Animal messages that heal us

Owls convey wisdom because they see what is hidden behind the words spoken, thereby avoiding being deceived.

by Sandra SunDreamer — 

We often overlook the messages animals send us, usually because we are amazed they have appeared to us at all, in dreams or in real life. How often have you seen a hawk circling over your house or had a coyote cross in front of your car? What about the dreams you’ve had of dolphins, wolves or snakes?

Animal medicine is an often misunderstood term. All animals have an inherent gift of “medicine” that heals us in some way. We need only be open to what they have to teach us. Animal-related phrases abound in daily conversations; one often hears sayings like “sly like a fox,” “trying to weasel out of it,” “wise as an owl,” etc.

The main characteristic of the fox is camouflage. Its power is centered in its ability to stay in the background and observe before letting others know it’s there — sly or very smart? The weasel’s gift is stealth. Native Americans learned to model its way of moving to sneak into enemy camps, learn their plans and, in doing so, protect their own villages. Owls convey wisdom because they see what is hidden behind the words spoken, thereby avoiding being deceived.

Another way to learn from animals is to watch the directions from which they arrive and, oppositely, are moving toward. This movement tells you which areas of your life to examine: South for the emotional; West for the physical; North for the mental; and East for the spiritual. Every animal has a gift for us. The next time an animal appears in your dreams or crosses your path, pay attention and accept the gift it has come to offer you. It’s good medicine.

Sandra SunDreamer is an intuitive counselor, healer, teacher and author of the 4 Winds, 4 Feathers Earth Oracle. She gives readings, does dream interpretation and teaches workshops to open you to your intuitive gifts. 480-474-2188 or sundrmr@ yahoo.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 24, Number 4, August/September 2005.