ABCPsychic.com:Animals

EAGLES
KEYNOTE: Illumination of Spirit, Healing, and Creation
CYCLE OF POWER: All Seasons and during Daylight The eagle is one of the greatest and most admired birds of prey. It has served as inspiration to many societies. Their ability to soar and hunt amazes and thrills those who are witness. Eagles, in fact, are so good at getting food they spend very little time hunting. The fact that they are good at feeding themselves from the land and still soar to great heights in the sky reflects much about the hidden significance of the eagle who comes as a totem. They will teach a balance of being of the Earth but not in it.
Every society which has had contact with eagles has developed a mythology and/ or mysticism about them. In the ancient Aztec tradition, the chief god told people to settle at a place where they find an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake. This place would become Mexico City.
The eagle was sacred to Zeus, who often changed into the form of an eagle to help himself control thun- der and lightning. The Sumerians worshiped an eagle god, and the Hittites used a doubleheaded eagle as a symbolic emblem so they would never be surprised. The eagle has also been associated with Jupiter, and it was a strong emblem for the Roman Empire. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, the eagle is a symbol for the vowel" A " ; and also a symbol for the soul, the spirit, and the warmth of life.
In early Christian mysticism, the eagle was a symbol of resurrection. Long a symbol of spiritual power and illumination, The Thunderbird, to eagles inspire people of all societies. Their energy is the Native Americans, is healing and aids in creation. most often depicted in the form of an eagle. This was the great spirit who controlled lightning and rain, punishment and reward. To the Plains Cree all eagles had mystical power, and these powers could be shared by anyone who possessed part of the bird.
To the Pueblo Indians the eagle was a bird of the sky with the ability to spiral upward until it passed through a hole in the sky to the home of the sun. It was associated with all the energies of the sun-physical and spiritual. The Pueblo Indians honored six directions-north, south, east, west, zenith (above), and nadir {below). The eagle was the symbol of the zenith because of its ability to soar to great heights. From these heights it could survey all four directions. They became symbols of greater sight and perception.
To the Hopis, the golden and the bald eagles were the greatest of all the birds of the sky, but these are the only two eagles that live upon our continent.

ANIMAL LANGUAGE
We are part of the natural world. As part of it, We have a responsibility to know as much about the environment in which we are living. The more we understand it, the more we understand ourself. I have made
a point of trying to understand my environment and all life human and animal within it. To some, this may make me an amateur naturalist, but I am simply trying to speak the language of life.
If you were to move to a foreign country, you would have to learn the language of that country to survive and
be productive. The more you understood the intricacies of that language, its dialects and uses, the more effective you would become within your life. The easier it becomes for you to survive and grow.
The natural world is part of your environment and your life, and if you truly wish to become productive and creative within your world, you will need to learn some of its languages. And the easiest and most enjoyable
to learn is Animal body language and sound..
There are many myths of a magical time and place in which there were no boundaries between humans and animals. Humans were at peace with the animals and spoke their language. It reflected a time of mingling between divine and human. Wild and tame had no meaning. Animals and humans could speak together, sometimes humans learning the animal tongue and sometimes animals learning the human tongue.
The christian bible tells of adam living with the animals and named all of them before eve was created.
In our quest for the scientific and rational, we have come to look at nature and its elements as objects
separate from us and simply to be studied. For many, this scientific approach to nature has destroyed the mysticism and spirituality surrounding it. It has burst its bubble of mystery. Nothing could be further from
the truth. What science uncovers about nature should amaze us and fill us with even greater wonder at the magnificent expression of life in all its varied forms. It should teach us how intricately every aspect of nature
is woven into our own existences.
The animal world has much to teach us. Some animals are experts at survival and adaptation. There are times when we can use those same skills. Some animals never get cancerous conditions. Wouldn't it be wonderful to learn their secrets? Some are great nurturers and protectors. Some have great fertility and others have great gentleness. Some embody strength and courage, while others can teach playfulness. The animal world shows
us the potentials we can unfold. But to learn from them, we must first learn to speak with them.
Animals have often been attributed with fantastic qualities, and if nothing else, this attribution helps us to appreciate the natural world more fully. Every animal is a gateway to the phenomenal world of the human
spirit. What most fail to realize though is that what they think of animals reflects the way they think of themselves.
When we learn to speak with the animals, to listen with animal ears and to see through animal eyes, we experience the phenomena, the power, and the potential of the human essence, and it is then that the animals are no longer our subordinates. They become our teachers, our friends, and our companions. They show us the true majesty of life itself. They restore our forgotten childlike wonder at the world, and they reawaken our
lost belief in magic, dreams and possibilities.

