Yielding to An Armadillo: An Angel Message

Yesterday, on a ride to the mailbox, what a surprise to see an unusual bony-plated animal slowly cross the road up ahead.  An armadillo! His thick coat of armor had a golden cast in the morning light.  And, me with no camera!

Curious about the timing of this prehistoric-looking messenger, we slowed down and watched until only his long tail could be seen as he disappeared into the thick bushes by the pasture.  I knew he was all about self-protection.  Wanting to learn more, I found out that armadillo is a Spanish word that means little armored one, and refers to the bony plates of protection that cover its back, head, legs, and tail. When threatened, it will roll itself up into a ball, covering all its vulnerable areas.  (They are most vulnerable when they expose their underbellies, or inner workings.)  Armadillo teaches how to carry your protection with you, and when to let your defenses down.

 When a little armored one appears, it can indicate a need to set up healthy boundaries for yourself and others.  You don't have to isolate and curl up in your protective shell.   Speak what's true for you.  Ask yourself  when it is beneficial to be unyielding? When would being more flexible best serve you and others? Then follow your inner truth.  It's wonderful to have empathy, but we need to maintain a balance when helping others.  An opportunity for a new birth is coming within the next 8 or 9 months.  It will be important not to roll ourselves up and hide from the opportunity for fear we may be vulnerable.  Armadillo can show how to adjust our rhythms so that what we wish to create will occur at the safest time. 

The armadillo signals that: "Sensitivity and susceptibility to outside influences are increasing, so use discrimination and protect yourself."  (Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Psalm 91 is a great prayer of  assurance and protection.  It has gotten me through many storms in life when I choose to abide in the Shadow of the Almighty, and not just run there at the first sign of trouble. "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."  Psalm 91:11

I'm so thankful for these messages that appear from the angels of nature, that are meant to  be shared to bring hope and peace to each of us.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  Be joyfully expectant of the nature messengers that may cross your path. 

Love and peace,


Rae Karen



(photo: web)
(Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

A Red-Tail Takes Flight: An Angel Message

After the heavy rains last night, this young red tail was drying out on the perch early this morning.  His high watch was timely as I was beginning to dip down in consciousness feeling the heaviness of the news.  A signal that more time is needed in prayer and meditation.

The hawk didn't stay around long, perhaps my standing at the open slider door, snapping away with the camera disturbed his peace.  I was thankful though, to catch a quick glimpse of those bright red tail feathers as his powerful wings took to the sky.  

When a hawk appears, it's a sign that spirit vision and guardianship surround you.  "Be patient and observe.  You will see the opportunities.  Signs are clear."

So if you happen to be reading this just now, the uplifting message is meant for you, too. Keep thoughts on high. Angels surround you with God's love, to guide and protect you, and bless you this day. 

Love and peace,


Rae Karen



(Hawk ref. Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Gnomes to Go: An Angel Message

A sackful of russet potatoes and red ripe tomatoes weren't the only purchases at Saturday's farmers' market.  The sight of these two little colorful gnomes brought a big smile. I've seen all kinds of gnomes, but none like this powerful pair.  Prayer is talking to God, and meditation is listening to God.  Something the world is in great need of today.  

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen 

More Than You Think: An Angel Message

Nature is always teaching lessons and today was no different.  As we pulled in at the lake, a pair of ducks were swimming in the water.  Far away, my chances of getting a good picture were slim, but, as usual, I asked for help from the angels.  Steadying the camera, the sun glared on the LCD panel making my efforts even more unlikely to succeed.  I could only see my reflection.

But I kept at it, trusting, and to my dismay the ducks quickly paddled near the shore, shrouded by the reeds before I could react.  

With the zoom, I kept taking pics, asking the angels, but not really feeling like much was happening.  Later, at home, what a treat.  Two pairs of birds were in the photo! The red markings on the beautiful cranes are heart-shaped. A sign to keep sending love. 

