Hi
More questions! Just wondering given Linda's interest in Native Americans, did she ever get into animal totems and spirits? A very interesting subject of which much could be said!
Ever inquisitive,
Kstar

Karen - yes, a good question. One that I don't know, but I did read that Linda Goodman started her own "religion" -- "Mannu" which combined the teachings of the Native Americans and St. Francis of Assisi.

Anyone familiar with this that could help us out?

LMB

Hi LMB!
I was not aware of Linda's involvement with her own religion, very interesting and fascinating! I would also like to hear more about this if anyone out there has any information to share!!
On another note, I would love to share with anyone their experiences with nature and animals, both of which are very dear to my heart!!!

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to Astrology and Linda Goodman, however, animals have held my interest for many years. This topic is extremely interesting. I believe strongly in Animal Totems - mine is a Wolf.

I have dreams in which Animals appear and these dreams are extremely vivid and highly symbolic. (Ex: I had a dream where I was riding a white Pegasus horse, upwards into the heavens).

I would love to hear about anyone else's dreams and how you interpreted them. I have an "Animal Medicine" book at home, but I sometimes dream of animals which aren't listed...the book covers only North American animals.

Thanks for starting such a wonderful thread.

Hi Puff, welcome.

I too have heard only bits and fragments about Mannu, but I'm very curious ... sounds like some investigation is in order (although Crystal may have more information -- yoo hoo, Crystal, do you?)

One of the reasons I love living remotely in the mountains so much as I do is the wildlife that is all around. There are deer out the window almost every morning, and raccoons, possums and other small critters all around. There are bears in the neighborhood, but so far none has blessed us with an appearance in the front yard -- but I do think that the pure black cougar who shows up from time to time is a spirit messenger of some sort. What a magnificent creature!

Welcome Puff!
The most magical part of animal spirits/energies is that they bring to us lessons and messages for our greater understanding and insights for our benefit throughout our lifetime. The animal spirits choose us - we don't choose them. That is the real beauty of their appearances in our lives. My favorite place in the world to be is in and around nature. It helps to "ground" this earth girl
Gregory,
Perhaps the "cougar" is one of your animal totems I'll let you decide

The cougar is a symbol of self-leadership. They tread rocky ledges of experience, following the scent of their own vision. Swift and powerful as a hunter, the cougar can respond to any challenge, bringing us to remember our respons-ability (ability to respond) to others, ourselves and personal truth.
At the time that cougar comes into their lives, cougar people are often shy loners though working cougar will transform them outwardly, they always tend to be people who are "alone in a crowd". When seeking a goal, cougar people are wary and secretive as they access the situation and wait for the moment to strike, but when there is a choice to be made, they need to learn to take that leap to assert themselves. Decisiveness is another cougar lesson.
Cougars tend to tire quickly when chasing prey, this is a message to conserve strength and not overdo but instead rest and return to the hunt later. Despite cougar's solitary in the wild, they often become leaders of others. This tends to happen not through seeking positions of power but because others see them striding confidently upon our paths and follow. Cougar medicine will tend to attract lessons dealing with balance of power.
Cougar people should also be aware of their own tendency to be overly forceful at times and their impatience with others whom they do not see as being proactive enough or not carrying their own weight. When cougar people have a cause in mind, they leap forward in swiftness and power and expect others to do so as well.
At it's best expression (much like the Hermit card in Tarot), cougar energy says, "I am going there, follow me if you will, but do not follow in my footsteps, for your path must be your own. Seek instead your high goal and I will aid you on the way if I am able."
(information gathered from www.serioussilver.com)

I LOOOVE animals!!!!!!!!
and one thing i ALWAYS remeber is:

dog is god spelled backwards!It really helps!!ever seen those love filled puppy dog adoring eyes?God!they melt me!and its in these moments i truly know,that "love IS god"...or dog...whatever!
Dear Karen...whatever happened to ur mails?this personal message goes out to u?Did i do something to upset u?Though im unaware on that aspect,i apologise for any wrong done.Will u answer now,sensitive cappy?

love and doggie hugs***
shagun.

Shagun,
You silly girl! I'll keep this brief as this is not a "Linda Goodman" topic
Unfortunately the taxman calleth! With the April 15th deadline looming, I am scrambling to gather up my documentation. My husband and I are also in the process of finishing our new home and so my time spent online is brief moments here and there. I will write soon
Love, Karen

Karen,
I have to say that the last few lines of your post did kind of sum up Gregory, he is a great teacher and yet he wants you to learn through yourself aswell....he will show you but will not do it for you, which I have to say takes an enormous amount of patience.(especially when teaching me... )

Shagun,
Dogs......oh please I absolutely love them I was a member of a charity that fought cruelty to animals for many years and did alot of fund raising for them.....I had a golden retriever, HE WAS HUMAN, when I cried he licked away my tears....when I was happy he brought me a toy and begged me to go and play....he was always there with a cuddle and ALWAYS was happy to see me.....three cheers for man's/woman's best friend!

Back to the thread....something really strange has been happening to me, it started just before the site opened.....perhaps Karen can explain this one to me.....I have been woken up at various different times of the night/morning by an owl making the most amazing sounds you couldn't even begin to imagine......now what is strange about this is I don't live in the middle of a forest......only a concrete jungle and it just seems a little strange for this remarkable bird to appear!!!!What is the meaning of this??????
Awaiting your response eagerly.......

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Hi Kelly-Anne,
Thanks for your observation on Cougar medicine for Gregory.
I am a fierce animal lover! I would probably have a house full of strays and unwanted animals if I could get away with it!!
I have found more often than not that the animal spirits bring us messages to help us to learn and to grow
About the owl -
As a totem, owl medicine is a feminine trait. It is at home and comfortable in the night. It has great awareness of all that is around them at all times. The owl has predator vision, which means it sees clearly what it looks at. It has great intuition; and the totem of psychics and clairvoyants. The owl has the courage to follow its instincts.
It is a meat eater, which means that it can be a fierce warrior if challenged, or if something dear to it is threatened.
The owl's wisdom includes:
*seeing behind masks
*keen sight
*comfort with shadow self
*moon magick
*freedom
*link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light
*messenger of secrets and omens

In summary, owl medicine is wonderful to have. Those who carry it cannot be conned because their vision shows them the truth of the situation
(taken from meyna.com)

What a wonderful totem to have
I hope this helps!

