Kestrel Two Feet

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  • Understanding Dragonfly Symbolism: Emotions and Transformation

    Understanding Dragonfly Symbolism: Emotions and Transformation

    A while back I had a dragonfly land on my arm while I was meditating. It rested there for some time before flying off. I felt like it was looking me straight in the eye. I’m still not very awake yet and was unable to “hear” his message. Luckily, I have resources to help guide me.

    A dragonfly symbolizes the power of light. This is because its wings are iridescent and appear to change colors, depending on how the light hits them. They are associated with both air and water elements. They can also symbolize change and transformation. A dragonfly’s most powerful time is during the long summer days. The heat of the sun gives it its energy. They can be a sign of a need to face our emotions. Or to be aware of illusions.

    What resonated with me the most was the emotional aspect of dragonflies. The water element is tied to emotions. The dragonfly’s connection to the water element can signify that we need to express our feelings. We should allow ourselves to be open with our emotions. There is a lot of emotion in my life right now. I feel that the dragonfly came to show me that emotions are not bad. We need to be safe to feel whatever emotions come to the surface.

    I also feel that the dragonfly’s ties to transformation and change were a part of its message. I have been having the feeling that big changes are happening in my life right now. The dragonfly was probably trying to guide me through some of those changes and provide a small comfort. Thank you, dragonfly.

  • Understanding Dreams: The Symbolism of Juvenile Animals

    Understanding Dreams: The Symbolism of Juvenile Animals

    It’s been an interesting week. I still keep seeing young raccoons on my morning drive. And last night I head a very vivid dream involving a juvenile tiger, and groundhog. In the dream there was a facade within a building. The tiger appeared within a group of people and approached me. I was afraid it would attack me, so I guided this animal back to its mother and their cage. I could not get it inside the cage. The dream shifted to a different room with a box on a counter. The box was lifted by someone else, and a juvenile groundhog crawled out from under the box. What does it all mean? That was the topic of my meditation today.

    First, why am I having so many encounters with juvenile animals? Raccoons, tigers, groundhogs, deer, even birds. The message I received was that juveniles represent transition. They are neither adult nor infant, but in the process of changing from one to the other. It represents that I am in the process of transitioning between one version of myself and a different one. I am neither Michelle nor Kestrel, instead being somewhere in between.

    The tiger symbolizes power and passion. It can be a sign of me coming into a power that I’ve denied myself for centuries. It can be the power of storytelling, a talent I’m trying to develop. Tigers also come in many colors. A year ago, I felt the presence of a black tiger. In Chinese lore, it is a symbol of the north, winter and water. I was too afraid to communicate with it then. Maybe this dream was a way to get me more comfortable with the tiger within me. But then why was I afraid of the tiger. My fear was symbolic of the actual fear I have to embrace my power and let it out. My fear of change. Once I start to let go of all my fear, I will be able to work better with tiger. This partnership will bring about a brighter future.

    That leaves the woodchuck, or groundhog. The groundhog is symbolic of the dream state and dreaming. He is a guide to lucid dreaming and altered states of consciousness. My first instinct was that the groundhog was there more as a helper than as an actual messenger. A groundhog can symbolize the learning of new skills and discovery of new talents. He was in my dream to let me know that tiger was something for me to learn and grow from.

    What should you take away from this? Listen to your guides. I have been seeing young animals so often, because I have not been listening to their message. I need to open up more and allow myself to receive more.

  • Interpreting Raccoon Sightings: Symbolism and Meaning

    Interpreting Raccoon Sightings: Symbolism and Meaning

    This week brought a lot of raccoons into the picture. Every day on the way to work, I saw young raccoons. One or two of them were crossing the road in front of me. My instincts told me that they were trying to tell me something. Their age was important to the message. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available. It is unclear how a juvenile animal’s message can differ from that of an adult of the same species. Still, after looking a little longer, I found one source which led to an answer.

    What is the general meaning of seeing a raccoon. Often times their facial markings are symbolic of wearing masks. And of hiding your identity. It can also symbolize surprises in your future. One sight explained it as serendipity bringing about positive changes. I felt drawn to this interpretation for many reasons. Mostly the perfect timing of the sighting. They stepped onto the road at the perfect time to be in my headlight beams. And with plenty of time for me to stop.

