If you can’t get into the wild, well, the next best thing just might be this book with 699 pages of animals by Bernadette King. One, if not the only, most comprehensive book about the many creatures we share this planet with (as well as mythical ones too).
I remember as a kid having encyclopedias and this is exactly what this book is. Chockfull of information such as key powers and energies of animals, prayer, and intention for each animal, and also broken down into messages for each animal in the categories of spirit animal, totem animal, power animal, and animal dreams. Bernadette also includes insights on working with cardinal directions, seasons, elements, colors, and numerology.
What I appreciate about animal medicine is that there is indeed a plethora of ways in which to work with their teachings. And they are just waiting to be your teacher and help you to live your best life. So all you have to do is just open the cover and begin your self-guided safari or walk in nature right from your living room sofa.
While this book may require a table all its own (I have mine sitting on a TV tray in Joyful Pause Cottage Studio) – I love having it nearby to open a page at random to see what guidance an animal offers or to intentionally sit down and learn more about a particular animal.
You can learn more about Bernadette’s book on her website here.
I tried several times to upload a photo of the cards laid out as 1, 2, or 3 for you to see and make your choice pick before watching the video but the image kept showing up sideways no matter what I tried. So here’s the graphic I used on Youtube and that will just have to do. 🙂
Which animal has the wisdom you need just for you this week? You pick and then listen for your message – and stay till the end for the full week’s reading that ties into your specific message.
Whether or not someone understands me no longer takes up the energy or inner space it once did is something I’m reflecting on as I get ready to celebrate my 55th birthday this Wednesday, July 18th.
It’s certainly been a journey of consciously living a self-examined life that I stand today more grounded in who I am.
I’m thinking about the extraordinary coaches who have guided me over the years, the many inspiring books I’ve read, surrounding myself with supportive and like-minded friends and colleagues, and taking part in many a workshop, plus the dogs and animals who have been pivotal to my ever evolving personal growth.
It takes a village to help us step fully into who we are meant to be. And it’s something I truly wish for everyone – to be comfortable in their own skin – and to embrace the gifts that the ebb and flow of life brings us.
In August I will complete my six month intensive studying with Intuitive Counselor and Oracle Expert, Colette Baron-Reid. Being in Oracle School among many incredible peers I’ve come to understand even more how letting go of my old story and not getting stuck there, is how we set ourselves free.
It’s something I continue to be thrilled to be of service and witnessing women discover that they too can choose to live the life they choose.
I believe to feel understood, we must first and foremost go within and love ourselves. Often times this takes support and many paths we must walk – the journey sometimes tenacious – but oh, so worth it.
And why I want to encourage you, my dear readers, when you feel alone or unsure, to go within and listen with gentle kindness, because your soul will always love and guide you.
I asked for some insight also from the Wisdom of the Oracle and the Power Animal Oracle:
What do we most need to know right now to support our highest good and let go of times we don’t feel understood?
Wisdom of the Oracle: Round and Round was in protection (reverse) when I pulled it, but I’m showing it upright so you can see it. When in protection it means to pay extra close attention.
When we feel other’s don’t understand us we tend to think that if we could just convince someone of this or that, then they’d understand. And we can tend to go round and round with asking the “why’s” instead of keeping the focus on ourselves. But the truth is we can’t control what other’s think. We can only trust what our heart knows. If we feel strongly about a belief, then we must own it and live from that space in order to be truly happy.
Power Animal Oracle: I love that Otter presented himself in this reading in conjunction with Round and Round. It couldn’t be more perfect. While it’s good to survey the landscape around you before heading out into the world, just as Otter does, it’s remembering once again that the only control you have is in your own reactions and trusting in who you are.
