A few years ago as I was driving along the Mass. Pike heading back home to NJ, I asked my angels and spirit guides a question about my business. I asked them to give me a sign of a hawk since I have felt for years that hawk was either one of my totem animals or my spirit messenger.
Now I’ve read and been told that when you ask your angels for a sign, you must at least give them a few days for it to manifest. So it’s important to pay attention and be patient. Also, my asking for a sign of a hawk wouldn’t necessarily mean a real live hawk. It could be a picture or the word seen anywhere. For example on TV, on a sign, or in a book.
So I took in a deep breath, asked my question and to please show me my sign. Then I exhaled fully and within seconds, literally, there at the top of a tree was a beautiful red-tail hawk. I laughed out loud because I couldn’t believe how quickly I had gotten my answer. For the next couple hours I saw about a dozen hawks. One even swooped down from the sky crossing my path on the highway. Every time I saw one, I smiled, chuckled and said, “I get it, I get it!”
According to Ted Andrews in his book Animal Speak; the spiritual & magical powers of creatures great & small, hawks are powerful birds that “can awaken visionary power and lead you to your life purpose. It is the messenger bird, and whenever it shows up, pay attention. There is a message coming.” (pg. 153) Well, I got my message loud and clear. Since that afternoon years ago, I continue to see hawks. Many in trees, a few swooping across my path and even some standing on the ground only a few feet from me. Every time I see one I feel it telling me it’s OK to pick up my pace and focus more on this task. I say thank you, I’ll do it at the pace that works best for me at this time. The feeling that vibrates within me when I see a hawk nothing short of awesome. I feel gratitude, love and a deep connection to spirit.
There are other animals that I know make up my animal totem. The mountain lion was the first one I became aware of in a dream when I was 13. Dog is another one. Each animal has a special meaning in my life, but I feel there’s at least one more waiting for me to discover.
Whether or not you know what animals are on your totem, you can call on the spirit of any animal for guidance in life situations. This site might help you to identify what animals could be on your totem. If discovering your animal totems feels like something you’d like to learn more about, I highly recommend checking out Ted Andrews’ book. There is a wealth of information on animals from mammals to insects.
Happy Spirit Hunting!
Namaste’
Stephanie