Barbara Techel is available for interviews on podcasts on the subjects of animal wisdom (as healers and teachers), spirituality, oracles and oracle cards, personal transformation, self-healing, animal-human bond, intuition, and writing. Please get in touch through my contact page.
Bio
Barbara is an intuitive oracle card reader for people and their pets, author, mixed media artist, and creator of Animal Reflections Healing Oracle deck.
It’s been animals who have been some of Barbara’s greatest teachers and healers since she set out on a personal quest to understand who she truly is. The guidance and wisdom she received from dogs led her to set the attention to open herself to the wisdom of all animals to see what she could learn.
As she has journeyed along her expedition, it was a wolf, a snake, a horse, and a pint-sized dachshund, a dream, insight from oracle cards, listening to her intuition, embracing ritual and ceremony, and more, that she finally arrived at releasing a secret of childhood trauma she kept suppressed for over fifty years.
What transpired after that is that she felt this incredible force of love overcome her and she knew in that moment that she was always loved and protected and that she is worthy just as she is.
This led her to her heartfelt mission of now helping others to connect more deeply to themselves, animals, and nature as an Intuitive Oracle Card Reader. Oracle cards serving as reflections via images, words, and symbolism for what needs to be acknowledged in order to move forward in a positive way.
People working with Barbara have described her as gentle, soulful, deep to the core, compassionate, energizing, trustworthy, caring, and valuable in bringing awareness to what needs to be explored in order to move forward with more clarity.
She believes in encouraging others to tap into their intuitive nature and empowers them to evolve into living in alignment with what matters most to their soul. She helps them to discern and appreciate challenging times as opportunities to explore the deeper self, embrace what needs healing, and emerge into feeling more peaceful and whole.
She has been interviewed on numerous radio stations and podcasts, appeared on TV for her books and her quaint olive green writing cottage when “she-sheds” were all the rage, plus featured in many magazines including Woman’s World.
She is the author of three memoirs about three different special needs dachshunds she has been honored to share her life with over the years. Frankie (known as the Walk ‘N Roll Dog) helped her come out of her introverted shell and begin to build her confidence.
Joie helped her understand that transitional times in one’s life are a gift to pause and reflect before moving on. And Gidget who she considers her master healer guided her to acknowledge and heal a childhood wound that haunted her for over twenty-five years. She is also the author of two children’s books about her first disabled dachshund, Frankie, who lived life to the fullest in a wheelchair and taught children how to be positive, keep on rolling, and make a difference, despite challenges.
Barbara lives in Wisconsin and enjoys the changes of the seasons from the view of her writing cottage, walks in nature, observing wildlife, evenings in front of the chiminea with the love of her life, John, and traveling in their motorcoach when they can. And oh! She has a fascination with donkeys and dreams about the day she will welcome another dog into her life.
Interviews with Barbara Techel
Love Is A Doxie – Joy on Wheels with host Mitchell Jordan
Animals as Oracles with host Lisa Morris Miller of The Women’s Well
Healing with Our Pets – Animal Wisdom World Summit 2020
Talking about how animals help us heal with host Donna Seebo
Summer Healing Series with host Jessica Paschke
How Animal Wisdom Heals Emotional Wounds with host Charly Kayle of Mind, Body, Paws
Animal Wisdom World Summit: From Transition to Transformation: Animal Wisdom and Personal Growth
She Sheds: New Trend Finds Women Constructing Space of Their Own
Dachshunds as teachers, healers, and guides
Pet Power – How Our Pets Help Us Heal: Barbara Techel
BOOK EXCERPT
I’m Fine Just the Way I Am – Healing Emotional Pain through the Wisdom of Animals and Oracles
IMAGES
WINNER OF THE 2020 RIO AWARD from Dog Writers Association of America
What Others Are Saying About Barbara’s Animal Reflections Healing Oracle Deck
Animal guides can be powerful agents of healing, helping us to sense our blocks, blind-spots, and barriers. In her lovely oracle cards, Barb Techel shows how 52 animal teachers can hold space for us, allowing us to perceive, acknowledge and release repressed pain, fear, grief and other limiting thoughts or emotions, thus allowing us to venture deeper into a more joyous relationship with ourselves.
The accompanying guide book offers ideas on how to use oracle cards, as well as suggestions from the animals featured in the cards. These vary from ones we know — Bear, Elephant, Lion and Zebra, to ones whose teachings we may be less familiar with — Capybara, Hedgehog, Iguana and Nuthatch. The artwork is gentle and welcoming, inviting us to soften and contemplate in compassionate ways with the animals and with ourselves.
-Dawn Baumann Brunke, Author & Animal Communicator
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I recently gave myself a reading with Barbara Techel’s Animal Reflections Healing Oracle. I was so impressed with the powerful messages coming through. I am just enthralled with these beautiful cards, deep in meaning and insights. This Oracle conveys a unique approach, both with the animals in the deck and the interpretations that they provide.
