Power Animal for March: Snail, by ‘Backyard Shaman’ Amy Katz, M.A.

Do you ever feel like you are speeding through the cement skatepark of life to meet deadlines, fulfill obligations and check off those little boxes that are suppose to prove “success”? Are you missing out on the magic out on the magic of being in moment?

Enter Snail!

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Snails are the Zen masters of the Earth. They sit silently atop rocks and trees like meditating monks on mountaintops. They move with purpose, or not at all.

Snails are invertebrates that are born in springtime, hibernate in the winter, and are most active by the light of the moon. They live on land yet float with ease in water. They thrive in high altitudes and deep, deep down in the fertile, dark soil or sea beds. Their adaptability and their ability to propagate in shining sunlight and almost total darkness is a trait all of us need and should have in these changing times. The ancient Mayans honored Snail’s lunar nature, which symbolized the endless process of death, life and rebirth. Snail wears eternity on its back, and mirrors our own ability for wholeness.

Baby snails are actually born with a tiny piece of shell, which grows in stride with their soft bodies. When they reach maturity, the original shard is found at the center of the spiral. Spirals are cosmic symbols representing spiritual development and wholeness. Snail spirals are born of the golden ratio: the most cherished symbol of sacred geometry. Thus they are experienced as the highest form of nature’s perfection and beauty.

Snails are ancient beings that are admired for their self sufficiency: they carry their home on their backs, and thus may feel at home anywhere, and always. Snails are also juicy: they produce endless amounts of slime that give them the ability to slide across any surface, which protects their tender skin. Because of this, they have much to teach humans about flowing down their own paths. They teach us trust: the ability to feel safe with others always starts with feeling at home in our own bodies and hearts, and trusting ourselves.

Snails move very, very, very, very slowly, but can cross great distances over time. Thus, they are primary symbols for slow and steady growth. Manifesting our dreams can take great perseverance and time: most people give up before ever really getting started! Snails throw their whole body into their forward movement and so should we when going after what really matters.

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