    Raccoons can live on their own at about 20 weeks of age. My source explains that this can mean a 20-week cycle for changes to come about. This is especially true if you are making these changes and trying to hide them until the right moment. These guys were clearly newly on their own, so they were probably right at about that twenty-week age. It also probably indicated that I was at the beginning of that cycle. Being new in the spiritual world, their young age, probably also indicated my being newly in this world.

    Some of you are probably asking “How do I know that these animals were speaking to me?” I often ask that myself. Living in a very rural setting, I cross a lot of wildlife. And not all of them are giving me a message. In this case, it was the frequency of the sighting. How often does anyone see a young raccoon? Let alone 2 at the same time? For 4 days in a row? The other way I know that they were trying to convey a message, is how they looked at me. Every time we crossed paths, they looked straight into my eyes, much like when talking to someone. Most animals do not look straight at you, but more around you. And finally, there is a knowing. You just know when the animal is important. And what about that animal is important. You may not know what they are saying, but you know they are saying something. At that time, I often will make note of what is important, species, age, frequency. Later I will meditate on those important aspects and try to tease out the message. Online resources and books will often help me decipher their language.

  • Understanding Grounding: Benefits and Techniques

    Understanding Grounding: Benefits and Techniques

    For someone just starting out, one of the more important aspects of meditation is grounding. What is it and how does one achieve it? These are some good questions with many answers.

    First, what is grounding? Grounding is the act of connecting with the earth. Some studies have shown that grounding allows a flowing of negative ions out of the body. Some say it is realigning the electro-magnetic field surrounding your body. For me, it is simply about connecting. Connecting with earth, with each other, with my soul. Since I have started implementing grounding techniques into my daily life, I have seen huge improvements. My mood is better. My blood pressure is lower (by 20 points both systolic and diastolic). I have more energy. I think everyone can benefit from doing some simple grounding exercises.

    How do I practice grounding? This is easy. I try to walk barefoot in the grass every day. This can be anywhere from a few steps to a mile if I’m feeling energetic and the ground is soft. It is probably the easiest and cheapest way to ground yourself. Another good grounding technique is eating grounding foods. Many foods, like dark chocolate, can also have a grounding effect. The best ones are root vegetables and pure cacao. I enjoy a cup of cacao every morning. I replaced my coffee with cacao as a way to help reduce my caffeine consumption. Ironically, I feel more energetic and clear-headed without the caffeine. As for root vegetables, carrots, potatoes and beets are all good choices. Even better if it’s organically grown and harvested.

    Some practitioners will use magnets for grounding. Running a magnet over your head is said to help remove negative ions. Doing the same on the soles of your feet can also help. I use magnets about once a week and have had positive experiences from it.

    There are also several companies out there that sell grounding products. Everything from sheets to mats to shoes. Most of these products work similar to the grounding of an outlet. It plugs into the outlet and uses the ground to essentially connect you with the ground. Grounding shoes work by putting copper or another electrical conductor in the sole of the shoe. This allows for a quicker exchange of ions through a smaller surface area. I have not tried any of these products out, so cannot comment on how well they work. I am interested in purchasing the shoes. I want to get the same benefits I experience in the summer during the northern winter days. Without getting frostbite in the process.

    I am interested to know what others have used for grounding and how they felt about them. Let me know your favorite grounding techniques and products.

    May you all have peace in your hearts, love in your life, and abundance overflowing.

  • Meditation for Beginners: How to Clear Your Mind

    Meditation for Beginners: How to Clear Your Mind

    Many find meditation difficult because it is hard to focus. You sit down to meditate. Instead, you find your mind racing down a rabbit hole of things you want to do. Things you need to remember. Even when you can push those things aside, you find your head filled with images and words. The most difficult thing for me is to clear my head of all words. I can clear my head of images, but I still hear words. Why is that? And how to overcome it?

    The why is easy. All our lives, we have been conditioned to fill our every waking moment with something. We never let ourselves be bored. “Idle hands do the devil’s bidding.” If we are not working, we are actively engaged in hobbies. If we are not working on our hobbies, we are watching TV or our phones. We are always doing something while doing something. Listening to music while doing chores. Watching TV while working on a hobby. Just sitting and allowing your mind to be blank and unengaged is considered negative. So, the idea of actively letting your mind be still and silent has been worked out of us. It feels wrong, against our nature.