Wow!Karen that was quite awesome.......
It's funny because I have a scorpio moon which I have been told makes me highly intuitive, it is something I've not really trusted until about a year ago.....that wonderful gut feeling and just a sense of knowing.....so it's strange how the owl represents 'seeing behind masks' I'm actually getting very good at summing people up and seeing right through those people who have different agendas.

I love the meaning of the owl.....I hope it stays with me.....
Do your animal totems change as your situations change....or is it just how frequently they visit???? Sorry more questions it's just this really fascinates me, I've always felt very drawn to the Indian culture as they, very strongly, associate their whole being with the land and the animals.

Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Karen thank you for your insights about the totem characteristics of the cougar. I DO feel that I have a strange connection with this beautiful creature, which I have only glimpsed on rare occasions ... but I have the strongest intuition that I will one day make closer contact. My "office" is a yurt in the mountains, up the hill from the cabin where we live, and I have an uncanny certainty that I will one day come face to face with my cougar while climbing the path up to my office in the wee hours before dawn, which is my habit. This prospect both terrifies and excites me ... it's very strange.

Thank you for all the animal lore and bringing this vibration to the site. It is a wonderful spiritual energy. I often think that if people could learn the unconditional love that comes so easily to a dog, we would advance our own growth in spirit more than we can possibly imagine.

Oh yes yes and yes. I am very interested in the spirit and wisdom of animals. I have done a medicine shield (through these beautiful animal totem cards I have) when I was on a retreat last year and wouldn't you know it - all four directions (N, S, E and W) were animal spirits that I knew in this life. For instance, the animal I chose for the North was the wolf and a person I dearly love and have a significantly intense relationship with has the animal totem of the Wolf. And for the South, I chose the Hawk and I used to have a friend and Teacher (for a brief time two years ago) whose NAME was Hawk and whose totem was the Hawk. And for the East, I had the Owl...and a year ago, I again had a friend and Teacher NAMED Owl and had the Owl as his totem. And then...came the West...it was the Butterfly...which was extremely poignant because that was MY totem animal. It used to be the deer...but until my re-birth last year, it (and I) changed and I realized it was the butterfly.
And that was my shield - four animals that I had significant relationships with in my real life.

I am very interested in this and the Native Americans and look forward to reading more from all of you.

Kelly-Anne, this is just my personal belief on whether they change...I by no means am an expert. But since my totem did change, I believe that they do in accordance with your own life changes. But I mean big life changes...when you no longer feel you are the same person as before. In my opinion, animals wish to share their own specific medicine with us and certain times in our lives call for certain wisdom. Mine is the butterfly because I am going through such a huge transformation. I don't think it will remain the butterfly forever, though.

Again, I could be wrong on all of this, it just my feelings on the subject.

Be well,

LMB

Dearest friends!!

Oh this is one of the best threads around!!
Its infinitely interesting and yes animals as omens have been very common in the world.Karen...wonderful knowledge u have!!keep it up!!

They do have a few animal totems in india too and i do beleive they are true....for example,they say that if u are setting out to do something important and u see a cow with a sukling calf wih her...the jobs going to be done very well,rest assured....
or if u see a crow crowing on ur door for days together its an evil omen and it could mean someone is to die.....
or if u put a saucer of milk out for a snake and it drinks it...u have been blessed by one of the most religious and poerful reptiles because it belongs to "shiva"the scorpio hindu god of destruction and ultimate power.

Then there are elephants and if u se them walking on the road...ur day is made!!

Kelly anne...DOGS!!!oh gosh!if i just had to live my life alone but for doggies as my companions i wouldnt mind!!Oh theyre human allright kelly-anne...they are in some cases also divine!!My little baby doggie dosent leave my side!!she even follows me to the bath!!she MUST cuddle up and sleep with me and she is a...CANCERIAN!!!my sweet moody baby!!
Ooh!before i launch into doggie lust,i better stop here!
Greg,i LOVED that cougar wish.Oh it seems so powerful,so...i dont know...beautiful!
love
shagun.

I have to tell you guys what happened today, it was the strangest thing......you know the owl I've been talking about well he/she followed me to work!! Yes, he was right outside sitting somewhere up high and all I could hear was the most magnificient ooooing.
I am one of those fortunate people who can walk to work I'm only a few blocks from the office so it's not as though the poor bird flew miles and miles behind me in the car but the owl definately followed me.

I saw it as a good omen for the day and as it happened it definately was.....many positive things were decided upon today and some great action was taken, I love a successful day......lets hope the owl is with me tommorrow.

Shajun......your dog sounds totally divine, and being a cancerian is a blessing for sure.....my Mother is a Cancer and she is the most precious person in my life.

I just love this thread, so interesting!
Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

willbebackasyoucanseeIamhavingkeyboardtroubles!!!

Now that I have replaced my "possessed" keyboard!!.......
Kelly-Anne,
A Scorpio moon sister I would have to agree with you about the intuition. I call it my "gut feelings" and they are extremely strong. I can honestly say that when I trust my gut feelings, they are usually right on I usually will develop an instant "like" or "dislike" to people and have found it to be quite accurate.
WOW, I do believe that you have been blessed with "owl" medicine!!! What an incredible experience to be a part of!! It gave me goosebumps and brought a HUGE smile to my face! I believe that owl will be with you until you no longer need his guidance
Okay, I agree with LMB that the animal spirit guides will appear at the moment in our lives when we are in need of assistance or guidance through what they have to teach us. Beliefs vary on how many Totems each person has and how long they stay with us. It is commonly accepted that each of us has at least two totems, one walks on our left side, guarding and guiding our feminine energies, and the other walks on our right side, guarding and guiding our masculine energies. Some believe that we have as many as nine Totems and that the two main ones (walking on our left and right sides) are with us throughout our lives. I have been guided by butterfly, deer, rabbit and just recently raven/crow. The way I like to guage an encounter with an animal spirit guide is by looking for signs. We will inevitably cross paths with all kinds of God's creatures throughtout our lives but they do not all constitute a teaching guide. I look for signs of recurrence and frequency as well as whether or not it appears that some kind of contact is being made, i.e. staring right at you or verbage/sounds, such as stopping dead in their tracks and staring at you without expressing any fear whatsoever if only for a brief moment or two.
I have learned to open up mys-elf to becoming more aware of the sights and sounds around me as well as trying to recognize the "signs" and symbols that the universe provides us with
Gregory,
I do not know how common it would be for you to see cougars in the region where you live but I believe that the cougar does have a message to share with you and what a magnificent creature he is! It is exhilarating and frightening all at the same time but an experience that I am sure that will be with you always
LMB,
A medicine shield sounds so spiritually enlightening! I would love to hear more about your experience. You indeed have experienced the "signs" that go along with recognizing our animal spirit guides. I would love to know where you got your cards - it is something that I have been meaning to do along with tons of other things on my buffet plate!!!
There are certain animals associated with the stones of the medicine wheel and I will be back later to discuss that in further depth.
XXKarenOO

