Our Animal Guides

Animals as Spirit Guides

Swami Mojo was our beautiful doggy! He lived a good, long life, but that didn't make losing him any easier. We still see him. I often feel like he is around me. I even think that he had a hand in us finally getting another dog, the beautiful Rosie. I believe that animals, pets or not, can guide us and teach us! Animals have been revered as spiritual beings and guides in various cultures and belief systems throughout history. As spirit guides, animals are believed to offer wisdom, protection, and support. When someone loses a beloved pet, the concept of that pet continuing to guide and watch over them can be incredibly comforting. I know it helped my family!

Understanding Animal Spirit Guides

Animal spirit guides, also known as totem animals or power animals, are spiritual entities that take the form of animals. They are believed to provide guidance, protection, and insight into one's life path. These guides can appear in dreams, meditations, or through repeated sightings in the physical world.

The Role of Pets as Spirit Guides

When a beloved pet passes away, many people believe that their pet's spirit can continue to stay with them, offering comfort and guidance. The bond between a pet and its owner is often profound, and the idea that this connection transcends death can be deeply reassuring.

• Emotional Support: Just as they did in life, pets can provide emotional support from the spiritual realm, helping their owners cope with grief and loss.
• Protection: Pets can be seen as guardians, watching over their owners and protecting them from harm.
• Guidance: Pets as spirit guides can offer subtle guidance in life, helping their owners make decisions and find their way.
• Connection: Maintaining a spiritual connection with a beloved pet can help keep their memory alive and provide a sense of ongoing companionship.

Signs Your Pet May Be a Spirit Guide

• Dreams: Many people report vivid dreams of their pets after they have passed away. These dreams often feel very real and can provide comfort.
• Sensation of Presence: Feeling the presence of a pet, such as sensing their weight on the bed or hearing their familiar sounds, can be a sign of their spiritual presence.
• Repeated Symbols: Seeing symbols or reminders of a pet, such as their name or similar animals, can indicate their guidance.
• Unusual Animal Behavior: Encounters with other animals behaving in unusual or affectionate ways can be seen as messages from a pet spirit guide.
• A faraway sound: People often hear their pet as a faraway voice.  That faint meowing that doesn't seem to come from anywhere else or that wonderful "boof" that sounds far away.  Your pet may be trying to get your attention.  If you hear faint sounds, stop and listen.  Ask them to please repeat again.
• A voice in your head: This is probably my all-time favorite.  You have a thought that sounds like a voice, but the voice isn't yours.  You are getting advice or guidance, especially in a meditative state when you realize someone in there is talking to you.  Listen carefully.  Can you recognize something about that voice that reminds you of your lost pet?  Try talking with it.  Ask if it is them. Continue meditation to see if you can strengthen this connection.  

Cultural Perspectives

• Native American Beliefs: In many Native American cultures, animals are seen as powerful spiritual guides. Each animal holds specific qualities and lessons, and pets are often revered as family members whose spirits continue to guide their owners.
• Celtic Traditions: The Celts believed in the Otherworld, where spirits of the deceased, including pets, reside. These spirits can communicate and provide guidance to the living.
• Shamanic Practices: Shamans across various cultures believe in animal spirit guides that assist in healing and spiritual journeys. A pet’s spirit can act as a powerful ally in these practices.

Anecdotes and Experiences - from around the internet

• Sarah's Cat, Whiskers: Sarah lost her cat, Whiskers, after 15 years together. A week after Whiskers passed, Sarah dreamt of him sitting by her bed, purring contentedly. The dream felt incredibly real, and Sarah woke up feeling a deep sense of peace, convinced that Whiskers was still watching over her.
• Mark's Dog, Buddy: Mark often felt his dog, Buddy, jump onto the bed even after Buddy had passed away. The sensation brought comfort during difficult times, and Mark believed Buddy’s spirit was staying close to protect him.
• Anna's Bird, Tweety: Anna’s bird, Tweety, had a unique chirp that she often heard in her house even after Tweety's passing. These moments reassured Anna that Tweety was still with her in spirit.

How to Honor a Pet Spirit Guide

• Create a Memorial: Setting up a small memorial space with photos, toys, and other mementos can help keep the pet’s memory alive.
• Meditation and Reflection: Spend time in quiet reflection or meditation, focusing on the pet and the happy memories shared. This can help strengthen the spiritual connection.
• Talk to Your Pet: Speaking to the pet’s spirit can be comforting and can help in expressing feelings and seeking guidance.
• Incorporate Symbols: Use symbols or objects that represent the pet in daily life, such as wearing jewelry with their name or carrying a small token that reminds you of them.

Our Beloved Pets

The idea of animals as spirit guides provides comfort and a sense of ongoing connection to those who have lost beloved pets. These spiritual relationships highlight the deep bonds between humans and animals, emphasizing that love and companionship can transcend physical life. Whether through dreams, sensations, or symbols, many people find solace in the belief that their pets continue to guide and protect them from the spirit world. I know we have. Losing our Mojo hurts to this day and I suppose it always will. But that little glimpse I get of him, or a thought that makes me think of something silly he used to do, brings comfort. I still have the chair he was sitting in in the Swami Mojo picture. I believe he is around!

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