Losing a beloved animal companion is heartbreaking and the grief that follows difficult to cope with. I have loved and lost animal friends of my own, and one of the things I found most helpful in getting peace after pet loss is connecting with the animal in the afterlife.
For example, when my beloved cat Kia died all alone at the animal hospital in 2012 and I felt deep grief and much guilt, the only thing that helped me get peace of mind was to connect with Kia in the afterlife – to hear if she was okay and if she could forgive me. To do this I developed the Sacred Spirit Journey, which is a form of shamanic journey that includes my Sacred Spirit Writing technique.
I have done journeys for many clients and brought back healing messages from their beloved pets, and I am pleased to be able to share, in the following, a Sacred Spirit Journey for Emily C’s angel dog Legend.
You can both listen to and read Legend’s message below.
As I begin the Sacred Spirit Journey to connect with Emily’s angel dog Legend, I find myself in a nature landscape at night. The phrase that comes to me is:
“Out of the darkness comes the light”
I’m close to a little lake. The moon is up and its beautiful light is shining on the lake. The reflection of the moon on the water draws my eyes to it and helps my thoughts and emotions to become calm and still. Stillness and peace settle and I feel the strength and energy of the Earth flowing up through me. As it reaches my heart, I notice a light in my heart, shining brightly and beautifully. At the top of my head, a tree crown grows out, reaching up far and wide. [this is part of my ‘Tree Grounding Meditation that I sometimes use to begin/prepare for the Sacred Spirit Journeys]
The soft light of the moon enters me and brings a peaceful presence and comforting healing.
Emily is beside me, following along. She too is beginning to relax. We notice a star is blinking and then it is as if the star shoots or travels down to us and lands right in front of us. It turns into Legend. Beautiful, dark as the night, but with a soft spirit moon light about her. She’s radiant in a subtle way.
Legend stands in front of Emily and says:
“Blessings and love”
Emily bends down and give Legend a big hug and says: “I’m so sorry. How can you ever forgive me? I know I never can.” She buries her face in Legend’s soft fur and cries.
Legend says softly:
Be at peace, my dear. Be gentle with yourself and take the time to really look at me. See, I am okay – I am well and at peace.
Do not fear the darkness, for in the darkness the stars shine brightly and bring you gifts from beyond. I bring the gift and lesson of forgiveness. One of the most challenging lessons to learn.
Let the peace and stillness of the night bring stillness to your mind and ease your grieving heart. Know that I am okay now and that I send you all my love with the moon and the stars.
I am close even though you cannot see me. Trust your heart and open your heart to my light. You can use the light as a way to get peace, heal and connect with me.
Let the darkness remove everything that is blocking or preventing you from experiencing the peace and stillness. As you allow the darkness, find me close and see how the stars and the moon bring you blessings and good tidings from me from beyond.
Allow yourself to feel the sadness of my loss, but let go of the guilt and instead embrace the forgiveness that I send. Especially forgive yourself. I would never be hard on you or judge you, so follow my lead and use the unconditional love I taught you to include yourself as well.
Let the many happy memories stay in and warm your heart. Each one brings you closer to me.
My body may not be with you, but my spirit, my love and my blessings: They certainly are. Know and experience this in your heart, and let me take you into the Mystery where our souls are one and peace is in your heart.
Don’t fear the darkness, but let it be a way back to me. Allow whatever you feel and let it come and go. As it passes see that I am with you, by your side as always, and always ready with my love.
Don’t let the events of my passing stop you from reconnecting with the love that we shared – for our love is our bond and that doesn’t break. There is no point in holding a grudge or feeling guilt or blame anymore. That serves no use.
All that matters is that we love each other. Hold on to that and let all else fall away.
All is well. I am okay and you will be okay too. Just take one day at a time and know I am by your side with all my love, gentle support and my healing presence.
Legend stops speaking and together they sit in the dark. There’s a feeling of peace, and the moon sends down its soft light. I turn to my spirit guide, and he says:
“Let them sit for a while. Hearts that belong together will never be apart.”
