Here we are in the last month of the year, Friends! As a special gift to you from me, this month I included as part of the monthly theme video reading a written reading for each of the Zodiac signs and the animal that will personally be guiding you for the month of December – the written zodiac readings are below the video on this page). I hope you enjoy! XO, Barb

Click here or on video below to listen to this month’s reading!

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DECEMBER ANIMAL GUIDES FOR EACH ZODIAC SIGN

ARIES

Traits: eager, dynamic, quick, and competitive.

December Animal Guide:  Buffalo – Trust

Buffalo known to withstand any storm is one of my favorite symbols that we too can withstand any storm by facing it head-on and not running from it.

The message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, Buffalo is encouraging you, dear Aries, to set aside for just a time being your eager, quick, and competitive energies. While they serve you well during times of challenges and achieving your goals, you are being asked to trust in the process of slowing down and be open to the gift this will reveal.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

This card is a reminder to either create a calming ritual or put into practice an existing one grounding you in the here and now as you prepare for what is next on your journey.

From this more stable presence, remember to also reflect on the abundance coming from previous teachings. This is what helped stabilize and strengthen you while your spiritual self expanded into trusting what is ahead will be for your highest good.

The next time you are met with inner resistance, see it as a clue to come back into the space of trusting the natural flow of life and being in a state of gratitude for how far you have come. Remember that forcing or pushing will bring struggle, but having faith and trust will make your path much easier to navigate.

With a bit of determination, honoring all phases of life, and a whole lot of thanks for all the lessons learned along the way, you too will be like Buffalo and will withstand the storms.

TAURUS

Traits: strong, dependable, sensual, and creative.

December Animal Guide:  Butterfly – Joy

Butterflies can’t sustain themselves without taking time to nourish themselves by feeding from plants that provide the needed nectar for their well-being. Then as Butterfly flies off to carry with it the nutrition that feeds another plant.

The message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap for you, dear Taurus, the one who is always seen as the dependable and strong one that others can turn to no matter what – is that this month it is time for you to extend that very same tenderness and love you give to others – to give to yourself.

This isn’t always easy for you Taurus as you do find fulfillment in being of service to others, but when you are depleted, resentment may arise causing you to feel not at your best and not giving from that tender place within you.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

The key to transformation, as Butterfly so eloquently exemplifies during their time in a cocoon, is to appreciate those times of feeling betwixt. Count on those retrospective respites to bring about a deeper understanding of yourself because when you do it opens you to a larger perspective of who you are.

The truth is you are here to experience many metamorphoses, each leading to a new door of opportunity. Remember each aspect of life, whether you are in a state of inward reflection, healing on yet another level, or flitting about with exuberance out in the world, can be experienced from a state of curiosity and joy.

Butterfly’s wings, so delicate and strong, carry them near and far. See them as a reflection that you too have what it takes to continue to strengthen and grow into the best version of you.

Each new change in life can either be approached as a struggle or with grace. Allow yourself a self-care ritual of soaking in the uplifting energy of the sun. Soon you will take flight once again, enjoying a renewed and enhanced sense of the sweetness of life graciously carrying you forward into a meadow of happiness.

GEMINI

Traits: versatile, expressive, curious, and kind.

December Animal Guide:  Rabbit – Nurture

One of the wonderful things about you, dear Gemini, is your ability to be versatile that you will often go with the flow of others and not get bogged down by changes. While kindness is another wonderful virtue you have, it can sometimes mean you will put aside your own comforts or needs in order to be flexible with others’ needs.

The message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, Rabbit is inviting you to extend that kindness you so often extend to others, to give that to yourself now. Rabbit on this card sits still as a statue letting go of any chaos around it – time for you to do this just for yourself too in order to rejuvenate those traits of yours that others appreciate.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

Receiving this card means you are invited to stop and take stock of the cycles of life. At times it’s rich and fertile with creativity, growth, and expansion. Other times it’s important to retreat into a protective shell, much like Rabbit scratches a hollow in the earth and burrows into the ground so as to be less visible.