To my surprise, the ducky duo marched up the grassy hill toward the picnic table.  They came right over, giving me a perfect photo op.  I had to laugh at their willingness. 

After a few photos, the wind shifted, and the female spread her wings, flapping the sky she flew off soaring over the lake.  Soon, her mate followed in a mighty rush of wings.  They had gotten the call.  What a thrill to feel the air stir as those large wings flapped hard, lifting him up into full flight. It happened so fast, there was no time to aim the camera. I watched them fly farther down the lake, and splash in the tall reeds on the other side of the water.  They had answered the call.

Thanks to the birds, a lesson was taught on doing our best and leaving the rest to God.  What I thought had been nothing as far as the nature photos turned out to be much more than I thought. 

And, I was thankful for another reminder that help is always around when we stop and ask the angels to give us a hand.  Success can come in the most unlikely ways, no matter what the situation.

Ducks bring a message of emotions being soothed.  Stay in a comfortable environment and your difficulties will be easily handled.  Seek out emotional comfort and protection. 

And, the sandhill crane symbolize sacred guardianship.


Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


(Ref. Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

The Sea Hath Its Pearls: An Angel Message

This 1897 painting by William Henry Margetson turned up last month at an antique warehouse where Elliot and I had gone to look for an area rug.  It was one of those Holy Spirit gifts as it was propped up against a wall, oddly out of place. My eyes lit up at first sight.   The owner offered to sell the large gold framed seascape for only $35…a miracle!  We didn’t find a carpet, but a “pearl”.  :-D

I’ve always loved the ocean, and the inviting picture is on the living room wall above the piano.   A reminder to take time out during the day and soak up the serenity of enjoying simple things in life by being fully present in the moment.

 From the painting's title, The Sea Hath Its Pearls, I thought the woman had found a pearl in the sand, but it was later explained to me that the artist was alluding that the maiden herself was the pearl.  I liked that idea--that we are each a pearl on the shores of time by the sea of eternity.  (Seems I've  heard that somewhere)

A natural pearl is made from an oyster's defense mechanism to combat an irritant that has worked its way into an oyster.  The oyster uses a fluid to coat the "intruder". Over time, layer upon layer of this coating is what forms a lustrous pearl.  A good metaphor for how our own adversities can be used to create something beautiful within us, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the angels.

 Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

The Universal Spiral: An Angel Message

Recently I was reminded of a large apple snail shell I found on a visit to Lake Helen.  Little did I know that within a year this town would be called home. That was the first and only time I found such a large snail shell until this morning. Down by the water's edge, another large apple snail shell was in the sand.

The first time I saw one, the impressive size of the shell made me wonder, Am I moving too slow in a BIG way!? 

Later, some research added more meaning.

A snail is born with a little piece of hard substance.  It's that little circular spot in the center of its shell.  As the snail grows, the shell naturally adapts to the proper size, by wrapping a soft substance that hardens into a another layer of shell for protection.

The spiral pattern is a universal symbol. 

Life goes round and round, in a repeating spiral, but hopefully we are expanding our consciousness and growing more and more in spirit with each go-round.  The lessons may appear to be the same old ones, as we wind around and around, but we are changing, we are not the same, we are growing  stronger in spirit and improving with each successive rotation, coming up higher in consciousness.

Since snail carries its shell on its back like a mobile trailer, wherever it goes, it finds itself at home. 
Snail reminds us that it's not how fast or slow we move, eventually we will arrive at our destination.  Home. 

And, like the turtle, the dove, and the cherub combination that showed up yesterday morning, the angels invite us to go in peace and take it day-by-day in gratitude. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

A Detour to the Market: Angel Message

Early this morning, on the way to the weekly farmer's market in town, nature gave Elliot and me a signal to slow down.  Rounding the bend on the lakeside road, a tall, stately all-white bird wading in the sunlit waters sent out a signal to stop and capture the moment.

