Prairie Chicken In Snow - Spirit Animal

Yesterday, when I went out to my vehicle, there were three prairie chickens in the middle of the cove, pecking away at seeds.  They scurried away when I walked too close to them.  Then, today, when the I took my dog walking in the park, at the exit, there was a small flock of six prairie chickens.  This time, they flew away instead of scurrying, I think, because of my dog.

It is apparent to me, that Prairie Chicken has a message for me because it is appearing two days in a row, and the number of critters is multiplied by two.  This really illustrates how message totem animals work.  

“A Message Animal Totem usually is bringing you a self growth, spiritual message, or a cautionary warning. It is often a wake up call or slap in the face. It will usually be a very unusual experience making it very powerful at that time and very impartial. A Message Totem is a brief period of time, a day, a week, and occasionally as much as a couple of months but can be immediate for just a few hours.”

Now, it is up to me to figure out what the message is because the animals did not stay around to give the message to me directly.  Prairie Chickens, and many chickens and quail, and even grouse, are about community, about feeding or nourishment, and about protection – especially fleeing at the first sign of danger.  This means that chicken is also about being ultra aware of one’s surroundings.

The message that resonated for me as I meditated on Prairie Chicken and the chickens’ actions is:

• When the unknown approaches and it feels threatening, simply flee and then observe it from a distance.  Warriors are careful.
• Finding the best place to eat and creating the best food will keep your group very strong.  Nourishment is part of spirituality for the body must be kept healthy.
• Feeding people is a small sacrifice that shows that you are in service.

 Blessings,

Judy

The Message About Family and Percy Jackson

I finished reading the five book set of “Percy Jackson and The Olympians” by Rick Riordan, and I was left with some questions.  Now, I loved these books.  They were, however, written for children.  There was so much in the books, I wondered why the message had been targeted to that age group.  Whenever I have questions like this, I ask my Angels.  Here is what they said…

“ Dearest beloved!  You are familiar with the phrase, “History repeats itself!” and with that idea, Rick Riordan was given information from Earth’s history – your ancestral history – to use to shape into ideas that youth would understand today.  There are several messages in this work:

• Love is better than anger.  
• Anger and grudges held over time become very destructive.  
• When one does something out of anger and fear, it will rebound on them. 
• Families who turn against one another will destroy the family. 
• Family violence may turn outward and involve many people, and may eventually escalate into a war.

How many wars were started by family feuds?  Sometimes it is the responsibility of the children to heal the wounds of the parents.”

I see the wisdom in teaching the children those things that have been difficult to teach adults.  Perhaps if enough children read these books, that will change.

Blessings,

Judy

Peregrine Falcon - Spirit Animal

 

Last night, just after supper, we had quite the surprise!  A large peregrine falcon flew down into the yard, and sat on the fence.  After about five minutes, he took off, and flew through the trees.

I had a very busy day, and I realized that Falcon was coming in with a message for me.  The message, however, is applicable for anyone who is making changes, and who sometimes feels like they are alone in the forest.

• Move when you need to find new territory or when the weather becomes unbearable and food is scarce.   Humans seem to think that they are rooted to one spot.  Falcon moves all over the world.
• Live along mountain ranges, with a valley below, and lots of fresh water.  You will always have food.
• When you see that you have the jump on your prey, take advantage of the element of surprise and do what you need to do.
• Do not haphazardly destroy the food supply or even your enemies.  At some point, you may need the enemy to give assistance.
• The element of air is very healing.  It carries light, and, although invisible, it can cushion you in times of falling.  Learn to work with the air.

May Falcon guide you when you need it to be there.

Blessings,

Judy

Conquering Fear - A Message From The Angels

This is a channel that I received quite a while ago.  My guidance is to share it with all of you today.  I hope that it reaches all that need to be aware of it.

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The Angels have been gathering to send different messages to Earth.  

“Beloved Ones!  We call you this for each of you is part of The One.  Each of you has the gift of creation inside you.

