The other morning as I was walking to my car, I saw a piece of torn paper on the ground, as I loaded all of my stuff in the frenzy of the morning chaos, I took a breath I knew I was meant to pick up that piece of paper….. It was blank. Nothing on it at all, and in that moment I recognized where my thoughts were. Here it is first thing in the morning, and I’m already making assumptions about the way my day is going to go. The blank paper reminded me that I had a fresh slate, brand-new canvas to begin creating from. Sacred signs are not necessarily symbols or common images found in dictionaries, they are anything we choose to deem as sacred.
Shortly after as we were on our drive to school, I saw a raven, very peculiar looking Raven. He was flapping his wings rapidly, yet his body barely moved through the air. And I have the thought, man that Ravens’ working really hard and getting nowhere. It hit me like a ton of bricks…. How much mental effort I’ve been putting into things just like that Raven flapping my wings…. hoping that the harder I would move, the farther along on my path I would get. This is medicine to me, seeing the sacred signs and symbols in nature, and having the eyes and presence to receive the blessing from these sacred messages all around. I found the following meaning of raven by Ted Andrews Animal Speak:
“The Raven is one of those birds that has a tremendous amount of lore and mythology surrounding it, and it is often contradictory. It is a bird of birth and death, and it is a bird of mysticism and magic.
In the Pacific Northwest, the raven has this same aura about him. In the Pacific Northwest, raven brought forth life an order. Raven stole the sunlight from one who would keep the world in darkness. Nothing could exist without raven. Raven is honored in art and on totem poles, reflecting the tales and mysticism that have developed around it.
With raven, human and animal spirits intermingle and become as one. This is reflected in its deep, rich shiny black. In the blackness, everything mingles until drawn forth, out into the light. Because of this, Raven can help you shape-shift your life or your being. Raven has the knowledge of how to become other animals and how to speak their languages.
Ravens are great at vocalizations, and they can be taught to speak. They incorporate and mimic the calls of other species. In the Northwest are tales of the Kwakiutl Indians who offered the afterbirth of male newborns to Raven so that when they grew up, they would understand their cries. Raven can teach you to understand the language of animals. 
Ravens are playful, and they are excellent tool users. They will use stones and anything else that is available to help them crack nuts and such. They are birds not intimidated by others, and they are very fast and wary. Because of this, they are not easy prey for other animals or birds. This implies the ability to teach you how to stir the magic of life without fear. They are also known for their amorous behavior, reflecting the strong creative life force to which they have access.
This creative life force can be used to work the magic of spiritual laws upon the physical plane. It can be used to go into the void and stir the energies to manifest that which you most need. All this and more is what raven teaches. If Raven has come into your life, expect magic. Somewhere in your life, magic is at play. Raven activates the energy of magic, linking it with your will and intention.
Raven speaks of the opportunity to become the magician and/or enchantress of your life. Each of us has a magician within, and it is Raven which can show us how to bring that part of us out of the darkness and into the light. Raven speaks of messages from the spirit realm that can shape-shift your life dramatically. Raven teaches how to take that which is unformed and give it the form you desire.”(Ted Andrews, Animal Speak)
Nature is always speaking to us….slow down today and notice what is around you! After deciding to write this blog post today, just shortly after both of these experiences occurred for me, I was walking and found this feather on the ground. This too has special meaning for me in my life, feathers represent all different things for various people. Sometimes a loved one getting our attention and saying hello, for me it is a nudge from my spirit, the reminder I am on the right track and not alone. Feathers can represent the divine, abundance, to look closely, or whatever meaning it holds for you in your life. They are a sacred sign and symbol within various cultures.
The signs and guidance is always there. It takes a willingness to pretend when looking for sacred signs and symbols, to allow yourself to engage your imagination. This is one of the reasons children are so good at connecting with the spirit world, they have not talked themselves out of believing in the magic and mystery of it all yet.
It is a privilege to connect with nature in this way, we are deeply attuned to the rhythms of the planet, the earth, and all of her creatures. Many of us have simply just forgotten how…..
Make a conscious effort today to be in nature, to listen, and see beyond the ordinary senses. Discover the power of your own sacred signs and symbols. Place your bare feet upon the earth, and allow yourself to be present and receptive….it will shift your life, and allow you to see the world through the lens of love.
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