Eight Ways Animal Spirits Teach Us About Life

Ever since I can remember, I have been an animal lover and augurist. An augur is one who interprets signs or omens to predict or translate situations or events. Just as many ancient cultures believed, I've always felt that divine forces speak to us through nature. I can not distinguish an origin for this belief, as it is something that has been with me as long as I can remember.
Let me explain; perhaps one day you see a beautiful hawk soaring through the sky. It has a lasting impact on you and you think of it often, envisioning the way it made you feel. Shortly after this experience, you see a documentary on hawks and pretty soon you notice them everywhere; on T-shirts, in magazines and on telephone poles. You may start to look for them while driving, remember a hawk from your dreams, or acquire hawk decorations for your home. If you've ever wondered what drew you to hawks, or more likely them to you, you have already experienced basic animal augury or "animal medicine".

Since 1996, Sandy Sandy has been a professional fine artist and has devoted her
career to painting full time. After a divorce, she left behind a thriving advertising, illustration and sign company which she owned and operated for seventeen years. Sandy currently works in her spacious art studio from her NJ Pine Barrens home. Here she is inspired by the wildlife that visits her yard daily. A strong connection with animals and nature is evident in her choice of subjects. Her philosophy of spirit is woven into her work, where thousands of watercolors have given way to her flowing expressionist style.

Collectors of Sandy's original paintings can be found throughout Canada and the US. Commissions are always welcomed to create specific works for individuals and organizations such as The NJ Symphony Orchestra. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from Moore College of Art and Design and attended The Art Institute in Philadelphia. Having studied watercolor with many nationally known watercolor masters including those from the E.A.Whitney, Brandywine and New Hope Schools has given her roots that are strong in the American Art Tradition. Sandy currently provides uplifting, motivational and instructional content in her various free online communities. She also is available for speaking engagements, demonstrations, workshops and classes.

I feel like something very big is happening here. With a more evolved collective consciousness, anything is now possible!

An Awakening to the Presence of Animal Spirits

"My friend gifted me with your Animal Spirits book.
I walk through the woods every day and refer to it for guidance."
~ Doris Vaccaro ~ 3/23/07

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*All images and text on this lens are by

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If I could catch a rainbow,
I would do it just for you.
And share with you its beauty,
On the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain,
You could call your very own.
A place to find serenity,
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles,
I would toss them in the sea.
But all these things I'm finding,
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain,
Or catch a rainbow fair.
But let me be what I know best,
A friend that's always there.
A Hug Certificate - Author Unknown

"If you talk to the animals they will talk to you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them,you will not know them. And what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys."
~ Chief Dan George



The word "medicine" does not necessarily solely imply healing as it does to Western man. In Native American cultures, "medicine" refers to anything that stimulates one's link to the Great Spirit and to the entire web of life. The philosophy of honoring the interconnectedness of all things imparts considerable personal power, healing and knowledge. By understanding the basic essence of our fellow creature brother and sisters, we can tap into the significant lessons they offer. These relationships can be a fertile resource of growth and empowerment. Aligning ourselves with totems will magnify our enthusiasm and creative energies. Totems, derived from an Algonquian word meaning "my kin", are species which have shown up in our lives in one form or another. Awareness of their possible messages can and will enhance our self awareness and strengthen our bonds to nature and to the metaphysical.

A collection of my wolf spirit paintings set to the music of CUSCO, one of my favorite New Age Instrumental Groups. Like my painting, their work is inspired by ancient cultures and the spirit of nature. The song is titled Medicine Man and is on Apurimac III: Nature / Spirit / Pride.