This is a time to observe yourself and others.  What we see is much fear.  Even those that are connected to all things are showing fear over the changes that are happening to the physical earth, to the emotional stability of many people, and to the movement away from science.  We say to you that these changes are all part of the process of movement from what you were to who you will be.

All activity happens on four levels – the spiritual, the mental, the emotional, and the physical – and you are concentrating on the physical and emotional.  To conquer fear, one must move to the spiritual.  Open up to love.  Allow love in.  Look at each event with love, and without the judgement that you all so readily use.   All that happens is for the greatest good.  Those that die have agreed to do so under their plan when they came to Earth.  Transitioning from the physical body to the spiritual body is simply one breath.  In that breath, all that you will be is shown and you feel the light of The One.  

When you move past the physical and emotional, the mental makes a brief adjustment, and then there is nothing but everything!  This is why you can be without fear.  There is so much more that what you experience now.

And, if your path is to stay in the physical, know that fear is not required because there is so much light that is being extended to each of you right now.  Abundance is the word of the day.  Lose the fear of scarcity, poverty, and powerlessness.  You are all powerful!  Ask us to come in to remind you of all that you are.  

We are your Angels

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Many blessings,

Judy

A Message From Archangel Azrael

The following message was a download that I received several years ago and that I recorded in my journal.  This seems like a great time to share it with you.

Many blessings,

Judy

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Dearest ones, when I see where you all are walking, the path looks filled with gravel and small rocks.  This is a time of moving from one thing to the next.  As you all describe your life journey as a path, it seems reasonable to see this time as a gravel path that crosses a large plateau. Depending where you are on the plateau, it may seem that the crossing is longer for some than for others.  There is little to break the journey.  If you have ever travelled a gravel road in a car, you will know that you are not able to go too fast, for you might catch the ridge of gravel and go into the ditch.  Also, if you go too fast, you may create a dust storm that swirls around you, and blinds you, and clogs up your car.  

Gravel road on a flat plain

 

This gravel path that you are on is one that you must travel slowly.  There are some very large stones in the way that you must either walk around, or move off the road so that this path may be traveled more easily next time.  Often, under each stone, or in some cases, boulder, you will find treasure.  Oh, not the treasure of the Aztecs gold, or anything like that! The treasure is the gift of the action, and the situation around it.  

For some of you, the chunks of gravel may be inaction – a lull in all that you are doing.  This may be frustrating, however, it is necessary for you to sit and absorb the new vibrations that are coming into your etheric templates, and then the vibrations will become part of your bodies. There are some of you that will not be able to hold the vibration and ground it.  The vibration will call you home and I will be there to help you with the change in being, and delight in walking you to your new path.  

The creation of new things is about closing the old and allowing for the new.  Now is the time to allow.  This means sitting quietly each day, and being content – think of nothing but those small pleasures that relax your body and mind, and feed your soul. Even reading is an activity that will move you along the path to new things.

I am often called “The beginning and ending” angel because I help the transition from your mortal body.  Beginnings and endings are really all part of the symphony, and I am the conductor.  Do you often hear music?  This may be the songs or the music that I and the other Angels play for you to help you smooth out the patterns and rhythms in your life.  Take time to make music, to learn and to create.  This is the reason for the gravel path; it is to slow you down.

Harmonious Blessings and Love,

Archangel Azrael

Toad Plays “Who Do You Love?”

Picture from medium.com

Last night, as my dog and I walked out in the park at dusk, I could hear all the different frogs singing their songs.  And then it got quiet.  My dog and I heard this boom, boom, boom.  It sounded like a drum.  Then, there was a steady rock’n roll beat, and an image appeared.  It looked like “Toad” – the toad from Toad Hall – was going to sing.  He was standing over the water, and looked about six feet tall.

The words that he sang were “who do you love”, over and over in a deep, bass voice.  I know the song, so I was expecting to hear him begin to sing the whole version.  However, the words changed to “do you love you”, in the key of G, with a deep, 4/4 drum beat.  I was startled!  It seemed like all the animals (deer, dogs, ducks, geese) paused and looked up.