Karen,
I had not heard of the 2 totem animals which walk on the right and left sides, (the fem. and masc. energies) but that makes so much sense to me! I have not thought about it that way yet, so I will sit and ponder that one tonight. Thank you!
You seem to have studied this for a while and to "know your stuff". Good for you. I'm just starting. It's amazing what you find if you open yours-elf up to it.
As for the cards, my dear friend in Colorado (the wolf) bought me a pack. this particular kind comes in two sizes - a large deck with a book that fully explains each animal (and very well) and a small deck that has the picture of the animal on the card along with a brief, summarized definition. I have the small deck and pick a card each morning. As for the medicine shield, I did that while on a retreat this last semester as well as last month. The leader had the larger deck so of course I was thrilled to see that! she told me, when I asked her if our totem animals can "change", that we have only one *main* animal that guides us throughout our life, but that we can have different ones that come and go depending on our life-happenings. I don't know if she knew about the masculine-feminine idea that you brought up, I think she'd like that. I do.

At any rate, I'm excited to be discussing this topic.

Looking forward to more,

LMB

I was visited by a beautiful butterfly yesterday...seems I am buckled in for another spiritual transformation!
If there is any interest out there in regards to the stones of the medicine wheel and the animals associated with each stone...I would like to share

Love and light,
Karen

Hello everyone!

My web site I designed has much information on Animal Interpretations if any of you are interested. When there, look for the link button called "The Looking Glass," then scroll down until you come to "Animal Interpretations" image button. Also includes interpretations on reptiles, insects and birds.

*NOTE* My offering is not intended to sway people to come to my site. This thread is about animal interpretations and it just so happens that I already have an abundant amount of information on it that I would love to share with you.

Have fun and God Bless!
A fellow ARIES.

Not a problem, WiseSoul, networking and sharing info and resources is what the net is all about, no? (Now if you were plugging a homebrew version of Linda Goodman compatibility reports, that might be a different story, but ... )

What is the URL, WiseSoul? It sounds wonderful!

Blessings,

Carlo

Your very welcome Carlo! Just click on my profile Carlo and you'll see the home page url. Enjoy!!!

Gregory! The only topic that I have on my site concerning any material from Linda Goodman is her 12 initiations of love and given FULL CREDIT to her!!! If having a tid bit of her material on my site to be a problem, I'll will take it off promptly.

Not a problem at all WiseSoul, I was being cheeky. Most publishers have no objection to the non-commercial use of brief quotations as long as they're properly credited.

to the six, and ya don't quit, HIT IT!

I just had to tell you what happened to me this morning whilst walking to work, Karen, Wisesoul, anyone.......perhaps you can tell me what it means.....perhaps it doesn't mean anything but I haven't heard from my Owl now for about a week I guess, which I thought was really strange, but as Karen said your animal totems come and go as and when you need them......so anyway back to this morning, I'm walking along the pavement (never good to try the road!) and a bird flew straight across my path, it was so close it stopped me in my stride......it landed on the wall next to me and just looked at me, moving its head from side to side, as though it was trying to tell me something and then flew off!!!Strange enough, wouldn't you say, but about 100 yards further down, the exact same thing happened again, this time I was convinced it was a sign, hopefully good, I felt as though I wanted to say "Hello, what is it?" I know this sounds crazy but this bird really gave me the impression it had a message for me.......the bird was a dove,I often see them around but usually in pairs......so, please, someone tell me what this signifies??
I'm expecting something WONDERFUL to happen today, mind you that was pretty wonderful.....is this now my new Animal Totem??
Waiting eagerly for a response!!
Love and laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Kelly-Anne,
You blessed Scorpio Moon goddess!!!

I will have to get back to you with more specifics, unless WiseSoul beats me to it, but the Dove symbolizes peace and love. It is associated with the goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus and that is why we see them on valentines!! Ask yourself, "is there someone or something with which you wish to make peace?"
I'm working on Lesson 2 in numerology right now so I shall grant you with more info. soon

Love and light,
Karen

Karen,
I can't think of anyone or anything at the moment, but I'll wait till you have time to post the full meaning.Perhaps I might be enlightened a bit more
Thanks for the prompt response, and I can't wait for Lesson No:2!!!!!
See you on that thread!
Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Hi Karen and Kelly-Anne,
This is so uncanny, I have had two doves on my balcony for the last year, in the beginning they nested in my hanging baskets and continuously mated, outside my window!!
they left for a few months and have recently returned, playful and mating once again!!!!! I guess this tells me that I forever have love present and within this year I have had a beautiful, health boy!
What do you make of this then?

*Aries* Kate

Kelly-Anne,
Well perhaps, you have just been blessed with peace and love from the gods!!! I promise to go into it further later, for it is quite an auspicious bird

Kate,
The Ram goddess...I don't think that you need my help.. you are doing quite well on your own!!! I would have to say that I agree with your observation and I find this to be the most beautiful story of "walking" with the animal spirits. And congratulations on the birth of your baby boy!! You have been blessed with the most wonderful energy of our bird friends. Delight in it and embrace each new day with peace and love

Love and light,
Karen

[This message has been edited by Karen (edited 04-16-99).]

Hello Kelly-Anne!

