Spirit Guide hopping in Minneapolis

I was listening to Chicks on Speed through my Sony Walkman MP3 CD-Player, when I saw something in an alley. It was very still, and on the other side of Franklin Avenue by the Peace House. It looked like a ball or possibly snow, but being in even a rarely used alley this was odd. So I hoped it was a rabbit - and it WAS! This all while walking home from work at 12:46 A.M.

You may not find such a thing to be significant - but I do. I picked up a copy of the Edge Life holistic journal, and read an article about animal spirit guides. I already know my spirit guide - a rabbit. But since returning from Iraq ( where I saw no rabbits) I had not seen one. I have seen a bald eagle on my way to work, and your typical urban animals like squirrels, cats, dogs, pigeons - but no rabbits. I was slightly concerned, because when you see an animal quite frequently when others are not - you know it is your spirit guide reminding you of its presence and its lessons. And today, I saw one - the same day I felt more concerned about it since I first stepped into Iraq. ( there I did not truly have a spirit guide as the military kills all forms of life on its bases except humans and palm trees )

As shamanism is the oldest religious tradition - there are variations on what a rabbit spirit guide means. But it is also based on who the person is and what their needs are. I am rabbit because that is what bet suits me. Being a vegetarian is probably the biggest. But I do fit other qualities as listed from various sources:

Rabbit - alertness, nurturing

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RABBIT

The rabbit never goes far from its burrow as it timidly searches for vegetable foods to supply its growing family. There are over twenty four species of rabbits in America and many more around the world. Rabbits serve as a perfect example of nature's balance as nearly all predatory animals eat rabbits, but because they multiply so fast, their numbers are kept fairly constant. Quick reflexes and keen observation skills are its two most important traits.

The Rabbit: Teaches us about fear and now to overcome it. Mr. Bunny lives in with fear every moment of its life, yet it is the most prolific critter going , they are everywhere, blast of speed on 4 feet, gentle , yet don't ever corner one you will learn quickly that Mr. Bunny is perfectly able to defend itself :) Fear has its place in the scheme of things, we need a "certain" amount of it , it keeps us out of trouble. We "fear" fire for good reason , it can burn us, but does this mean we don't use it ? No we respect it and treat it with the care it deserves .This is the lesson of the Rabbit .. Fear ?.. Maybe but don't let it run your life ,go on and live , with care and respect and you can live well

Steven D. Farmer, the Author of "Power Animals" has this to say:

"Animal spirit guides also teach you when they show up in your dreams, meditations, or ordinary reality. When they do, whether or not the animal is your power animal, they're attempting to give you a message. When an animal shows up in ordinary reality in an uncommon way or at unusual times, such as an owl in the daytime, a deer in your front yard, or a whale out of season, this is most definitely an omen. Pay close attention to whatever's going on and see if you can discern the message. You may have to meditate on the experience before gaining some insight as to the meaning, and it can be helpful to consult this book or other resources as to the significance of that particular animal.

"Another powerful omen is when an animal shows herself to you frequently or persistently (at least three or more times) in a short period of time, such as over a few hours. It can be the actual animal, a symbol for the animal such as a carved figure or totem, or the printed word for the animal. Pay close attention and see if you can discern the meaning. If Deer shows up three times in relatively rapid succession, is this a call for gentleness with yourself or someone else? If it's Hummingbird, are you missing the joy and sweet nectar of life by your narrow focus? These signs don't tell you their precise meaning; they're merely trying to get your attention. The meaning is for you to discern."

And so I will discursively meditate (Metta Bhavana) on what Rabbit has to teach me. But when I see rabbit, I do feel that I am on course in life. Kind've a relief sometimes when life seems so chaotic. ;) If you need to overcome Fears .. ? Call on the Spirit of the Rabbit