The “Animal Spirits” that I will be interpreting in this series will be more on the “conscious and subconscious perspectives” of these animals. What I want to bring across is the connection to their natural habitat (conscious state) and how this develops their inner characteristics (subconscious state). This can be translated into a human identity as we share similar traits to animals. We, as humans, are in a constant state of working, loving, and survival. Of course, these aspects vary under circumstances.
Throughout this series, I will be using the Wild Unknown’s Animal Spirit oracle for visual reference. It is the deck that I use when connecting with animal spirits on specific readings. As previously mentioned, I will be focussing on the conscious and subconscious properties of each animal, and briefly describing these properties based around the animal’s environmental element. There are fourteen animal spirits associated with each of the four natural elements.. air, water, earth, and fire.
For series #4, I will be discussing the animal spirits that are of the Earth elemental influence. The chosen Earth animals are the Bear, Buffalo, Wolf, Deer, Elk, Fox, Rabbit, Raccoon, Spider, Snake, and the Horse.
BEAR: This powerful earth spirit represents transformation through inner strength and grounded energy. The Bear has awakened from its winter hibernation to take a personal assessment of its surrounding environment. It adapts to seasonal changes and is introspective during these shifts.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The bear is a reminder of the great courage and strength through adversity that can be overcome. A time for healing the ‘Self and of others through physically, emotionally, and spiritually means, and to maintain a grounding connection to nature.
The Bear Key Actions:
• Healing. A time of solitude of the body, mind, and spirit.
• Strength and courage through adversity. A fearless inspiration to others.
• A constant grounded connection to the forces of nature.
BUFFALO: Known for its steadfast and grounding presence, the Buffalo has the tenacity to gain strength through challenges. This influential earth spirit encourages us through meditation/prayer, gratitude, and patience that all things will come to fruition. Honor life as being sacred, and have the respect and understanding of the experiences that one has in their personal life path. This will create harmony from within.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Buffalo has its focus grounded in matters that are of importance in creating peace and harmony. Through the stillness of the mind and spirit, with actions of faith will allow the ‘Self to draw in what is needed to strengthen its core needs. It is the power of self-trust and belief.
The Buffalo Key Actions:
• Freedom through Power + Strength + Survival
• Harmony
• Abundance
WOLF: The Wolf is a creature of intuition and intelligence. One whose actions are based solely on primal instincts. As wolves travel in packs, there is a respected hierarchy within this community. Howling allows them to communicate with other wolves and by setting boundaries of their current location. The Wolf will sense a perceived threat and it will be protective of its territory and pack.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Wolf understands the order of things and creating a balance of harmony with discipline. It is their wise use of instincts that at times, has them taking a wise, non-confrontational approach towards a situation rather than being aggressive. It is this experience of understanding one’s inner environment and wisely choosing the path of least resistance.
A question to ask, “Do you need time to reconnect with your life’s passion or spiritual quest?”
The Wolf Key Actions:
• Deep connections to our intuitive ‘Self and basing action through our own instincts.
• Follow your inner desires in all that you do. Fully express your true ‘Self.
• Taking a diplomatic approach toward confrontational situations by making well thought out choices.
DEER: Considered to be one of the most beautiful earth spirit creatures, the Deer is one of compassion and gentleness. Representing the feminine qualities of inner beauty and grace, the Deer faces challenges with refined intuition. They instill nurturing guidance to inspire an open heart in all things. Vulnerability is a sign of their need to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times. They are quick and vigilant when sensing “predators”.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Deer is of child-like innocence. Having a receptive nature to matters of the heart it rules the “Heart (Anahata) chakra” which generates love and serenity. It represents new beginnings and creativity Like the Wolf, the Deer has a strong intuition that guides the inner ‘Self through challenging situations in a graceful manner.
The Deer Key Actions:
• Compassionate and nurturing in the most challenging of situations.
• Refined intuition to further explore one’s ‘Self. A state of inner peace.
• Quick and vigilant when facing a predator.
ELK: The Elk represents knowing its own core values that come through courage and perseverance in reaching one’s long term goals. It is also the masculine energy companion to the Deer’s feminine energy. These two-spirit forms become the yin-yang of the earth’s animal spirits; the Deer’s nurturing, vulnerable, and intuitive nature complements the Elk’s drive for companionship, stability, and stamina. They protect each other through physical and spiritual actions.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Elk spirit takes great pride and works hard, at times overextending itself, in completing its own goals. Learning to pace one’s self and knowing when to rest is of importance in maintaining a healthy sustainable energy level. Know that there are others who can support your needs when you are not able to. Use your innate wisdom and strength to further empower yourself and those around you.
