In Native American tradtions, “medicine” is considered anything that is healing and improves our connection to Great Spirit and all life. This includes healing of the mind, body and spirit. Medicine brings you in harmony and balance with your Higher Self resulting in deeper consciousness and awareness of the true essence of love. Animal medicine is simply the healing messages from animals.

Observing how animals live is one way to gain greater understanding of the medicine that they carry and the wisdom they can teach us. However, my experience has been that connecting with an animal telepathically, through animal communication, is a deeper way of receiving the animal’s insights and medicine.

All animals are sentient beings and when we are open to receiving their messages of wisdom and love, we have the opportunity to receive healing. This, in short, is what animal medicine is about: connecting with the healing aspect of an animal.

There are a number of books available about animal medicine. Ted Andrews is a well known author and some of his most popular books include Animal Wise and Animal Speak. My personal favorite is Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson. These and other books can be helpful references at times. However, I prefer to ask the animals who show up in my life what their message is for me at that particular moment. I encourage you to consider that an animal visitor may have a particular message for you that is a special gift of insight in that moment. Connecting telepathically through animal communication with whomever shows up, be it bumble bee, opossum or chipmunk, can give you the opportunity to receive that unique healing message.

Admittedly there are certain characteristics associated with each animal that we may all resonate with. For example, deer is often considered to be gentle, spiders weave the web of life, fox is skilled at camouflage, and hummingbird joyfully drinks the nectar of life. Yet, the medicine of bear, coyote, panther or eagle for one person may not be the same messge for another. And what a message is from rabbit, horse, snake or fly one day may not be the exact message on another day. Animal communication is organic and no animal represents one specific message to all of the people all of the time.

Being humble and receptive and inviting the animals into our lives to teach us can open many new doors of consciousness. When an animal crosses your path in life, consider asking them what healing message they bring to you. Be still… quiet… open… receptive… and listen. You may be amazed at what they have to share with you and the healing message that you receive. Honor and respect them with your gratitude for their generous gifts.

This is the first post in a series of Animal Medicine teachings. Please join me in exploring the enriching world of animal medicine.