I thought I did love me.  Yet, when he sang those words, I felt this guilt flow through me as though I did not love myself enough.  Wow! That was something that I am going to work on.  I realized that Toad was singing about “angel love” or unconditional love, and that I had not gone far enough with me.

Then, Toad began to sing again, “who do you love?”, and the visions I saw were of all the important people in my life.  These were the people that I love.  My big surprise is that there were several people missing.  The missing people were in a screen called – “Like, don’t love even though you thought you did”.  Another surprise!

Toad now started singing, “Gotta work it out, baby!” And, he sang that over and over as his voice faded away.

Why did a cartoon or movie type image appear to me?  Well, at that moment, Spirit decided that this image was something that I would relate to, and therefore, understand the message more clearly.  The images that appear to us, or the words or smells or “knowings” that we get, are symbolic to us as individuals, and sometimes as archetypes of groups or tribes.  The symbols convey a message.

I got my message, loud and clear!

Blessings,

Judy

 

Black Squirrel - A Spirit Animal

  Black squirrel picture from Wikipedia..

After several inches of snow last night, I expected the yard to be very quiet.  Instead, I saw a miniature snow squall erupt from the mountain ash tree.  Three black squirrels were chasing one another through the tree, around the tree, and then back up the tree.  This lasted for about five minutes, and then all three of them shook off the snow, and climbed up on the bird feeder to forage out some sunflower seeds.

Squirrel and her companions sat on the bird feeder and munched, and glanced at the house, as though wondering whether I would put out more food.  Squirrel has never been shy about letting me know when more is needed.  I then realized that Squirrel’s lesson today is about trust!  Just as she trusts that there will be food in the yard, she tells me to trust that Great Spirit will provide for me.  Just as Squirrel feels comfortable and safe in my yard, Squirrel tells me to feel safe and comfortable in Great Spirit’s yard – Mother Earth.  The message that was coming through, loud and clear, was that I was not trusting enough, and in being somewhat reluctant to trust, I was limiting myself to all the treats that might be handed to me or left out for me.

As soon as I muddled through all of those thoughts, Squirrel chattered happily to the other two squirrels and they bounded down the pole, across the yard, and up the fence to disappear to a neighbouring yard.   I realized that I had received a very great gift.  I am grateful!

 I would love to hear your squirrel story! You can send it in the comments or email me at lightstationwisdom@gmail.com.

Blessings,

Judy

Sea Gull is a Spirit Animal

Sea gulls live in seaports and around big water.  There are many gulls in Calgary as they follow the river system.

What do we know about gulls?  Well, many of us are fans of the book “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” because it was about following your heart and achieving as much as you could achieve.  It was inspirational and a heart warming story at the same time.  Yet, Sea Gull is often chased away and regarded as a nuisance bird.  Why is that? 

                                                           Picture is from unsplash.com

  

Sea gulls live in seaports and around big water.  There are many gulls in Calgary as they follow the river system.

What do we know about Sea Gull?  Sea Gull eats rubbish, pulls apart garbage bags if they smell good, eats dead fish as well as live ones, eats dead meat that washes onto shore or is road kill, eats vegetation, and makes messy nests out of whatever garbage it can find.  Sea Gull is noisy – she talks all the time to all those in the flock around her. There is a very loose social structure in the flock, and yet it is honoured.