ANIMAL SIGNS
Nature speaks to us constantly. Through its shapes, colors, textures, smells, and varied expressions of animal life, it communicates to us about the world and our life. The symbolism of Nature will vary according to its context, so you must come to know its natural context.
Every animal has distinguishing features, movements, shapes, and colors. Each has its own unique relationship with humans. You must develop your own animal language.. Just as different groups of people who speak the same language may have different dialects and accents, it is the same with animal language. You must learn the dialect that is best for you.
In ancient Rome certain officials were charged with observing and interpreting natural omens for guidance in public affairs. These individuals were known as augurs. "Julius Caesar was a respected augur." Although originally augurs were bird talk experts who listened to what birds said, the term eventually came to be applied to anyone who used animals and their language for divination purposes. A particular branch of this came to be known as auspices in ancient Rome. Auspices was a method of reading the future in the activities of birds and animals.
The ancient augurs studied Nature. They learned to read her signs and to understand her language. Every augur had his or her own specialty, some working with birds and some with other animals and expressions of Nature. Regardless of the area of expertise, each augur had to come to terms and develop a new understanding of Nature.
If you are to learn animal language and develop your own ability for augury, you must lay a new foundation
for relating to Nature. Nature speaks everyday, but few ever truly listen. If you were speaking to someone,
and they never acknowledged it, soon you would quit speaking to them entirely. If you truly wish to learn how to talk to animals. you must reestablish the lines of communication with Nature. You must let it know you are ready to listen.

CATS
Mystery, Magic, and Independence CYCLE OF POWER: Nighttime
It has been recently proven, The brain of a cat is identical to a human brain. In the wild a cat does not meow. Cats only develope this ability when they are adapted to the human envirorment.
Although a domesticated animal, it would be unjust not to touch upon the energies and essence of the cat. Cats
in general wild or domestic have certain qualities in common.
In myth and lore, the cat predominates. In ancient Egypt they held a position of special privilege. The goddess Bast was often depicted either as a cat or with a cat's head. In Scandinavian lore, the cat was associated with the goddess of fertility, Freyja. In the Hindu tradition Shasthi, the goddess of childbirth, is depicted riding upon a cat. Cats appear frequently in the tales of the Brothers Grimm and many other folk stories from around the world.
To cats have been attributed a wide variety of traits-often contradictory. Curiosity, nine lives, independence, cleverness, unpredictability, and healing are but a few. A witch's pet cat was usually regarded as her familiar a spirit in the form of a cat. It was often believed that witches could take the form of cats.
Cats are at home after dark, and yet most humans want them to be traditional pets during the day. When they do not respond in this manner, they are accredited with independence and unsociability. Because the dark is the home of fears and those things humans do not want to see and can't see, the cat has come to be associated with magic and mystery. The truth is that cats have more rods in the retinas of their eyes, which enhances light perception. It enables them to see effectively in the dark. The traditional prey of a cat is the mouse, but it is by no means limited to it. Cats still effectively hunt birds and rabbits.
The traditional enemy of the cat is the dog, but this is not its only enemy.
Examine the colors, the character, the behaviors of your own cat. Everything about it will be significant. Many books exist on the lore and the character of cats. Whether domesticated or wild, anytime a cat becomes predominant, look for magic and mystery to come alive

