I think many of you may recognize the start of my title; it’s from a poem by William Blake. You may wonder why I mention it, but it started not so long ago when I took part in a planetary healing group meditation teleconference, under the guidance of Nicki Scully (Shamanic Journeys). Oh, I have known we have animal spirit guides or power animals for a long time and that they can change in relation to changes in our lives – but, I had always thought they would be an animal in the same general geographic locale. During that meditation I was shocked to meet a TIGER! Not, exactly an animal that would be living in the woods around my house. While the meditation was intended to use the group energy in healing for the plant life, animals and earth in general on all levels, focusing our thought-energy toward seeing a future world healed, lush greenery and sparkling, fresh water, etc. We were to envision whatever animal or human spirit decided to join us, going along for the healing for the planet—to my complete shock, I was joined by a TIGER!
Of course, I first thought the tiger was merely an etheric assistant for that working visual, however, it never left when the journey was finished. In fact, it popped into dreams, I saw pictures of tigers so often and in various places; even the nature TV shows seemed to feature tigers – this all told me the tiger had more in mind for being “here”. I wouldn’t bother my blog readers with a personal addition of a spirit/power animal, but it occurred to me that this would be useful to inspire others in their own quest to know more about “what” their power animal might be and “why”. While most people take things like this either at face value or view the very idea with a skeptical disinterest, I decided to share my research as an example of the process. Of course, I would not bother with all this if the animal popped into a dream or I spotted it alongside the road, but this one I sensed needed me to look at it for more than “muzzle” value. Especially, interesting was that a tiger had appeared when I have little knowledge or real interest in the symbolism or cultures of the Far Eastern lands. It was quite a shock to have that BIG striped CAT walk right up to me in that mental forest, staying by my side throughout the journey; even reappearing when I visualized standing atop the Dendur temple, Egypt. Indeed, this puddy-tat needed my attention!
Many people knowledge spirit guides, in particular, we all have at least one power animal or animal spirit guide. And like most people I know, I also take mine for granted more than I should – even as I am fully aware that they can change, new ones be added or old ones become obsolete as we progressed spiritually. During many readings my clients will ask if I can tell them what their spirit animal might be; sometimes animals “show up” in my mind’s eye to ask me to tell their person they wish to help. Most of them are indigenous to the location of the person; but sometimes completely incongruous to their culture, geography or even lifestyle. You can guess how that stirs the imagination; and rightly so. It is then important for the individual to study on why the animal is there or how their unique characteristics “fit”. Sometimes, it is those oddities that create the greatest effectiveness of the power animal in one’s life or spiritual growth. For that reason, here is my process to discover the aspects of a tiger to clarify WHY it wants to help me – remember they are rarely just there for only one reason or intend to aide in one area of what’s happening with you. It is most important to understand the symbolism and unique characteristics of your new friend (whether it is a physical or etheric) and why it has entered your life at any particular moment.
Of course, like most things with metaphoric value, its aspects or qualities do not always stick to the memory like glue – in this case, Tiger not gorilla glue – so with each new power animal, I suggest research will weed out the various aspects as they relate to your life. Because I knew only what the Animal Channel presented about tigers, I needed to LOOK through my research books for more. I decided to use my research notes to, not only paste onto my brain, but also to share what I learned about the tiger with my readers. It can exemplify how you can also research more deeply into your own spirit animals – also might help with spirit guides – if you decide to know more of the WHY they are there each time a new one appears in whatever manner it chooses to get your attention. Apply your research on the animal to the current circumstances of your life, which can aide in knowing if the animal is to be a permanent addition to the “spirit crew” or just “passing through” to help only for a short while.
The following are my notes collected from reference books in my library regarding the tiger. I have thus come to realize it is here as a moderate term spirit animal guide related to my “current situation/events” and received during that synchronistic (and significant) healing meditation – sort of the “way into my world” – but, in no way do I mean to diminish the value of that marvelous planetary healing session or the enigmatic role the tiger played in my mental role playing, which essentially added to the cauldron of energy stirred by an expansive group of fellow callers. Because the tiger arrived as a helper in the meditational healing for the earth, it apparently means to stay as a new personal power animal for me. I can say the tiger was wild and free, but came to literally open my mental cage filled with self-doubts or fears and set me free so we could accomplish more with my life path . . . or maybe, the tiger has – returned.
Oh, I should say that the reason I believe the tiger came as a power or animal guide was because of how vividly it appeared during that meditation and since it has popped into dreams, I keep funning across pictures or TV shows with tigers, and many more appearances—all of which led to writing this blog and declaring it so. Ironically, the first most famous lines of the poem by William Blake literally kept dancing through my thoughts randomly, as if the Tiger were sort of chanting to me as best I can describe it. As I said before, it was crazy (I thought at first) to think I could have a tiger as my spirit animal when they certainly are not indigenous to the US other than in zoos. Now every time I spot a tiger in any form, I seem to sense there is so much more to learn about it and why . . . therefore, I began looking thru my library for information on its symbolism as it might link with my life. Similarly, you can do the same info gathering whenever a new spirit animal (or human or other kind of spirit guide) comes trotting and purring into your life. I chose three of the various references in my personal library; much of the following applied (I did include the source in entirety just in case TIGER might surprise you with a personal application either as your own power animal ready for an appearance OR just because reading this strikes a chord of truth within you heard for another reason – Remember, there are NO coincidences; only synchronicities!) and some things already applied.
