posted July 15, 2009 12:06 PM         

Yes, I think encounters are very important because they carry messages for your lessons or path at that time.

posted July 15, 2009 07:29 PM         

For instance, I don't normally see hawks in my backyard, but one day when I was thinking about some serious stuff while sitting on my porch, I saw a hawk fly to rest in one of my trees. I took that as significant and learned about its message, which was right on. I felt certain it was what is called a "messenger" totem. A friend of mine kept experiencing ladybugs landing on her and then one day had them all over her car, another messenger totem. We read about it and it was what she needed to hear to confirm her own feelings for that time in her life.

Another animal has been showing up in recurring dreams since I was 18. I consider it my power totem, as PA described.

Really anything that stands out to you, or that you have a fascination with, pay attention to it. It never hurts to do a little research on the animal and see if the message is applicable to you. It's possible you will open yourself up to noticing more signs, the more you learn about it. And asking for a sign can be a trigger to seeing it. I like the method that Lucia23 mentioned.

posted July 16, 2009 06:08 AM         

geemeeni - I've had similar experiences with Crows. They're always around me no matter where I go. I had this with butterflies for some time.

I find this site really awesome. Towards the bottom of this page is a list - if any of these deeply resonate with you - wow - the information is really wonderful.

http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/totemspage.html

posted July 16, 2009 04:41 PM         

Crow is the left-handed guardian. Crow knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is the keeper of all sacred law. There are several species of crow. Raven is one of these and magpies are another. Crow medicine people are masters of illusion. Do not try to figure crow out. It is the power of the unknown at work, and something special is about to happen.

***

Crow is also the guardian of ceremonial magic and healing. In any healing circle, Crow is present. Crow guides the magic of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new reality and dispel "dis-ease" or illness. You can rest assure when ever crows are around, magic is near by and you are about to experience a change in consciousness. Crow can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the void, which is the home of all that is not yet in form.

posted July 17, 2009 08:24 AM         

Transmutation, Dance of Joy

The butterfly is the symbol of change, joy and color.
It is the symbol of the soul.

They remind us that life is a dance,
not to take things quite so seriously.
They also remind us to get up and move.
Dance brings the sweetness of life.


Butterflies bring color and joy to your life.
Look at them and remember what joy is in your life,
if its a lot or a little, it is still joy.

They teach us that growth and transformation does not have to traumatic;
it can occur gently, sweetly, joyfully.