The Penguins ask me to appreciate my loves and go deeper into how I love, both myself and others. The Snail, in its home and shell, knows all about forgiveness and letting go of protective boundaries. The Wolf leads the way with heart and courage. The Firefly, wise and generous, illuminates where we’ve come from and encourages us to acknowledge our growth and continue forward. The Butterfly is a messenger of joy, lightness, and sensuality. The peaceful Frog demonstrates playfulness and naturally purifies itself in clear or muddied waters.
These amazing creatures all share their wisdom through Barbara’s vast understanding and intuition. The healing qualities of this Oracle are profound. After using the deck I felt a deep sense of peace and promise. I connected with a certainty within myself, guided by the Oracle, to trust, to believe in myself and in my journey. I am so grateful to enjoy these cards and share them with others. Thank you for creating this wonderful deck! I’m sure that it will help a great many people!
~Elizabeth Lee, Artist and Creator of the Inner Light Moon Oracle
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Barbara Techel is a wonderful, heart-centered human, and you can feel her loving energy throughout every card in this deck and guidebook. Each time I’ve pulled a card, it has been exactly the animal and guidance my soul needed to pivot into a higher frequency.
These beautiful oracle cards are primed and ready to expedite your healing, and are certain to get you back in your heart to reach a new level of awareness. They are an exemplary tool to be utilized time and time again to embrace and reveal the best version of ourselves.
-Tammy Billups, International Healing Practitioner for Animals & Their People, Award Winning Author of: Soul Healing with Our Animal Companions, Animal Soul Contracts, and Animal Wayshowers
What Others Are Saying About an Intuitive Oracle Card Reading with Barbara
“What a wonderful and insightful experience it was to have an oracle card reading with Barb to help me better understand my relationship with my beautiful feline friend, Miss Kit, and what she needs from me. We are in a transitional time and the wisdom of the cards that came through for both of us has really helped me in navigating the right next steps and trust in how it unfolds. Thank you, Barb!” Linda, AZ
“I am so grateful for your gift of communicating with animals and for the insight you provide. I have felt much more relaxed about my relationship with my Finnigan and understand better about letting him be his own dog. Your guidance has helped me realize that I have probably made him feel anxious about taking care of me because I am anxious about taking care of him! Some separation is good for both of us and I know he will be ok.”
-Diana S.
“Barbara’s reading for my 14-year-old Lab Brownie and me had everything I needed to know at this point in time. The clarity and guidance she gave were very relevant to our situation and his message for me was bang on! The session was wonderful and it shows her compassion for pets and their parents. I’m deeply grateful! Much love from both of us 
“
– Ekta Jogani & Brownie
Barbara’s session for myself and my dog, Max, was absolutely wonderful. Max is an older dog and I’ve been struggling with some of the side effects of aging. In our session, Barbara helped me get a clear perspective on why I was struggling and then helped shift my mindset moving forward. The entire session made it not only easier to accept Max’s aging process but to celebrate his life and find joy in our everyday moments—no matter how they unfold.
-Jessica & Max
I had a beautiful reading with Barbara. Her animal Oracle deck is a gift and so perfect for these times.
It was profound in so many ways, with continued trust and looking after my inner child as we flow through these times. It was affirming with several instances spoken & I am truly grateful for the confirmation.
The initial mediation was so good, very gentle and grounding with the guided journey she spoke. I was truly in good hands…she is very good.
~Angela K.
Your reading for me hit home in that you said things that were true and what had been floating around in my head, but I had not admitted them to myself yet. So hearing these insights brought it home for me. The day of the reading was a tearful one and was very revealing.
It really added a whole lot of clarity and strength and I feel I’m in a better position because of what I learned from the cards that were pulled for me.
Thank you so much for the most enlightening reading. ~Marnette B.
Thank you for holding sacred space for me which left me with profound insights and direction for action. I left our appointment feeling at great peace now having a clear path to embark on! My sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you and your spirit for the guidance that I desperately needed to step forward in my healing journey! ~Diann K.
It was an honor and a pleasure meeting with Barbara for my Wisdom in the Pause oracle reading. Words can’t begin to describe the deep dive into myself and my feelings after our time together. Barbara has a passionate gift of guidance, compassion, and intuitive knowing that awakens and nudges something inside us. Very much looking forward to the continuation of my journey into myself, recognized and simplified with Barbara.
~Kim D.
I highly recommend an Oracle reading with Barbara. Her energy is fantastic and she is a great listener. She helped me take a closer look at areas that I was “stuck on”. This helped me gain a new perspective.
~Sherry W.
What Others Are Saying About Barbara’s Books
Barbara’s well written new book takes you on a beautiful journey of self-awareness and self-discovery through the relationship she shares with her beloved dog, Gidget, a special needs dachshund. This inspirational memoir is sure to bring healing to all readers through Barbara’s courage to stand in the light and in the dark, as Gidget’s masterful teachings weave their way through her heart and soul.
