About

​Animal Wisdom and symbolism theory is as old as ‘time itself’. There have been studies over the years within the western world. Still, the ancient cultures hold onto the beliefs of messages from the animal kingdom. Animal Wisdom and messages are primarily derived from how an animal lives its life.
Some cultures believe that when an animal enters your sphere, they bring their Wisdom and knowledge with them and gift it to you as the recipient. For instance, if a bird flies into your garden while you are sitting there, he is sending you a Divine message or reminder associated with its specific gifts. They are often associated with totems and form part of a person or group of people’s identity. Every animal has its own perfect place or space.
In modern society, if we are dreaming or receiving regular visits from an animal or bird, then it’s time to reflect on what message they are trying to convey.
An easy way to access animal wisdom is using an oracle deck. You can make your own oracle deck by creating cards and capturing the relevant information onto the card meanings. Animal Wisdom is extensive, and it is anticipated that our information resource here in the REALM library will continue to grow. In the meantime – we have provided some information for you to incorporate into your daily understanding. Click here to find the medicine meanings of the images:

Ant Medicine

​The ant symbolises the "group mind",  The ant symbolises an inner knowing that what is yours by divine right will come to you and trusting the universe to provide it. There is self-sacrifice with the ant as all ants work together to serve the "queen". Patience is the most potent message associated with the ant. Planning and building, little by little, step by step, day by day, they work steadily toward their vision or group dream. The ant knows that if they miss out on something, there is something much better or bigger ahead for them.   A key message of the ant – trust the process and have patience. It may be worth asking yourself if you are working for the good of the tribe. Note that impatience may be self-sabotaging.

Antelope Medicine

​The Antelope prompts you to take action. Now is not the time for sitting around and reflecting. It is a time to 'get up and do'. You are reminded that you know what it is you must do  - so do it. If you are unsure about what you need to do or how to start the project, then ask for the information to be made available. Stop procrastinating - find your answers quickly and get into action. Let go of fear. There is no time to be wasted. Take courage and leap into the unknown. You ARE the power, and the power lies within you!.
On the other hand - if you feel stuck in a rut, the Antelope reminds you that you are not listening to your inner voice and guidance, and for change to occur, you must make the changes. Until you start to listen to your voice and act upon the guidance, you will remain in a quandary. Ask the universe to lead you to your solutions and answers to the problems you are trying to resolve and lift the barriers so that you can leap into your new beginnings!.

Armadillo Medicine

he message of the armadillo is that of boundaries so that harmful words or actions "roll off" You may be having difficulty saying "no" to people and their demands. Hiding and avoidance are not long-term solutions. When our boundaries are crossed, we can feel invaded and violated. Establish what you are content to allow in your life, and then set your boundaries. You may need professional help with this  Boundaries are so easily crossed when we are implementing them. In identifying your personal limitations, and comfort levels, think of a situation and then ask yourself:
Am I honouring the time I need for personal good health and well-being?
Do others treat me like a doormat and take advantage of me?
Why do I get upset when they do take me for granted?
Is there a reason for me being a "yes "person? If you have reasons – this also can suggest that you may benefit from professional counselling. Find one that can provide you with techniques and solutions -ask them questions and establish if they can meet your need for boundaries and assist you.

Badger

​The message of the Badger is that whilst you are quick to express your feelings, it might be time to consider the consequences of the expression. Act in haste – repent at leisure  Badger can symbolise vicious gossip or verbal attacks. Words said with aggression without consideration for their impact on others can become self-isolating and even alienate others from speaking with you. Ask yourself if you have been too meek and mild, and perhaps it is time for you to stand up and calmly express your feelings.   When you do so – try and do it in a manner that will not be perceived as a personal attack by another. Use your anger positively so it doesn't become the foundation for undesirable future actions and consequences. On the other hand – it may mean that you are recovering from an interaction with someone who carries the aggressive traits of the Badger. You are still "licking your wounds".

