Animals are nothing but the forms of our virtues and vices, wandering before our eyes, the visible phantoms of our souls.
~ Victor Hugo
Men used to listen attentively to the messages of the animals; our lives, our souls, depended on it. The appearances and absences of certain animals at certain times were full of meaning and offered essential guidance. The hawk, raven, wolf, and bear all sent messages to men and spoke in a language we understood.
A part of us still understands that language. The animals still speak, showing up at interesting times, in “coincidental” ways. A husky a cousin to the wolf, might walk up to us just when we are in need of courage. A cat visits when we require patience. When peace is most precious, a dove flies overhead. The animals are speaking.
Today I’ll observe the animals to absorb their wisdom.
Excerpt from A Quiet Strength: Meditations On the Masculine Soul