So a dove has crossed your path huh? Good for you and how wonderful at that. Well animal totems have diferent cycles of power and, in this case, the Dove represents Dawn and Dusk. The keynotes for a Dove are Feminine energies of peace, Maternity, and Prophecy. You see, in the Greek tradition, Aphrodite was born from an egg brooded by a dove and to the alchemist, it was a symbol of sublimation. To the Christians, it was a symble of peace. The dove has also been associated with female sexuality through such goddesses as Astarte and Isis and on, and on, and on. It is suggestive of seeing and mourning of all that has passed, but awaken to the promise of the future. It is a bird of prophecy and can help you see what you can give birth to in your life through your creative processes. It is a mystical symbol for freedom, peace and a spiritual awakening. If it were a white dove, it would represent the Holy Spirit, a special message being brought to the receiver and so on. The dove is also family to the pigeon as well. The dove can pertain to one who has or needs to give up on revenge, hate, war, and has or needs to become peaceful in attitude and action. There is more that I can say but I have a pretty big day tommorrow since it will be my birthday. Hope this helps you!!!

Bottom line is to use your intuition, go within and seek the truth in which the dove's message has to offer you.

God Bless and take care!

A wise ARIES soul.

[This message has been edited by WISESOUL-33 (edited 04-16-99).]

Thank you for stepping in here WiseSoul!! You really do know your stuff!
I think that I will just slink back over to the numerology thread where I feel more comfortable

Love and light,
Karen

Wisesoul,
That was fascinating, and I have looked at your pages on animal totems.....most impressive, Purple Peace very kindly emailed me the URL.
I have just one question, I have been visited by two birds that both have a prophetic presence.....why is that?? I must say after hearing a full explanation of the dove I can understand why it visited me.......
"Giving birth to something through creative expression" Yes, this IS happening!!
"Mystical symbol of spiritual awakening" Yes, I believe in the last few years I have become alot more aware of my surroundings and the spiritual path I should be taking. I feel as though I am experiencing the most incredible things lately, actually, since I've been communicating on this site, I think it might have opened a door that needed to be opened (badly)!!!!

I find this so incredibly interesting, I have always adored animals and now, to find meanings to the very experiences I'm having is just........well, I'm speechless (and trust me that doesn't happen very often!! )
Thanks Karen and Wisesoul, always a great pleasure
Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

Hello Kelly-Anne!!!

All animals, birds and so on all have very special messages to tell us. I know that at times, it can be hard in deciffering them but with a little patience and going within, we will receive the messages we need to hear and the lessons associated with them as well. Sometimes the messages may involve two or three different encounters depending on what is needed to be shown to you. I would like to share a little story if I may.

One time, a group of us went out canoeing. On the way there, I noticed a Hawk circling around up in the sky. "Hummmm?" I said to myself with suspition but continued to stare at the road. We launched our canoes and about quarter ways down, I noticed a Raven circling around me and my partner. It hovered over me and yelled out a few screaches. Now you have to remember that I absolutely love Ravens and I view them as having much positive associations to them but this time, I felt a haunting energy or sense with this beautiful bird. I then said to my partner, "This is an omen and I feel that it is a warning of some kind and for someone," ignoring to include myself but still feeling very uneasy nevertheless.

His circling and constant heading in the opposite direction in which we were heading struck me as well. Then all of a sudden, the wind off the lake had really picked up big time and was blowing against us but, we continued on. Aries ram...must go forward...LoL. We had to portage up a trail to reach this beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. After arriving there, I decided that I wanted to climb this mountain that I never had a chance to the first time. We all weren't equiped with proper gear especially for climbing that is. It was all left at home along with the medical kit that we always bring. We didn't intend to climb anything that day.

It was early Spring and the old leaves were all over the ground. I started to walk towards this mountain so that I can get a good vision of the whole place. Well...Guess what?...I slipped off a cliff and had driven a small but long tree branch right in my hand. I was stunned. I took the tree out and thought that it was all gone from my hand and started to clean it in the cold water. I felt blessed in a way because the hole it made was exactly like the hole from Jesus's hand. I felt honored.

Well, we had to return home instantly and as a Stubborn Ram, I paddled back when told not to...Leo Ascendent Pride...LoL. I later discovered that I still had 3\4 of an inch still left in my hand which was pulled out later...whew!

There is much more to this story but here was the message from the great Birds of wisdom.

The Hawk: Vision, Viewing life from a higher perspective and so much more. The Hawk disappeared also in the opposite direction. (The Mountain I wanted to climb but having to return back home and its warning of such.)

The Raven: The Tool User among so many other meanings for the Raven. I am a tool user but because I also love Ravens so much, this loving bird was trying to tell me to turn back NOW, as it cawded to me over and over again and pointing the way back by swooping in the opposite direction. The bringer of Omens. The feeling that something wrong is about to take place.

As you now know, something did happen and everyone else was oblivious to these messengers except for my partner. She felt it too but had shrugged it off in hopes that it wasn't us that might be in danger.

That was quite some time ago now but if we ignore these wonderful messengers from God, we will tend to fall pray to our own stubborn will and lose sight of the spiritual messages they have for us.

Deep down inside, I knew this Omen was for me. So you see Kelly-Anne, sometimes if we don't listen or perhaps don't understand the prophecies or messages, they will appear again to get our attention or show us in different ways just like in our dreams do. They all have something wonderful to teach and/or tell us. Awwwww...life is so wonderful. God Bless you Kelly-Anne for the messages your Birds have brought you too!

A fellow ARIES

[This message has been edited by WISESOUL-33 (edited 04-18-99).]

Wisesoul,
Thank you for that story, I hope the hand is OK now and there was no lasting problems this really helps me understand the way these animal totems work. I haven't had either of my birds visit me again, so perhaps the doves message was a subtle one, received on a subconscieous level, is THAT possible.
I knew what the owl warned me about many, many times, and I guess I didn't listen to that but I will definitely listen next time he comes calling!
Anyway, anything else that happens I will post it here, this whole subject just has me in awe!!
Thanks again
Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne

I'm sure more people out there have had experiences with animals.......share them with us.......this is a great way to learn!

