Animal Spirit Guides
And Totems
By Ann Albers

Rooster - The Rooster crows heralding a new dawn. Maybe you’ve changed and you want others to take note. Maybe it is time to begin a new project. Let this cocky little being remind you that sometimes you have to let everyone know your new plans.

Skunk - The Skunk stinks, or so some think. But he smells awfully good to the other little skunks. He reminds us to be ourselves, put our own energy out into the world and trust we will attract those of like mind. Speak your truth, be proud of who you are. Those who like you will stay around and those who don’t will run!

Snake - The Snake is the symbol for change. He sheds the old skin, rids himself of all that is useless and is born once again. He teaches us to use change to transmute a situation that is stuck.

Are you ready to leave a job, clean out the house, or transform a relationship? Or do you need snake’s fiery energy of transmutation to help move past an old belief? Look around and get rid of everything that no longer serves you.

Spider - The Spider spins her web where and when she pleases. She reminds us that home is always within and we can create life however we want it to be. Our thoughts, words, and deeds are always spinning new realities. Pay attention to the one you are creating.

Squirrel - The Squirrel scurries around gathering nuts and seeds for the long winter ahead. He builds his nest far in advance of the cold and teaches us to prepare for events ahead of time so we can avoid last minutes stress.

He also reminds us to gather what will sustain us in life and ignore the rest. He might symbolize that you must sort through your belongings and beliefs. This often precedes a move or change in life.

Swan - The graceful swan teaches us to “go with the flow,” to release struggle and effort, and to know ourselves as beautiful. When we surrender to the spiritual current in our life, we let go of the notion of ourselves as the “ugly duckling” and we begin to see ourselves with the grace and beauty of the swan.

Turtle - The turtle is close to the earth, slow moving and methodical. She reminds us that we must remain grounded and balanced in order to be healthy. As we pull our energy back into our body, away from a chaotic mind and turbulent emotions, we become clear, calm, and peaceful. Get out and walk on the earth, take it easy and remember that sometimes, “slow and steady wins the race.”

Whale - The whales migrate great distances in their yearly journeys and each whale has a beautiful and unique sound recognized by the others. Whale holds wisdom from all its experience and knows its own value and worth as part of the whole. Whale can help us get in touch with our deeper truth, our purpose, and the nature of our soul.

Wolf - The Wolf is the pathfinder and teacher who is not afraid to go off and explore the many trails in the forest before coming back to share its adventures with the pack.

At times we must honor our need for solitude. Then we come back to our friends and families wiser and ready to share. Experience life first, then teach. This is, in fact, true wisdom.

Editorial Note: For additional animals/totems visit: www.visionsofheaven.com/articles_docs/
ARanimals.html

Ann Albers is a popular spiritual instructor, angel communicator, lecturer, and author. She is a traditional Reiki master and modern mystic who delights in distilling ancient wisdom into practical, down-to-earth tools for modern living. Visit: www.VisionsOfHeaven.com  .

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