    Another reason why is the idea that we can’t control our thoughts. It is a myth that we can control what we do with our bodies, but we can’t control our thoughts. It has been an easy excuse when someone’s thoughts slip out. Our facial expressions often betray what we are thinking. It is a lie that has been told over and over again. “I can’t help the way I feel.” “I can’t control what pops in my head.” And we believe it. The truth is you can control your thoughts. It just takes time and practice.

    Now for the hard part, the how. If you’ve never meditated, or at least never had success at it. I would recommend trying some guided meditation apps. I have used Insight Timer, Medito, and Serenity in the past with some good results. Another tactic I’ve started using is to focus on the sounds around me. Since I am usually outside, it’s filled with the chirping of crickets and bird songs. By trying to focus on my hearing, I stop thinking. The key is to simply listen, don’t try to figure out what you’re hearing. Just let the sounds be heard. Think of it like going to a symphony performance. There are no lyrics. You’re not trying to listen to only one instrument but instead listening to the group as a whole. As you listen, you’re not analyzing the piece, you are simply enjoying it. Sometimes I find it helps if my eyes are closed, other times it helps if their open.

    Another technique which has helped me clear my mind, is to do a body inventory. This is basically putting your attention on your physical body and noticing all the sensations you feel. The hard part is not labeling or analyzing the sensation, just allow yourself to feel it. I find myself often feeling a bug crawl on me and instantly think “bug” and want to identify the bug. While I have seen improvement, I can only go for a few minutes without some word or image popping into my head.

    The moral of the story is “Don’t give up”. Even the most seasoned meditators still have days when they can’t focus. By continuing the practice, you will see improvements.

  • Bald Eagle Spiritual Messages: Courage and Strength

    Bald Eagle Spiritual Messages: Courage and Strength

    As I was driving yesterday, I saw a bald eagle perched in a tree. I felt that he had a message for me. But I was driving too fast at the time to connect with him (or her). So, today during my meditation, I asked to connect with them. The message I received was to be strong and courageous. I’m not one to take things at face value. So, after my meditation, I did some research. There are many spiritual meanings to seeing a bald eagle. I found at least 15. And yes, there are consistent strength and courage meanings connected with them.

    The first part of the message was “Have courage”. One reference said that bald eagles can inspire people to have courage. They encourage individuals to face their fears. They motivate them to venture into uncharted territory. I was going through a tough time. And worried about finances. This message helped me to realize, that I can face this difficulty and come out better on the other side. I am still concerned about my finances, but it no longer consumes me. One reference also stated that bald eagles are a sign of abundance. They are a reminder that the universe will provide. Very fitting.

    The second part of the message was “Be strong”. Again, my research confirmed this message. They can be a sign of the power within you. A message to be resilient. And to face your obstacles head-on. We are stronger than we can imagine. If we just use that strength, great things will happen for us.

    It still amazes me when I get a message. Even more when I actually confirm with outside sources that I wasn’t just making that up in my head. I plan to use this message. Take it and run with it. Or should I say fly with it.

  • Interpreting Groundhog Symbolism: Lessons from Nature

    Interpreting Groundhog Symbolism: Lessons from Nature

    Much has been happening lately. I have been seeing a lot of groundhogs lately. This can have several meanings. The first possibility is the significance of its ability to dig. This can be symbolic of digging into a new area of study, usually with a 2-year time span.

    Groundhogs are also symbolic of the death. Mostly because of its hibernation being death-like without the animal actually dying. It is often associated with lucid dreaming and altered states of consciousness. During the winter the groundhog hibernates, slowing down all metabolic functions. It is a sign that with the coming winter I should look to my dreams. Remember them and learn from them.

    I should also take this winter to start really digging into my Druidic studies.

    I have been seeing the number 3 in many places as well. Most of my research has pointed to this being a sign from my spirit guides to explore my creative side. I have begun writing some stories, I think they are telling me to focus on those stories.

    What patterns have you been experiencing in your life? Let me know, and I’ll tell you what they mean.

