A bit about metaphysical totem encounters and their meanings

For centuries people of faith and nature devotion have linked creature encounters with 

spiritual guidance and interaction.  They draw out warnings, affirmations and subtle messages.  

In Shamanism, the world’s oldest healing tradition, the animal spirit guide from the spirit world, offers insight, guidance and helps people on their life journey. For example; land animals represent your physical and emotional grounding and are linked to intuition and vigilance.  Birds are symbolic of your strengths, desire for freedom and represent harmony with other creatures.  Reptiles help how you see yourself both internally and externally.  Insects help you with persistence and determination and will guide you toward patience and help you develop the ability to be objective.

I got two wasp stings a few days ago while altering the grounds around a home that had  recently experienced a tragedy. As I network with many spiritual advisors and practitioners of energy faith - it wasn’t surprising  (though appreciated) that a few offered the meanings and possible messages that could be attached to this encounter.  What's interesting about their readings... is that none of them had known about my personal life. 

One of two wasp stings

It could have been life threatening.  I am allergic to wasp stings and even have gone into anaphylactic shock, once in my life.  I did not have my epi pen.  I knew I was only 5 minutes away from the hospital and knew to speak up and ask for help. I wasn’t scared at the onset. I got the medication in time, with no fanfare and I am fine. This was noted.

I was told the incident was an outbreak of released energy of anger and jealousy directed toward me and that Angelic protection was there to guide me to take a warrior stance against the onslaught. Wasps are female warriors of stout determination.  Curious that, as I have just started taking an online course in NON CONFLICT COMMUNICATION to ease a troubling ban on communication in my family.  It was proposed that I was confrontational, so I thought learning to redirect my previous mode of speaking, would be for the good of all. The sting encounter was telling me to go ahead, but proceed cautiously as people who have not yet become observant, will be defensive.  People will go to great odds to protect their ego, bringing mention to what they have done wrong will undoubtedly madden them. 

I can’t possibly imagine how someone can perceive me as threatening, so I will now be extra careful not to project words or actions that make people feel bad about their decisions.  That choice makes me feel better as a person. Learning to stand up for one’s self and combine compassion, is a life lesson that is difficult to learn. 

Respect the sting.  I'm also thankful for the nudge to stand proudly in a place of protection. 

A bit about.... Dog Days of Summer

The Old Farmer’s almanac lists the traditional period of the Dog Days as the 40 days beginning July 3rd and ending August 11th, coinciding with the ancient (at sunrise) rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. These are the days of the year with the least rainfall in the Northern Hemisphere.  Least?  I don’t know if global warming affected that or not, but as I type today in Toronto, Canada- it has been raining - off and on.

My Dog Finn epitomizes the Dog Days

According to the 1552 edition of the The Book of Common Prayer  the "Dog Daies" begin July 6th and end August 17th, just a little fluctuation there. This corresponds very closely to the 1611 edition of the King James Bible (also called the Authorized version of the Bible) which indicates the Dog Days beginning on July 6th and ending on September 5th, okay... another variation.   

Basically, it’s the most sultry period of summer.  In the latitude of the Mediterranean region,  this period coincided with hot days that were plagued with disease and discomfort. Of course anyone who grew up without air conditioning  can relate - regardless of global location.  

To me, it’s the time when you wish to be at a cottage retreat, the thrills of summer city life are slowest and yard sales are starting to get boring. It’s also the time that I affectionately refer to as “summer fading”.  A solemn

peak period before nature matures and  back to school shopping begins.

In reflection of the winter of 2013-14, I for one, am going to relish every dry heat moment this period is offering us.  I’m going to surrender myself to the ripe floral blossoms, thick foliage and the sweetness of morning coffee outside.... Cuz it just ain’t gonna get any better! 

Please take a look at EW's Fading issue, available online soon.  www.energyworksmagazine.com