenomenal world of the human spirit. What most fail to realize is that what they think of animals reflects the way they think of themselves.” – Ted Andrews
The Mighty Hummingbird
Small but feisty, Georgia’s Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a message for everyone that sees it: Joy and Love. The Hummingbird is a warrior and agile flier. The hummingbird’s wing movement forms the figure eight, which represents infinity: the past, present and future. When you see the hummingbird, consider whether you are embracing everything life has to offer.
Ted Andrews said hummingbird teaches us “to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.”
For the Love of Dogs
Don’t really connect with birds? If dogs walk up to you often, it’s likely they feel safe around you because you are a good person. Dogs sense emotions and watch behavior to get a sense of a person.
In 2017, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews published a study involving behavioral responses of dogs and Capuchin monkeys. There were different scenarios where each animal was allowed to view their owner asking for help. In the first scenario the “stranger” refused to help. In the second scenario, the “stranger” helped the pet owner, and in the third scenario, the “stranger” did nothing. The pets were offered treats, which they refused from the unhelpful person, but accepted from the helpful person and the neutral person.
Dogs can sense danger also.
I’ll never forget the time my sweet white shepherd Wayah (pronounced Why-Yah) was sitting with me on my parent’s patio while my parents were away. I invited someone over to visit who I considered to be a friend. I did not realize at the time that he had bad intentions, but my dog did. She was ferocious that day, and he left quickly. I never heard from him again.
Dogs can be heroes. There’s the story of a chihuahua named Boo Boo. Boo Boo was on a houseboat with his dog dad, 86-year-old Rudy Armstrong. One day, Mr. Armstrong had a stroke. He told Boo Boo to get help, and the dog came back with the dock master, who called an ambulance. Mr. Armstrong lived to see another day.
Want to Make an Animal Connection? Get out in Nature
Being connected with nature is a great way to allow animals – wild and domestic – to make contact with you. Searches on the Internet as well as resources such as Animal Speak can provide insight into the greater meaning of those connections.
I love most animals and insects. A favorite are amphibians – especially frogs, lizards, and snakes. In recent weeks, lizards have crossed my path multiple times. One was bold enough to jump on my arm while I was looking at plants at a nursery. Rather than react with squeamishness, I laughed! Lizards can have many meanings. Lizards can represent luck, transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening.
Last week to my surprise I found a praying mantis on the wall by my bed. That was a first! It must have crawled in through the window. I relocated the praying mantis outside then looked up its meaning. The Praying mantis is known for good luck and connections with the spirit realm.
Determining Your Spirit Animal
Your spirit animal is here to guide you and help you, but you need to be aware and open to the possibility. So how do you begin the process of discovering your Spirit Animal? Step one is to consider past experiences with animals. Is there one type of animal that shows up in your life more than others? Are there specific animals that appear in your dreams?
The Spirit Nomad suggests the following:
- Reflect on your connection to animals
- Meditate on the question
- Journal on the subject of animals
- State your intention to receive a sign
- Analyze your dreams
Meditation is a great tool for self-discovery on multiple levels.
Looking for Guidance in Your Life?
If you are looking for clarity, have a question, or you would like to know what is ahead for you in your life, reach out and connect with PsychicLifeAdvice.com on the contact page. I look forward to hearing from you!