Ants show us that co-operation benefits everyone, a unified society working for the common good. Ants are frequent visitors in my house. If I do not wipe the counters thoroughly at night I am sure to find a circle of ants feasting on a crumb or a drop of whatever spilt. Ants teach us to have good habits. Ants emerge from their colonies in spring. I watch Ants on my patio going about their business, scouting and collecting. Ants are diligent and hard working. Ants teach us to look for opportunities to collaborate that will help both us and others succeed.

Aspens are the largest living organism in the world; the genetically identical trunks in a grove are connected by one root system. Aspens symbolize community and interconnectedness. Aspens are one of the first trees to grow back in a burn scar signifying transformation and regeneration. The leaves flutter and make a whispering sound symbolizing communication and the voice of spirit. The lightweight wood was used to make shields and believed to safeguard against psychic as well as physical harm. I have often used Aspen trees in my paintings, tarot and oracle decks; the eye shape on the trunk and branches means wisdom and the heart-shaped leaves are a symbol of love.

Beaver is the only animal that builds its home - nature’s architect, creating a lodge with several entrances and exits. Beavers mate for life representing teamwork with family. Beaver teaches us how to build our dreams through creativity, hard work, community and perseverance. Close to my home there is a canyon trail along the Santa Fe River near the reservoir where Beavers have built dams. Many stumps of chewed down trees show the work of Beaver as an engineer.

Bee’s collective efforts create divine order. Bee is the most important creature on the planet; pollination allows the vegetable world to multiply and survive, giving life to all. Bee has a mystique beyond its hard work; it is a symbol of the soul, of death and rebirth. Bee teaches us that effort and co-operation has far reaching advantages. When I was a young child, I experienced anaphylactic shock from a bee sting. I used to save bees from drowning in our pool by gently lifting them out on a leaf. I believed if I saved them, I would not get stung again. I felt as if I was under some kind of spell, weaving my destiny with theirs.

Bighorn Sheep is so sure footed it can scale cliffs. The spiral horns which grow throughout life signify imagination and creativity. Bighorn Sheep symbolizes the power of the mind to reach for new heights and the resilience and strength to attain goals. Bighorn Sheep is revered in Native American culture as a sacred guide helping us face adversity. Visiting the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, I saw Bighorn Sheep standing on a narrow rock ledge; the majesty of its surety gave me confidence to master new projects.

Blossom brings hope for the fruition of all that is possible. A symbol of awakening Blossom blesses with beauty and joy. Because Blossom does not last long it signifies impermanence, teaching us to appreciate the present moment. I have an apricot tree in my garden; the Blossoms bloom early in spring and I anticipate the delicious apricots that will nurture me and provide the makings for jam that I use all year, enjoying the benefits.

Bobcat is an elusive, solitary creature. Bobcat is active at twilight and at night, with excellent night vision for hunting. Bobcat uses life force in silent and powerful ways. Bobcat is the knower of secrets, clairvoyant and intuitive. If Bobcat comes to you, be careful what you share - magic is strongest when others are unaware of it. I have seen Bobcat twice - once in El Morro on our property near the fence line, the beautiful markings blending in with the wheat-colored grass. The second time was in Santa Fe, I was surprised to see Bobcat not far from my home. Both times the sighting was quick and breathtaking.

Butterfly symbolizes transformation. There are four stages in Butterfly’s life that relate to the cycles of activity in our lives. The egg is the inspiration that begins the cycle; the larva is the work that creates the idea. The cocoon symbolizes the inner process and finally Butterfly carries the beauty of our work into the world which helps pollinate other ideas. Butterfly teaches us to see the stages of our mission and assists us in transforming ideas into reality. I have planted many pollinating plants in my garden and am always delighted to see them attract Butterfly.

A strange laughing sound fills the night; Coyote yips at the moon. Coyote lives between wilderness and civilization. Thriving in changing environments it finds balance on the edges. Coyote is adaptable and playful. Coyote is clever, using cunning to achieve goals. Coyote is the trickster, the wise fool, teaching us to laugh at ourselves and to find joy in challenges. I live in the suburbs of Santa Fe and often see and hear coyotes in my neighborhood. In the fall when the apple tree across the road drops fruit, I see Coyote sneaking up to enjoy the boon.

