Discovering Your Animal Teachers: Intro (1)

(Wombat by Mary Ann Sterling)

Animals have their own special wisdom and messages that they would like to share with people. Some animals want to be people’s life companions (Animals of the Heart) while others wish to accompany people on a part of their journey (Animals of the Way.) As people start to listen to these animals, they begin to understand the truths about their lives.

Many people refer to these animals as “power”, “totem’, or “message”. For me these terms are specific to the religious traditions, they come from. I use the terms “Animals of the Heart” and “Animals of the Way”, since they are not specific to any religious traditions.

Finding Your “Animals of the Heart”

“Animals of the Heart” are animals who want to share their wisdom with you. They offer their friendship to you. Usually, an “Animal of the Heart” will represent your inner character or personal characteristics. For example, my friends tell me that I remind them of a squirrel, “bright-eyed and bushy tailed.” Squirrel, to whom I enjoy feeding nuts, is one of my “heart” animals.

To find out who your “Animals of the Heart” are, think about the animals that fascinate you. What animals have you encountered that you are interested in? For instance, you see squirrels everywhere but only think of them as ‘bushy butts’. Obviously, Squirrel is not the animal of your heart. However if you treasure the crow feathers you find, then Crow is your “heart” animal.

Remember to ask yourself what animals bit or frightened you. Do they appear in your dreams? These animals also want to be your companions as well. Your relationship with them may be one of respect rather than warmth. Although you would rather have Wolf or Eagle as an “Animal of the Heart”, accept that Sloth also wants to be a part of your life. Sloth can help you when your life turns upside down. Do not despair; the animals are there to share their gifts with you. Fortunately, for most people, their “Animals of the Heart” are the ones they like.

As for me, I had dreams of Wombat, a marsupial of Australia. I had no idea what a wombat was, let alone why one would be in my dreams. As it happened, Wombat turned out to be one of my “Animals of the Heart”. A determined digger, She taught me how to be persistent and not get sidetracked.

After finding out what animals call to you, learn as much as you can about them. Keep a notebook on what they say to you. I have a sketchbook of animal drawings with added commentary. Do not forget to honor them by helping with conservation efforts or by being a responsible pet owner.