In an ever-changing world some people struggle with how to move forward into the unknown. I know that in the past I have encountered challenges with change due to an egoic need to control outcomes. Being in the flow of life can be easier said then done. Perhaps it is because of the pandemic or other major events that have occurred globally that I have spent the past few months pondering change and how we can navigate it with grace. It was the recurring visitations from the natural world that presented some solutions that I thought I would share.
Over the course of August and September 2021, I have noticed certain species of animals and insects enter my world, some repeatedly, as if I couldn’t get the hint. The spider visitations were numerous starting with a large, wolf spider approaching me outside on the deck and then in the dark living room, dark office and dark bathroom. Key word here is dark, because as it seemed, the visit during the day did not keep my attention. This was a big spider that moved like lightening across the floor so as a self-trained spider wrangler, I had to act fast. Nothing fancy required, just a container and some paper and lots of courage. For me, catch and release is the only way to go. Because these visits were so close together, I could not help but wonder what is spider trying to teach me? Spiders symbolize the spirit of creation and feminine energy. With the dark ambience of the visits, it reminded me of the seed that germinates in the depths coming to the surface to be nourished by the light. We are not meant to know everything before it happens, creation occurs in the dark realms of the unknown. Spiders have multiple eyes which teach us to view things from different perspectives. They are also patient hunters, allowing time to observe the unfolding of events and acting at just the right moment. I was following a bread crumb trail but that is the language of Spirit.
In my neck of the woods, we experienced a fair amount of rain this summer and this coupled with a large shade canopy provided the perfect conditions for slugs. At first, I was annoyed because they were enjoying a petunia banquet every night. I would pick them off and relocate them but they were so plentiful. Eventually I gave in, sharing my space with these creatures. Slugs are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. Spiritually they represent both the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine energies and therefore represent strength, balance and fertility. Here again, I was having an experience with another insect that represents creation. The message I get from slug is to embrace both our feminine and masculine aspects within each of us, to balance these energies.
My backyard is home to many squirrels that taunt my dog and swing from the bird feeders. They are actually quite enjoyable to watch with their daring leaps from branch to branch, kind of like The Fool in tarot. Some days they are quite vocal which inspired me to explore the teachings of squirrel. Squirrels teach us preparedness by gathering nuts and seeds for the leaner months. They love to chase each other through the trees and demonstrate balance between work, rest and play giving them overall well being and harmony. They too have a hand in the creation game as many of their stores are forgotten and end up sprouting up through the soil in spring. With this, Squirrels teach about the concept of gathering and giving.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the outside water bowl had a little salamander in it. I feared that it would end up in my dog’s belly if I didn’t release it under a Hosta plant. I was surprised to see one so small and out in the cooler temperatures. One of the attributes that stand out for me about the Salamander is its ability to regrow its tail and limbs. The Salamander is suggesting to us to call upon our internal resources to produce the development we seek. The salamander is cold blooded and we can learn adaptability from this creature. Rather than fight change Salamander asks us to adjust to our environment, to flow with the changes (because I found it in water).
As I reflected on these different encounters with the natural world, I realized that the ones that got my attention all started with the letter “s”. Another breadcrumb perhaps? The letter “s” is the 19th letter of the alphabet. The number 19 is comprised of the number one, its prime number 1+9=10 1+0=1 representing new beginnings and 9 which signifies endings. This makes it a special number because as one phase ends a fresh start is ready to begin. From, Angel Number 19 Meaning – Hope For A Better Tomorrow – SunSigns.Org, number 1 gives you the aspect of having the courage and fearlessness of tackling new beginnings. It also symbolizes independence and leadership. Number nine has an aspect of success and satisfaction in it. It is a number that also symbolizes the sharing and open-heartedness of helping the less fortunate. 19 signifies success in new beginnings. Self-assurance and determination are constituents of 19.
During this time of contemplation, I heard “the recipe for living with and embracing change”. Does the natural world have it all figured out? If one has the patience and keen observation of the spider, the balanced energies of the slug, the ready for anything attitude of the squirrel and the adaptability of the salamander they could endure anything. If we add some of the aspects of the number 19, such as courage, independence, leadership, self-assurance, determination and open-heartedness then there would be nothing to fear as change approaches. While the external world offers much advice and wisdom, we must remember that we need to go within to find what resonates with our inner being and works for us. What is your recipe for living with and embracing change?