Dear Kelly-Anne,

When an animal, bird an so on comes into our lives to deliver a message, there is always a deep intuitive feeling associated with the encounter. As far as receiving a message at a subconscious level, anything is possible and could very well have been for you. I tend to find it to be a more conscious moment since we are in the here and now when times like these occur. Flashes, Feelings and/or visions are possible as well. In short, only the recipient of such an encounter would know best. As long as we are open to receiving the truth of the ever infinite universal wisdom, we'll always receive what we Need. If we fall pray by allowing only our will to interpret what we Want to perceive the message as being, we will surely loose sight of the spirit at work and to the sacredness of the moment.

God Bless and have a wonderful adventure today!

A fellow ARIES

I have a question for you Wisesoul-33. You seem to have alot of knowledge about animals and I would certainly love another opinion about snakes. I went through a stage in my life (quite a long one actually) where I had AMAZINGLY VIVID dreams about snakes. I would remember everything when I woke up - all the different colors of the snakes, who was there, etc. I was not a fan of snakes (major understatement) before but now I can sit and chat with small, non poisonous ones. I started doing that, talking to them I mean, to get over my fear of them because I lived in Costa Rica for a few years and you know how the old "you're afraid of it so you attract it" thing works and I didn't want to run into a poisonous one. Strange thing is that most of my dreams were not scary and the one time I did get bit - actually let me tell you that dream. I saw something and when I moved closer I saw that it was a snake. I was quite scared and was trying to calm myself down when it just shot forward and bit me. I knew it was poisonous so I had two options: one was to get to a phone and the other was to ask it why it bit me. I opted for the question and it said for two reasons: one was because I expected it to and the other was because I was afraid of it. I let go of the snake and it went into the house and when the person inside chased it out they saw me and called the ambulance and I was OK.

Is it the same if an animal comes to you during a dream or in awake time? I think it would be. I would really appreciate your thoughts about this.

Love,
Susan

Dear sweet Susan!!!

What a wonderful dream and experience you've had. It sounds as though you received the answer that you needed in your dream...Fantastic! Also, excellent choice in your approach concerning the snake.

Welcome to the many people who have had such dreams of snakes lately. There are similarities that can be interpreted in a current situation as well as within your dreams with a few differences.

Dreams involve the subconscious self whereas awake time is more consciously related since it is interpreted from the Here and Now--your current situation in life and includes the involvement of the ego. Dreams do not involve the will or ego that may mislead us to wrongful interpretation. The subconscious is raw in form and of symbology. Also, when we don't pay any attention to our dreams, it is then that these messages may be revealed to us in the waking physical world and certainly vise-versa too. There are many forms of guidance to help us along our present sojourn.

I'm quite curious as to where it bit you which is also a clue that can be interpreted by You as well as the colors associated with the snakes in your dreams. Seek your higher self for its truth.

Snake medicine is powerful and I don't mean medicine of the ingested type but more of a Native cultural reference of the word. I can only infer that at that time in your life, you may have been experiencing some type of illness or unhealthy emotions either blocked or expressed and I certainly can be wrong. I also feel that it could have been a new spiritual awakening for you as well. The snake, among the endless interpretations, could also have denoted great power indicating change, renewal and transformation as well as new psychic or conscious awareness and the intergration of any fears associated with change in one's life. Many of us do tend to fear change for the sake of security. (Views based on your poisonous snake dream). I could go on forever but I hope that in some way that I have answered your question.

In regards to fear let me say that:

For those who face fear and step back remain in stillness or stagnation; but for those who face fear and step forward...move forward.

I can see that you have been bold and courageous enough to move beyond some of your fears if life. A great victory on your part Susan...good for you dear. I want to thank you for sharing your dream and experiences with me.

A fellow ARIES

[This message has been edited by WISESOUL-33 (edited 04-20-99).]

WISESOUL-33, your choice of name certainly suits you! I am amazed at two things: the first is that you saw my situation so clearly and the second is that it only became clear to me after it became clear to you. I was in the worst relationship I had ever had, afraid for my life (I needed it to be that desperate for me to leave I guess)and it turned out to be the best experience I had ever had. I eventually thanked that man for starting me on the wonderful road of spirituality. The only snake interpretation that I had heard before was sex and sexual energy and I just couldn't see what that had to do with my situation. It was pretty low on my list of priorities at the time.

It seems that the more aware I am during awake time the more vivid my dreams are and I remember them quite easily. Is that usually how it is? I haven't been very connected these last few years but this website has put a little spark back in me and I find myself asking for answers in my dreams. They have been so important to me in the past and so powerful as well. I had to laugh earlier because I pulled a Sacred Path Card - Dreamtime and a Medicine Card - the Dragonfly (do you know these cards?). It was too much of a coincidence so I pulled another - the Swan. I haven't used those cards for soooo long. Maybe I'll have a doozy of a dream tonite (if I go to bed that is!) My girlfriend tells me that my spirit totem is a grizzly bear and my birth totem is a crow. Any thoughts? I was reading that you love the raven - what is the difference between the raven and the crow? How do they work together/get along?

I'm probably asking too many questions all at once so I shall go. Thank you so much for sharing your information with me and I'm going to go and look at your website. Thanks again.

Love,
Susan

After years of selectively forgetting I've decided I must share this and ask if anyone can shed some light on it.

When I was very young (2-5 years old), I used to insist that I vividly recalled heaven. I told everyone I was there with God before I came here. I cannot recall it anymore, but I know at that time I did. The only thing that I do remember was the white "bunny rabbit" I told everyone I was that white "bunny rabbit" when I was with God for a time. Of course they all told me I was crazy, and in time they convinced me I was just excercising my overactive imagination.

What I still cannot understand (if they were correct) is how can a small child who has no concept of heaven or reincarnation insist and vividly recall a life before life experience? My grandmother once told me that in telling these stories when I was a small child, I made reference to her mother that had died the year before I was born and I mentioned something about her I could have never known. My grandmother literally flipped out when I talked about her mother and begged me to stop. I never mentioned it again.

When I began reading Linda's many books and learned that children see and KNOW things that we do not, until adults convince them it is not truth, the first thing that came to my mind was my white bunny rabbit and being in heaven. It is so sad the the adults in my life convinced me to let go of this wonderful recollection and block it out of my mind. They thought it was for my own good, I however doubt that is true.

