Lately, I have been thinking about animal totems. They say to look in your environment at the animals who keep appearing because they have something to teach us. Regardless, if you believe in animal totems or not, I am sure you can believe that animals are great teachers. So, which animals are in my environment at the moment? Which ones shall help me to become more wise? I believe it is the horse who will aid me on this spiritual journey.
Why, you ask? Well, my son takes lessons in riding and caring for horses and so I have spent some time around them. I always seem to feel calm around them which teaches me to slow life down -- even if for only a few hours. No computers, no phones -- just sit and observe these magnificent creatures breathe in and out or trot around the corral. Or I can just pet their snouts and then receive the beautiful kiss of a sneeze (always after I have taken my sunglasses off, mind you).
I was reading somewhere that the horse (as a totem or spirit guide) signifies travel, power and freedom. It is there to help you overcome obstacles and embark on new journeys. You will learn to ride and, possibly, embrace the new directions that life has set afoot at your doorstep. More than that, the horse will help you to feel free and empowered when embracing this new direction - this new change.
I write this after many, many difficult but transformational years in seminary. On Tuesday, I will don the traditional cap and gown and walk across that stage as I have witnessed the graduates before me do. I cannot believe that 4 years have passed and I have now completed my M.Div. program. This past year was full of obstacles and changes, yet I would not trade it, nor would I trade the last 4 years for anything.
I trust that my horse totem or spirit guide will help me on this new journey as I transition to a different life. No longer a student of theology, I am transformed into a teacher of theology. I am ready to share all that I have learned. I emerge confident that I understand the divine in the many experiences found in this world. I am ready to ride into this new direction and, like the cowboy/cowgirl, I hope it will always be into an amazing sunset.
Lotus Blossom
You, too, can emerge through the muddy waters -- transformed!
