Spirit Animals –Gopher

Gopher is a movie hero and played a starring role in the 1980 movie “Caddyshack” which also starred Saturday Night Live Alumni member, Bill Murray, as Gopher’s arch enemy. What is interesting about the movie is that it reflects how many ranchers and farmers in the west feel about Gopher – believing that Gopher is a pest.

A small rodent, Gopher lives in a colony with others, understanding that there is safety in numbers and that family will watch out for you. The Gopher family speaks with clicks and whistles, and even has a special ultrasonic whistle for family members. Ants live underground and store their food for winter as do many other animal/insects.

Gopher is actually a “ground squirrel”

Photo from Wikipedia, from Banff, Alberta

Gopher, too, gathers and stores some food for the winter since even though they hibernate, they make wake up as the weather shifts from cold to warm, and require a little snack.

All beings that live underground are said to be “Secrets of Life” Keepers. Gopher, like many of the others that live underground, has tunnels that intersect and connect to allow the gopher families to be safe underground for extended periods of time. Whether life is above ground, or below it, or even in the water, the series of tunnels show us that everything is connected, even though it may be hidden from us. Gopher knows how to dig and uncover hidden truths and meanings. She shares this gift with you.

Partially because she is very small, and partially from spending so much time underground, Gopher has poor sight. When Gopher keeps watch, she always tries to be on the tallest point of land so that she can see movement, and warn her colony. She also is able to feel vibration in the ground, and therefore, often has advance warning of coming visitors. If Gopher shows up in your life, she is telling you to feel around you. Do you too pick up vibrations of energy? If so, are you fully in that place where you will do vibration or energy medicine work?

While many see Gopher as a pest, one needs to see her attributes. She runs backwards and forwards, quickly, with ease, and is able to jump down small holes at a moment’s notice. She feeds from her tunnels by pulling down plants. Gardens that are planted on gopher territory take a beating. Gopher does however, bring the message – look to your own growth process and watch where you plant your seeds. Try taking responsibility for your actions instead of adopting a victim role and blaming others.

Why not go out to a field and get acquainted with gophers and observe their wisdom?

Judy@angelsandancestors.com Send us your stories about your experience with Gopher.

Spirit Animals – Chimpanzee (Monkey)

Chimpanzee picture  from animals.nationalgeographic.com 

 

Typically, we call a chimpanzee “a monkey”.  Monkey is a word used to describe any of the primates, excluding man. And, we often use the word “monkey” to describe playful behaviour. 

Chimpanzee is physically closely related to humans, and, research shows that the chimpanzee and humans shared a common ancestry about six million years ago.  It is perhaps for this reason that humans are so interested and entertained by chimps.  Like humans, chimps are omnivores although they seem to lean to more vegetables and fruit then to meat. 

Chimpanzee physical features however, differ from humans.  They have longer arms and flatter feet.  Their long arms and great muscle development make it easy for them to leap between tree branches or to perform acrobatics on the ground.  Chimpanzee teaches that we need to be agile when out in our environment.  To be agile, one needs to be fit.  Chimpanzee’s message to you is to look at your health and to get mobile.  Chimpanzee’s ability to swing up and down and high and low gives her great advantage in looking closely at the environment for danger and for opportunities; for looking at life from different angles. Chimp is known for her keen eyesight.  She knows where she is going. She teaches perseverance, focus, and adaptability. 

Her flat feet keep her grounded when walking, and walking on all fours when not carrying something allows her to feel Mother Earth.  Her walking methods teach stability and being sure footed. Chimpanzee is generally always balanced.  She teaches love of family in the way that she cares for her offspring.

If Chimpanzee is coming into your life, look to your environment to see if something is off balance.  Look at your life from different angles.  Is there something that you should be doing differently?  Chimpanzees are curious.  Are you letting something slide because you are too accepting?  Get curious!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com    See www.angelsandancestors.com for the upcoming July newsletter.