Bat

This is a time to break down all limiting concepts of who and what you are. Break through the barriers of self and how you think you are meant to be.   Stop repressing aspects of yourself that are becoming submerged to accommodate the needs of others. Allow yourself to be who and what you are. The message of the bat is probably one of the most transforming animal symbols/wisdom. It is about turning yourself inside out, up and down and basically becoming a different person. This is about letting go of complete endings so that there may be a new beginning. If you are feeling stuck, then the presence of the bat reminds you - this phase is a short hibernation period until the rebirth.

Bear

It may be time for you to step into a cave, contemplate and reflect on your situation. Allow yourself to rest and restore to ensure you have the strength and stamina required to achieve your future goals and dreams. Bear wisdom is that all the answers and solutions lie within our own selves (and not in another person or source of information). By creating and taking the space to go within, we will find all our solutions and our inner strength. Through the power of introspection, the bear gains the strength to manifest in the present reality.

Beaver

Beaver is a builder,  and he carries a message about construction. Don't paint yourself into corners – leave a door open as an escape route. The presence of the beaver also speaks of the pleasure of achievement through perseverance. To accomplish a goal is a matter of teamwork and working with the "group mind", understanding the gifts of others, and acknowledging and honouring the talents and abilities of others. In working well – a community is developed. It is time to put your ideas into action and to complete a project that has been neglected. You could also be signalled to settle differences with friends or colleagues and Look for alternative solutions to your problems. Sometimes (and you will need to establish if there is value to this), the beaver's appearance can signal a time to watch your back. You may also feel drawn to ask yourself the following questions 

• Have I forgotten to allow room in my life for new experiences, or have I become closed to them?
• Do I resent having to work?
• Do I express my creativity – do I dream, or do I put my dreams into action?
• Do I allow myself to find obstacles and barriers to achieving my dreams - or do I see the picture and act upon it? Do I recognise that there is always a way around obstacles when barriers arise?

Life can be like a river sometimes... Large rocks might slow the progress, but the river flow never stops.

Buffalo

The Buffalo symbolises prayer and abundance. The message here is to allocate some time to "praying". Prayer doesn't have to be in the tradition of churches but can be a dialogue with your guides, angels, creator, God – whatever name you want to give them/him/her. It might even indicate that you are the answer to another person's prayers. Another thing to reflect on is the sacredness of life – we all have our own paths to walk in this life – sometimes, there is a parting of ways. Breaking away may sometimes leave us with sadness and, other times, a sense of freedom. The Buffalo reminds us that separation is part of the life journey - even predestined. Not all partings are permanent - sometimes, it is possible to reconnect further down the life path.   Sometimes the Buffalo appears as an omen of an imminent reconnection. Other times he signifies your desire for a reconnection with someone from the past.

Ultimately the central message of Buffalo is that without Divine assistance – we achieve nothing. Remain humble and grateful for the divine gifts you receive, hold those conversations and dialogues of gratitude with the higher powers, and see the abundance in your life manifest. If you need help- Buffalo reminds you that it is okay to ask for assistance and that if it is offered, accept with grace. Equally, when someone asks you for help, remember that gifting carries its blessings. It is both a gift and a blessing to be able to help others- and something to be truly grateful for!

Butterfly

​​When the Butterfly appears in your dreams or your life, it symbolises personal transformation - and shifting to a space of greater joy. It reminds you that life is cyclical - what goes up must go down, and equally, what goes down - will turn around and be upwards again. The Butterfly refers to transforming from the heavy dark phases of the soul to the lightness and positive aspects of life. It signifies a renewal or rebirth and metamorphosis of your personality. People who have been suffering from depression or darker emotions are reminded that life is about to upturn to a lighter and more playful time. The Butterfly prompts a person to shift their attention from the earthly and mundane to the spiritual and tune into positive emotions. From a reflective aspect- the Butterfly encourages you to consider where you are sitting with the four stages of life by asking the following questions:

• ​​Am I in the egg stage – is it an idea or a thought?
• Is this the larva stage – do I need to make a decision?
• Is this the cocoon stage – am I developing and doing something?
• Is this the birth stage – am I sharing my completely formed idea?

