The last few weeks I have come across dead animals in my path as I walked my dog. I wondered what might be the message in this for me. Naturally, the thought of death made me think about what I am currently trying to die to in my life or in myself. What do I need to let go of so that I can move on to the next transformative phase? Perhaps the answer can be found in the what the different animals symbolize.
The first animal I came upon was a snake.
This has many symbolic meanings online. Snakes often represent transition, so a dead one may represent the end of a transition. Some see dead snakes as a retreat of darkness and the victory of light. Another interpretation of a dead snake is that it is a reminder to leave the past behind and focus on the positive going forward. Overall, a dead snake appears to be a good sign for me.
The second animal I came upon was a crow.
Crows in many cultures represent transformation and change because they are so often associated with death, the greatest change. Seeing one often means a change is coming, something is shifting. A dead one may mean that I am dying to an old way of life to transcend to something new. Another idea is that it could represent an unresolved tension inside of me or inability to speak the truth. “Crows exhibit tremendous capacity for language and are one of the big comedians of the animal kingdom. If you see a dead Crow, it could mean that you’ve lost your sense of humor or the ability to speak your truth.” (whatismyspiritanimal)
The third animal appeared to be a baby mole.
Since moles live without their eyesight, they often represent faith. So the death of one may represent doubt. Because it was a baby, maybe it was something I was just beginning to have faith in and now I have doubt. Maybe I am questioning too much or I am not trusting my instincts or intuition. The other possibility is that it is teaching me something about earth energy. Perhaps I need to become more grounded. Since they live underground, maybe it is a reminder for me to go underground so to speak. To dig for the deeper truth or to get to the root of something. Perhaps I have yet to discover my true potential. Or because it was dead, maybe it means it is time for me to stop digging. I most certainly have done a lot of reflection and self-work over the last few years.
After all of this, what I see as a theme is that a transformation is happening or is coming to completion in me. And maybe all of these dead creatures together are a reminder to just stop. Stop the struggling and striving. It is time to rest and just be. It is time to get grounded, speak my truth, and be okay with who I am. I don’t need to keep trying to perfect myself.
Now I turn these questions to you:
What do you need to let die in order to transition to the next phase of your life?
What messages are you receiving from the natural world around you?
About the Author: Julie Glaser is a healer who creates sacred spaces for people to share, release, and grow. She’s in the habit of being in awe and wonder and writes to share her own experiences and curiosities with other inquisitive souls in the process of transforming.
Spiritual Direction and Healing Touch Energy Therapy 