AND TO ALL, A SUNSHINE AND GENTLE RAIN SUMMER . . .
Of course, I first thought the tiger was merely an etheric assistant for that working visual, however, it never left when the journey was finished. In fact, it popped into dreams, I saw pictures of tigers so often and in various places; even the nature TV shows seemed to feature tigers – this all told me the tiger had more in mind for being “here”. I wouldn’t bother my blog readers with a personal addition of a spirit/power animal, but it occurred to me that this would be useful to inspire others in their own quest to know more about “what” their power animal might be and “why”. While most people take things like this either at face value or view the very idea with a skeptical disinterest, I decided to share my research as an example of the process. Of course, I would not bother with all this if the animal popped into a dream or I spotted it alongside the road, but this one I sensed needed me to look at it for more than “muzzle” value. Especially, interesting was that a tiger had appeared when I have little knowledge or real interest in the symbolism or cultures of the Far Eastern lands. It was quite a shock to have that BIG striped CAT walk right up to me in that mental forest, staying by my side throughout the journey; even reappearing when I visualized standing atop the Dendur temple, Egypt. Indeed, this puddy-tat needed my attention!
Many people knowledge spirit guides, in particular, we all have at least one power animal or animal spirit guide. And like most people I know, I also take mine for granted more than I should – even as I am fully aware that they can change, new ones be added or old ones become obsolete as we progressed spiritually. During many readings my clients will ask if I can tell them what their spirit animal might be; sometimes animals “show up” in my mind’s eye to ask me to tell their person they wish to help. Most of them are indigenous to the location of the person; but sometimes completely incongruous to their culture, geography or even lifestyle. You can guess how that stirs the imagination; and rightly so. It is then important for the individual to study on why the animal is there or how their unique characteristics “fit”. Sometimes, it is those oddities that create the greatest effectiveness of the power animal in one’s life or spiritual growth. For that reason, here is my process to discover the aspects of a tiger to clarify WHY it wants to help me – remember they are rarely just there for only one reason or intend to aide in one area of what’s happening with you. It is most important to understand the symbolism and unique characteristics of your new friend (whether it is a physical or etheric) and why it has entered your life at any particular moment.
Of course, like most things with metaphoric value, its aspects or qualities do not always stick to the memory like glue – in this case, Tiger not gorilla glue – so with each new power animal, I suggest research will weed out the various aspects as they relate to your life. Because I knew only what the Animal Channel presented about tigers, I needed to LOOK through my research books for more. I decided to use my research notes to, not only paste onto my brain, but also to share what I learned about the tiger with my readers. It can exemplify how you can also research more deeply into your own spirit animals – also might help with spirit guides – if you decide to know more of the WHY they are there each time a new one appears in whatever manner it chooses to get your attention. Apply your research on the animal to the current circumstances of your life, which can aide in knowing if the animal is to be a permanent addition to the “spirit crew” or just “passing through” to help only for a short while.
The following are my notes collected from reference books in my library regarding the tiger. I have thus come to realize it is here as a moderate term spirit animal guide related to my “current situation/events” and received during that synchronistic (and significant) healing meditation – sort of the “way into my world” – but, in no way do I mean to diminish the value of that marvelous planetary healing session or the enigmatic role the tiger played in my mental role playing, which essentially added to the cauldron of energy stirred by an expansive group of fellow callers. Because the tiger arrived as a helper in the meditational healing for the earth, it apparently means to stay as a new personal power animal for me. I can say the tiger was wild and free, but came to literally open my mental cage filled with self-doubts or fears and set me free so we could accomplish more with my life path . . . or maybe, the tiger has – returned.
Oh, I should say that the reason I believe the tiger came as a power or animal guide was because of how vividly it appeared during that meditation and since it has popped into dreams, I keep funning across pictures or TV shows with tigers, and many more appearances—all of which led to writing this blog and declaring it so. Ironically, the first most famous lines of the poem by William Blake literally kept dancing through my thoughts randomly, as if the Tiger were sort of chanting to me as best I can describe it. As I said before, it was crazy (I thought at first) to think I could have a tiger as my spirit animal when they certainly are not indigenous to the US other than in zoos. Now every time I spot a tiger in any form, I seem to sense there is so much more to learn about it and why . . . therefore, I began looking thru my library for information on its symbolism as it might link with my life. Similarly, you can do the same info gathering whenever a new spirit animal (or human or other kind of spirit guide) comes trotting and purring into your life. I chose three of the various references in my personal library; much of the following applied (I did include the source in entirety just in case TIGER might surprise you with a personal application either as your own power animal ready for an appearance OR just because reading this strikes a chord of truth within you heard for another reason – Remember, there are NO coincidences; only synchronicities!) and some things already applied.