  • Discovering Your Elemental Balance

    Discovering Your Elemental Balance

    Balance. We all strive for it. But most can’t seem to find it. I have always known that I am strong in both fire and water elements. But I am weak in the air and earth elements. What we are most drawn to is where we are imbalanced. For example, I am drawn to the mountains, which represent both air and earth. I feel at home in large bodies of water, but do not feel like spending my vacations in the ocean. I have no wish to visit volcanoes. My dream vacation is in the mountains and in wooded areas. I love flying. These traits would point to a desire to get stronger with my weaker traits.

    Why is this important? Being very strong with the fire element, I have an explosive temper. While anger can be a powerful motivator, it can also be very destructive. My water element strengths simply suppress the anger and don’t allow it to do what it needs to do. This has led to years of pent-up frustrations leading to rage. By balancing this fire and water with something like air and earth, I can better control my anger. This balance allows me to use my anger for better purposes. And not be so destructive. Someone who is strong in the air element may be more flexible. They might just do whatever the wind decides (think of a dandelion seed). But they will not have a direction for their future and look back on their life with regrets. They miss out on opportunities.

    How can you discover which elements you have strength in and which ones are weak? Look at your desires and look at your strengths. I’ve always been a great fire builder and I’ve never lost control of one. But building paper airplanes. Couldn’t get one to fly if my life depended on it. But I love being on top of a mountain and in an airplane.

    Here are some ideas of various things linked to the various elements.;

    Volcanoes – Fire

    Bodies of water – water

    Mud – combination of earth and water

    Mountains – Combination of earth and air

    Forests – earth

    Flying – air

    This may seem like common sense. However, it gives you an idea of what to look for. It also guides you on how to think about your various strengths and desires. Also, look within yourself. Listen to your inner guides and wisdom. Intuitively, we all know what we need. We just need to acknowledge it and act on it.

  • The Bravery of Seeking Meaning: A Journey Beyond Suicide

    The Bravery of Seeking Meaning: A Journey Beyond Suicide

    Today I had a realization about suicide. Suicide should never be the answer to a problem. It is cutting short what the soul is trying to achieve within this lifetime. Someone who feels that suicide is their only option has a life misaligned with their soul. In order to break free from the despair, you must discover your soul’s true purpose for your current life.

    I am very familiar with the despair that leads one to choose suicide. I have thought about it many times when I was younger and even attempted once. Suicide is not a cowardly act. Ending one’s own life is the bravest (and most misguided) thing a person can do. But I say again, it is NOT the answer. I felt this way when I was a teenager. I felt out of place in my family, school, and especially church. I felt that much of what I was taught was incorrect or misinterpreted. When I had a break from this feeling, I thought I was just missing love. I believed I was missing connection. However, the feeling would return every now and then, especially during times when those connections were strained. It has only been recently that I learned of my true purpose here. As I start to discover why I am here, I feel more peaceful than I could imagine. I feel hope for the first time. I feel positive. It has not been easy. I have had to unlearn everything I was taught as a child. I have to learn a whole new way of living. I sometimes miss the old me, and then something wonderful will happen. And I am glad I am on this journey.

    So, my advice to anyone who feels this despair, the pain, that drives one to end it all, is to keep going. Search your shadows to learn why you are hurting. Push yourself to discover your true soul’s purpose. Search for the truth. And don’t stop until you find it. Because once you do, it will be amazing. It took my 50 years to discover myself and my purpose. Don’t give up. You can do it, I have faith in you.

  • Exploring Past Life Connections and Their Impact on Today

    Exploring Past Life Connections and Their Impact on Today

    The cardinal returned to me today. It reminds us of the cycle of 12, whether it be seconds, hours, days, months, or years. It can also be a sign to watch you eating and eat more mindfully. This was a message I definitely needed, as my diet has not been great lately. The cardinal can also be a sign of past life connections. This is something else I am dealing with a lot lately. I have been trying to study a past life of mine. Which has a significant impact on my current life today.

    It always amazes me how things that happened long ago influence our lives today. Imagine if Ben Franklin had never discovered electricity. Would someone else had discovered it later? Would it not be known even today? Where would we be as a society? Would we still be farming with horses and plows? Reading by candlelight? Some might call this “The Butterfly Effect”, others fate or destiny. I’m not sure what to call it. All I know is that it continues to fascinate me. What are some things which amaze and fascinate you?