~John Denver ~

WELCOME TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM!

Mammals are the animals we are most familiar with.  They are the furry, cuddly animals that grace our homes with love, the animals that run in the forest and across the plains.  We know them as being calm and gentle, wild and fierce.  Each has meaning to us. Although most live on land and have fur, many do not.  We need to remember that such animals as seals, hippos, whales, dolphins are among these. All breathe through lungs and most give birth to live young.  Duck-billed platypus is one of those who do not. They all feed their young with milk.

Even though some live in the sea, mammals are associated with the element Earth and thus keep us grounded and concerned with the practical aspects of life.  It is mammals who guide us in accomplishing our true potentials in life and provide us with the "nourishment" we need.

Can you see where this would be a hint to establish boundaries as well as be aware when we have trespassed unto another's boundaries?

Smell is also associated with sexuality.  Think of a dog in heat and the fact that every male dog in the neighborhood hangs around when this happens.  

As part of Earth, we need to understand that energy has a physical expression.  We have to recognize this and transfer this knowledge to the outer world.  Mammals represent physical powers which we can successfully apply to our lives.  We can cope with the energy of the world. We can meet our material obligations and balance our lives doing so.  

Through mammals we connect with Mother Earth and learn to keep our feet upon her ground.

Wolf

"One look in my eyes and you can see the truth of who I am.  Like some of my brother and sister four-leggeds, we've gotten a bad rap.  We mean no harm to anyone.  We have soul arrangement with all who give their lives so that we can continue ours.  I love my family.  With no false modesty, I am a supreme guardian and teacher.  I take this role seriously - not as a burden, but as a welcome assignment and commitment.  And the best teachings come through example and story, rather than through lecture and fundamentalist rules.  It's also one of your natural responsibilities to teach others, not about matters of the mind, but about matters of the heart and soul.  Teach what it takes to live with others in harmony - not through instruction, but by your actions and through personal and mythic stories.  Find that balance between true freedom and the interdependency that's an inherent characteristic of living with other beings.  You have no need to prove who you are to anyone, nor do you ever have to fight to prove that you're right.  Have confidence in who you are and your place in the community.  Don't be afraid to take the lead or to stand out, and never be reluctant to surrender that lead when necessary in the spirit of cooperation and harmony."

What qualities do you see Wolf showing that applies to those having him as a Spirit Guide?

There is one more Kingdom which we will not touch upon here.  Instead I would like you to research one animal from it and write two to three paragraphs about its significance as an Animal Spirit.

Kingdom of Insects and Reptiles

THE ANIMAL'S SAVIOR

"I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter....the castoffs of human society.

I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.  And I was angry.

"God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?"

God was silent for a moment, and the He spoke softly.

"I have done something," He replied.

"I created You.""

     ~Jim Willis~

for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;

for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;

for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;

for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,

and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion

and gentle hands and kindly words.

Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,

and so to share the blessings of the merciful.

~~~~~Albert Schweitzer~~~~~

Oh what unhappy twist of fate
Has brought you homeless to my gate,
The gate where once another stood
To beg for shelter, warmth and food?

For from that day I ceased to be
The master of my destiny,
While she, with purr and velvet paw
Became within my house the law.

She scratched the furniture and she
And claimed the middle of my bed.
She ruled in arrogance and pride
And broke my heart the day she died.

So if you really think, oh cat
I'd willingly relive all that,
Because you come forlorn and thin
Well don't just stand there - come on it!"

~~~~author unknown~~~

Canine Connection Spell

Allow a bowl of water to charge with the energy of both sun and moon.  Holding the bowl at your forehead with both hands, close your eyes and visualize yourself with your pet.  Evoke the love you feel for this animal.  See yourself in telepathic communication with your pet. You intuitively understand each other.  Feel your bond of love and respect deepen.  Send these images ad feelings into the water.  Pour half of this water into your dog’s bowl and drink the other half yourself.  Chant this as your pour and drink:

“Blessed Water, open the way

To greater love and understanding today

For now and future days to come

Bless us now, make us one.”

Afterward, spend some time with your dog.  Clear your mind of any thoughts or worries and focus your full attention on your appreciation of this being and your relationship.  Be aware of any messages or feelings that come through at this time.  Continue to spend this time regularly, at least until you recognize the effects of the spell.

                                                                      ~Kristin Madden~

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