DOGS
Faithfulness and protection CYCLE OF POWER: Year-round
Dogs are domesticated canines. Their descendants are coyotes and wolves, and thus they should be studied as well. Dogs are companions to humans, providing faithful protection. Every dog and every breed has its own unique qualities. Many breeds were designed for specific purposes and functions. Studying the history of your breed will help you define the kind of energy specific to you.
Different dogs will mean different things. Herding dogs were for protection, and to assist in the labors of
herding domesticated farm animals. Some dogs were raised specifically for sporting activities hunting and retrieving. Thus they may have qualities unique to them a love of water, a need to run, etc. Some dogs are mixed, embodying qualities from a variety of breeds, reminding us that we each are unique.
Examine the qualities of your breed and the individual dog. It will reveal much about the energy associated with it. Examine the individual personality. How does it behave most of the time? What does this say about you? Use their behavior as messages for yourself. When your dog becomes very friendly and pesters you to play, it usually indicates You need to take some time off and socialize and play a little. Our animals can tell us so much.
Most Native American tribes had dogs for protection and warnings, but dogs have held symbolic importance in other societies as well. In India the dog is a symbol of all caste systems, reflecting the small becoming great.In early Christianity it was a symbol of guardianship (as in the sheepdog), and it was even an allegory for the priest. In Greece it was a companion to and guardian of the place of the dead. It has also been a symbol of motherhood because dogs are very caring and nurturing parents.
It takes a lot to break a dog's spirit. It's ability to love, even when abused, is tremendous. It's spirit and willingness to love and to be a companion is great.
Study your dog. This will tell you more than what can be elaborated on here. If a dog has come into your life,
ask yourself some questions? What is this saying about your need for or lack of companionship? Are you being faithful? Are others around you? Are you showing unconditional love, or receiving it? Do you need to be more protective of your territory? Do you need to play a little more? Are you being faithful to yourself? Does your spirit need bolstering? How about those around you? Examine your territories. A Dogs knows its home ground, and if it has shown up, its energies and lessons will touch you personally.

DEER:
A SPIRITUAL ANIMAL
Gentleness and Innocence-Gentle Luring to New Adventure CYCLE OF POWER: Autumn and Spring Deer
have always captured the imagination of humanity. It is one of the most successful families of mammals, native to every continent except Australia. They have been able to adapt to every sort of habitat. The white-tailed deer, the mule deer and the caribou are three that are prominent on this continent. The moose and wapiti (elk) are also part of the deer family. Each type of deer has its own special qualities and characteristics, while sharing
some of the qualities of all deer in general. Caribou, for example, make long migrations twice a year. The mule deer is also a wanderer. It never follows the same path twice. This is part of its natural defense, making it less predictable to predators. Most of the information here will focus on deer in general, and the white-tailed specifically.
The name "deer" has several variations on its origin. These may provide clues to past lives for those with this totem. The Anglo Saxon word "deer" was a general word for animals and was often used just in the general sense. In the German language, it has its root in "tier," simply meaning wild animal also. It can also be traced
to the Sanskrit "mriga," also meaning wild animal.
To many the deer is considered the most important animal ever hunted. The hunt of the deer is what transfers our civilization to the wilderness. There are many stories and myths of deer luring hunters or even kings deep into the woods until they are lost and begin to encounter new adventures. One such example is found in the
tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Gawain follows a white hart to many adventurous and encounters. A reading of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Marte D' Arthur will also provide more examples. The deer is also a central religious image for Buddhism. Buddha is often pictured with a deer, and legend tells how he
first preached in a deer park. This image itself reasserts the meaning of the deer as representing innocence
and a return to the wilderness.
The white tailed deer is the most common in the United States. One of its most outstanding features is the set
of antlers that the male develops. In other members of the deer family, i.e., reindeer and caribou, both the male and females grow them. The antlers are solid bone, and they are shed every year. Antlers grow behind the eyes and are very protective.
Each year until the age of five, the antlers grow bigger and with more points. If you encounter a deer in the
wild, try to make count of the number of points. This will tell you some of the significance the deer will have
for you. Remember that numerology can help define the essence.
Antlers are symbols of antennae, connections to higher forms of attunement. Deer with antlers thus can be a signal to pay attention to your inner thoughts and perceptions, as they are probably more accurate than you think. The antlers are shed every year, and each year they grow back larger and with more points, for five
years. If a deer has entered your life, look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand
for as much as the next five years. It can indicate that there will be opportunities to stimulate gentle new
growth increasingly over the next few years.
The antlers grow behind the eyes, again hinting at the symbolism of heightened perception. When the antlers
are shed, they are eaten by deer and rodents who gnaw on them to assimilate the calcium.
One to two young are born. Fawns are born a color that protects and hides them. In the first few days, they hardly move, and the mother nurses them often. This is very significant. We should learn from them. Many societies taught the importance of staying with the newborn for a prescribed period of time. No visitors, no
family members other than the father were allowed contact with the newborn. Even today in the Muslim
religion, a mother who breastfeeds for a prescribed time makes that child her own, whether it is her biological child or not. This kind of attention and separateness enables the child to link with the family more strongly
and protects the newborn from subtle outside influences.
It has always bothered me to see new mothers with week-old babies walking around public stores. I understand the desire to get out, but it reveals a lack of understanding of the subtle energy influences of the human body. Our auras or energy fields are electro-magnetic and exchanges of energy do occur with other people and places. The kind of energy a child is exposed to in a public place can have strong effects. No one has ever done any significant studies on this, and it is an area that truly needs to be explored. Until that child's energy is strong
and firmly grounded, it should be protected from extraneous influences.
The deer leads us back to the primal wisdom of those old teachings. It reminds us to establish a strong healthy connection with the child before we expose it to many people and other strange energies. It is a reminder that there is a tradition that is natural and suitable for family units and for the health of the young. It is for the child's best interest.
After the first few days, the fawn can usually stand and follow its mother about. Doe fawns may stay with the mother for as much as a year. The buck or male will usually leave after a few months. The father takes no part in the rearing of the young; it is all the rule of the mother. Again this can be a reminder for us to move gently back to the traditional family unit and roles. It may indicate, if the deer has shown up in your life, that you
have gotten too far away from the role that would be most beneficial for you at this time.
A deer's senses are very acute. Its vision is designed for clarity at a distance. It is especially effective at
detecting contrasts and edges in dim light. Its hearing is equally acute. Anyone who has deer as a totem will
find increasing ability to detect subtle movements and appearances. They will begin to hear what may not be
said directly.
When deer show up in your life it is time to be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness
is about to be awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Ask yourself important questions. Are you trying to force things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself? When deer show up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to
adventure for you.