Rabbit offers you this wisdom, encouraging you to cradle yourself in Mother Earth’s nurturing and loving vitality and gently take note of the times you’ve selflessly given your energy to mothering others.

It’s time to honor yourself with that same care, love, and sustenance you need. In this way, you stay connected to the wise inner self, which is always connected to Source, so you can co-create your next step in life. Rabbit is reminding you to rejuvenate your vitality to move forward with an invigorated spirit and a clear sense of purpose.

CANCER

Traits: intuitive, sentimental, compassionate, and protective.

December Animal Guide: Deer – Gentleness

The traits of sentimental and compassionate are wonderful expressions of you, dear Cancer. While your willingness to protect those you love with all your heart, it at times, can cause you a great deal of suffering and you find yourself overwhelmed. This only leaves you feeling exhausted and depleted.

Deer comes to you with the message of being oh-so-gentle with yourself right now which is in beautiful alignment with the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap.

With all that compassion and protectiveness you extend to others, Deer lovingly encourages you to turn that toward yourself in order to fill yourself back up again.

As a fellow Cancerian, I can relate and am heeding this message also. 

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

Deer is calling you to the wilderness and reminding you that you too are part of nature. Have you lost your way? Deer is here as your guide with a heart full of compassion, gently nudging you to follow the path back home to your heart.

Deer encourages you to lovingly recall the innocence of your childhood before the challenging energies of the outside world invaded your pure and tiny being.

With a clear sense of vision, Deer asks you to reflect on memories of happiness while also encouraging you to explore the tender aspects of your youth. Deer is known for an acute sense of hearing and for inspiring you to be still and listen deeply for the innate intelligence within. Trust your intuition and it will bring you back into alignment with your true essence.

LEO

Traits: dramatic, outgoing, fiery, and self-assured.

December Animal Guide: Llama – Healer

Leo, a real go-getter with a huge dose of confidence, you can sometimes keep going at the speed of light leading the way for others, but then forget to recharge your inner well. This leading the way, at times, has come from forging your way in the world as a way of self-protection.

As one who often leads from the experience of having oneself from their past wounds, Llama is here as your guide this month to remind you that in order to be the best self-assured leader you are you have to remember to refill your own tank at times.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, you are being reminded to take time to be your own healer first, and that it’s time to connect back to your breath and heart that is most needed at this time.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

So often we default to a guru or other external influence for the answer because this is what we’ve been conditioned to believe. But Llama assures you that you are your best healer.

While that may feel vulnerable and the responsibility of it may feel overwhelming for the time being, Llama is here enticing you to come to the edge and trust you have all the answers needed within to feel complete and whole.

Llama, known for its ability to sustain its oxygen levels even at high altitudes, reminds you of the importance of focusing on your breathing through difficult times and encourages you to remember you’ve got this.

When connected to your breath, you are able to move within a safe space as you explore lingering inner wounds. Here is where you have the opportunity to observe the patterns of protection you put in place. With Llama at your side, inhale lightly, then exhale slowly while allowing your emotions to freely move through you.

The more you can open to this instinctive flow, the more confident you become and the more you are able to embody the innate healer within.

VIRGO

Traits: practical, loyal, gentle, and analytical.

December Animal Guide: Donkey – Endurance

Gentle and loyal, just like Donkey often is – this too, is you, dear Virgo. Your analytical ways have served you well at keeping you on track and provided a practical path forward that has guided you well to endure the trials and tribulations in your life.

But sometimes by listening only to your mind you can lose out on the fulfilling experience of tuning into your inner world and observing life through the exquisite and rich senses of your heart.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, Donkey invites you to consider exploring more in-depth a new path and that of the heart. Allow yourself some time to just let go of what your mind offers as the way forward, and instead, tune into what your heart is really trying to share with you.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

If you’ve ever observed a donkey you will see they walk the same path every day. Over time, this path becomes well-worn; an excellent metaphor for you to remain on course and stay attentive to that which you know is at the heart of what is best and in alignment with your life.