Sitting on the picnic bench, soaking up a heavenly blend of sunshine and cool breeze, we were thankful for the detour.  The mirror of the trees on the calm lake reflected a harmony that blanketed the park.  Grace was in the air, so palpable you could almost reach out and touch the sanctity it offered.


That big elegant white bird, with its long yellow beak, turned out to be a Great Egret, wading on stilt-like black legs among the reeds, in search of small fish. 

I happened to snap this pic as a turkey buzzard glided by for a landing.

And, this comical pose of a turkey vulture preening on the measurement stick, seemed to bring a message about how you're measuring up on some scale.  Curious, I looked up the symbolism in Animal-Speak.  Since the vulture has no real voice, it forces air out of its bill to hiss. This may reflect a lesson on acting rather than talking about performing.  This bird is also considered a sign of a new relationship between the volatile aspects of life and the fixed psychic energies and the cosmic forces.  It was a promise that the suffering of the immediate was temporary and necessary for a higher purpose was at work, even if not understood at the time.

Feeling refreshed and renewed, we went on to the market as planned, and returned home with some wonderful fresh vegetables, including asparagus. It's fun to allow the angels to guide, otherwise the ordinary fails to become extraordinary, and life can lose its flavor.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Be Patient and Observe: An Angel Message

What joy to catch sight of this beautiful Red-Shouldered Hawk flying across the front yard and landing on the cable that stretched across the property.  The thick black cable bounced from the weight of the hawk, but those big yellow talons hung on tight. 

I was thankful for the early "bird mail" delivery.  What a beauty, glowing in the sunshine of a new day. Hawk represents guiding vision.  "Spirit vision and guardianship surround you.  Be patient and observe.  (like the red hawk was demonstrating) You will see the opportunities.  Signs are clear."

The angels encourage us to keep having faith and let our light shine. Take it one day at a time in gratitude.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen 






(Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Family Visit: An Angel Message

Last night I happened to catch a rare sight at dusk. Five striped tails, sticking straight up like flags on mailbox, gathered at the birdbath.  The babies had grown since May, and were as big as their parents.  By the time I got my camera, they had skedaddled across the lawn and were heading for the embankment.  Papa turned to give me a look.

The masked family of five made me revisit their symbolism.  Raccoon has to do with disguise:  "Transformation comes through putting on a proper mask.  Masking is going on -- for good or for bad.  Disguising intentions may be necessary."

Raccoon holds the knowledge of transformation through masks and disguise.  Do  you need to present a different face to people for greater success?  Are you hiding your true self?  Are others hiding their true self?  Raccoon energy can help to find the answers.

While writing this just now, I heard the shrill warning call of the sandhill family.  I ran to the window.  The 200-lb. wild boar was walking outside the fenced-in pasture where they were grazing. 
I appreciated the heads-up as I'm trying to see that big pig with the lens of divine love.  So far, he seems to be happy, wagging his tail as he goes about his business, while giving us space to do ours. But, I am careful to keep a respectful eye out for his presence.  If only I could be as vigilant in watching my mortal thoughts.

I'm so grateful for these timely messages from the angels of nature that help us to understand that more is going on than meets the eye. Universal messages for us all at this time.  God is Love.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen












(Animal-Speak Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)

Lunchtime at the Lake: An Angel Message

What a surprise when this animated newcomer appeared at the lake yesterday. No other birds were around.  His striking "S" shaped neck was a reminder to keep thoughts on high, and not get caught up in the turmoil of the world. I'd never seen a beautiful wader like this, but he was on purpose.  He was amusing to watch, pacing like an expectant father, he did many about faces, making sure the camera got his best angle. 

Curious about his origin, in the Birds of Florida Field Guide, I learned he is a rarer bird that usually lives in the wetlands.  The Tricolored Heron hunts by standing still and waiting, but he will also chase after small fish.

His patience paid off with a lunch of little minnows swimming in the shallow waters.  Heron brings a message to assert yourself when opportunities appear.  Change is coming anyway so act with self-reliance.  Take advantage of changes.

