The energy this week is so different from last week’s high vibin’, fast moving, “get up and go” flow. It’s slower, calmer, quieter, and has a “take it easy” vibe. I rested in this for a couple of days and today I was ready to move, so I biked pretty hard for over an hour and it felt great!
After I hung out by the bay at my usual halfway stopping point, as I was biking out of there, I saw a golden Yellow Rat Snake, a pretty little guy about two feet long. I actually had to do a double-take he looks so much like a palm stem at first. Then later on, almost home, a flock of at least twenty Turkey Vultures took off from the ground to the left of me. What a sight to see these magnificent, graceful birds in flight up close!
I was excited! Getting messages from the animals that show up in my life is always valuable and meaningful to me. The inherent wisdom and even omens are precious to me.
So, snake…my lifetime totem animal is Rattlesnake, so this Yellow Rat Snake showing up was reminding me of that. The Yellow Rat Snake will sometime shake its tail like a rattler when threatened, so that was even more of a connection.
Here is a passage straight from Ted Andrew’s ANIMAL SPEAK: “Anytime a snake shows up as a totem, you can expect death and rebirth to occur in some area of your life. This rarely reflects and actual death but rather a transition. Look for a change in conditions and a movement to new life. Examine what is going on around you. Are you needing to make changes but aren’t for some reason? Are you trying to force change too quickly? Are you striking out at people and shouldn’t? Are you not striking and should? Remember that a snake not only uses its venom and bite to overcome prey, but also for defense. What is needing to be healed? What new opportunities are surfacing that you need to strike out for and take advantage of? ….Spiritually it can stimulate greater perception of how to apply your insight and intuition. Your own vision and intuition will become more accurate.”
All of this passage speaks to me on so many levels with these insightful questions and suggestions. I am making some changes personally and professionally right now and this affirmation is most welcome. The message to allow and invite change to occur in a balance and timely way is important; respecting the natural timetable is how I like to roll…and I don’t always do that. And new opportunities…that definitely fits and is exciting. Old things need to die for new ones to be born.
So then the Turkey Vultures….a lot of them! They are an interesting messenger. First thing that occurred to me was ‘clean up your act!’ lol Literally. I have been cleaning out drawers, closets, piles in corners, papers, magazines, furniture, odds and ends, and my diet too. And it’s still going on…and they are validating that BIG TIME! I mean, there were close to two dozen of them! And they are another totem that signifies Death & Rebirth, along with Purification, something they do a great job of…cleanup. So I got a double whammy on that message! And from ANIMAL SPEAK, “… the scientific name of the Turkey Vulture is ‘cathartes aura’, meaning “golden purifier.”
It goes on to discuss the Turkey Vulture’s ability to detect ‘thermals’ and float on them high into the sky. Affirmation of continues ascension and also easier detection of energy patterns and auras. Also discussed are the possible changes in one’s digestive system when this totem shows up. “Foods that used to be enjoyed and have no side effects may become less compatible. On the other hand foods always thought of as incompatible may become compatible. Foods that you eat are going to have a more noticeable effect on your energy system.” All so so true for me as I pay closer attention to the foods I eat and how they affect me on all levels. And because the turkey vulture has no real voice, but rather a hiss, there is an inherent message about less talk, more action. Yep. ANIMAL SPEAK says it clearly, “To some it shows that vulture medicine has to do with performing rather than talking about performing.” Uh, ok. But seriously, this is a vital message for me right now with respect to certain aspects of my work. I am listening…and taking it in.
These messages are pertinent to me as well in strong and definite and helpful ways. The Death/Rebirth/Purification message is clearly operating throughout my life in a number of areas. The physical clearing and ‘giving away’ of stuff feels great. I am making food changes. And I do get the less talk, more action in a very helpful and supportive way.
It is so valuable to pay attention to the animals that show up for you and when they show up, and how. Usually we can intuit their messages….as I did with “clean up your act!” You can also have an inner dialogue with the animal for more clarification, and you can journey with them for an even deeper experience of guidance, wisdom, and partnership. In any case, keep your eyes and ears and soul open to noticing and inquiring. Wise guidance is always welcome and helpful on our path of awakening and healing and thriving. And companions are precious along the way.
Thank you for being here and for reading this. I would love for you to Comment below about your own experiences with animal totems, messages and guidance.
Janice Masters, The Shaman Mama
www.JaniceMasters.com
If I can support you on your path of awakening and being more of who you really are by diving deep into healing and thriving, use the CONTACT form on this site to email me and we’ll arrange a time for a complimentary Spiral Path Healing Discovery Session to get to know each other and discuss your goals and challenges… and how I can help.
PS Here’s a link to another recent blog post I wrote about the Turkey Vultures showing up for me.
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