Like I said I cannot recall any of it with the exception of the white "bunny rabbit" and I said I was in heaven with other people who had passed on. Can anyone shed some light on this? WiseSoul???

Peace, LOve and LIght,
PurplePeace

Hello everyone. Came across this discussion group after having been pointed in your direction by a very nice man. I am by no means a Linda Goodman expert, or an astrology maven--for that matter--but I do "dabble" in the latter, truth be told, for my own personal enjoyment.

When reading the above, the mention that LG [hope you don't mind the abbreviation] started her own spiritual movement based partly on the teachings of St. Francis really threw me for a loop! Just recently I had the very good fortune to travel to London and in a little bookstore there, found the most fascinating text by Idries Shah, "The Sufis".
One theory found in its pages was that some of the greatest Western philosophers, poets, musicians--including St. Francis among their number--were influenced hugely by ancient Sufi texts. And we also know that some of the greatest astrologers of all time--the star gazers that wrote down their obeservations in the books which were relied upon by seers such as Nostradame--were Arab Sufis.

Which leads me to wonder--could Linda Goodman, who apparently was given the Emerald Tablets Translation, have been working in tandem with the People of the Secret?

Somehow, I hope so...nice site and when my new Esoteric CyberSoap is ready to roll into Hyperspace [soon!], I hope you'll all come visit and share in the fun.

BaRRak~Miss Olivia

Hello Susan!!!

I hope you had a good sleep dear. Actually yes. It does seem that the more aware you are during awake time that the more vivid your dreams are and may remember them more easily. You are now opening up to a greater spiritual awareness at this time and allowing yourself to be vulnerable to a great cosmic and universal energy without having the need for fears to deter you from the truth within you. You are connecting with your higher self and to the energy of God love.

Yes. I am familiar with the woman medicine cards and the sacred animal cards too.

Raven and crow are of the same family but with a few differences. The meanings can be viewed at my site which I do believe you may have already been there and read the meanings of each bird.

As far as your totem and birth animal being a grizzly bear and a crow, read each of their meanings then see if it makes sense to you. I would never tell someone your animal is this or that for it is a sacred encounter only for that soul to discover his or her own animal totem and/or birth animal. You see, your totems will change over time. As you grow and evolve, so shall your animal totems. All animals, birds, insects and reptiles all have sacred messages for us. We all but need to interpret them in their highest light.

I was going to mention the fact that you may have or were in some type of danger but it is at these times that such interpretations are best said in private and not splattered on a bulletin board. Therefore, I invite you to e-mail me should you wish and/or choose to share parts of your life that may be best said in private. My e-mail can be found in my profile or you can reply directly from my web site. Whatever you feel is best for you Susan.

A fellow ARIES

Hi, Wisesoul/Aries...I am so glad you signed your name by your sun sign [I assume] because I have a question about that and what LG may have thought about Precession affecting what sign we really all are and also...what about the 13th sign that one hears about? Is the forgotten sign Ophiuchus?

And if the Zodiac started out in Egypt thousands of years ago, where the Hades are we now? It's all so confusing for me when I ponder the big sky picture.

Dear PurplePeace,

How are you today dear?

What a wonderful and interesting experience with the White Rabbit PurplePeace. The sign of fertility, rebirth, the female principle, and is associated with the moon which in turn is associated with the Goddess and intuition, good fortune and prosperity, purity and spirit. Certainly sounds heavenly to me!

Nevertheless, have you ever heard the term "Truth Hurts?" Imagine an adult who has many fears to overcome in this life time, born of a different background or upbringing. In those days, these things were never shared and were kept quite hidden for fear of ridicule or appearing insane or accused of delving into whichcraft. Now take a sweet, beautiful and innocent child such as you were, and have them tell this adult that they were in heaven and had seen themselves as they were before planning their next reincarnation into this world and discuss about other family members and tell them that they were a White Rabbit. You'll end up with one very frightened adult who would refuse to hear of such Truth especially from a child. Adults who have not delt with their past issues may be the first to discount what they fear the most...the unknown.

There are those who say " When I see it, I'll believe it." But I say unto them, "When you believe it then shall you see it."

We usually are more aware as children what we were and/or where we were before entering into this plane of existence. It is more difficult as we become older to recall of such events but it does not mean that we can no longer go back or recall. Our soul carries with it all the knowledge of who we were and what we shall become. Our memories will always remain intact for it is only the body which shall perish and not the soul nor its memories of all our good deeds or misdeeds. It is also we who shall judge ourselves after passing on. We will all need to go through our After Life Review...How much did we honor and had loved ourselves, How much have we loved others and so on will all be revealed onto us.

Blessed be for those who will come to know themselves as who they were, are and shall become as they are guided by the light of their soul and with all the God love HE/SHE has for them as they journey into the unknown and yet the familiar.

A fellow ARIES

Dear sweet inquisitive Olivia,

Yes, I am an ARIES Sun Sign.

How vast the universe is true? I haven't delved into the works of (LG) too much so I really can't say as to this thirteenth sign. 12 Sun Signs are enough to keep track of as it is...LoL.

Perhaps it may be best to consentrate on becoming your natural Sun Sign as you continue to bring it into fruition. For it is the true light within you that needs to be brought forth. In turn, this may lead to less confusion for you at this time. Just a suggestion for I truly do not have a sound answer for you.

A fellow ARIES

What fascinating questions you pose, Olivia!

The Emerald Tablets that Linda Goodman was in possession of was a translation made by the Brotherhood of the White Temple.

It is an intriguing idea to wonder if this group might have been an offshoot of the People of the Secret...

Thank you WiseSoul! I've been wondering about that White Rabbit off and on all of my life! I wish my grandmother hadn't chosen to move on....I'd love to have shared this with her! My thought has always been, she wasn't afraid for me because she didn't believe, she knew I was telling the truth and that's what scared her. Maybe that's why we shared a very special bond like none I've ever known!

Anyway.....THANK YOU! Your wisdom never ceases to amaze me. You are definitely a great treasure )

Peace, LOve and LIght,
PurplePeace

Thank you, WiseSoul [33] and Stella Maris [cool name] for acknowledging my posts!