I'm so thankful for these angel messages that come from nature, as they bless us all with loving guidance.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and peace,

Rae Karen





Ref.  Animal-Speak Pocket Guide - Ted Andrews

Gator Reflections in the Light: An Angel Message

Around 7 p.m. yesterday, Elliot and I got an angel nudge to ride to the lake and take a walk in the fresh air.  When we arrived, the evening sunlight had a golden glow, and the clear blue waters were like a mirror.  Tall yellow waterlilies were still in bloom at the far end of the lake. A large flock of turkey buzzards were keeping guard on the grassy hillside.  Two sandhill cranes and a couple of ducks were also out of the water, watching the lake.

Something was up.  

Then we saw it! 

 A five-foot gator, slowly emerged like a floating water log in the stillness.   Hurrying out of the car, I asked for angelic help in capturing the moment.  

The bright sun made it hard to see through the LCD viewer, but I trusted and kept snapping away.  Thank goodness, a gator at the lake is a rare sighting,  but later, when I uploaded the pics, something more amazing caught my eye.  

Now that I could see the big picture on the screen, I could hardly believe my eyes.   

Was that a delicate dragonfly riding the sunlit waters on the hood of the aggressive gator's eyelid?!  Two extreme polarities sharing a realm in harmony, I wondered about the timely message.  

The symbolism of the dragonfly is the Power of Light.  These lovely creatures have been around for 180 million years. In Animal-Speak, I learned more:  "Life is never quite the way that it appears, but it is always filled with light and color.  Dragonfly can help you to see through your illusions and thus allow your own light to shine forth.  Dragonfly brings the brightness of transformation and the wonder of colorful new vision."

Gator represents primal energies of birth, motherhood, and initiation.  I'm thankful for the powerful imagery of the gator and the dragonfly.  It gives one courage to know that when our eyes are fixed on the Light, we will have a smoother transformation, regardless of the fearful conditions that appear to be around us.

Just now, I happened to look down at the marker in my animal guide book. An old faded Course in Miracles card:

 "There is no time, no place,

no state where God is absent.

There is nothing to be feared."

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,

Rae Karen 

Ibis Gathering - An Angel Message

After lunch, a visit to a nearby lake was refreshing and better than dessert.  We were in good company.  A flock of seven ibis had already arrived, cooling off at the end of the boat ramp.  Rarely do these birds slow down, usually they're on the move, pecking away for food.  A picnic table, in the shade of an old cypress tree, was a perfect spot to watch the show.  A whole lot of preening was going on. 

More ibis came in for a landing to join the flock.

At home, I looked up the symbolism and learned it was spiritual in nature.  The ibis or Nile-Bird represents the initial letter of the Egyptian alphabet and is a sigil of the origin of language and all that civilizes humankind.  The white plumage symbolizes the light of the sun.  If the ibis draws close to you, a spiritual call is sounding your name.  You have been chosen to enter into a new and elevated spiritual understanding.* 

Thank you, ibis, for the encouraging message for us all at this time.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen








----
*Angel Messages, The Oracle of the Birds by Claire Nahmad

Soo-Ee! An Angel Message

Nature speaks to us constantly through its varied expressions and we can learn about the world and our life.  It most often speaks to you in a natural manner.  If the message is important, the expression will be noticeable.

Yesterday after lunch while resting on the sofa, Elliot spotted a large animal on our driveway! He could hardly believe his eyes, as he pointed out the window.   I did a double-take!  A 200-pound wild hog was rooting around the palm trees.

It stayed long enough for me to grab my camera.

The unexpected wild hog had a touch of synchronicity.  Earlier in the week, I had sent my brother a humorous postcard.  It was a photo of an enormous hog sitting close to a woman in a Welcome to Pigdom tee shirt.  My mother always had a thing for pigs and, so, every now and then, I'll  send a funny pig card in her memory.  My note to him said something like, imagine that big sow whispering in your ear, "This too shall pass, so stay on the high road to Pigdom, or go whole hog to the Shrine of Swine."  (I know, I need to get out more. :-D)

The synchronicity of the whole hog postcard and the wild-pig-on-the-loose was a reminder that thoughts are things.

