Did you ever see a raven swoop suddenly from the sky and cross your path of travel as you were driving down the highway? Have you ever been walking alone in the woods, thinking about something that has been troubling you, only to be startled by the movement of a moose in the brush? Perhaps you're noticing animals in all sorts of ways in your daily life. Do you wonder if some of these animals have a special message for you? If so, what is it?

Obviously, every single time you see a particular bird or animal, it may not be an omen (unless perhaps it is). I carry a small notebook and pen in my pocket, so that I can record "sightings" wherever I may be. If I can, I also write down what I was thinking or talking about at the moment of the sighting. At a later time, I can then contemplate what the animals came into my life to tell me.

When you see an animal in a strange or unexpected way, it is often a good idea to ask yourself: is this sighting of special significance (e.g., an omen) for me? If you feel something "in your gut" (you might even feel a tightening in that area), then pay attention! You can also ask, right on the spot, what that message is, and see what pops into your mind.

If you carry a pouch of tobacco or other herbs for ceremonial purposes, you can drop a pinch when you get a special message from the Universe through her animal kingdom as a thank you. If you're not prepared to do that, a verbal thank-you always shows respect.

A good way to start tuning in to the guiding power of animals is to consult a resource, such as Ted Andrews' books (Animal-Speak and Animal-Wise) or any other book that you especially like on the subject. There are also several web sites that list the various "medicines" and attributes of different animals. (A favorite of mine is http://www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/.)

Take your list of the animals you encountered in a given day and arrange them in order of "importance." Do this intuitively and quickly. Next, go to your source book or web site, and look each of them up. The above-mentioned web site is very handy because it gives short phrases or ideas in a list for each animal. Go down the list, reading each item, and jot down the one (or ones) that speak to you, next to the name of each animal.

Then, arrange this list of phrases into a general statement. Here's an example from my journal. On this particular day, I encountered raven, bluejay, and macaw:

Raven -- Recovery, Reflections/Mirrors, Change in Consciousness.

Blue Jay -- Bluebird: Movement to new level of being

Macaw -- Pair bonding.

MESSAGE: Recovery (of one's) reflections/mirrors (creates) a change in consciousness and movement to new level of being (through) pair bonding.

Work with your phrases, trying to keep them as close to the original as possible, though adding in your own connecting words to make a message. The full messages can be quite surprising. If you've noted what you were thinking or talking about at the moment you sighted the animal, take this into consideration. You may relate it to the animal's message, and then to the day's message.

I've also started noting a direction in relation to my animal sightings (either the direction of where the animal came from or where it was going). Sometimes animals come in groups or numbers, as well. For example, you might see five ducks or you might encounter horse medicine three times in a daylong period. The same technique can be used to determine what the medicine of the direction or number is by using books on these subjects. A book that I use for numbers/numerology information is Linda Goodman's Star Signs. For information on spatial directions, I like to use Brooke Medicine Eagle's Buffalo Woman Comes Singing.

A faster and more personal way to determine an animal's message to you is to go to the source. If you can do so at the time of the sighting, ask the animal what it has to tell you by tuning in to its essence or the deva overlighting its kingdom. If you're driving or busy at the moment you see the animal and can only make note of it, you can always call on the animal or deva later when you have more time.

Whatever ways you choose to hear the messages of the natural world, it is an empowering and wonderful thing to do for yourself. Many individuals use these techniques for personal growth and enlightenment. It's fun too! White Bear does Word Medicine and Ally Medicine readings for people, and Wellness Consultations (using holistic and spiritual healing methodologies) to help companion animals. She can be reached at 907-357-5400.