- ANIMAL GUIDES, by Stephen farmer, PhD. --- Remain focused, be very patient and you’ll soon receive a surprise that will help achieve your goal more quickly than expected. You’ll soon find a way of healing from a physical edition or an emotional disturbance very quickly followed by a noticeable increase in vitality. Create a space in your home that is completely yours, one where others may enter only with your permission, and take the time to enjoy the solitude of the space for some time. You’ll soon be experiencing a surge of passion and power that will remain with you for some time. Get ready for a new adventure one that may present some challenges but will introduce you to some dramatic changes in your life. Call on tiger, saying: “I am trying to accomplish something very important and need to remain persistent and steadfast in my quest.” You’re about to strike out on your own after being in a dependent relationship for some time. You need to bolster your confidence and self-esteem. You’ve been bored with the same old routine and want to experience something more adventurous. Your studying mysticism or mythology, especially as it concerns Tigers. If Tiger is your power animal – your naturally clairvoyant, with the gift of prophecy that become stronger and more evident as you age. You are a healer and due to your strong tactile sensitivities your best vehicle for healing is performing some kind of bodywork. Your solitary and nocturnal and your best work is done at night. You’re adventurous, powerful and passionate, and enjoy life to the fullest. You enjoy playing sports, particularly ones that are physically demanding.
- DICTIONARY OF SYMBOLISM – CULTURAL ICONS IN THE MEANINGS BEHIND THEM, by Hans Biedermann, translated by James Hulbert --- In symbolism the tiger appears naturally only an Asian tradition, where it’s power inspired fear and wonder. Gods and heroes wear tiger skins. In ancient China the third sign of the zodiac is named for tiger (corresponding roughly to Gemini, which is ironically my zodiacal birth sign!) and the animal is so revered that the Chinese avoid speaking its name that is: “hu”. They substituted for that using formulas such as “the king of the mountains”, etc. The tiger was esteemed because it drove off or devoured wild boar, which threatened farmer’s crops. The Tiger’s vitality and energy explain its association with Yang (the white or albino tiger is associated with Yin), as well as autumn and the West. “White tiger” in Chinese is also a term of scorn for a quarrelsome woman. Even demons were said to fear Tigers; this is why stone figures of Tigers were often placed on grave markers. The image of a tiger on the door post was also believed to keep demons away from a dwelling. Tutelary gods were dispatched riding on the backs of Tigers. In South China there was even a “Were-Tiger” tradition, according to which humans could be turned into Tigers. Medieval beastiaries praise the “motherly love” of the female tiger and noted that hunters routinely exploited her maternal instincts placing a round mirror on the ground into which she would look and then mistake it for a tiger cub, which she would then attempt to nurse (a similar ruse is proposed to save humans who are being pursued by a tigress). It is not clear whether the “manticore” described by Pausanius and others as a fabulous monster, was in fact a tiger. The most familiar tiger for Western readers is the one addressed in William Blake’s, “SONG OF EXPERIENCE” (1794).
- THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SECRET SIGNS AND SYMBOLS, by Adele Nozedar -- the word tiger conjures up notions of fierceness, swiftness and also great beauty. To fight like a tiger is to fight with great savagery. In China the tiger rather than the lion is the king of beasts and, like the lion, symbolizes nobility, power, ferocity and authority. There is a theoretical difference between the tamed and untamed tiger – the former being somehow able to direct and control its savage nature, whereas, the latter is a much more dangerous proposition for being governed by raw animal passion rather than reason. The tiger is believed to be a shape shifter and shamanic humans have the power to transform into the beast. As with all magical and powerful animals, the name of the tiger is rarely spoken, but is referred to euphemistically; i.e., “the king of the mountains”. The savage power of the tiger also makes it a symbol of protection; it would be a great asset to have this animal on your side, especially since they are supposed to be able to consume evil spirits with no adverse effects. Because of this, effigies of Tigers were placed in graves. The symbol of the tiger is used also as a charm by gamblers since the animal is said to be able to guard money. --- There are 5 Tigers in Chinese Myth, which guard the universe from every direction: a RED Tiger in the South, BLACK in the North; BLUE in the East; WHITE in the West: and the Tiger of Spirit in the Center is GOLD, which is also the emblem of the Chinese Emperor. The dichotomy of the tiger symbolism – as a savage creature that also protects – is demonstrated perfectly by its place in Buddhist belief; along with the monkey (symbolizing greed), the deer (symbolizing love – sickness), the tiger representing anger is one of the three Senseless Creatures of Chinese Buddhism. Conversely, in Tibetan Buddhism, the tiger takes its place is one of the four Dignities where it represents confidence, awareness, kindness and modesty. Buddhists also see the tiger as a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual illumination.
AND TO ALL, A SUNSHINE AND GENTLE RAIN SUMMER . . .