Also, explore your feelings and thoughts to establish if there is further action that you need to take, and become aware of how you respond emotionally and psychologically to situations.

Coyote

​The Coyote symbolises a master trickster with the capacity to fool themselves with their delusions. He is a survivor, and he may come out of situations bruised and battered, but still, he continues to self-sabotage. His saving grace is his sense of humour. He can laugh at himself and his foolhardiness after the events. He is often so serious he cannot see what is in front of him. When he presents in your life, he arrives as a caution. People can only delude themselves for so long before reality comes to 'bite', and expose a divine comedy of errors. Perhaps you want to know everything about everything, seeking knowledge for no particular purpose. Perhaps you are taking risks and revisiting situations simply to see if things have changed. One visit to dangerous situations can be sufficient - no need to do return visits. Ask yourself:

• Are you deluding yourself and/or others?
• Are you grounded and centred - or off with the "fairies" and not focussed directly on life in the NOW?
• Are you being tricked?
• Do you want to play pranks and jokes on others?

The additional message of Coyote is to allow yourself to have some fun, relax, and not be so intense. Use your humour to break the seriousness of occasions. Look at the positive side – and use your wit and skills to divert other people's nosiness into your personal life. Be aware that while Coyote medicine is playful and enjoys feeding misleading information to gossip, which is untrue and not harmful, but comes with consequences nonetheless.

Crow

​Crow is an omen of change, seeing both the inner and outer reality  Seeing past the obvious and into the darkness (or lighteness) that lies beneath the superficial  Put aside your fear of being a lone voice and call the shots as you see them  As you integrate your personal integrity or your inner voice as your guide in this physical world (through powers of observation) your feelings of isolation will vanish  Your personal will can emerge and you can stand in the power of your truth  Be aware and be mindful however, of your opinions and your actions  Be prepared to walk your talk  Know your life mission, and balance past, present and future in the here and the NOW  Change the way you have been in the past and shape yourself into the person you see yourself as in the future 

he crow can also symbolise that you are about to rebel against social conforms and norms and allow yourself to be, which may include stepping on some peoples toes – in  which case – make sure you have some back up  In seeing the truth of situations, you may be required to weed out behaviours that will not serve you or your cause in the future  Honor the past as your teacher, the present as your creation and your future as your inspiration

Deer

When Deer presents in your life or dreams, it reminds you that "Now"  is a time to be gentle with yourself and others. It is through gentleness that the wounds of our souls and hearts are healed. Healing cannot be forced or pushed through. Healing occurs only through the gentleness of love and kindness. Be kind to yourself, be gentle and allow yourself the time and space to heal. On the other hand, for those who have been struggling to recover after a great deal of time, your fears are blocking your recovery. It is time to release the fear and allow yourself to shift into the next phase of your life.

Dog

Dog brings the message of loyalty. People carrying dog medicine are usually found in charity work, philanthropy, nursing, counselling, ministering or the military. The news here is to explore your sense of service to others. Dogs will return to abusive owners through a deep sense of loyalty. Dog wisdom asks you to explore your sense of loyalty by asking the following questions:

• Have I forgotten that I owe my allegiance to my personal truth in life?
• Is it possible that gossip or the opinions of others have jaded my loyalty to a previous friend or group?
• Perhaps I am being mean because of the company I am keeping?

• Do I pass on gossip without considering the substance and truth of the information I am passing along?
• Have I denied friendship to a person trying to be my loyal friend?
• Have I been loyal and faithful to my own goals?

Loyalty is a good thing – blind or misplaced loyalty can lead to heartbreak. Question where your loyalties lie and if they are well placed. Review your friendships and associations and see where perhaps someone is your own loyal friend, and you have failed to acknowledge or notice them.