Angels Speak – Earth Keeper’s Challenge

From Country Roads on www.twilightearth.com Photo credit to Andrea Balducci

 

I once heard a story from my Great Aunt about a group of women from Sweden.  They were called “The Ladies of the Trees” because, similar to Nuns, they lived cloistered until they were called to move out into the world to care for the trees.  They knew, you see, that the trees held together the earth and the sky, and that the trees also changed the air to make it more breathable.  These Ladies moved through Europe and eventually into North America, tending to trees, planting seeds, and keeping the land healthy.  They stayed only a short time in one place, moving constantly, keeping to themselves.  My Great Aunt said that some believed they were fairy people who asked for a way to move more freely amongst the humans.  The story caught and held my imagination for many decades.

We now understand that the trees and other plants transform carbon dioxide into oxygen.  We are also learning that the trees help control the climate and keep the earth healthy so that crops may grow.  Areas where trees have been totally removed from the earth have now become deserts.  Shaman around the world have been telling corporations and governments that they must take care of the Earth, or lose the Earth.  Shaman call people like “The Ladies of the Trees” a different name.  They call them “Earth Keepers”.  Earth Keepers have a great challenge at this time because the ancient trees around the world are either being harvested or are dying from pollution and insect disease.  It seems like the trees have given up!

Conservationists, also Earth Keepers, are understanding that to change the behaviour of man towards nature, early education (in the kindergartens and schools) needs to happen. What can you do?  You can help change the vibration of thought to a new level by simply saying the following meditation for the trees and meditating on the trees. 

Meditation For The Trees

Oaks, and willows, and poplars and aspen,

Fir trees, and juniper, and cedar and rowan,

Elder, maple, chestnut and birch,

Hickory, teak, dogwood, cherry,

Apple, holly, hawthorn, and olive,

Redbud, hackberry, raspberry, and ash,

Walnut, and witch hazel, tamarack and gum,

Honeysuckle, ironwood, spruce and pine,

Pear, current, gooseberry, sumac, cypress,

Sassafras, basswood, mountain ash and elm,

Rubber, eucalyptus, pear and peach,

Plum, apricot, nectarine, persimmon, and grape,

Wattle, orange, grapefruit, cocoanut, pineapple,

Cocoa, banyan, ficus, and macadamia nut,

Cassava, iron wood, lime and lemon,

Bedfordia, banana, fig and date,

And all the trees and names recorded to date,

I wish you love, long life, with much rain.

I apologize for mankind – for those who have caused so much pain

To the trees, to the world, and to their fellow human beings.

May you grow strong, and long!  And may your roots spread deeply!

judy@angelsandancestors.com     See www.angelsandancestors.com  home page   Check out

The Story of Light: Path To Enlightenment (Paperback) by S. Roger Joyeux

Tarot Discussion – The Green Man card

The Green Man card from the Sacred Circle Tarot Deck..

 

This is the card that I pulled when I asked what kind of transformation I was going through.  It seems that there are many times that my life seems to take a 90 degree turn over the last few weeks.  Now, you know if you go 90 degrees four times, you have actually completed a circle, and a revolution on the wheel.  So It seems that my life is evolving and speeding up. 

Here is what the write up says…  “If the Green Man appears in your spread, it indicates that powerful forces are at work in your life breaking down the old order so that a new one may emerge. Spiritually you will receive unexpected guidance and fresh inspiration with experiences far beyond the usual. Precisely what you seek is not yet clear - you may greet the call with a mixture of excitement and anxiety; it is a leap into the dark.”

This explanation totally resonates for me, and, it may resonate for you.  May the Green Man give you bountiful outcomes!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com    See Roger’s book – The Story of Light now available on Amazon.com and Amazon.UK

The Story of Light: Path To Enlightenment (Paperback)(CTRL Click to reach Amazon.)  by S. Roger Joyeux (Author)

Spirit Animal - Coyote

Picture credit to Lis Eppich

In mid February, several years ago, Roger and I were hunting for a house in Calgary, we were drawn to live near Fish Creek Park. We weren’t sure why, and yet, when we looked in different communities, none felt exactly right for us.  That changed the day the realtor drove us down into an area called “Deer Run”.

As we drove along the main roadway into the area, which also leads into Fish Creek Park, two coyotes ran along the road side, keeping pace with the car. Playing and jumping and watching me.  They seemed to say, “Come live here. It will be great!”  Short story – we did buy in Deer Run about a week later, and, in June, after we were settled, we spent time walking in the park.  One evening, we were entranced to see, in the middle of a large field, Mom and Dad coyote, and four cubs.  I knew that it was the same pair that frolicked along the road way when we first drove down to the Deer Run area. It seemed that the coyotes and us both had the same idea – to move in to the area and make it a home. 

