When you start noticing animals in all sorts of ways in your daily travels, which ones have a special message for you, and what is it?

Obviously, every single time you see a particular bird, it may not be an omen (unless perhaps it is). You should start carrying a small notebook and pen so you can record "sightings" wherever you may be. If you can, also write down what you were thinking or talking about at the moment of the sighting. Then later you can contemplate what the animals came into your life to tell you.

If you can, ask yourself when you see the animal: is this sighting of special significance (e.g. an omen) for me? If you feel something "in your gut" (you might even feeling a tightening in that area), then pay attention! You can also ask, right on the spot, what that message is, and see what pops into your mind.

If you carry a pouch of herbs or tobacco for ceremonial purposes, you can drop a pinch when you get a special message from the Universe through her animal kingdom, as a thank you. If you're not prepared to do that, a verbal thank-you shows respect. (You may also offer a hair from your head.)

Take your list of the animals you encountered in a given day, and arrange them in order of "importance." Do this intuitively and quickly. Next, go to the Animal Symbolism Page, the list of Birds posted on Hawk’s Animal Wisdom Board, or some other resource and look each of them up. When you discover the message of the animal(s) arrange this list into a general statement. Here's an example.

You encountered Raven, Blue Jay, and Macaw.

 Raven –Recovery, Reflections/Mirrors, Change in Consciousness

 Blue Jay �?Movement to new level of being 

 Macaw -- Pair bonding.

Message

Recovery (of one's) Reflections/Mirrors (creates) Change in Consciousness and Movement to new level of being (through) pair bonding.

Work with your phrases, adding in your own connecting words to make a message. The full messages can be quite surprising. If you've noted what you were thinking or talking about at the moment you sighted the animal, look at this also, relating it to the animal's message, and then to the full day's message.

You can also start noting a direction in relation to the animal (either where it came from or where it's going) when you see it. Sometimes the animals come in groups or numbers, as well. You might see 5 Ducks, or you might encounter Horse medicine three times in a day-long period. The same technique can be used to determine what the medicine of the direction or number is, using the Numerology Board.

A faster and more personal way to determine an animal's message to you is to go to the source. If you can do so right at the time of the sighting, ask the animal (by tuning in to it's essence) what it has to tell you. If you're driving or busy at the moment you see the animal, and can only make note of it, you can always call on the animal later when you have more time or attention.

Whatever ways you choose to hear the messages of the natural world, it is an empowering and wonderful thing to do for yourself. Many use these techniques for personal growth and enlightenment. It's fun too!