Cranes mate for life and their courtship dance symbolize devotion and fidelity. In Japan, folding 1000 origami cranes grants wishes, bringing healing and good fortune. Cranes have a long life-span, symbolizing longevity. These elegant birds represent peace, harmony and balance. Crane is asking you to find joy and grace in connecting with your soul mate. Every year my partner and I visit the wetlands in central New Mexico where thousands of Sandhill Cranes come to winter. Together we watch them hopping and dancing, enjoying a moment of unity - with each other and nature.

Datura’s huge but delicate moonflowers unfurl at dusk; bloom for one night, attracting pollinating moths; and shrivel up the next morning in the sunshine. Despite its ethereal beauty it is a deadly nightshade. Datura teaches us about our shadow; if examined we will find useful lessons but shadow material can also cause suffering. Look at it and let it go. Datura shows us how to look at both the beauty and challenges in our life. I lived for a few years on the Zuni reservation. Early one morning I sat beside a huge Datura plant painting the magnificent flowers. After a few hours as I drove home I had the strangest experience. I time-shifted and saw a sheepherder from another era. Perhaps I was hallucinating from inhaling the intoxicating scent of the Datura flowers?

Dolphins are considered divine by many cultures across the world; they teach us to approach life with an open, joyful heart. Highly intelligent, they communicate with their social pods through body language and sound. They are emotionally aware, empathetic and can problem-solve. Dolphins protect and guide other species. Dolphin teaches us to take a moment to connect with what brings joy. Years ago, as a young woman visiting Santa Monica, I experienced a miscarriage. After a day in bed, grieving I went down to the beach. When I saw a pod of dolphins, I felt a small spark of joy at seeing the beautiful creatures. As I watched them surfing the waves they brought me healing and comfort. I released my baby’s spirit to join them in their lightness of being.

The soft cooing of Doves is the frequency of love. Doves mate for life and are a symbol of enduring love and loyalty. Doves are sacred to the Goddesses of love - Aphrodite and Ishtar. Doves are messengers that bring hope, guidance and reassurance. A Dove returning with an olive branch to Noah’s Ark was a sign of hope that the waters were receding. As a universal symbol of peace, Doves offer inner tranquility. As a child I was comforted by the sound of Doves. I still respond to the cooing; it touches my soul. I am lucky to have many Doves that visit and nest in my garden.

Skimming over the water, sometimes in ecstatic union, Dragonfly brings joy.
Dragonfly’s metamorphosis from a water nymph to an aerial creature symbolizes transformation and new beginnings. Dragonfly’s iridescent wings sparkle in the light, reminding us to let our light shine. Seen as a spiritual guide, Dragonfly helps us on our journey to self–realization. In many cultures Dragonfly brings messages from ancestors. Dragonfly can fly in all directions and hover, teaching us to be adaptable and flexible. I spend many summer days at lakes and the presence of Dragonfly is always a delight, especially when they land on me when I am in the water. It feels magical.

Elephant is known for its memory, empathy and intelligence. Elephant removes obstacles and brings good luck. Massive, strong but also gentle, Elephant is a protector. Elephants live in community headed by a matriarch and are a symbol of compassionate wisdom. Once when visiting a game reserve in South Africa a mother Elephant and her baby crossed the road in front of our open-air jeep, she turned and flapped her ears as a warning to stop and be silent as her baby crossed the road. Her protective mothering instinct was awesome to behold.

Fish are adaptable and flexible, swimming with the stream of possibility. Fish show us how to navigate change in graceful and fluid ways. Fish teach us to trust our instincts as we explore the mysterious realm of our subconscious. Fish are a symbol of abundance and good fortune. Both my mother and I are Pisces; I am a fish flowing one way, she the other. My mother’s favorite piece of jewelry was a long necklace with a fish. When I was nine, she gave me an enameled fish pendant on a gold chain. When I see two fish, I always feel they represent us; they tap into deep emotions that link us. My mother died when I was young, I still have both pendants.