Coyote Mom and cub – not from our area – picture from www.alaska-in-pictures.com

 

The coyotes in our area of the park are very used to humans, and watch them all the time, much as we watch them.  I have watched a coyote sitting on the bank of the channel, island side, watching all the people walk along the walking pathway on a Sunday; people who were completely oblivious to Coyote as he blended in with the grass and small shrubs.  He seemed to enjoy the oblivion of others, and grinned at me.  Coyote’s ability to grin is part of the reason for his name as “Trickster”. 

Watch for more on Coyote in a future blog.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   See www.angelsandancestors.com for new events and newsletters.

Spirit Animals – Hummingbird’s Blessing

Rufous Hummingbird (Female) Photo credit to Steve Berardi

Today, Roger and I and the dogs took an excursion into the Kananaskis mountains.  One of our stops was at a trading store where they sold camping supplies, birch wood for fires, and sundry items, including ice cream.  Outside, a small picnic table and seating area allowed for happy shoppers to sit for a while, enjoy their treats, and take in the awesome scenery. 

We had each purchased a wonderful chocolate malt ice cream treat, and found a place on a picnic table bench, right beside a big pine tree. Happily, we began to savour the fudgy taste.  Then we heard this incredible hum, much like a small model airplane.  To our delight, there were hummingbirds flying all around, and several chose the tree beside us to fly through, and to sit on the branches.  We watched as they streaked back and forth from tree to tree to hummingbird feeder.

As we watched, we marvelled at how these tiny birds, mostly brown in colour, seem to look like small pine cones in the pine tree branches.  Then, to our delight, a hummingbird flitted over, and landed on a branch closest to us. It sat there and watched us and seemed to talk to us, to give us a blessing.  She seemed to be telling us to enjoy our food, the sweetness of it, and to enjoy each other and the moment.  Her true blessing was this – to remind us to take time to enjoy the small details of the world around us for each of these details is a piece that makes up the greater beauty and wonder. We took her lesson to heart as we proceeded on our journey.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   Watch for the July newsletter at www.angelsandancestors.com for another delightful Hummingbird story. 

Spirit Animals – Great Spirit Bear

The following information comes from Simon Jackson’s web page  http://www.spiritbearyouth.org/spiritbear.php?page_id=7 .  Simon Jackson has united youth and adults to oppose sport hunting. Please look at the site.  Please read his excellent article applauded by Time Magazine.  http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/15/f-vp-jackson.html

  I have included the legend of the Spirit Bear because it is such a good read! 

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   

Photo credit to Simon Jackson

 

 

The Legend of the Moksgm’ol - the Spirit Bear
Long ago, when the earth was covered in ice, Raven - the creator - decided to change the earth to a beautiful green land. But as a reminder of when the world was pure and clean, covered with snow and ice, Raven went among the black bear people and turned every tenth bear white.
Raven promised that these unique bears would have unique powers: they would lead special people to special places and have the ability to dive deep in the ocean in search of fish.
Raven then set aside a rainforest home for the bears where he decreed that they would live forever in peace and harmony.

Spirit Animals - Squid

Picture from NPL included in the article.

 

 

 

Do Bigfin reef squid listen out for predatory whales?  From “The cephalopods can hear you” by Matt Walker Editor, Earth News  http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8095000/8095977.stm   From the article … “ “Squid are heavily preyed upon by toothed whales including dolphins. So perhaps their hearing would aid them to avoid the pinging sounds made by dolphins," says Yan.  He says the different abilities of the octopus and squid also reflect the environment they live in.”

From Wikipedia, “ The main body mass of the squid is enclosed in the mantle, which has a swimming fin along each side. These fins, unlike in other marine organisms, are not the main source of ambulation in most species. The skin of the squid is covered in chromatophores, which enable the squid to change color to suit its surroundings, making it effectively invisible. The underside of the squid is also almost always lighter in color than the topside, to provide camouflage from both prey and predator.”

