Looking out the window to see some wild animals is a wonderful treat.
There's something about seeing a wild creature, even a relatively ordinary one like a squirrel or a sparrow, that fills us with both wonder and peace. It's like seeing a little piece of a more harmonious world.
There's plenty of charm, education, and even entertainment to be found looking at your animal friends and neighbors. One photographer even loved his visiting squirrels so much that he created little props so they could star in a hilarious photo shoot!
But some believe that there's more going on to these visits than meets the eye.
We share our space with these animals, and some believe that in doing so, they affect us more than we even realize, and that seeing a certain animal, especially a specific one multiple times, has a deeper meaning.
All over the world, people have associated different animals with different traits and characteristics, and so many believed that seeing an animal might mean that something involving those traits or characteristics would come up in the future.
Some cultures allied themselves with particular animals, and several Native American cultures had ceremonies in which a person would meditate and seek their "spirit animal," an animal with specific importance to them.
An animal guide is a little different. This is an animal that appears and is believed to serve as a reminder or a sign of things to come.
You probably have some animals that you see time and again in your yard or neighborhood. Have you ever wondered what it might mean?
Read on to discover what seeing an animal might mean about your life! And as always, practice caution, respect, and common sense when dealing with wild animals.
Thumbnail photo: Flickr
Animal Guide #1: Deer
Deer represent caution and gentleness.
Seeing a deer means you've been in a difficult situation, and you're going to have to trust your instincts.
They also remind us to find shelter and solace in safe places and with people you trust, and to be gentle with yourself.
If you see deer a lot, it means you're someone with a strong sense of intuition, and you're very protective of people you love.
Animal Guide #2: Bee
Bees know that everyone's actions count.
Seeing bees is a reminder that you're part of a team, too, and you'll need to work together for everyone's benefit.
They're also a symbol of cooperation and community, and remind us that we're never really alone, and we rely on one another more than we realize.
If you notice bees a lot, it means you're a hardworking person, and very community and family-oriented.
Animal Guide #3: Squirrel
Watching squirrels' antics is always fun, and they make us remember that we're allowed to have a little fun, too.
Seeing squirrels means that you can have fun and be responsible at the same time.
Because while squirrels love to leap and climb, they're also always preparing. And if they can have fun and be responsible, so can you!
Seeing squirrels means you can easily balance your work and play, and can sometimes even make them one and the same, all with a great sense of humor!
Animal Guide #4: Raccoon
Seeing a raccoon usually means seeing a raccoon up to something, whether it's poking around your stuff or digging through your trash.
Raccoons are known for their quick wits and ability to thrive almost anywhere.
Seeing one means that you might have to be quick-witted and adaptable, too, and make the best out of a tricky situation using your resources.
Noticing raccoons means that you can feel at home just about anywhere, and you often use your cleverness to make the most of any situation.
Animal Guide #5: Crow
Crows have long been renowned as symbols, and have been seen as portents of change, growth, and rebirth.
Seeing crows means that change is coming, and that you'll need to take an active part in it to make way for something new to blossom.
You may need to speak up or start things moving, but don't worry, you can do this.
If you like crows, it means you can see and appreciate a lot of things others may miss. You're also someone who figures out new and smart ways of doing things.
Animal Guide #6: Dragonfly
Dragonflies shimmer through the air like fairies, but they also come from the water.
In this way, dragonflies are believed to symbolize the link between the conscious and the unconscious.
If you see a lot of dragonflies, it might mean that you should pay attention to your subconscious a little bit, and see how those unspoken things might be affecting your day-to-day life.
Spotting dragonflies often signifies that you're someone who can access both their conscious and subconscious easily, and have no problem navigating both realms.
Animal Guide #7: Sparrow
Sparrows are small, but they're feisty, and they're not afraid to zip around and get what they need.
Seeing sparrows is a reminder to remember that no matter who you are, you have value and something to contribute, and remembering your self-worth will help you assert yourself when you need it most.
Sparrows are pretty common, but if you find them appearing to you a lot, it might be because of your energy and perseverance, and the fact that you don't rest until the job's done.
Animal Guide #8: Bat
Stay out late enough, and you might just see the erratic path of a bat winging through the air.
Bats are often thought to be blind, but they're not at all. They just see things a little differently.
Seeing a bat might mean that you'll have to look at things in a new way soon, or change your perspective to really understand a situation.
Some people think bats are spooky, but if you see them enough, you'll know that they're just a little different.
You might have been called strange for your take on things, but that's because your ideas are creative and innovative.
Animal Guide #9: Frog
Frogs are highly sensitive, absorbing subtle changes in the world through their skin.
If you see one, it might be a sign to remain sensitive to changes around you.
It could also be a reminder to be careful of your own actions, because they can affect those around you in unforeseen ways.
Seeing frogs often means you're a sensitive, caring person who is highly considerate of others and their needs.
Animal Guide #10: Butterfly
No other animal embodies change and transformation quite like the butterfly.
Not only are they beautiful, but they remind us that even though we might feel plain or unworthy, we all grow into beautiful creatures in our own way.
Butterflies signify growth and change, and to make the most of the time we have.
If you're surrounded by butterflies a lot, it means you have a natural way of bringing out the beauty of the world simply through your broad and deep appreciation of it.
Animal Guide #11: Rabbit
Rabbits are signs of new life and new beginnings, since they're often seen in the spring and have a propensity for having very large families!
Rabbits remind us that life is often cyclical, full of the passage of new things into old ones, and the rebirth of new things.
If you're feeling stuck, seeing a rabbit will let you know that this is just a lull in the cycle, and new things are coming soon.
Seeing a lot of rabbits means that you have a strong sense of the natural cycles of life, and that you value family, love, and your community.
Animal Guide #12: Bear
Bears are stately intimidating creatures, and you obviously know not to mess with them! Seeing one (from a safe distance), though, is pretty remarkable.
Bears symbolize leadership, endurance, and a calm strength. Seeing a bear may mean that you should look for these qualities in yourself, and also know when to recognize them in someone else.
If you see a lot of bears where you live, you're likely a steady, centered person that others see as a figure of strength and gentle authority.
Do you see any of these animals frequently? If not, what kinds do you see? And what do you think they might be trying to tell you?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE this with your nature loving friends!