~Tammy Billups, author of Soul Healing with our Animal Companions and Animal Soul Contracts
Barbara’s writing is bold, courageous, loving, and necessary as a means to heal not only our own hearts but the entire heart of the planet. Her book is a testament to the power of transparency and vulnerability, and how the human heart can be transformed over and over when we allow ourselves to fully live from love.
~Sage Lewis, author of Where Angels Play: Death and the Magic Beyond and JAVA: The True Story of a Shelter Dog Who Rescued a Woman, and producer of Jungle Jaguar: Drum Journey Experience
When we read another’s struggle, oftentimes we can relate, encouraging us to reflect on our own inner workings. Barbara guides us through her self-discovery using the help of her animal companion, Gidget, along with other alternative methods that open the door to her sacred wisdom. We consider animals our pets. She shows us they are much more, taking on our illness, our anxiety, and our confusion, mirroring our issues so we can learn how to change. This concept is profoundly powerful.
~Lynne Carol Austin, Healer, Artist, Author of Gull Soup and Ten of Swords
As author Barb Techel notes, the title for this book came unexpectedly from her beloved dog Gidget during an animal communication session. I remember the twinkle of humor entwined with a hint of prophecy that came with these words because I was the one facilitating the session. I had met and talked with Gidget several times before, and had often noted the similarity in energy between Barb and Gidget –both kind, loving and thoughtful; both curious and inquisitive, not only about the world but about their own deep selves; both insightful and wise — and spunky and sassy too.
This book is the culmination of their adventures together — Barb and Gidget supporting each other through painful memories and unsettling experiences, deepening in mutual understanding through the thrill of discovery, and awakening in sudden, heartfelt moments of joy. As she recounts their journey, Barb offers sound commentary on how to uncover forgotten aspects of our psyche, how to access the deep well of love within, and how to embrace the full spectrum of who we really are. In the end, it’s a lesson in healing and acceptance and reassurance, for as Gidget sagely notes — we are all fine, just the way we are.
~Dawn Baumann Brunke, Animal communicator and author of 7 books that explore the ways to learn from animals and deepen our connection with all life
Barbara’s words are from the deepest heart, they share her personal story along with the truth of living life authentically and connected to spirit. I value her words and writing enormously, they illuminate a path that I have walked for many years. But I value Barbara’s journey and her sweetness as she loves life and all that it holds. Her book is a must-read for anyone seeking an inner connection and anyone who shares a love for animals and their powerful healing for each of us. It speaks the truth, in loving and very real ways.
~Marggie Hatala, RN, BSN, Reiki Master, CEOLD, author and reflective writing coach
In this heartfelt, wise, honest, and tender book, Barbara offers a vision of hard-won healing and wisdom through the love of a special needs dog. It’s an affirming message of hope and grace, reminding us of the tremendous teaching and love animals so generously offer.
~ Elizabeth Hunter Diamond, Professional Clairvoyant and Energy Healer
Barbara Techel recounts her insightful journey of surprising self-discovery, focusing on hope and healing. She shares the remarkable wisdom of the animal and human teachers who appeared when needed to help her recover from a deep childhood wound, making their wisdom accessible to us all.
~Jenny Pavlovic, author of 8 State Hurricane Kate: The Journey and Legacy of a Katrina Cattle Dog, and the Not Without My Dog Resource & Record Book
Barbara Techel’s passionate love for dogs is evident in her words. She has a deep respect for the animal world and how they are masterful teachers and healers along our path. Her raw and touching story shows how our lives can be forever changed by their presence.
~Suzanne Hanna, founder, and creator of The Wilderness Walk and Global Healing Collective
Other Books Featured In
Awakening the Ancient Power of Snake: Transformation, Healing, and Enlightenment
She Sheds – A Treasure Trove of Women’s Creative Spaces
Magical Dogs: Love and Lessons from our Canine Friends
Faithfully Yours: The Amazing Bond between Us and the Animals We Love
Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Loyalty, Healing, and Inspiration
Animals and the Kids Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Hope, Healing, and Compassion
Every Dog Has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope & Healing into Our Lives
Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspiring Stories About Pets with Disabilities (Volume 1)
Awards
Dog Writers Association of America Rio Award (profiles a dog who has changed someone’s life in a profoundly positive way) for I’m Fine Just the Way I Am – Healing Emotional Pain through the Wisdom of Animals and Oracles
Dog Writers Association of America Merial Human-Animal Bond Award for Through Frankie’s Eyes – One Woman’s Journey to Her Authentic Self and the Dog on Wheels Who Led the Way
National Indie Excellence Award for Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog
Indie Finalist for Frankie the Walk N’ Roll Dog Visits Libby’s House
All images and designs are ©Barbara Techel. Some photography by © Lisa A. Lehmann