"If you know that all is well, you know all you need to know. And if you know life is supposed to be fun, you know more than almost anybody else knows. And if you know that the way you feel is your indicator of how connected you are to Source, then you know that which only a handful of Deliberate Creators, respective to the total population, really know. The beasts all know it. Your animals know that all is well. Your animals live in the moment. They understand the power of their now. They expect the Universe to yield to them. They don't worry or fret or conjure or make laws or rules or try to regulate. They are Pure Positive Energy. Your beasts vibrate more on the Energy scale of contentment than of passion. Their desire was set forth from Nonphysical, and continues to be set forth by those, like you, who want Energy balance, who want sustenance. The difference between the beast and the human is that the beast is more general in its intent. The human is usually less blended, usually less allowing of the Energy to flow, but is more specific. And that is why the human is seen to be the Creator while the beast is more the balancer of Energy." ~unknown / Source: Abraham-Hicks

When communicating with an animal messenger, it is important to align yourself with the creature's energy by asking it for signs. For example, once while doing a Red Tail Hawk painting, I asked that Hawk show himself to me and let me know his spirit was with me in my endeavor. Looking out my studio window, I spotted a flash of white high in one of the pines. A beautiful Red Tail Hawk stayed there all morning as I painted. At lunch time I took a break and when I came back, he was gone. Once more I asked him to show just one more sign that his energy was still with me. After a few sinking minutes, the hawk was not in sight. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he soared just three feet from my studio window! Yes, Hawk was there with me that day, guiding my heart and hand! Being one of my long time totems, Hawk is usually close at hand whenever I call.

Everything the power of the world does,
is done in a circle.
The sky is round
and I have heard that the earth
is round like a ball,
and so are all the stars.
The wind in its' greatest power whirls.
Birds make their nests in circles;
for their's is the same religion as ours.
The sun comes forth and
goes down again in a circle.
The moon does the same
and both are round.
Even the seasons form a great circle
in their changing
and always come back
to where they were.
The life of a man is a circle,
from childhood to childhood.
and so it is with everything
where power moves.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

New Originals and Inspirational Content
is Published Twice-Weekly on my Spirit Art Blog

In the old days much wisdom was passed on through story telling. At tribal gatherings of feast and celebration, the elders of the tribe would often speak. It was at one such event that an old man stood up from the circle saying, "Listen to me, my children! I want to tell you about the wolves that live inside of me. And you should know that two such wolves live inside of each and every one of you! We are born with these creatures and they accompany us everyday on our earth walk. These wolves are constantly at battle with one another; rolling, lunging and tumbling around inside my body." All eyes were fixed on the storyteller as the flames illuminated his frail yet animated silhouette. "Why do they fight, grandfather?", someone called out from the crowd. "Well, let me tell you.", said the wise old man. "One wolf represents love, peace, sharing, good will, hope, knowledge and understanding. The other wolf embodies hatred, war, greed, jealousy, hopelessness, ignorance and fear." The aged orator froze and clutched his stomach as if in pain. The only sound was the hiss and crackle of the fire. Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, a youngster shouted out, "So grandfather, please tell us, which wolf wins?!" Pausing, the ancient one looked into the eyes of the people as if he could see inside. Finally he replied, "The one you feed".
~ As I remember it! ~ © Sandy Sandy, 2005

I just recently was introduced to this word, "cledon", in a book called
"Messages From Spirit" by Colette Baron-Reid.

The way I understand it, cledons can come from anywhere. It might be a dream, an overheard comment, a song on the radio, something that catches your eye or the conversation of strangers. In this book, Colette says a "cledon" is a spontaneous message from spirit that is innocently and unknowingly delivered to you by someone. I interpreted this as being someone (or something).

"Once you've asked for a message from spirit, go out into the world and listen." ~ Colette Baron-Reid

I related cledon to a situation that happened to me recently. My messages from spirit usually involve animals as well as people.

I woke from a dream that was quite alarming and unusual. It involved three bobcats and my cat, Princess. It really got my attention and I thought about it from time to time and tried to analyze it over the next few days.

That week I went to visit my sister in Florida who has a cat named Angel that looks just like my Princess. Seeing Angel brought back thoughts of the dream. Our Angel had been hit by a car a year ago and I kept relating the two cats to the dream.

The last day I was there, we came in from shopping and Angel was pawing franticly at the back sliding glass door. Nobody was home and she had been left out in the screened in area around the pool unsupervised, probably for a long time.

That evening, Gaile and I and her husband were sitting around her screened in pool with her two cats. Just as we were about to call it a night, Tiger, fell into the pool. She couldn't get out and was panicking. I flew off my chair and on to my stomach where I scooped the poor kitty out of the water.

