In our “Widening-The-Circle-Of-Compassion” series we deal with animals that we don’t usually consider pets. They can be wild animals (like fox in the first article in this series; or they can be animals that most of us have a difficult time extending our compassion to, such as spider. But we are all related, as you will hear spider say later, and all have their unique qualities and lessons which we can learn.
Today’s article about spider was inspired by a comment from a woman sharing her experiences with a spider. As I did a shamanic journey to connect with spider, I received interesting and helpful advice as to how spider can be a teacher on our path. The journey follows below:
I prepare for and begin the journey. I am in a place in nature. Grass, trees, bushes. Between some bushes a big spider web is glistening in the morning sun. It has been raining, so there are drops on the web, and the drops and the web are shining, sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow. Beautiful and magical. The spider enters the middle of the web.
“Thank you,” spider says. “People fear us because we are creatures of death and magic. Actually life and death, because without one there would not be the other. Truly, there is only life, which is a never-ending cycle of life and death. Endless transformations. Spider weaves the web of life, teaching you about connectedness. As you embrace spider’s teachings, you face and transcend your learned fears and enter the magical realm that is beyond your fear. The realm where all is possible, all is connected and where we are each others teachers. Spider also serves as a guardian, as you have seen in your journeys. Look at your own life situation to see what spider has come to teach you.”
And spider continues:
“Most people, when they see me – a spider – they see a thing, a vermin, something to get rid of. But spiders are beneficial, helping you by getting rid of other insects in your home that come in larger numbers than spider and who do more harm than spider. We spiders are good guys, working with you to clear out what needs to be cleared out.”
M: “What are your specific teachings for today?”
Spider:
1) “Where do you have an irrational fear (like of spiders)? Look at it and dare face that fear – see it for what it is: irrational. You will come out on the other side more free, in charge and at peace.”
2) “Contemplate the connectedness of all things, of all beings. We all have our unique qualities; we are all each others teachers.”
3) “Learn to see the magic in life. It is up to you. You can choose to see fear, or you can choose to see magic. Next time you see a spider web shining with all its colors in the sun – catch yourself; don’t automatically destroy it or go into fear; no, stop a moment and take in the amazing workmanship and beauty of the web. You choose how you experience the world.”
M: “Thank you so much, spider. Anything else?”
Spider: “Sure, but not today. I’ll see you another day.”
I end the journey.
Which of spider’s teachings above can you most relate to or is most relevant to your life situation? Please share your thoughts in the comments sections below.
If you are interested in reading about our pets as teachers and how they can help you cope with the loss of your animal companion, see my book “Healing Pet Loss – Practical Steps for Coping & Comforting Messages from Animals and Spirit Guides“, where you can read messages of love and peace from among others my angel cat Kia.
In the Widening The Circle Of Compassion series:
1) A Meeting With Fox
2) Spider Magic
3) A Meeting With Deer
4) Hedgehog Wisdom
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