Yes, 12 does seem to be a Universal building block-grid-underpinning number, I do agree. But then, 13 is the Goddess number and I have to wonder if dear Opiuchus is a She not a He Serpent Handler!

What's the White Brotherhood? You have me intrigued, SM, and Yes, kind-heart WS, I AM ever SO Inquisitive! Wait until you see the story I've written--well, maybe you won't want to see it--but I think that since my Venus supposedly is in Aries, you may enjoy my CyberSoap! Or, is my Mars in Aries? Gosh I'm never able to remember that placement!

Did you all know that the Sufis' secret code is known as The Language of the Birds? And wasn't St. Francis particularly fond of animals?

Sending you Happy Thoughts~Miss O

Dear sweet PurplePeace,

You are most welcome and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind sentiments. You have truly touched the deep levels of my sensitivity within my Moon in Cancer. God Bless!

A fellow ARIES

Hi Olivia,

Do you want to know where your Venus is, and maybe some other stuff about your birthchart? If you are comfortable doing so, then post your b-day, the exact time of day, if you know or can get it, and the location. I can run ya chart , and tell you some things, so if you feel all brave, go for it! I would start a new thread for it, or you could, since it is off-topic on this thread. Let me know, it is fun for me, and we may all learn something!

Blessings,

Carlo

Now Carlo, I know you're really an incarnation of that 12th c. Sufi astrologer, what was his name, the fellow who wrote "The Picatrix," [?], therefore Miss Olivia is ever so flattered.

But, babycakes, even though you IS very good at this chart thang, no even You might persuade this very brave Queen of Epees to post her natal day in Public!!

Quelle Horreur! No, no no, no...beg a little harder [wink, wink--you'll be glad you did]. And, I mean that last remark in a very astrological fashion.

Majriti, wasn't it?

Welcome, Olivia, so nice to see you here.

Ah, yes, Picatrix... the key to the synchronisation of the 12 solar zodiacal houses and the 28 lunar mansions.

Al Majriti based his work on Abu Ma'ashar.

Hail Seshet!

Hi Gregory! Hi Stella! Are you two Sufi spies...heh heh heh?

I love you both, you know. Mucho. Thanks for putting up with my precocious Peyton-ish ways.

Now, tap, tap, was it Carlo who mentioned that mistress crimson gal? Hmm...cuz, man, she is right up evil Earle's alley!! I told you he was wild. Mad, bad and very dangerous to know, that boy. Or, at least he thinks so.

So, should we make a love connection? What do you all think? I say YAY!

Now Mmse. Olivia,

If you are going to post on a thread with a nice topic like this, it should really be more on topic...I know you both think that e.e. is all that, and that's fine...a bit laughable, yet fine...yet off-topic enough so that I felt it should be mentioned...and no l.c. for MC or me

So back on topic, if we please...

I think my totem may be the owl...I always had an affinity towards it, yet I do not know how I would really go about knowing for sure...does anyone know how one can tell??

Blessings,

Carlo

Good to see you keeping Miss Olivia in line, Carlo... she can be a bit of a handful at times! ;-P

I've always had a thing for penguins... I wonder what that means? Actually, birds of all kinds in general have been a theme throughout my life...

I also love stars, of course... and trees. Can a tree count as an animal?

Wisesoul,
I think your expertise is required here
Karen,
I know you're a busy bee too but this is a subject close to your heart too

The general idea that I have got from all of the writings above is that your animal totem comes to you when you need them.....they stay as long as they have to and then, at any time can change, bringing a new message at a different time.
As for having a particular fascination with an animal meaning something.....I'm not really sure!! But I'm definitely curious......as my other half has a real hang up on penguins too Personally I don't know why......they don't seem to do anything,Sorry!!!(I know, leaving myself wide open to criticism) Now my fav animal is a tiger!!!!
Wisesoul, Karen, where are you....we need some answers

Waiting excitedly
Love and laughter,
Kelly-Anne

The animals will come to you as your totems and not the other way around. You can have 1 or 2 animal totems at one time and will stay with you for life. Other animal, birds and so on will come and go throughout your life.
It is not only that they come to give you sacred messages but to help teach you how to develop your creative talents, resolve an issue, strengthen your nurturing capacities and so forth by taking the time to study and learn their behavior and habits.

As for a Penguin, they do not fly but their wings, once in the icy cold waters, can swim as graceful as any bird in the sky. Their wings serve as propelors and are used for steering as well. As they approach the shores, they can jump right out and land on their feet and can leap as far as 5 to 6 feet.

Penguins usually denote Lucid Dreaming and Astrol Projection and has a cycle of power year-round and includes the possibility for OBE's. Since Penguins can leap from water to land, it suggests that the person can learn how to consciously leave his/her body. I'm sure you all know what lucid dreaming is.

Other interpretations I sense is that of its color--Black and White. Many people may see their world as simply black or white, all or nothing, good and bad and the like. The idea here is to intergrate or balance these energies since it may suggest one of being extreem, split or simply not utilizing both energies-masculine-feminine.

As a small example: male energy seen as strength, courage, bold, risk taking, assertive and so on and the female energies as see as nurturing, compassionate, intuitive and so on. The idea is to combine and/or balance these energies.

Finally, the male Penquin keeps the egg covered for up to two months until the female returns to take over. It is a critical moment of transfering the egg from one to the other since the egg can freeze instantly. It is a skilful and creative process and may mean that you are working on some creative endeavor and that it may take up to two months to eventualy bring into fruition.

The whole idea of interpreting these magnificent birds or animals is to study what they are doing, how they behave while viewing them, listen to how they sing or communicate, their interactions with other animals or birds, look at their colors and so on and try to apply these traits to your own life. Discover what is missing in your life and perhaps what you can do to improve or enhance these certain qualities in your life.

Some people will only choose the most exotic of animals or birds as their totems but that would be a grave mistake on their part for all animals, birds, insects and reptiles all have something to teach us and each species have great powers associated with them.

I spend a great deal of time in the wilderness and canoe quite often. I watch and listen and pay very close attention as to when they appear and what I was thinking of at that time. Then I try to associate it to my present life or situation to be able to receive its rich and full meanings. Remember that there are also so called negative meanings to each as well as I have mentioned for the need to see both sides and to balance these energies or qualities within ourselves.