So, if Squid shows up in your life, what message is she bringing?  She may have several:

• As a master of camouflage, Squid may be saying to you that at this time, you should not show your true colours – she may guide you to hide your self amongst the others, and to wait for the best opportunity to show yourself, and write your ticket for what it is you need.
• Squid spends all of her time in the clear wide, deep ocean.  In energy work, water is all about emotion.  Squid tells you that it is time to delve deep into the emotion that is building up in your body – especially if you have high blood pressure (a combination of water and salt, just like the ocean).
• The Bigfin Reef Squid – pictured – has ten very long thin arms, all the same length.  She is telling you that the numbers one and zero are very important to you.  Ten represents “The All” and “Nothing” or as Osho would say, “Nothingness”.  The number ten represents the motion of the world – we all move away from Source, and after the ninth step, return to Source in step ten.  It is a reminder to reconnect with your Higher Self, and with Great Spirit or God, or what ever name you u

Let Squid lead you on an epic journey that allows you to roll with the waves of emotion, and to grow internally, as your individual character undergoes waves of change.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com         www.angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal – Rabbit

 

Photo of rabbit from www.junglewalk.com

Sometimes we have a sign come to us – it may be either by words, symbols, animals, or a specific group of people.  Today, I received the blessing of having my path crossed by Rabbit at two different times.

Rabbit is about being quiet and gentle with one’s self.  Shortly after I saw the second bunny, I cut my middle finger on my left hand quite severely on a broken bowl, and need three stitches to stop the bleeding.  You see, I was not listening to Rabbit’s guidance – I was determined to do my own thing and was rushing and not being careful.

Rabbit too, is about new opportunities.  She can quickly change directions, and is a master of disguise.  Her guidance is to stay low and show your self when all is clear.  Rabbits will crouch down close to big stones or rocks and adjust themselves until they appear as a rock. 

May your joys leap all over the place.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com    See the story of  Spirit Animals –Hare or Jackrabbit from May 28 2008.  See www.angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal – Dove

Picture of “Mama Dove” in our back yard – picture by Judy Hirst

 

Wikipedia says this about doves:  “Doves….. build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days. Doves feed on seeds, fruit and plants. Unlike most other birds (but see flamingo), the doves and pigeons produce "crop milk," which is secreted by a sloughing of fluid-filled cells from the lining of the crop. Both sexes produce this highly nutritious substance to feed to the young.”

This passage from Wikipedia basically sums up that Dove is about home, security, and the maternal instinct.  Dove appears to us when we need to be reminded about the importance of home and security.  She may appear if we are having issues with childhood issues that we cannot resolve.  And, since the dove is a ground feeder and eats mostly seeds, nuts, and grain, she tells you to eat more healthily, as any mother will.  Dove is often associated with Buddha and indeed, has a “Buddha nature”.  It is no surprise then, that her diet is similar.

Many of the legends and myths tell the stories of Dove being associated with the Goddesses of old.  Even the Bible tells of the importance of Dove and how she is associated with Christ and often is a symbol of Christ – standing for peace. 

Dove may be telling you:

1. Find peace in your life, or move away from that which is not peace
2. Look to find something creative in your life that brings you peace
3. The cooing sound Dove makes is a communication to your cellular memory – what it is it that you once were?  She helps you find that peaceful, spiritual person deep inside you.

Blessings,

Judy@angelsandancestors.com     See http://www.angelsandancestors.com/newsletter/news0906.html for the June newsletter and an article about Gopher.

See FREEDOM TO BE published on Aug 18 2008 for more on Dove.

 

The Story of Light: Path To Enlightenment (Paperback)

 

by S. Roger Joyeux (Author) (Paperback - May 25, 2009)

Roger’s book, “The Story of Light: The Path to Enlightment” is now available on www.Amazon.com and on www.amazon.co.uk.

This volume is the second edition, and by clicking HERE, you will be taken directly to the Amazon web site to have a look at the book listing. 

Why read this book?  For anyone that is ready to move to the next level of understanding of Divine Light, this book is a must!  From the beginning of the creation of the Universe, to how healing takes place using Light, this book guides the reader through the process of evolution of body, soul and consciousness. 

