Spirit Animals

Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.  

~ Pythagoras

Deer Soul 

~ Art by Helga (A Gift 💜)

I've always been a deep thinker and this stems from my imaginative muse's thirst for knowledge. I question everything. Yes, I'm still 'that person' who continues to ask 'why?'. There's not a day which goes by without me thinking of 'the bigger picture' in some way, whether it's creatively related or on life. One of the areas that regularly interests me is the soul and the energy that connects everything. The more I research, certain elements repeatedly come up and usually connect in some way to something else, which I initially thought, was not related. Actually, this happens a lot, and I play with the idea that there is one source connecting all information. Like a massive, invisible library that we can tap into, to connect the dots, which are not normally within our reach. Much like the internet web, invisible, not able to view its entirety, but accessible through material technology. On the web, we tap into other people'ss feeds/posts, etc, and can interact with others in a way that wouldn't have made sense to anyone years ago. Try it, imagine explaining the internet to someone who has no knowledge of this type of technology. Yes, not unlike your elderly relative. *winks* But I mean no contact at all with computers/phones, etc. It's not so easy, huh? 

This is a similar concept to the Akashic Records in spirituality. A technology not yet understood or experienced by many. 

It's quite difficult to explain, but I get a type of inner knowing, which guides me in research. I see everything in my mind's eye as pictorial, like reading a book full of pictures, story snippets, but to make my search easier, I'm able to reach the index to cross reference - if that makes sense? Now, when I try to explain this procedure verbally, it becomes almost impossible. Why? Well, basically, it's a visual feed, many pages/mental tabs are open and elements of research are taken from pieces everywhere, from different mental books. It's also a 'feel' thing. Have I lost you yet? Lol. 

Usually, I briefly state 'everything plays out as a film'. It's the easiest way to get the mindset across to another, but it goes deeper than that, and, of course, can be confusing when trying to explain further. I'm not meaning to say that I tap into Akashic Records, only that something steers me easily to places while researching to connect the dots between questions. Okay, I'm rambling. Basically, if we can connect in an intangible way, such as the internet or 'cloud' storage, would it not be possible to empower ourselves via connections with animals, or anything else for that matter, via energy/thought? Instead of exterior computing, we use our own computer - our minds. 

There is so much about our DNA, inner workings which we do not understand, that I feel, anything is possible. Doesn't seem too far-fetched when you think about it on a scientific level. Maybe, ancient ancestors understood our inner mechanics better than we do now? It's food for thought. 😉

Note: In theosophy and anthroposophy, the Akashic records are a compendium of all human events, thoughts, words, emotions and intent ever to have occurred, believed by theosophists to be encoded in a non-physical plane of existence known as the etheric plane.

Akasha (ākāśa आकाश) is the Sanskrit word for "aether" or "atmosphere". Also, in Hindi, Akash (आकाश) means "sky" or "heaven".

Animal Guides ~

Deer

The meanings associated with the deer combine both soft, gentle qualities with strength and determination. The stag is the king of the forest, the protector to all other creatures. For the native tribes of North America, the deer was a messenger, an animal of power, and a totem representing sensitivity, intuition, and gentleness. In Buddhism, the deer symbolizes harmony, happiness, peace and longevity. Symbolism for Book Two - Awake in Purple Dreams. HERE

Butterfly

Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life. I used this symbolism for 'The Butterfly Bridge' - Prequel in the series - More HERE

The Deer and the Butterfly seem to attach themselves to my psyche. I guess that's why they found their way into the books. For one of the character's, I choose the crow as a spirit guide. I'll admit, the crow un-nerves me a little as it has extremely deep meaning, but every guide plays a part of the cycle of life. 

The crow is a spirit animal associated with life mysteries and magic.  The power of this bird as totem and spirit guide is to provide insight and means of supporting intentions. A sign of luck, it is also associated with the archetype of the trickster; be aware of deceiving appearances. If the crow has chosen you as your spirit or totem animal, it supports you in developing the power of sight, transformation, and connection with life’s magic. More HERE

Swan

Dunstable Swan Jewel

Swan symbolizes grace and beauty on many levels. It is associated with love, music, and poetry. In Roman mythology, Swan was sacred to Venus, the goddess of love. In Greek tradition, this bird was often pictured singing to a lyre.

I use the swan in 'The Purple Book of Menteith' Book Three (Past) - Book One, and Book Two. 

The elements that draw me in are old images of the swan with a crown around its neck or in chains. 