And, as I caught sight of that stringy long pig-tail turning the corner, I hoped to do the same.  And, watch what I'm putting out there.  Thoughts are things.  By the way, the pig is revered in many cultures as a symbol of good luck and fertility.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

An Early Morning Wake Up Call: An Angel Message

I love to  hear a rooster crow.  It brings out the farm girl in me.  With the sliding glass doors opened first thing in the morning, what a surprise to hear an old rooster's cheerful wake up call.  A neighborly reminder to rise and shine throughout the day.

 Known for its early morning crowing, the rooster has been considered a solar symbol.  The cock heralds in that joyful resurrection of a new day with a loud, shrill cock-a-doodle-do! The rooster is also a reminder to be vigilant in keeping things of Spirit first since a cock crowed after Peter denied Jesus three times.



 I'm thankful for these helpful reminders to wake up and shine. Our oatmeal rooster tin is another early morning hint to stay vigilant for Spirit as the day begins.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Don't You Know? An Angel Message

Sometimes angels may deliver a message in a song.  It may sneak up on you when least expected and pull the strings of your heart. 
 
I woke up early this morning feeling well-rested and effervescent for a change.  It was still dark as I laid in bed not fully awake.  A  beautiful song wafted through the ethers.  A  big orchestra sound with melodious strings stirred my memory, but the only words I could grasp were "Don't you Know?" da da da da da da

In that moment, a feeling so tender and loving washed over me, touching my heart.  It may sound strange, but it felt like a love song from God, or my guardian angel.  Someone who knew me better than I knew myself.   Someone who wanted to remind me that I am dearly loved.

Curious, to find the lyrics, I wiped my eyes and  looked on line, thinking it was from the movie Moon Struck.  Turns out, the song Don't You Know was adapted from Muzetta's Waltz from Puccini's La Boheme.  Bobbie Worth, the songwriter had Della Reese record the hit in the 50's.

Click here to listen to Della Reese's Hit Don't You Know

The celestial synchronicity that the co-star from the TV series, Touched by An Angel, made the song  a hit was even more meaningful.

During troubling times, these loving angel messages soften our hearts and encourage us to keep having faith.  God is Love.  More is going on than we realize.  You are dearly loved.

You can listen to the instrumental and read the lyrics.  Click Don't You Know? and imagine your loving angel messenger touching your heart with this message.

"Don't you know
I have fallen in love with you
For the rest of my whole life through

...

Now don't you know
Every beat of my heart keeps crying out
I love you so.
Don't you know"

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Hawk-eye Vision: An Angel Message

The lonesome tree perch, visible from the sun-room, had company early this morning.  Two young Red-shouldered hawks spent a half -hour preening in the sunshine. A relief from many days of welcoming rain.   These vocal  birds have a distinct call that makes you sit up and take notice. 

Hawk is a messenger bird, and wherever one shows up, it's a sign to pay attention.  There is a message coming.  The sky is the realm of the hawk.  It awakens our vision, inspiring to live a creative life of purpose.

We had been planning a day trip to St. Augustine, but the two hawks that came to visit on the tree perch made us think twice about leaving home. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Celebrating July 4th: An Angel Message

This morning what a surprise to reach for an angel card and discover  Freedom!

In my late teens, while working a summer job at the Department of Agriculture, I enjoyed many lunch hours on the beautiful grounds of the Washington Monument.   The majestic 555 ft. stone obelisk, with  all 50 American flags waving in the breeze around it, was a wonderful sign of freedom.   

Years later, I learned about the capstone.  It has a Latin inscription Laus deo  ("Praise God") that faces east (illumination) and is the highest point in the capital city.  One nation under God.  By law no other building is permitted to exceed the height of the Washington Monument.   Also on July 4th, 1848 when the cornerstone was laid,  many items were deposited within it, including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. 