A mound of vivid scarlet flowers beckons - a surprise of color in the desert; the Four ‘o clock plant is hardy and resilient, signifying strength and endurance. Four ‘o clock blooms in the late afternoon and into the night, symbolizing transformation, change and personal growth, teaching us we can flourish in any condition. When I first moved to the high desert of the Southwest, I took a nature-based shamanic course where we were taught to pick one plant and get to know it. I chose Four ‘o clock. At first I was dazzled by its beauty but when I looked closer I saw sacred patterns: five buds within the five-pointed outer casing and within the flower a five-pointed yellow star on the stamen. The scarlet color matches the crown chakra, representing an opening to a higher consciousness. It became a magical totem for me and now masses of Four ‘o clocks bloom in my garden from May to September.

This symbol of three Hares appears in mystical sites in the Middle East, Asia, England and European synagogues. The oldest symbol of three Hares, found in China, is from the sixth century. In England, it is an old Celtic design that later represented the Trinity. An ancient Germanic riddle says, “three Hares sharing three ears, yet every one of them has two.” Hares are associated with the moon, and they stay in the nest for twenty-eight days – one lunar cycle. The constellation Lepus resembles a Hare. They are one of the twelve astrological signs in China representing sensitivity and artistic ability. Hares symbolize swiftness, fertility and peace. I often saw jackrabbits, a type of large hare, zigzagging down the dirt road by our house, a magical creature.

Hawk’s keen eyes help it succeed at its purpose. Hawk teaches us to be observant and to look at things from different points of view. Hawk soars and glides on air currents; Hawk helps us reach a higher consciousness, awakening our visionary power. Hawk is the messenger of the natural world. The day my brother died, a Red-Tailed Hawk flew beside my car for miles. My brother was a bird-watcher and I knew that this was a sign, a message from him that his spirit continues. The boundaries between life as I knew it and the great mystery dissolved and I saw how everything is interconnected, that synchronicities give us the gift of seeing things in a new way.

Hedgehog symbolizes self-protection, resilience and adaptability. Hedgehog has clear limits while focusing and moving toward its purpose. Hedgehog teaches us how to prioritize our own well-being and how to stand up for ourselves. Hedgehog is a guide in how to trust our intuition. In relationship Hedgehog knows the balance between intimacy and independence. Shortly after my brother and father died I was walking with a friend and said how I no longer had any family of origin and how I felt like an orphaned child. As I spoke I saw a stuffed toy lying on the sidewalk – it was a soft little Hedgehog with a big smile. I took that Hedgehog home believing it had been sent by my family to comfort me. It may sound silly, but I sleep with “Little Guy” next to my heart every night.

Hummingbird brings happiness and joy. I have planted many flowering plants to attract Hummingbird and when it visits my garden I am dazzled by its beauty and brilliant color. Despite being tiny, it has great endurance and can travel great distances as it migrates teaching us to keep going despite challenges. Hummingbird’s energy and ability to hover and even fly backwards symbolizes vitality and how to handle difficulties with grace. Hummingbird is a messenger, bringing good news. Hummingbird reminds us to enjoy the sweetness of life.

The Iris flower takes its name from the Greek Goddess Iris who is a messenger between humans and the divine realm. Iris represents clear communication with the higher self. Iris symbolizes hope, faith and wisdom. Iris offers us spiritual guidance and positive change. Every spring in May, right around Mother’s Day, a swath of Iris blooms in my garden; they multiply each year. The abundance and timing renews my faith in better things to come, a message from divine Mother.

Lion teaches us to assert our power with self confidence and tells us when it is time to step into a position of leadership. On Winter Solstice I saw a large animal drinking at our pond. When it ran off like a cat, I called neighboring El Morro National Monument and they said a Mountain Lion was in the vicinity. I stayed indoors all day, but took a sunset walk with my dogs. As we rounded a corner, the lion ran across our path; it was a breathtaking moment, one I will never forget. Usually I am not so brave, but because the day had special significance for me, I led the dogs with courage and was blessed with an unusual sighting. Another encounter was when I visited a game reserve in South Africa; I saw pair of lions mating on the road. The lioness turned her head and looked me straight in the eye and we held the gaze for several seconds. I was going through a rough time in my marriage and in the coming months I had courage to recreate my life.

Lizard sits dreaming in the sun, but when startled it moves at great speed. Lizard represents the link between our conscious and unconscious mind. Lizard is highly sensitive and can detect the subtlest movement. Lizard signifies transformation, renewal and healing by shedding its skin and by the ability to re-grow its tail. Lizard teaches us to trust our intuition and dreams, as well as awareness of our surroundings and how to react quickly to challenges. As a young woman, living in New York, I frequently painted lizard on clothing and furniture to sell. When I moved to the Southwest I was amazed to see petroglyphs with that same design.

