Flower Essence Journal - Vibration Magazine

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Honoring Animals in Death
By Andrea Mathieson
By default, I am an undertaker to the wild animals in my neighborhood. Behind my house just north of Toronto, there is a tiny wilderness corridor that offers marginal space for a few wild creatures. In the midst of massive urban development, some intrepid muskrats, skunks, mink, ducks and geese -- and even an occasional fox -- are valiant testimony to Nature's adaptability. When I encounter them, I am filled with delight and respect, but when a creature dies, I tearfully carry its little broken body back to my home. Testing for the essences it needs to complete its journey, I anoint the eyes, beak or mouth, and heart chakra before burying it in my garden.

I feel so helpless when an animal suffers but I know that opening my heart, even in grief, deepens my humanity. In our heady, over-stimulated culture, it takes a lot to genuinely touch us, but animals do this in remarkable ways. They remind us about our instincts and the natural wisdom of our bodies, something that we all too often ignore.

Essences can help to bridge the communication gap between human beings and the animal kingdom. Doctor Dolittle isn't the only one who can talk with the animals! If we are open, our pets can offer personal wisdom that is as profound as any spiritual guide.

deerAs an essence practitioner, I sometimes help pets at the end of their life-cycle by making combinations to support the animal and, if the client is willing, also for the owner. While communication is available to us at any point, near death the veil between human and animal is particularly thin. Soul-to-soul, we want to be present for our beloved pets and essences can help us be receptive during this heart-opening process.

A healer friend, struggling with whether she should put down her suffering cat, called me for assistance. She knew that she was too emotional to be completely clear and detached. When I tuned in on the cat, I expected to find a very weakened vibration, but instead I felt a tremendous vitality. "Samantha's got a lot to tell you, Donna!" I said. Feeling like I was speaking for the cat, I suggested Donna open to receive Samantha's wisdom. For a full month before her death, Donna tuned in and received messages from Samantha. Initially the contact seemed merely curious, but as Donna persisted, she realized that she was being given a totally new approach to her healing practice. Though the death was still difficult, Donna knew she had fully honored Samantha. And Samantha's gift was to be heard by the woman that she loved so deeply.

dog?Willie, a 17-year-old black lab, is like a child to his mistress, Helena. Knowing this year would be his last winter, she asked for an essence. I encouraged her to work with her own grief and also the energy field between them. Helena agreed. As soon as she started using the essence, she felt a tremendous ease in her heart. She could begin to entertain Willie's death without dread. Willie brightened too, but Helena knew this would probably be temporary.

Analyzing the combination, I saw that Helena had an opportunity to make an equally powerful transition in her own life. The essence would help Willie's transition, but meanwhile Helena's focus with the same essence should be on what is emerging for her now through Willie's impending passing. Lastly, I invited her to work with the energy field between them. She puts a few drops in her hand and focuses on the field between her and Willie, celebrating the steadfast loyalty and deep affection that has nourished both of them throughout these years. Without fear, she invites the essence to bless and gently release this field as Willie moves on.

As more and more species become endangered, we need simple heart tools to work with the animal kingdom. We cannot cage all of them in some modern-day ark or extract their DNA to re-create them later on. The entire nature of our relationship with the animal kingdom needs to shift. Essences can strengthen the vibrational link between our open hearts and our animal friends.

click to read or post to our message board about vibrational/flower essences But why should we bother to open our hearts in this way? We need to because animals are some of the most articulate ambassadors of Nature's wisdom.

Editors' Note: See here for an earlier article from Vibration Magazine about essences for grieving pet owners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrea Mathieson is the creator of the Raven Essences. Her dog, Galen, talks to her all the time. Read her previous article in Vibration Magazine here. Email Andrea at info@ravenessences.com.

ART CREDITS: Hometown Websmith and ArtToday
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
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