One time I could not find the portage point and was quite bewildered. I called upon the spirit of the birds and animals to help me or to show me the way. No sooner said, I saw a dog far into the distance and it was the exact point where I needed to go. When I docked there and to my surprise, a man came walking down the hill and said that for some reason, his dog suddenly took off and went back to this spot and he couldn't understand why. I knew and was greatful that the spirit of this animal had heard me or felt the energery I had sent out into the universe.

Domestic animals such as dogs and cats have different qualities and meanings then animals of the wild.

Wow, Wisesoul...you really described Miss Stella up above there, and I'm not kidding. My mouth is rather agape at the moment...

Personally, I have always identified with the wolf from an early age--when I was small and would make costumes for myself, I always embroidered a wolf's head above my surname initial. A motif that comes up over and over again in my life in the most unexpected ways.

UXL~Olivia

Wisesoul,
Thank you so much for that interesting insight to penguins, I consider myself corrected about this amazing creature, I didn't mean to under estimate their worth, I guess I've not been able to study them as closely as you have and I'm suitably impressed with the details.
I shall relay all this to my other half, he'll be most intrigued.
As to the story about the dog and master.... wow!!! it's amazing.....I've had a dog and was exceptionally close to him, he knew how I was feeling and visa versa.....but for a dog you hadn't been in contact with before to show you the way.....just incredible. Your adventures through the wild and beyond are quite exquisite.

Thank you for your help.
Love and Laughter,
Kelly-Anne
p.s. the owls back and has been for 2 days now

Hello everyone,

This is a great topic Karen, where do you find the time to relate so much on numerology...I'm exhausted even thinking about it.... phew!

I was just wondering have any of you stories or ideas about the Robin?...Which is often considered a mystical bird. Legend has it that the robin got it's red breast when it plucked thorns from the head of Jesus, while on the cross,...I think that is fairly well known,..but the little bird was also supposed to have been present at the birth of the babe in a stable, all those years ago. The blue/grey markings on the head and wings came about when the cows breathed on it, well it was a magical occurence so who's to say!

"Gooberz" also contains several references to the robin and it is interesting that it's number is 17 the "Star of Venus" and the number of immortality, seeing as it holds a Saturn vibration as well,..it must surely be an appropiate symbol/totem for the Saturn-Seven Cycle.

What do you think Wise Soul?,..Whenever I see your name I automatically think wise owl (must be the two Ss) You know so much about the animal kingdom,..I was particularly fascinated by your contribution on the Penguins.

Best Wishes

Michael

Wow, thanks for the Penguin analysis, WS... everybody always laughs at my penguin obsession, but now I can tell them that I need my penguins to help me with my Astral Navigations!

I have a stuffed penguin called Nigel that goes everywhere with me... when he was a young penguin he learned to control the weather and hold up airplanes, but recently I trained him how to bring in money, which is extremely useful.

I would also be interested in the Robin corespondences, as I have a strong personal attachment to that bird, as well... All I know about it is that it's associated with the Winter Solstice and that the name deconstructs into a pentagram via the ogham method...

And Miss O's wolf energy too, of course...

Thanks for letting us tap into you like this, WS!

p.s. Oh cripes, I just thought of my totem animal... although the Birds and penguins guide me, if I had a choose an animal as a totem, it would have to be the Dragon! A dragon's a kind of bird, isn't it??

How IS Nigel, my little feathered friend? He helped me overcome my fear of flying, kids, he really did. Nigel is the best.

Last time in London, Stell bought me an adorable monkey, Choisy, and I must say, I dig those furry critters, too. But only the Tamarin/Lemur types, especially the gray, furry ones that love to eat lai-chis!

Don't even get me going on the Dragon, thingie...another definite leitmotif. SO, Wisesoul-33, what's a monkey-wolf-girl to do?

Dear Michael,

I have heard or read it somewhere about the encounter with the Robin and Jesus. I haven't delved too much into LG's works so I really couldn't comment about the Saturn Seven Cycle, Star of Venus and the number 17 all being associated with the Robin. I really thank you for sharing this info Micheal. That was very Interesting to know. Ironically, I was born on the 17th with Venus unaspected and positioned high in the heavens-the 10th house and is ruled by the great winged messenger-Gemini. The Robin sings its wonderful song that Spring is finally here and a time for new growth to begin. Thanks again Michael.

I do believe that before continuing, perhaps a part two of this thread should be posted as it is taking much longer to load.

Does anyone know if dogs are also included? I have a little toy poodle "Baby" that just appeared out of nowhere in the middle of a very harsh winter storm in January! I brought her in to keep her from freezing to death. She is a beautiful little creature and weighs only 5 pounds. I can't believe first of all that she'd be out alone in that weather, and second that no one ever came looking for her or claimed her. A dog this adorable, and well behaved HAD to come from a good home. She has since attached herself to my family and our other dog Cybil and has found a permanent place of residence with us.

She has run off at least 10 times over the past 3 months, but she either comes home on her own, or someone brings her back shortly thereafter. Once she was gone for 3 days! I used to worry myself sick when she disappeared, now I just KNOW she belongs here and will eventually return!

Any thoughts Knowflakes?? Can dogs also just appear out of Knowhere?

LOve and LIght,
PurplePeace

Hi, PurplePeace...my childhood pet poodle's name was Clovis, so I feel compelled to answer!

This sort of answers both our questions--from "The Secret Language of Symbols," by David Fontana:

Dogs and Wolves

In most cultures the dog is a propitious symbol, standing for loyalty, watchfulness, courage and skill in the hunt. Dogs also symbolize masculinity, the sun, wind and fire, and in the Celtic tradition are associated with healing. Wolves and foxes are symbolically ambivalent. In the Christain tradition, wolves represent cruelty, devouring those sheep who refuse the protection of the good shepherd; but for the Romans, the she-wolf who suckled Romulus and Remus was held to symbolize maternal care.

Also, in medieval art, dogs represent fidelity. Jung claims that in mythology the wolf and dragon represent the unconscious state. Sometimes the dark side of the moon, Selene, is represented as a dog, too.

Hi Greg,
Just me again, looks like she's been retired as well, could you perform another lock down?