I think the cledon was a warning to make sure Gaile did not leave the cats unattended in the screened area because of the pool. We also had a friend lose a cat to drowning in their pool this year, so you can imagine how emphatic I was about making sure they understood what could happen if the practice continued.

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"This Spirit Art Portrait" can be seen on my
Spirit Art Blog ~ March 5, 2007 ~ Love Of Cats ~

2/17/04 ~ Dear family & friends ~

I feel I have been blessed with more than a handful of special paintings in my career as an artist. The highest echelon of these creations are born when serendipitous occurrences take place. These events confirm to me that I am exactly where I am meant to be. This is the story of one of my newest depictions where I feel divine intervention came into play. For several weeks prior to this, I had been concentrating on painting owls. Coincidentally, I had seen Terri's picture and article in the local paper and it inspired me to produce a watercolor that tried to capture the power of that occasion. This letter was written by Terri Loy. She is a woman of Native American ancestry, to whom this piece now belongs. She works at a local wildlife refuge, Cedar Run. I hope you don't think I'm bragging.

"We believe" this is a story with such "magic" that it should not be kept to ourselves.

~ Sandy
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On January 22, 2004 Terri Loy wrote this e-mail to her friends & family:

Because you are family in one sense or another......................You will permit me to boast!

I had a surprise at my mailbox earlier this morning! It brought me to tears. It is incredible and I am truly touched and honored by it. It was a note from a new person in my life who happens to be friends with Sandy Sandy. For those of you who are not familiar with Sandy Sandy, she is a truly gifted artist of watercolor. I believe she is blessed with great spiritual vision that flows through her physical being onto her paper. Before I tell the surprise, you must hear the story. For every picture holds a story to be told.

A large female Great Horned Owl came to the rehab unit at the refuge in the fall of 2002. She was diagnosed with a severe case of West Nile Virus. She was not expected to survive. After months of supportive care by the caring staff of the rehab, the owl was transferred to a secluded outdoor unit to begin the process of reentering her wild world while taking a little more time for a full recovery. I paid particular attention (as if I don't with all the raptors :) to this owl because of Ed. He really took to this owl because it was a "Miracle" that she survived. She came to be known as Miracle. We were all astounded by her remarkable recovery. As time went on, a set back was recognized. The rehab unit found Miracle to be neurological. The virus while running its course has a tendency to affect the brain. This was so for Miracle. She displayed the head ticks, "crazy eyes," being unbalanced in posture and motions along with other indications. This deemed her unreleaseable. She now would live a life of captivity with the other GHOs.

Again, her life took a turn in the summer of 2003. As I toured school children and others through our wildlife unit, I recognized that Miracle's behavior was changing. I watched as summer became fall. I was intrigued that Miracle had great accuracy in her landings after short flights. She also was the queen of the roost. These observations were of those when one watches a bird in the wild not of one who suffers from a condition. I took my beliefs to the rehab. They immediately placed her in the flight cage to test her flight and hunting capabilities. Wow! A bird who came out of a neurological condition! Another miracle. And so, for me, as I would suppose for those who cared for her...the owl came to be the "Miracle at Christmas."

On December 13, 2003, Jeanne and I headed into Mt. Laurel (the owl's original homeland) to release Miracle. I was asked to go for the folks who found her had requested my presence. I had done a program with them the previous year. Again, what a honor to be remembered and requested by the children of whom I hope to plant seeds amongst. How could I not drive from the shore early on a Sat. morning to fulfill the wishes of the little folks? And our lovely Jeanne, as she will do, invited Dave Borelli who is a photographer for the local paper, the "Central Record" to take photos of the release. (Yes, I am not fond of my mug being photographed, but in this case Jeanne is given my thanks for this special surprise would never have happened.)

