​Nocturnal creatures seem to evoke eerie & frightful sensations in popular imagination.  There’s something creepy about the dark unknown that gives us over to our fears.  Throughout the ages, stories & mythologies conjure frightening or so-called “evil" images from the dark nighttime hours & the creatures who hunt & scavenge during those times.  In many cultures, for example, Owls & Bats have been known as death-omens or harbingers of evil-will directed against us.

Moving through Autumn, we recall what has happened this year, we tend to evaluate where we're at, look ahead to where we are going, and begin to make some adjustments to our course – hopefully to keep ourselves more on-target, even if it still seems so far away. As we walk into our holiday seasons of gratitude & sharing & compassion, we also prepare to withdraw & take more time for home & family & self. In today's industrialized societies & modern conveniences, we still have work & school, less of a tangible food harvest & not as much for weaving that new blanket this winter and spring clothes… But, we reap our harvest rewards in different ways. We spend holiday & new-year “vacation" times differently. We share generously with communities, groups, family, or friends in different ways.

​The Wheel turns and causes that which is connected to move.  There are many philosophies the world over that describe the experience of ups-and-downs and cyclical movements.  We use it to describe seasons and time, growth and experiences, our place and direction in this vast universe.

​Totem Animals are Spirit Helpers to us.  Once the connection is recognized, they will travel with you throughout life.  I say it this way because the connection is already there but, depending on our perspective, we may not recognize that we have a connection to Nature, Animals, or Spirit.  

A Power Animal may be a very close guide along our journey.  We recognize a kinship, deep respect, or inspiring awe with a particular animal or kinds of animals.  But, as we grow and change and our lives change, we may not always feel the same strong connection or affinity.  Therefore, a Power Animal may be seen as a guide who could stay-or-go as we journey in life, unlike Totem Animals which are Spirit Helpers so deeply connected to us that they often remain in that role throughout our journey.