Take a look at the table of contents of the third chapter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- this table of contents sample is used by permission of the author-

Let us know what you think of this book.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com      See the June newsletter online at http://www.angelsandancestors.com/newsletter/news0906.html

Spirit Animal – Red Tailed Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk – In the tree over the trail – picture by Judith Hirst-Joyeux on May 20, 2009

 

 

 

 

Although the picture of this hawk is not too clear, you are seeing her just as I saw her on my walk, and how I see her many times when I am out in Nature in the park.  Today, she gave me a gift – a long tail feather which she dropped in front of me as I walked into the park.

In the indigenous belief system, Hawk represents a messenger. She tells us she is present to confirm our thoughts and actions.  She tells us if we walk with integrity.

Hawk is a master hunter.  One of the things she does is ride the wind up high, and then strikes when the moment is right.  Today, she swooped into a flock of blackbirds and plucked one out of the air in mid flight.  She is swift.  She shares with us several things:

1. We too must take advantage of an opportunity at work or home as quickly as possible.  Indecision will loose the moment.
2. We can be like the blackbird – be in the right place or wrong place, as our destiny has been written.  If we are in the right place, we must look around to see who else wants to be in that space and act accordingly. 
3. Whatever our plans, things may descend upon us –things that we cannot control.  We too must learn to ride the wind and go with the flow of life.  We are not always in the driver’s seat.

Hawk signifies union with Great Spirit.  This bird may signal  the changes necessary for our spiritual growth, if we pay attention.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com     Have you got a story about Hawk?  I would love to hear it!   

See www.angelsandancestors.com for the new dream walking service – at the bottom of the home page.

Tarot Discussion – The Card of Completion

This is the card of Completion – card XXI from the Osho Zen Tarot.

 

I have been a practitioner with my husband, in our business Angels And Ancestors, for almost three years.  For the last several months, things feel like they are changing in the business.  I am getting guidance in my meditation to be doing less workshops, to concentrate my clients on three days, and to begin writing books – a task that my guides tell me is long overdue. 

So today, when I pulled the Card of Completion from the Osho Zen Tarot deck, I saw the confirmation of what I have been hearing.  Some of what I have been doing is complete.  Here is what Osho’s comment is on this card.  I felt the truth of it.  May you also find the truth you need to find in this card.

“Here, the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle is being put into its place, the position of the third eye, the place of inner perception.
Even in the ever-changing flow of life there are moments in which we come to a point of completion. In these moments we are able to perceive the whole picture, the composite of all the small pieces that have occupied our attention for so long. In the finishing, we can either be in despair because we don't want the situation to come to an end, or we can be grateful and accepting of the fact that life is full of endings and new beginnings. Whatever has been absorbing your time and energy is now coming to an end. In completing it, you will be clearing the space for something new to begin. Use this interval to celebrate both - the end of the old and the coming of the new.” – Osho

Judy@angelsandancetors.com   See the newest newsletter – the June issue – at www.angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – June 1 2009

Picture of Fairy Tree in the meadow in Fish Creek Park – from Caro and used with permission.

 

As we move into the month of June, two things always jump to my mind. One – this is the sacred time of weddings, and two – this is the time of the power of Summer Solstice. What makes June sacred is that the Goddess, Juno (Roman) also called Hera (Greek) is the sacred patron of maidens and women. It is she who blesses unions and blesses the conception of children. In fact Juno blesses all creative acts and her power is strongest in mid summer. She is profoundly feminine, and powerful. Legend has it that Juno causes the wealthy to share their wealth with poorer folks, or for good causes. All the rivers, streams, lakes and oceans are her domain in summer because of the life that is created from the water.

Summer Solstice is a time of gathering of family and tribe. It is a time to celebrate the feminine – the ability to endure and to create. It is a time of healing when we cleanse to make ourselves stronger; when we ask for blessings to prevent tragedy and to protect us and our projects and crops for another year. This is a time of abundance for the first of the harvest – lettuce, green onions, peas, beans, and herbs are now ready.

The full moon in June is called “The Mead Moon” for this is the best time for making dandelion wine and honey wine.   June’s emotions are about loyalty and bonding.  Our Ancestors also knew that June, with its unpredictable weather, is about enduring and continuing.  Healers often pick herbs at this time because the strong summer sun and moon are good vibrations for the harvesting of herbs for cleansing, strengthening, and for protection.

May your June be sunny and happy!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com      See the new June newsletter at www.angelsandancestors.com