"Animals take us out of our human ego mindsets and into the realm of magic and possibility."- Kim Krans
It was an energizing, inspiring week in DC March of 2018 when I had my first transformative interaction with the animal spirit guidebook. After pulling the otter three different times throughout the week (a card which was directly matching my energy of the week and is 1 of 63 cards so the probably of pulling it three times was pretty nuts), I knew the universe was trying to tell me something and I needed to listen up. "The otter card (which is a water card, representing our emotional word): is the most joyful creature within the animal spirit deck; otter energy if the playfulness of a child; they have a giddiness and reverence for life itself, without doubt or worry. The otter card wants to transport us to that precious place; the celebration awaits. When in balance: full of love, needs nothing; when out of balance: gloomy, sighs; to bring into balance: dance party or celebration." In this moment, I was completely in balance.
Kim Krans wrote the Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guidebook & Deck: "as an exploration of our inner contradictions, our complex natures, and the endless mystery of who we are; an opportunity to explore by looking outside ourselves and asking mother nature and the universe for guidance." The human experience is infinitely vast, with wisdom all around us. She suggests that if we take the time to slow down and listen with our our heart, mind, body, and soul to what is often times, right in front of us, we have the opportunity to find deeper meaning in the smallest of moments.
Kim uses animals as the guide since they have as been around since the beginning of time, proving to be powerful storytellers of the human experience. The 63 cards provide a space to explore different aspects of ourselves through five elements of existence, as revealed in yoga philosophy; Earth (groundedness), Water (emotional word), Fire (change), Air (speed at which we move: quick), and Ether (spirit cards; awakening of the spirit). This guidebook was not created to reveal your spirit animal, rather, these "cards are about receiving guidance from that natural world that help us to navigate the complexity of life; we are multi-faceted, creative, amazing beings." Therefore, you ask the cards for the energy and guidance you need in the moment.
These cards challenge me to be more mindful, observing emotions and experiences to dig deeper to find the meaning in everyday moments and how to apply that meaning to continue to grow. They have also led to more vulnerable conversations with family and friends; seeing the impact these cards can have on their lives and journey of growth has been powerful. I acknowledge that this seems pretty out there and you might be skeptical and that's alright- we all have our own ways of reflecting to finding meaning and guidance, this just has been one of the most inspirational, mind opening, and vulnerable avenues for me during these past 16 months. If you are curious to learn more, I would be honored to pull a card for you so that the cards may help guide you along your path.
"May you always be on your inner quest"- Kim Krans
Thank you to Kristin for bringing these cards into my life. Your boundless energy, love for life, and passion for helping us all connect with our inner child motivates me to believe in myself , step out side of my comfort zone, and live life fully! xoxo