Horse

White Horse by Delshad Barzanji

The horse spirit animal symbolizes personal drive, passion, and appetite for freedom. Among all the spirit animals, it is one that shows a strong motivation that carries one through life. The meaning of the horse varies depending on whether this animal spirit guide is represented as wild, tamed, moving freely or constrained.

In some cultures, white horses stand for the balance of wisdom and power. In others, like Christianity, the white horse is a symbol of death. The horse is a universal symbol of freedom without restraint because riding a horse made people feel they could free themselves from their own bindings.

I use the horse symbolism in 'The Butterfly Bridge'.

Wolf

Wolf is a symbol of guardianship, ritual, loyalty, and spirit. Wolf has the ability to make quick and firm emotional attachments, and often need to trust their own instincts. Thus they teach us to do the same, to trust our hearts and minds, and have control over our own lives.
The wolf offers some of the most striking animal meanings in the realm of spirit animals. The power of the wolf brings forth instinct, intelligence, the appetite for freedom, and awareness of the importance of social connections. This animal can also symbolize fear of being threatened and lack of trust. When the wolf shows up in your life, pay attention to what your intuition is telling you.
I use the wolf symbolism in Book Three (future) ~ Claíomh Solais (Shining Sword)

Unicorn 

Since antiquity, unicorns have symbolized purity, magic, and healing and were revered among Babylonians, Persians, classical Greeks, Romans and early Jewish scholars. The Celts of ancient Britain also associated these mythological animals with life, joy and masculine potency.

This is a tough one because I love the symbolism associated with this mythical beauty but hadn't really connected on a personal level, perhaps due to the over-pretty girly images and the stigma attached of childish fancy, much the same as with the fae. Not that there's anything wrong with those pictures, though I prefer a more natural rawness without overly beautifying. A stripping down to the core being of folklore. So, come on, who doesn't love 'The Last Unicorn' novel or the movie 'Legend'?  💗 Fairy Tales 😊

I use the Unicorn symbolism in 'The Paper Unicorn' and 'Amour Désir (Love Longed For)' - neither are a part of ACoPF series. 

Other animal symbolism that interests me on an ancient level are:

Bull ~ Snake ~ Eagle ~ Lion

THE ORIGINS OF THE SPIRIT ANIMAL, TOTEM AND POWER ANIMAL ~

It is said that we, as human beings, possess at least one Spirit Animal, or totem, in our lifetimes that serve as our personal protectors, guides, helpers, and companions. But usually, it is common for us to have many Spirit Animal helpers throughout different periods of our lives.

The concept of ‘Spirit Animals’ draws its origins from ancient Animistic and Totemistic beliefs about the world and our connection to it.

Totemism, a system of belief practised by the Native American Indian people, and the Australian Aboriginal people, for example, incorporates the notion that each human being has a spiritual connection to another physical being (e.g. a plant or animal).

Animism, on the other hand, is more of a world view held by many Buddhist, Shinto, Pagan and Neopagan groups of people, that all plants, animals and objects have spirits.

When we look at Animistic belief, we see that it treats all humans, animals, and plants as being equal and interdependent of each other.  In other words: to the Animist it is morally imperative to treat all forms of life with respect.  Not only that, but to the Animist we are part of nature, rather than being superior to nature, or separate from nature.

This belief is on the opposite end of the spectrum of the modern day “refined” and “cognitively developed” man who believes that he is the master of the world, and everything is subject to his rule.  No wonder the earth’s forests, streams, oceans, parklands, and wildlife are polluted, pillaged and dying every day.  “Mature” developed man has such a sickly and unintelligent mindset towards nature that he creates nothing but destruction and death wherever he treads.

Those who believe in the presence of Spirit Animals not only respect the flora and fauna of the earth as equals, but they often perceive the world around them as consisting of one and the same universal energy.  This is similar to pantheistic thought which believes that man, nature, and animal kind are all the manifestations of God.

Albert Einstein was considered to be a pantheist after writing one letter to a friend in 1954:

We followers of Spinoza see our God in the wonderful order and lawfulness of all that exists in its soul as it reveals itself in man and animal.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether Spirit Animals are merely primitive social constructs, or whether their long history throughout many peoples and cultures points to a higher, deeper truth.

Note: The phrase “Power Animal” refers to the shamanic idea that certain animals (or tutelary spirits) can physically and psychologically empower us.  The Power Animal, just like the Spirit Animal, is thought to lend its wisdom, attributes, and instincts to us in times of need. (Source).

HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL ~ HERE

Love and light,

Trace

xoxo