By staying on your perfectly designed path, you will be given the gift of resting more comfortably and easily in the here and now. When you find yourself feeling off-balance, it is a clue to check in with your mind and observe whether it has either drifted into the past or is worried about the future. Take gentle note and then, like the swish of a Donkey’s tail swats away the flies, let those thoughts go.

By staying in touch with what’s right before you and remembering to be in tune with your personal power, you will feel fulfilled as you observe the path of wisdom you’ve walked and achieved because of persistence and endurance.

LIBRA

Traits: social, fair-minded, diplomatic, and gracious.

December Animal Guide:  Hedgehog – Mothering

One who strives for justice, while being diplomatic and fair, as is you, dear Libra, sometimes does not take time to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Forging ahead on the behalf of others is what pushes you, but can also at times deplete you.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, here comes the sweet and gentle Hedgehog to remind you of the importance of taking time to mother yourself.

With all that dedication you’ve given to help others live better lives, it is now the month to be sure and take time to care for yourself. When you are off balance this not only negatively impacts you but also limits that in which you can give.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

While the days of youth may be behind you, there may be times when you want to call upon your mom or a mother figure who has been there in the past to help guide you through challenges. But, like Hedgehog, who needs plenty of room to roam, it’s time to step into your own space of sovereignty to create a life coming from making your own decisions.

This requires coming to the edge of uncertainty and trusting, that no matter what, all you’ve learned along the way will help you through any difficulty. The more you learn to mother yourself and take charge of your life, the more you will grow and come to trust in your own inner nudges.

While the path of life may feel jagged at times, remember with faith you can easily adapt and course-correct when need be.

While Hedgehog is here to encourage you to walk a solitary path, remember you are never truly alone. Every being you meet along your journey serves in some capacity and offers a teaching. Large or small, each of these teachings stay with you and help guide you in becoming the best version of yourself.

SCORPIO

Traits: passionate, stubborn, resourceful, and brave

December Animal Guide:  Wolf – Heart

Passionate and brave along with a heap of resourcefulness, this is you, dear Scorpio, and what lovely attributes that have served not only you in a beneficial way, but those you have encountered along the way.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, Wolf is inviting you to take a bit more time this month to replenish and nourish yourself before proceeding forward. The brave heart that you are can at times leave you feeling depleted and it’s now time to reignite the fire within by tuning inward.

From that introspection, you will bring forth even more resources that will not only enhance your well-being but again to those you meet along your life’s journey.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

You have traveled long and far, at times through difficult terrain and sometimes feeling as if you couldn’t bear even one more painful moment. But Wolf is here to assure you those emotional upsets bringing you to your knees were integral to your growth and essential to expand your heart.

Wolf, wild and free though often misunderstood, reminds you while safeguarding the precious resource that is your heart to also courageously open yourself fully to explore new pathways. Whether others understand or not, move to your own natural rhythm in the direction of what is beckoning you. Be assured all the introspective work and earned knowledge you’ve gained will skillfully guide you.

The journey you’ve traveled thus far — and remaining loyal to what is true for you — is what is about to take you on yet another adventure and bring you to new territories of understanding yourself.

SAGITTARIUS

Traits: extroverted, optimistic, funny, and generous.

December Animal Guide:  Penguin – Love

Outgoing and often the one many want to be around not only because of your positive outlook on life, but the generous way in which you give of yourself to others this is you, dear Sagittarius.

Penguin waddles into your world today with an important message in conjunction with the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap. All that love you extend to others can at times be a way in which you protect yourself from feeling into the depth of your heart and loving you for you.

While these are lovely attributes of being optimistic and generous it’s time to check in with what you need right now and extend that same love you give to others, to yourself for a time being.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

Two loving Penguins side by side, flippers touching in a display of affection and commitment, is symbolic of what we all strive for in a partnership. In fact, many of us view life as complete when we have that special someone to walk beside us through the ups and downs.

There is also the devoted relationship to all aspects of yourself. Penguin reminds you to return to this love of self which is so vital to your growth. Receiving this card means it may be time to gently look at what parts of yourself you struggle with and find hard to face.

