Fool Bonus - Dæmon Animal

As part of a side quest (assignment) we were asked to answer the following questions about animal companions.  This was taken from the companions that most of the Fool cards show.  I have given this a lot of thought.  Just what animals do I have around me all the time?  My constant companion was my guide dog Loki.  He passed on November 5, 2009.  I have never been more affected by a death as I was by his.  I received him at six weeks old, from a local animal shelter.  He was a Black Lab, Blue Healer mix; I raised him and trained him myself.  I rarely went anywhere without him.  I also have my Sassy, miniature Boston Terrier.  She is my heart now, but we both miss Loki.  So, on to the questions...

1.  What animal companion would YOU have by your side at this time?  

As a child my animals were wolf, tiger, seal, otter and eagle.  I was drawn to at least one of them daily.  I also was drawn to snakes of all types; although later I found a fear of poisonous ones.  The coyote and wolf was my constant companion by the time I reached adolescence.  Recently I have had cats follow me or come up to me for no reason, I have been face to face with hummingbirds on a regular basis and had starlings perch on me out of the blue.  But, I nearly always have my dogs by my side.

Over the last several years though I have been drawn more and more to Birds, specifically the Raven and the Owl.  I think  my companion still shifts a bit though, and this may be due to the feelings I have of entering a “second childhood”.    In some cultures, both the Owl and the Raven is believed to be a shape shifter in its own right.  Maybe this is why I cannot settle on just the Raven?

2.  What part of your personality does it reflect?  

Both Ravens and Owls the ability to see things that are hidden.  They both are secret keepers, tied to messages, the unknown, have a tie to the spiritual world, divination and clairvoyance, omens and magic.  Raven is an observer.  While Raven symbolizes my change in consciousness, healing interests and skills, a certain mischievousness and  adaptability.  Owl is quiet stealth, the teacher and communicator.  The Owl symbolizes  my search for wisdom, love of freedom, following dreams, observational skills and seeking/giving total truth as I perceive it.  Also of note, Barn owls are the ones who can hear what is not spoken and see things without physical sight.

3.  How does it serve you?

 I listen to them every day.  (I live in a rural area.) I watch for unusual actions, signs or messages.  Like listening to the wind.  Many may not understand this but there is a special feeling and understanding you can receive by paying attention to Nature around you.  Even a shift in the wind can talk to you if you know what to watch for.  I know that an unusual number of sightings or unusual behavior may mean I need to look at something in my life more closely.  Also it sometimes indicates upcoming events or concerns that will touch my life.