Monkeys are highly social animals, traveling in troops of females, babies, adolescents and one dominant male. They are intelligent, playful and curious. When I was four, I was bitten by a monkey at Victoria Falls. Every year my family would spend a month at our beach house on the south coast of South Africa. There is a strip of jungle between the house and beach. Monkeys live in that protected area and would sometimes enter the house and cause mayhem. I was fascinated but also afraid of them. One day I was sitting in the jungle painting when a troop of monkeys came through. The energy was intense; I was scared but also curious and sat very still observing them. After a while they moved off and my fear evaporated. Monkey teaches us that an open mind helps in finding solutions to difficulties.

There is much mystery that surrounds Owl. Owl can see in the dark and into the shadows. Owl is the knower of secrets. Owl can guide and protect us through the journey into our own inner darkness. I was in Gallup making a photocopy of an owl feather I had found when a Navajo man told me it was an omen of death. I prayed the whole way home. When I got home, I found out my husband and children had avoided hitting a deer and the car flipped over; luckily their seatbelts had held them in place and they were fine. It was a powerful awakening. Owl teaches us to look beyond illusion, to trust our instincts.

As a child, I would hear the loud call of the Peacocks behind the wall of the neighbor’s house. Occasionally I would catch a glimpse of the Peacocks and was mesmerized by their beautiful iridescent plumage. The eyes on the plumage represent divine consciousness, heightened intuition, psychic perception and spiritual awakening. Peacock feathers offer protection because of their watchfulness. Peacock is a symbol of beauty, confidence and pride. Peacock teaches us to embrace our gifts and proudly display them without fear of judgment.

Prickly Pear, also known as Opuntia, grows in harsh conditions representing endurance and fortitude. The spines protect the sweet fruit and signify a tough exterior to a tender heart. The beautiful flowers symbolize the reward for overcoming challenges and the promise of good things to come. Both the fruit and pads provide sustenance in arid conditions. My father was not at home much, but I do remember on a rare occasion my father donning heavy gloves and picking the fruit of a large Prickly Pear growing in our garden which we would eat once all the barbs had been removed. The fruit was exotic and delicious.

Protea is an ancient flowering plant named after the Greek Sea God Proteus, who was a shape-shifter, and who could answer any question. Protea thrives in harsh conditions, and the many varieties of flowers are unique, long-lasting and beautiful. Protea symbolizes resilience, diversity, strength and courage. The King Protea is the national flower of South Africa, where I grew up. I witnessed the ending of Apartheid in South Africa and a new era of hope and transformation.

Ravens signify magic and are playful and fearless. Ravens are the messengers carrying our dreams to the place where all is possible. Ravens teach us to communicate and manifest what we need. Many years ago, when I first moved to New Mexico, I attended a workshop where we each pulled a Medicine Card. My card was Raven, the carrier of magic. I didn’t know much about Ravens but they did become a kind of totem as a pair of Ravens roosted in the cliffs by our home. Every morning I would take a walk and they would circle above me cawing. I felt as if they were telling me that magic was all around. I made many paintings of Ravens, fascinated by the void they created against a blue sky or flying over snow-filled fields. In my shamanic journeys I often flew on the back of a Raven to the Upper World where I met Great Spirit, and I would express my wishes. Ravens teach us to open ourselves to synchronicities which are messages that strengthen our faith.

Roadrunner is a ground dwelling cuckoo, which seldom flies. It can run up to eighteen miles per hour and uses its tail as an air brake. Roadrunner teaches us to make swift decisions and adapt quickly to life’s changes. Roadrunner lives in the desert symbolizing the ability to thrive in difficult conditions. Native Americans revere Roadrunner for its speed, agility and endurance. Its unusual footprint which resembles an X, makes it hard to tell which direction Roadrunner moves, and is believed to prevent evil spirits from following. Roadrunner is our state bird in New Mexico and despite its plumage being a great camouflage I have seen it on numerous occasions.

