Llammas and Puppies and Snakes,oh my!
Animal signs and energies in Voodoo and beyond
So…what’s your sign? Today I would like to talk about the animal energies that surround us and how we can use this as a powerful spiritual tool.
Spirit animals are all the rage nowadays…but this concept isn’t new. Animals spirits have been used by many cultures since ancient times. The Greeks and Norseman, the Celts and the Native American Indians all held beliefs about animal energies and used them as omens, symbols of the divine and personal empowerment tools.
We don’t always think about how many times we reference animal energies. When you read the line “what’s your sign” -what came to mind? Likely an animal from the wheel of western astrology like a fish, like Pisces or a Ram, if you happen to be an Aries. And like astrology, voodoo lwa possess many energies from the animal kingdom. A ram also happens to symbolize Sobo who, with his lightening bound brother Bade,are central to the Spellmaker family’s annual St. Patrick’s day ritual for security and prosperity. (Sobo’s Wealth and Security Ritual can be used any time of year to boost your financial forecast and I highly recommend it!)
But it is not just Sobo-many of the lwa have animal energies that “mesh” with their energies and hold powerful symbolism when we see them in everday life. Pisces the two fish in modern astrology holds domain over psychic abilities and bring to mind our beautiful mermaid LaSirene,who along with her husband Capitain Agwe, graces us not just with guidance in the choppy waters of life and the riches and bountiful harvests of the sea, but also increased prowess in matters of intuition and divination. LaSirenes blue bath is a wonderful way to get to know her and ask her for blessings of wealth,psychic powers or even achievements in music (especially singing.) If you’ve ever attended one of our online rituals led by a handsome man with the voice of an angel, you have seen how La Sirene has blessed Brother Menfro with that very talent.
Butterflies, those ethereal creatures of change, can mean Ogoun is near, Papa Legba loves dogs and can aid in finding a lost pet of any kind, and Erzulie Freda holds peaceful doves near and dear to her heart. I would also be remiss if I neglected to mention some of the mystical serpent Lwa including Damballah. He offers us healing of the spirit and regeneration of the highest order with his Milk of Damballah white bath,and his spouse, the gentle Aida Ouido,gifts us with a beautiful rainbow after a cleansing rain.
Truly, all animals have a lesson to teach us when they appear in our lives. In Norse mythology, wolves were associated with warrior spirit, and Odin had two loyal wolf companions. ( Shout out to Game Of Thrones House Stark here! ) The Celts believed crows carried messages and even deoarted souls between this world and the spirit world. And owls-oh those lovely feathered familiars made popular by Harry Potter, are symbols of the Greek Goddess Athena, who was a deity of wisdom, learning and independence. Native American lore tells us that llammas-and this one is for our wonderful Mambo-llammas show us that we can bear great burdens with courage, strength and faith. I can think of no finer metaphor to describe the way Mambo Sam works for the betterment of so many individuals as if their goals are her own. Every spellmaker client is important to her and Mambo works hard to get the desired results for each and every one. That is an awful lot of responsibility! But truly, Mambo holds in her hands-and her heart-the hopes and dreams of many and does so with grace, grit and compassion.
Often I have seen a certain animal several times and looked into the meaning of the animal. Once I acknowledged the lesson and embraced what that particular creature had to tell me, my guide would no longer be around…making way for a new lesson. Life is full of learning as we all journey through this human life while striving to be in touch with spirit and allow our souls to bloom and flourish.
What animal is your spiritual guide? What creature great or small stirs your senses and intrigues your mind? What energies do you want to incorporate into your life in the present moment? What new experiences are calling to your heart and spirit? Pay attention-the magic of the non human inhabitants of Mother Earth are everywhere! All you have to do is open your heart and listen!
Many blessings to all of you as you explore the wonders of the wild! May you gain wisdom, clarity and happiness as you travel your spiritual path. I sincerely wish for all of you that your dreams come true.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” -Anatole France
In Service,
Khouzhan Morgan
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