An interesting book. It speaks of the way animals, also birds and insects, can be sent to us in many forms to help us in life. Animals can offer answers to tough questions and tough times in human’s life. And, they can come in the form of our pets, or they can be animals we see along our journey in life either outside or in books on t.v. or in our dreams. She sites examples from the Bible and in history when animals brought special meaning or saved people or led them out of dire circumstances either literally or figuratively. She sites how often in life a human will feel a special affinity with a certain creature. Maybe they feel a bond between them or maybe they feel they have the characteristics of a certain creature. Maybe they are going through something or trying to figure out something in their life or perhaps a change has been thrust upon them they don’t feel quite prepared for but they see a particular bird or mammal or reptile even a particular insect while mulling their situation. The author says this is a sign. It is a divine illumination the universe is offering to be seen and understood. The universe is not going to shout “HEY! DO THIS!” That would not allow us free-will which is a privilege that has been given to us as part of our birthright. But many times, sometimes many times in a day, signs will be given to offer help when we seek it. That is where spirit animals come in, like in the vision quests of Native Americans or in the totem poles and totems worn by Inuit as well as in cultures from the beginning of time all around the globe that represent one’s personal spirit guide, if we look with open eyes and an open mind, animals can offer meanings that are right in front of us, we just had not realized. Some people wear medicine bags or talismans with representations of animals that offer qualities we either aspire to or need. The likeness of a bear for strength or a lion for courage, a wolf for closer family ties or loving relationships, a cheetah for speed, a butterfly for change and self-improvement are just a few of the symbolic meanings. The book discusses the characteristics of many of the animals, birds and insects of the world in a list going from A-Z with in-depth detailed descriptions of the meanings shown both positive and negative meanings on our lives when these creatures are brought to us in some form. There is always a reason the creatures both live and mythical are shown to us. Everything we need to be our better selves can be derived from how animals often come to us in some way, in person, in pictures, representations, symbols, to help show us answers to life changes, problems or to help us know a path we need to be on. Animals can be directly in our line of sight or maybe we have that déjà vu feeling from a dream of an eagle soaring above a canyon, could that canyon represent a deep problem we have been stressing over and the eagle represents our need to rise above what we see to seek answers from above or from outside the box? Are we too grounded to see the answer that we need to look up to find? The author suggests culling our thoughts and asking ourselves what is it I need to get through this? Do I need to be cunning like a fox? Find a picture of a fox and keep it near you to help you take on those qualities. Are you stuck in a rut? Take a walk around the Zoo and stop at the otter exhibit. Otters will show you how to have a good time no matter where you are. Need to be more aggressive? Wear a scorpion pin, think about how they are small but mighty in their sting. Our pets can be like familiars to us. So close they too are like loving spirit guides who have our backs in all situations, giving unconditional love. Like we learn to communicate with human babies we can learn the ways animals, birds and yes even insects communicate and discern the meaning they are trying to convey. Again, meanings can be literal or symbolic and it is up to us to learn how to use this to divine the message presented for our betterment. Like runes, I-Ching,, etc. animals can help us divine our future. What is your totem animal telling you? Might be worth checking out. Good book.
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