So, if Sea Gull shows up in your life, what message is she bringing you?  It may be several messages or one message that will resonate with you.  Sea Gull shows up because:

1. She finds garbage around your house/yard and she is telling you to start recycling, reusing, and rethinking what you are eating and buying and throwing away.
2. She says you are eating out too much or eating too many packaged foods.  She eats what is immediately around her – the original 100 mile diet.  Are you eating healthily?  Sea Gull does – even if we consider it garbage.
3. Sea Gull flies around and soars and wheels and has fun.  She asks you to lighten up and go out and try new things – yell a little.  Making noise is good for your primal self.
4. Are you too quiet?  Do you need to find some friends?  Sea Gull has a lot of friends and is quite comfortable expressing herself.  Perhaps you need to take lessons about communicating and about relationship building from Sea Gull.
5. Sea Gull treats her flock members with fairness and respect. Situations like first come, first served are common and the others wait.  Are you too pushy?  Do you respect others, or do you consider yourself above the common Gull?

Enjoy the teachings of Sea Gull.  She does not usually show up often.

Blessings,

Judy

Be Happy In Your Space.

The message that keeps coming to me, over and over, is that this is a time of “getting it together”.  This is a time to orient one’s self to what is coming, and to be at peace with all changes.  This is a time to be happy in one’s space, and to be able to retreat and to care of self.  

I hear chanting at night – coming from a far away place.  It sounds like monks chanting very old sounds.  I find the rhythm of the sounds very comforting, and, they usually lull me to sleep.  

The space that I am in tells me to slow down and not to be too demanding of myself.  It seems that message is true for others, too.  When I analyze this with the sound of the chanting, it seems that what I hear is a chant for peace.  The underlying intent is for peace for each individual, peace for humanity, and peace for the planet.  

May each of you have a peaceful time!

Many blessings,

Judy

Grizzly Bear’s Message

When an animal speaks to me continuously through dreams, waves at me from pictures in a magazine, or even comes up in regular conversation, I know that I need to pay attention to what message is coming through.

Adult Grizzly

Picture from www.weforanimals.com

 

 

 

Sometimes, however, getting a message is like picking up a lot of static on your favourite radio station.  And, I was getting lots of static.  I could see Grizzly, and could not hear her.  I was getting frustrated!

Grizzly cub from  

www.weforanimals.com

 

 

 

Then, I was walking out in the provincial park.  Even though it is only the end of January, I began to think about bears.   As soon as I had this thought, the next thought flowed – Grizzly Bears are having their cubs about this time.  Where did that thought come from? I was startled!

                  

Mother Grizzly with her cub – picture from Wikipedia from Wikimedia Commons 

To get in touch with the feeling around the thought, I began to do a deep meditative breathing.  My dog looked at me, wondering what was amiss.  And gradually, a message came. Grizzly Bear said:

This is the time of hibernation.  During this time, many changes take place in bears.  The female give birth to their young, usually from two to four cubs. It is a time of introspection. For bears, the long sleep lets us walk with The Mother Of Us All without the constraints of the physical.  We learn from her, and apply the lessons when we wake up.  Bears have been shy.  We are now moving back to that place where we see humans as equals, and we will walk in the same places that they do. 

There are many humans who are undergoing the same change that we are experiencing.  However, these humans do not sleep the required time to germinate something new.  They do not empty out their systems to give the body rest.  I say this to you – this is a time of giving birth to new ideas, projects, and new ways of living.  Listen to that inner voice. Sleep when you need to, and disregard the chatter of the masses.

Bears are solitary by choice so that we can move as we need to. We also can think, play, eat, and sleep when we need to.  We are not governed by what others want to do or by any control.  Will you let your self be so free as to walk away from those things in life that control you?

Many blessings,

Judy 

What About Cardinal?

Picture of "Cardinal" from Wikipedia....

 

As I was writing Christmas cards, I noticed how many of the cards have a picture of the "Cardinal" on them.  I looked at the cards I had accumulated and realized that I had not really bought a box of cards on birds.  Yet, several cards in a row were showing me Cardinal.  Therefore, there must be a message for me.

First, the brilliant red Cardinal is usually found in through Ontario, Quebec, and some of the Maritimes, and then down into Maine and the eastern States.  In western Canada, the Cedar Waxwing is more orangey-red than red in colour.  When the early explorers and settlers saw this bird, the crest reminded the people of the red robes of Catholic Cardinals, hence the name.  Cardinal, then, does have significance for people on either a religious or spiritual journey - and often the two are exclusive of each other.  