The Elk Key Actions:
• Wisdom, Courage, and Perseverance.
• Knowing your own core values.
• Stability and Support.
FOX: The Fox is a cunning animal spirit that uses its sharp mental agility to quickly work through the most difficult of scenarios. When one perspective looks obvious, the Fox spirit sees a different angle on the situation and makes a clever decision that at times can leave others amazed in its witty approach.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Fox spirit sees through deception. It has an observant and analytical mindset that makes it aware of its immediate surroundings. Though beware of others who may try to mislead you; use careful judgment if this is the case.
The Fox Key Actions:
• Swift mental agility.
• Sees through deception.
• Adaptable to a variety of challenges.
RABBIT: The Rabbit is of the most vulnerable of all the earth spirits. Its gentle nature has this Rabbit spirit a threat to those who are predators. It is important to realize the potential that the Rabbit has when it comes to creativity and abundance. And like the Fox, using its keen sense of wit and observation. It can outsmart some of the biggest predators in its own environment; hence being known for its problem-solving skills.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Rabbit represents the inner fear that is instilled within us, but through self-exploration of these unknown realms this spirit guide can show us various ways through these issues. The Rabbit spirit guide has a clear perception of things and can provide guidance in the direction that is in your best interest. Ask yourself “how can I overcome my fears while still protecting one’s self from harm”?
The Rabbit Key Actions:
• Vulnerability.
• Wit and problem-solving.
• Creativity and abundance.
RACCOON: This highly intellectual spirit animal is known for its problem-solving skills and natural curiosity. Raccoons assess the whole situation that may arise in their environment and cautiously make a safe decision before taking action. They are adaptable in various environments and their bandit like mask gives them the powers of a shapeshifter.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Raccoon is a spirit animal that uses its skills of the intellect and adaptability to transform in and out of challenging situations. The Raccoon’s mask is the key in personal transformation into what you want to attain for yourself. Explore different aspects of change and connect to what empowers you the most.
Raccoon Key Actions:
• Transformation = Shapeshifter
• Courageous, Defensive, and Adventurous
• Protector, Provider, and Creativity
SPIDER: Known for its hard work in spinning the intricacies of the web of life’s destiny, the Spider is a spirit animal that is focussed more on the “process” rather than the “results” of its efforts. They have great patience and are receptive to the influences around them.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Spider is naturally a receptive spirit animal that reflects itself in what it creates. They hold powerful ideas but can struggle with the negative aspects of the Self. What are you fearing within your life, relationship, work, inner self? Look at the various perspectives that may be holding you back and apply the best solution to it. The Spider can guide you through the complexities of the web’s life path.
Spider Key Actions:
• Receptive + Feminine energy = Mother / Creatrix.
• Patience and Hard Work = Focus on the process, not the result.
• Represents the negative (shadow) aspects of the Self.
SNAKE: The Snake is known as a primal force spirit guide and is one of the few reptiles that are “grounded and connected” to the earth’s floor and represents the purest form of healing energy.
Conscious and Subconscious level: The Snake is a spirit animal with powerful knowledge in awakening the personal potential that is yet to be discovered. This could be either in the emotional, spiritual, or physical realm. Be conscious of how and where you cultivate this life force energy from. It has to be connected from the earth and nature sources. The Snake can represent personal struggles and can bring to light important aspects that you could be ignoring.
Snake Key Actions:
• Healing.
• Transitions and awakening subconscious “life force” energies.
• Moving creative ‘Shakti’ power; Kundalini energy.
HORSE: Known for their vitality, strength, and free-spirited personality, the horse encompasses all of the earth’s expansive energy of momentum, change, and power all in one form.
Conscious and Subconscious level: Through building a spiritual practice (instinct) and maintaining personal strength and vitality, the horse spirit animal becomes the driving force to move forward in many areas of one’s life. With all this primal energy also comes the control and use of this energy. Carefully harmonize these tame and primal forces to one’s benefit. If there are any negative or repressed energy, ask yourself, “What is the root of the limitation? Is it coming from internal or external influences?
Horse Key Actions:
• Strong motivation and desires.
• Determination to overcome obstacles and to pursue goals
• Freedom of self-expression.
• A balance between the tame and primal instincts.
OVERVIEW: These eleven animal spirits of the earth influence the spiritual energy that is within us. Call upon these spirits of the earth when in need of change, personal strength, insight, and protection. Their knowledge and guidance are all-encompassing to better understand our weaknesses and strengths and to become an empowered version of our true Self.
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