Snake is an ancient symbol of healing. The Caduceus with two snakes climbing a rod, is a symbol used for medicine. Kundalini energy is life force rising up the spine like a snake. The ouroborus, with the snake eating its tail, represents eternity. Snake is a powerful symbol of duality; it represents creation and destruction, healing and death, good and evil. Because Snake sheds its skin it represents transformation and renewal. Snake is a spiritual guide helping us with transitions by using primal instinct. When we moved to a new house adjacent to the El Morro National Monument, the previous owner bragged about how he destroyed a den of snakes that lived there. One day as I took a walk I noticed bullet chips in the rocks. On closer inspection I found a mummified snake and made an altar to honor the snakes. Not long afterwards I saw in that place two snakes basking in the sun. Our land had become overrun with prairie dogs and the return of the snakes brought back balance.

Songbird symbolizes the song of the soul, the ability to express emotions, particularly joy and love, through the voice. Songbird signifies hope, healing and personal growth.
A Western Tanager flew into my window and lay shocked on the ground. I gently picked it up and placed it on the patio table. I marveled at the brilliant plumage and said a prayer that it would revive. A couple of hours later, I saw it sitting in the tree and then it took off and flew away. My heart soared and I gave thanks.

Spider represents creativity and manifestation. Spider symbolizes weaving one’s personal destiny in the web of life, a journey of integration. For the Hopi and Navajo, Spider Woman is the protector and creator who taught people the art of weaving and agriculture. Spider’s web is strong yet delicate, reminding us to balance resilience and vulnerability. Spider sits patiently in the center of its web waiting for nourishment to come its way. Spider is able to create what it needs. Spider teaches us to weave our dreams into reality and to trust in divine timing. I was amazed by the large orb weaver spider that created a huge web across the front of my verandah. I hated to disturb it when the handyman came to paint the wooden beams. I saw the interconnection of our fate.

Squirrel scurries about with determination, storing caches of nuts for times of need. Squirrel teaches us how to prepare for the future. Squirrels are playful and sociable, chasing each other and chattering. I have a family of Squirrels that live in my garden. The neighbor puts peanuts out for the birds and I frequently find sprouts of peanut plants popping up from where Squirrel buries them. Squirrel is a symbol of finding joy in hard work.

Stag’s majestic presence symbolizes leadership and standing one’s ground. The antlers, which are shed each year, represent spiritual growth and elevated awareness. The Celtic god Cernunnos bares the antlers of Stag and is a protector of the wilderness. Stag is a powerful masculine archetype and represents guardianship. Stag is here to remind us to use power with grace and follow our inner guidance.

At the center of a Sunflower the seeds form interlocking spirals following the Fibonacci sequence (0, 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21...) where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers; this pattern is found in many of nature’s designs. Sunflower turns its head to follow the sun, symbolizing positivity, enlightenment and seeking truth. Sunflower is a happy flower; full of vitality and energy. Sunflower teaches us to find the best in ourselves and radiate that out into the world. When I lived in El Morro, New Mexico, every August the fields would be covered for miles with Sunflowers; the seeds would feed flocks of birds and bring joy to everyone that saw them.

Turtle is a rare creature that lives both on land and in water. Turtle’s slow, steady movement on land symbolizes patience and grounding, while its time in water signifies being able to navigate emotions. Carrying its home on its back represents self care and being able to create safe boundaries. Native Americans see Turtle as Mother Earth. Turtle teaches us to slow down and protect our energy. Every summer I visit Conchas Lake in New Mexico. There is a large turtle that lives in the rocks at the water’s edge. Once when I was swimming I felt a nip on my leg; even though I am always thrilled to see the Turtle, I understood that I needed to respect its area.

Wisteria has a long lifespan of over 100 years, with deep roots. The cascading flowers represent a gentle surrender to the spirit of nature, releasing burdens and honoring ancestors. The plant symbolizes enduring love, beauty and wisdom. Wisteria teaches us strength and surrender. When I was a child, we had a huge wisteria vine covering a pergola in our garden. It was a mysterious place, one of beauty and danger for me. A few years before we moved to this house I had experienced anaphylactic shock after a bee sting. When the wisteria bloomed, its blossoms would attract hundreds of bees. I conquered my fear of bees through appreciation of the beauty and heavenly scent of wisteria. I have a strong sentimental attraction to wisteria and have a cherished photo of my mother standing under the blooming vine. When I met my partner Tony, he shared a photo of himself posing with wisteria blossoms adorning his head - it was a fortunate omen.