What is your spirit animal?
Can you be both spiritual and skeptical?
I certainly am. If the concept of spirit animals seems woo-woo, and that's not your thing, I encourage you to keep reading. Within the "woo," there is wisdom in the wild. A few days ago, I spotted a stunning bird in my backyard! I’ve lived in Florida my entire life—it is the first time I have seen an osprey. As I marveled at its beauty, the bird began to dance.
Watch the video above!
But let me back up a bit. I was literally in the middle of a work call when the osprey landed on the top of this tree. And right in the midst of discussing ways in which I will expand EVERY SOUL HAS A STORY. I stopped mid sentence and asked the person if I could call her back in a minute. For those of you who know me, that minute multiplied; thankfully, she understood. When I sent her the photos and video, she joined my fascination.
As always, my curiosity needed to be quenched. So I googled the meaning of this majestic being and here's what I learned:
Osprey Symbolism
When the creature enters your day-to-day existence, it’s to encourage you to ask yourself, “What is your heart’s desire or what will nourish your soul?” Are you moving toward your goal or not?” If the answer is the latter, Osprey teaches you the art of moving outward and upward toward a vibrant, new destination, position, or thought process. The osprey’s coloring represents Yin and Yang harmony, the Masculine and Feminine Divine, and balance in all things.
Osprey energy places a strong emphasis on respect for others and yourself. You don’t take well to people when they disrespect boundaries but will forgive an unintentional breach. You offer the same respect to others, honoring the limits they set. With Osprey People, integrity matters.
WOW. Timing truly is everything. Grateful for this gift and affirmation. It is spot on.
This isn't my first encounter with an animal during a pivotal or purposeful time. Ladybugs have epic meaning for me. (And, yes, I know that's an insect. I will write about that in a future piece!).
See the images above? Each of these animals have crossed my path in unexpected places.
Fox Symbolism
The fox raced right in front of me, three times in a week, during a trip to Vermont. I've been going there for fifteen years and have NEVER seen a fox during winter. It stared at me. I could’ve felt afraid but instead I admired its reddish coat that contrasted with the fluffy, fresh snow. Keen, knowing eyes peered into mine. The first sighting I'd viewed as a special moment. But when we met twice more, I needed to know. There had to be a reason, right?
The fox is often associated with the figure of the trickster, but as a spirit animal, it can also turn into a teacher providing guidance on swiftly finding your way around obstacles. If you follow the fox totem wisdom, you may be called to use or develop quick thinking and adaptability. Responsive, sometimes cunning, this power animal is a great guide when you are facing tricky situations.
The symbolic meanings associated with the fox are:
Physical or mental responsiveness, increased awareness
Cunning; seeing through deception; call to be discerning
Ability to find your way around, to be swift in tricky situations
Affinity with nocturnal activities and dream work
Owl Symbolism
This summer, a tiny owl perched on a rotted pole that we almost demolished. I am so glad we didn't! I squealed, grabbed my daughter's hand, and we planted our bare feet in the damp grass. The owl hung out with us, no exaggeration, for more than an hour. Do owls live in Florida? Yes. Is it common to see them in your backyard. No.
The owl spirit animal is emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most. When the spirit of this animal guides you, you can see the true reality, beyond illusion and deceit. The owl also offers for those who have it a personal totem the inspiration and guidance necessary to deeply explore the unknown and the magic of life.
Symbolic meanings for the owl are:
Intuition, ability to see what others do not see
The presence of the owl announces change
Capacity to see beyond deceit and masks
Wisdom
The traditional meaning of the owl spirit animal is the announcer of death, most likely symbolic like a life transition or change.
Uncanny timing once again. Ivividly recall questioning a few situations that just didn't feel right. I also decided to listen to my inner wisdom regarding a particular person's intentions. And much more.
Cardinal Symbolism
I've only seen a cardinal here in South Florida one time, and it appeared during a heart wrenching chat with a dear friend. We were talking about someone who died, and it "happened" to be the anniversary of her exit.
The Cardinal’s red color symbolizes those qualities it shares with the sun: passion, enthusiasm, liveliness, heat, and strength in a person’s heart. Metaphorically elated to the sun and fire, it represents the sun’s warmth and fiery energy. The Cardinal encourages us to realize our hidden talent through our actions and work ethic as well as through our words.
Symbolic meanings for the cardinal are:
Strong self-confidence
Physical and mental alertness
The ability to adapt to circumstances without problems, and even to start from scratch
The importance of family, ancestors and home
Loyalty
Protection
Importance of sharing with others
Spiritual connection with the forces of the whole universe and intuition
*Sources: spiritanimal.info, whatismyspiritanimal.com, and spirit-animals.com
Coincidence? From my point of view, there are no coincidences. And I believe messages morph and arrive in different forms.
💜 Do you believe in spirit animals?
💜 Have you had any encounters?
If you'd like to read more, here are two articles I found interesting!
- How to Find Your Spirit Animal
- 10 Things To Know About Spirit Animals