My task is to figure out what Cardinal was trying to say to me.  The colours of Cardinal - black and red - are about the base chakra, and a reminder to be more in touch with Mother Earth and to stay grounded.  The base chakra is about survival - having food and shelter and feeling secure from harm - the very issues that our Ancestors faced when they ventured out from their cave or their village.  Cardinal is very much about survival and she knows which seeds to eat, summer or winter, that will benefit her.  At this time of year when over indulgence may become a habit, Cardinal reminds us to eat healthily and to avoid harmful foods.  I paid close attention to this information about food and eating because we have many social eating situations over the next several weeks.

Cardinal has a very high, loud whistle that echoes through the air.  Cardinal may be singing to its mate - male and female sound alike.  The message is to integrate our masculine and feminine traits and then use the combined skills of intuition and logic to achieve a very large goal.  Only by moving forward with our being totally integrated will we achieve the steps on our life mission.  This message is especially true for me right now as I am working on new workshop materials. I see the message that my communication must also be loud and clear!

As the colour of Cardinal is red, one often associates attributes of life with the colour.  So, Cardinal's message in this area is to live with assertiveness, courage, and to be pioneering in the areas of work/hobby that one does.  Cardinal may also imply that one is insecure, or fearful, or even self pitying or a victim, and urges the individual to be more like Cardinal - full of fun and life.

Again the message of courage and pioneering struck a chord with me as I am working on several things that go beyond the information that I have learned, and synthesizes ideas into something more - in fact, being a pioneer.  That message of pioneering felt good and right, and was affirming the steps that I am taking.  I am grateful for the message.

Blessings,

Judy

White Owl’s Thoughts - Spirit Animal

This picture is from a series of wild life pictures someone sent me in an email.  Origin not known.

A while ago, one of my clients phoned me because they had an unusual experience driving into work in the morning, down Memorial Drive.  He said that a big white owl flew across his windshield twice.  He was awestruck.  However, when he excitedly looked around at other drivers, no one else appeared to see it.  He wanted to know what the message was.  The following message came to me in a meditation.  I shared it with him, and with his permission, with you.

White Owl’s Message

“This is the time to practice wisdom.  One of the greatest gifts of wisdom is patience.  The large Earth changes are upon us, and, because they happen slowly, humans do not see the degree of change that is happening.  We animals notice that the Sun and the Moon do not seem to always be in the place that it has been in seasons gone by.  We notice that there is more water in some places and much dryness in others.  It changes our food supply and we too must change – move to new hunting grounds and find new prey.  We notice that some of our kind do not seem to be as plentiful.  We that survive will need to continue the species.  We see changes in our abilities with each new change.  We are not ones to die off; we are survivors.  

We find it easy to move.  We have no home or possessions to carry with us.  We simply set our destination, and fly to that place.  We do have favourite places that we like to be, although it does not matter much to us where we sleep.  Humans are weighted down by so many things.  Perhaps that is why humans cannot fly.  Even your clothes seem heavy.  

I, Owl, say to you that now is a good time to look at lightening your load and finding ways to make your journey easier. “

Many blessings,

Judy

Doe In the Snow

This morning as my dog and I walked in the small off leash dog park, we were startled by a Doe (Deer) plunging uphill through the snow.  It seemed she was running to us. Then she was about fifteen feet away when she veered away.  She made intense eye contact with us and in her huffing, seemed to be sounding out a message.  I thought that it was for me, however, it does seem to be for all of us.

She says:

“Even though it may seem at the moment, that all of your movement is uphill, the feeling is momentary.  When one lives in rolling landscapes, one can expect “rolling” times – both uphill and downhill.  Uphill builds one’s strength at a core level, and makes one healthier and able to bear all things.  Being strong is a positive.  Anyone who simply travels downhill all the time does not have the endurance for life, and will eventually get to the bottom, and lay down and die.