Two nice photos ran in the Central Record on Jan. 1, 2004. A beautiful shot of Miracle perched in a tree after the release and another of my mug releasing her. Dave captured the moment that Miracle had me feel how powerful she was. When I took her from the crate, she was facing me. I wanted to turn her around so that when I cast her skyward, she would be directed to fly towards the trees for a safe landing. Well that bird opened her wings and I felt her power. I decided not to risk losing her while trying to turn her around in my hands. I decided to heave her over my shoulders, praying that I would not end up with talons in the face as I let her go. Miracle's flight was fantastic! She swayed and swooped amongst the tree edge through the small clearing. Of course she didn't go where I expected her to, however it was a fantastic release!

Sandy has painted the moment of power. I can't help it...I want to share "Lifting Miracle Free". (as I call it). I am anxious to see Sandy and just hug her for capturing that moment in such beauty and spirit. I must wait a week for Sandy left this morning on a visit to her parents in Florida.

Yes, you are permitted to kick me for showing off a little. Hey, I am only human!
I can hear some of you...I know I'll be kicked!
Terri
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While I was in Florida, Janet-Jackson Gould, the director of the wildlife refuge contacted my husband Jerry and expressed her desire and that of the refuge's owner, Jeanne Woodford to purchase the piece for Terri. "She's such a positive influence and has done so much for us here at Cedar Run over the years, this would be a perfect token of our appreciation to her"; Janet said. Shortly after I arrived home, the deal was sealed. As I understand it, it was quite an emotional surprise presentation for all involved! I only wish I could have been a "fly on the wall" for that one! The day after she received the painting, Terri surprised me by showing up at my studio, her new acquisition and this letter in hand, accompanied by my friend Janis Lengyel and her neighbor, a new drum circle friend, Lou Ketcik. We all talked like old friends for a couple of hours about animals, birds, spirit, miracles and destiny. All too soon, the visit was over. I was not able to focus the rest of the day; other than on all the "Miracles" that I have been so generously blessed with.

Wishing you all love & abundance always,
Aho ~ Sandy

On the morning of March 23, 2007, I went outside to take care of my animals and found two large matching deer antler sheds laying side by side on the ground. They looked as if they were placed there most deliberately, like they had fallen off the way they had grown. All day, I tried to think what the sign may mean, but couldn't come up with any conclusions. That afternoon I got bucked off my horse in the forest and took my first ever ambulance ride. I broke the head off my humerus of my left arm. There were many small fragments and the doctors were afraid I was going to need surgery. With nothing but time on my hands, I got to work and meditated several times a day on positive healing energy, envisioning the fragments getting sticky and attaching to the bone. I often meditated while focusing on the deer antlers I had been gifted. My accident provided a great revelation to me and has confirmed my perceptions of animal spirits and my path in life. I now see how important it was to slow down and listen to spirit's whisper in order to grow and evolve. The evidence of divine guidance presented by the antler sheds was confirmed by other factors too. They were found on the East side of my property, symbolizing new beginnings. They were facing North which represents wisdom. The number two represents patience. As in all antlered species, the deer's rack is symbolic of antennae which provide heightened perceptions and connections to the divine. It was not until my healing got under way that I could see this experience as the powerful gift from spirit and the incredible and validating Universal Guidance that is was.

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From two Spirit Art members, here are some quotes on Spirit:

In stillness I hear spirit's voice, not universal clutter. (Rev Kathy Graves)

Perhaps this is your time to think, to rest, meditation time to learn more oneness with the Universe. (Jean Kitchens)

Busy keeps us from spirit's whisper. (Rev Kathy Graves)

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Today's painting is very symbolic in content, design and colors. The number two symbolizes patience and intuition. The green symbolizes growth, abundance and a fresh approach to life while the purple antlers symbolize spiritual development, power and wisdom.

Two Fawns ~ "A Gift From Spirit" ~ 16" x 20" original watercolor by Sandy Sandy

I have a half a dozen lifelong animal guides that have been with me as long as I can remember. Sometimes creatures will come into our lives for a brief time however. These animals present us with a certain energy to help us through a temporary situation.

For three weeks, starting the day I got hurt, I had two very large, noisy crows conspicuously present in my yard. The number two represents patience and Crow's predominant powers are those of healing and change in consciousness. Black is the color of the great void and home of ancestor spirits. These birds are symbolic messengers from that realm and are considered a good sign of magic and protection. They affirmed my path during my healing process and helped open my eyes and mind to the wonder and spirit of Universal Guidance. Once my healing was well under way, the noisy crows disappeared.