Penguin lovingly nudges you to proceed with compassion and love as you come to acknowledge those parts. It’s also important to understand these aspects are there to protect you from being hurt again.

It can be easy to get distracted and fall into the trap of thinking someone else will fill the hurt spaces or fix your perceived inadequate parts, but don’t abandon yourself. Instead, learn to be kind and gentle with the precious being inside.

CAPRICORN

Traits: serious, independent, disciplined, and tenacious.

December Animal Guide: Bear – Introspection

For all that dedicated work of attending to what needs to be done and not veering from the oath, which is you, dear Capricorn, Bear comes along with a needed message for you right now.

With all that nose to the grindstone and serious attention to detail, it’s time to take a much-needed break.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, Bear invites you to take respite within your own inner den to not only replenish your mind but to rest more deeply in your body and spirit in order to keep shining your best Capricorn self.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

Bear invites you to nestle in and lightly ease into your subconscious. Do this by slowing down your breath, letting go of hurry, and intentionally shifting your focus inward. It’s this exquisite, and sometimes uncomfortable, space of in-between worlds where wisdom patiently awaits.

This is a call to respect all cycles and seasons of life. It is then your awareness can shift with ease, and your ability to see the gifts of each season expand tenfold.

When you honor the call of the inner voice holding your truth, you are awakened to new levels of understanding the self.

AQUARIUS

Traits: deep, imaginative, original, and uncompromising.

December Animal Guide: Eagle – Vision

The attributes of you, dear Aquarius, are a guiding light to not only yourself but that which serves so many in a positive way. A vision to see what others can’t see as a way forward is one of the strengths you so often bring to the table of humanity.

It’s no surprise then that Eagle is your animal guide for the month of December, but likely one that is also with you at other times too.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, in order to keep that vision sharp and well-tuned, you are being called to look at that side of you that can be uncompromising and which can, at times, cause you to miss out on what will serve you for your highest good.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

With its stellar ability to see the big picture, Eagle invites you to come to the edge and home in on what you can see, and more importantly, what you aren’t seeing in order to best prepare for your next step.

Eagle also encourages you to trust the Universe will support you as you take flight into new territory. This faith will sustain you during inevitable challenges and detours that may have you feeling apprehensive about the vision of your hopes and dreams.

When such a diversion presents itself, Eagle reminds you to dive deep into the emotions triggered by uncertainty. This is what is necessary to fully appreciate the teachings of life ultimately serving to strengthen you.

The essence of who you are is made stronger by embracing all aspects of yourself while understanding twists and turns are part of the journey to get you where you need to be.  

PISCES

Traits: affectionate, empathetic, wise, and artistic.

December Animal Guide: Octopus – Protection

The qualities of being empathetic and affectionate, while attuned to your wise inner self are what bring your creative side to the forefront, dear Pisces. Such a gift when you share this with others.

Though sometimes that very same giving of self-attributes can leave you feeling vulnerable when you give too much of yourself and then not only do you suffer, your creative side in which you thrive has trouble expressing itself.

Along comes Octopus with eight limbs ready to envelop you in a big dose of love in order to help you replenish your spirit. Not only that, Octopus is here to remind you of the importance of protecting your boundaries and not over-giving that leaves you feeling empty.

As the message for the month of December around more tenderness toward self and Time for a Nap, it’s time to retreat, breathe, and replenish before you come back to the surface again.

Excerpt from Animal Reflections Healing Oracle:

Due to the structure of its body, Octopus requires a great deal of oxygen to sustain life. It is encouraging you to inhale and exhale love through your heart while compassionately feeling into your fears. Gently allow them to flow through you without judgment, then release the emotions tied to inadequacy in order to ease into feeling safe and comforted within your own skin.

Each time you exhale, visualize your energy field like the long and elegant limbs of Octopus, extending out and expanding fully as you trust the Universe has your back. Natural healing happens when we center ourselves in the here and now, and allow ourselves to be heard.