OWL:The Mystery of Magic, Omens, Silent Wisdom, and Vision in the Night.
CYCLE OF POWER: Nocturnal year round.
No bird has as much myth and mystery surrounding it than the owl.
Most perceptions of it are confused. It is not unusual to get contrary opinions of the owl. It has an ancient aura
of mystery about it. Part of this is because it is a nocturnal bird, and nightime has always seemed mysterious to humans.
The owl is a symbol of the feminine, the moon, and the night. It has been called a cat with wings. It has been worshiped as an idol and hated as the reincarnation of the devil. It has been believed to have great healing
powers, both in North America and on other continents. Because of its association with the moon, it has ties to fertility and seduction, for the moon is the arouser of men and owls. The owl is the bird of magic and darkness.
The Mystery of Owls Prophecy and wisdom. The short eared owl is one of the most gifted to the ancient Greeks, and courageous flyers among birds of prey. The owl was able to out fly even the harrier hawk. Associated with
the goddess Athena, and it was a symbol of higher wisdom. It was the guardian of the Acropolis.
To the early Christian Gnostics, it is associated with Lilith, the first wife of Adam who refused to be submissive
to him. To the Pawnee, it was a symbol of protection. To the Ojibwa, it was a symbol of evil and death. To the Pueblo, it was associated with the Skeleton Man, the god of death, but who was also a spirit of fertility.
Owl medicine is symbolically associated with clairvoyance, astral projection and magic, both black and white.
Many superstitions and beliefs have come to be associated with it. Owls have been thought of as the
reincarnation of the dead. In Wales, the owl has come to be associated with fertility. If heard near a pregnant
girl, it indicates an easy birth.
The Mystery of Owls
The great horned owl and the screech owls are two of the most common. Both have the tufts of feathers that
look like ears, but are not These ears that are not ears have made them symbolic of being able to hear what is
not being said, The barn owl is sometimes called the ghost owl because of its color and its silent flight It is an
old symbol of spirit and ghostly contact
One Who Works With Owl Medicine will be able to see and hear what others try to hide. You will hear what is
not being said, and you will see what is hidden or in the shadows. You can detect and pinpoint the subtleties. This can make others uncomfortable because they will not be able to deceive you about their motives or actions. Owl people have a unique ability to see into the darkness of others' souls and life. This is very scary to most people. This vision and hearing capabilities has metaphysical links to the gifts of clairvoyance and clairaudience as well. The owl, as a bird of the night, can teach all of the secrets of the night. These secrets involve everything that transpires when the Sun is gone. Owls are the eyes of the night, and they see what is not in the open. They have secret knowledge that they can share. Their medicine can extract secrets.