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Here are some quotes on Wonder:

"We artists have this deep sense of wonder that arose in our childhood and has dominated our lives. "This is what makes us all very special people, no matter what our level of pictorial interpretation." ~ Leonard Niles

"It's good to wish for and look forward to the wondrous things in life." ~ Mary Smart

"The true wonder of the world is available everywhere, in the minutest parts of our bodies, in the vast expanses of the cosmos, and in the interconnectedness of these and all things." ~ Michael Stark

"Artists and poets try to recapture and recreate the wonder that we all remember feeling as children. Maybe that's why we are called visionary." ~ Marney Ward

From My Spirit Art Blog ~ September 25th, 2008 ~
The Spirit Land
In a lecture called "The Spirit Land", Joseph Campbell compares Native American mythology and religion to that of our Western World's Christian-Judaism beliefs. Joe says; "There is not a conflict between mysticism and science. There is however, a conflict between the science of 2000 BC verses 2000 AD. If you look at the basis of religion as myth, you see that it was composed by people a very long time ago. It has nothing to do with the experience of our lives today and we are in trouble for it. The Old Testament speaks of man's superiority over nature, and refers to it as that which has been given to him to take and to master." This last observation is in direct conflict to my own spiritual beliefs and to those of most Native American cultures.

"This we know; the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself." ~ Chief Seattle

If you wish to receive these letters twice a week in your mailbox, just contact Sandy with "Spirit Art Subscribe" in your email.

Turtle is an ancient symbol of Mother Earth. In the Orient, turtle symbolized prophecy, longevity and immortality. Native American cultures linked it with motherhood and wisdom. Turtle is of the water and also of the earth. The water represents our emotions while the earth keeps us grounded and focused. The turtle tells us to slow down, go with the flow and enjoy the journey.

Quotes on Journey by Joseph Campbell:

"If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's."

"The hero journey is inside of you; tear off the veils
and open the mystery of your self."

See Sandy's 2007 and 2008 Spirit Art Archives here.

From My Spirit Art Blog ~ January 24th, 2008 ~

In this extremely fast pace world, we all need to stay flexible. More than at any other time on earth, things are changing at an amazing rate. We can all learn a lesson from the symbolism of the mountain sheep. Its special attributes include a thick coat that repels the elements, suction like soles that cling and an elastic frame that allows it to absorb shocks and do things impossible to others.

Quotations on Flexibility:

"Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail." ~ Lao Tzu

"God turns you from one feeling to another and teaches by means of opposites, so that you will have two wings to fly, not one." ~ Mevlana Rumi

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This story takes place long before the arrival of white men to Turtle Island. It was a time of scarcity for the indigenous people of this land. There was not enough food, clothing or shelter to go around. Neighboring tribes were constantly battling over what little resources were available. Something had to be done, so the elders called a counsel. As they were discussing possible solutions, one of them spotted a lone figure far in the distance. When the person drew closer, they could see that it was a young woman, clad in a beautiful white robe and carrying a bundle that was also wrapped in some kind of skin. She had an angelic appearance and so they trusted her and were not afraid. She drew them to her side saying, "A time of great abundance is near, but you must learn to work together and tap into the power of the Great Mystery". With those words, she unwrapped the bundle and took out a beautiful pipe. "This is the sacred pipe", she said, filling it with special herbs saying, "It's smoke will make our earthly prayers visible and deliver them to the heavens". She taught them to give thanks and combine prayer with proper action to obtain what they needed. The young prophet stayed with the wise men until day turned to dusk. When it was time to leave, she rolled on the ground three times. As she rolled, she turned into a white buffalo calf. No sooner had the calf disappeared across the horizon when herds of bison started drifting in and grazing all around the outskirts of the Indian camps. Because of White Buffalo Woman, the early Native Americans experienced a time of plenty for many years and woman were given a more equal status with men. This is why I like to think of White Buffalo Woman as instrumental to woman's empowerment and liberation.
~ As I remember it! ~ © Sandy Sandy, 2005

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