Sometimes the choicest twigs are on the bushes on the side of the hill.  Because the bushes are spread out, they get more sun, and they are tastier!  One must work harder to get there and one does not need to compete with others for the bushes in the valley.  

Breaking a path in the snow is hard work.  All new trails, however, are started by one being.  I am a trail blazer.  Are you?”

Many Blessings,

Judy

A Student Questions The Teacher

 

A STUDENT QUESTIONS HIS TEACHER

A new student approached the Zen master and asked how he should prepare himself for his training. "Think of me a bell," the master explained. "Give me a soft tap, and you will get a tiny ping. Strike hard, and you'll receive a loud, resounding peal."

Although this is a very short koan (koans are saying, phrases, or questions meant to be contemplated), it is profound in the depth of the teaching message.  

What are your thoughts on this story?

Many blessings,

Judy

Owl In The Woods

This picture of an owl comes from an email so the source is unknown.

Owl is a night-time creature so we do not expect to see it during the day.  However, when Owl has pressing messages, she will fly at any time.  Owl has these messages to share.

“Owls have very good vision.  It is time to practice improving your vision.  Do not look only ahead.  Look to the sides.  Increase the flexibility of your neck and shoulders, and learn to look behind you.  What comes up behind you is as important as what is ahead.”

“Owls sit in the branches of trees and watch the ground to spot tasty morsels to eat.  This is also a good way to observe the patterns of animal  life on the ground.  Take time to get up high or to step back ten paces from your life so that you can see your daily routine objectively.  What is it that you do over and over that gives you no pleasure and no gain?  Why do you do it?  What old pattern drives this?  Think about what you can do differently.”

“Owls operate best at night and in the early morning because that is our high energy time.  Do you shun the night and the early morning?  This is the high energy time for humans too.  You feel the pull of the Sun and the pull of the stars and planets.  This is the time to gather the energy of peace.  Try changing your routine for three months to see when you feel like you have more energy and will.  Do you feel better on your current routine or getting up earlier, for example, at 5:30am?”

Blessings,

Judy 

A Visit From Mink

 

Mink picture from Wikipedia

From time to time, animals pop into my dreams because they want humans to know about them.  The animals have messages.  Mink recently showed up.

Mink is an animal that we know of from all the fur coats that we see.  Man is one of the worst predators for Mink.  Other predators include Great Horned Owls, bobcat, and fox. Never-the-less, Mink thrives on fish and other aquatic life, small mammals (rabbits especially), and birds, particularly water fowl. (Predator and food info from Wikipedia.)  Mink is very territorial, and maps out its territory around a river, stream or lake.  

Mink has these thoughts to share with you.

1. It is hard to retake your territory.  Mark your boundaries well, and allow no encroachment on your space, values or projects.
2. We all have predators who want something from us.  Learn who has you in their sites, and what their agenda is.  Figure out what you can do to move out of their range of attention.  Sometimes making noise is not a good thing.
3. Mink do nap, with one eye open.  Take short breaks to renew your energy, and always know where your “safe” place is.
4. Pay attention to your diet.  Eat only what agrees with you, and eat only what you need.

Blessings,

Judy

Owl Talks About Identity

While I was doing my medicine wheel, an owl came in on a direction.  It blended so well with the landscape, it was difficult to see.  Now, the above picture is not the Owl that came to speak with me.  If you look closely, you will see how this grey owl blends into the tree trunk.

Owl, blending like this, brings a message about identity.  Who you are is who you let others see you as.  If someone sees you as courageous, then, it is because you show them courage.

Owl asks you, what is it that you want people to see right now?  Do you want them to see a being of integrity, or, a being of greed?  When one is greedy, one cannot be in their integrity, for truth is that we all have enough!  Owl asks you to hear your hear begging to be let out of the glamour of scarcity and greed, and that everyone see the other person as a potential friend instead of a potential competitor. 

Many blessings,

Judy