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January 2020 marks the beginning of the Chinese year of the (metal) rat. Admittedly, I don't know much about this particular system of astrology but from a Shamanic perspective: Rat, although diminutive in size, is a powerful spirit ally.
I personally don't believe we have to limit ourselves to just one power animal but can call at will upon the spirit of any animal or plant to teach or lend us their qualities or "medicine" to deal with a given situation.
It's a shame that in our modern world, rats have such a bad reputation because there's a lot we can learn from them. Their strengths are many fold and include intelligence and a quick wit. Rat is very smart. He can readily adapt to a new situation or environment, finding solutions to challenges when others would give up. Often displaying a great deal of skill, dexterity and foresight.
Rat is wise enough to avoid conflict when possible yet able to use aggression when necessary to protect herself or loved ones.
She is highly social and generous. Observed to share his food and resources to help others out of a sticky situation. This implies an abundance mentality which is perhaps why she is also associated with success and wealth
In his natural environment, Rat is a very clean creature. Although perhaps not in cities when surviving on human waste. Never-the-less in a dirty environment, he will dive in and get a job done often stealthily: unseen like a little ninja going undetected by predators or other dangers.
If a rat has scampered across your path, rather than freak out: perhaps ask yourself what message this furry relative has to share with you today.
Is he suggesting you pay more attention to your community? To give or accept more generosity? Is she a symbol of fertility or suggesting you be more at peace with abundance or cleaner times?
Pay attention to what you were thinking when you saw him. How do his qualities mirror where you are at in that or this moment or how would he deal with the situation?
Animals as totems can teach us so much. Their appearance in our perception in any given moment, particularly unexpectedly are often messages from Spirit. Our job is to decipher the message & apply their wisdom to our life.
If you celebrate the Chinese New Year, I wish you a happy one full of opportunity, growth, sharing, caring & love. If you're not celebrating: I wish you the same.
I trust you enjoyed this post. There are several other animals in the Power Animals category. Feel free to comment below if there's another animal you'd like me to write about.
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