What a wonderful thought that each morning as the sun comes up, the 555 ft. capstone greets a new day with an upward reminder to praise and thank God for all the blessings we have in Him. God is Love.

Happy July 4th!

Love and joyful blessings, 




Rae Karen






P.S. Curious about the symbolism of 555, in Doreen Virtues's book, Healing with Angels, it means: 

Buckle your seat belt because a major life change is upon you. This change should be not viewed as being "positive" or "negative," since all change is but a natural part of life's flow. Perhaps this change is an answer to your prayers, so continue seeing and feeling yourself being at peace."

In numerology, the number 5 indicates moving beyond the limitation of the four-sided square to a pentagon or five sided expansive foundation. Freedom!  Five is also symbolic of the five-pointed star, also a symbol of humankind.

(1934 capstone repaired, public domain)
(photos from web)

Keep Climbing Up Higher: An Angel Message

Yesterday around 4:00 p.m., I was reminded of a city council meeting taking place at that time.  The rain had cooled the hot summer sun, and I sat on the screened in porch enjoying quiet time, and said a simple prayer, "Thy will be done."  Rather than seeing physical bodies coming together at City Hall to make decisions, I tried to remember each person is made in the image and likeness of God, they are not material but spiritual.  I realized that whatever decision the Council made, it had no power unless it is God's will.  A peaceful energy came over me as I prayed to know that truth.  That nothing could ever separate us from the love of God.

When I opened my eyes, I saw a little bright green creature, clinging to the support beam, outside the porch.  I got up to take a closer look.  He was the color of the leafy green poinsettia plant growing near the lamp post. 

At first, I mistook him for a large green beetle, but was overjoyed to discover a little tree frog! 

That cute little fellow waited for me to get the camera, and patiently posed while I took several photos.  The lesson continued as he began to climb up higher and higher, a sign for me to do the same.  F.R.O.G. as you probably know by now is the acronym for Fully Rely On God.       

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Horse Power on the Move: An Angel Message

To beat the heat and humidity, Elliot and I took an early morning walk. The warm sun on our backs was healing after being inside most of the week.   As we were passing by the pasture, many cows and the resident horse stopped grazing.  It was curious as they began keeping pace with our steps on the other side of the fence.  What a wonderful feeling to all be moving forward, together in unison.

Then, to our surprise, that shiny brown horse, with his white streaked forehead, suddenly changed direction.  It was as though he woke up and saw us for the first time!

Lifting his head, he began trotting toward us with great enthusiasm!  I gulped, from a touch of fear. It was such a bold and sudden move.  Usually the horse, along with the cows,  ignore our loving calls, not giving us the time of day. 

Now the lone horse was coming over to greet us.  An excitement stirred the air.

It's funny how when suddenly met with the desires of our affection, we can become frightened and want to run.

 A reminder of another big, warm-hearted animal gave me courage.  Our sweet donkey Jerusalem donkey, Alahambre had helped me overcome a fear of large animals.

So when our new four-legged friend lifted his shiny red mane over the fence, anxious for a friendly touch, he was not disappointed, but met with love pats and sweet whispers.

The timing of the farm animals change in behavior seemed like an angel message meant to be shared.  I know the horse represents movement, but back at home I looked up the meaning.  "Continue forward in your efforts with discipline.  New journeys are ahead.  Stretch your freedom and power."

Cows represent a time of fertility and new birth.  A message "to nourish yourself and others.  Be as productive as you can."

I'm so thankful for the angel messages from nature.  Encouragement to keep having faith, and realize there is more going on than meets the eye.  Unseen heavenly support is here helping us at this time of celestial speedup.  So take it one day at a time, in gratitude, and watch the results.  Keep the prayers and meditations coming, stay in the now, and look on the bright side.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



(Animal-Speak, Pocket Guide, Ted Andrews)