GREAT MORNING!  I had an amazing dream about an eagle and my mom last night.  An eagle had been hurt nearby so it's wing was badaged up and brought to our house to rest.  She was lying on the floor sleeping with my dog and I was stroking her feathers on top of her head talking to her--coaxing her to get well and LIVE. 

She woke up and looked at me and slowly stood up and followed me.  I backed into a corner, because I tend to have a fear about birds and wasn't sure what she would do because she was hurt and in an unfamilar place. 

Even though my mom passed many years ago, I called out to her for help.  "Mom, the eagle is up!  What do I do?  She's coming toward me.  Can you please me?" 

I was almost surprised when my mother answered from in the kitchen and told me, "Just calm down.  Open the door and give her some space.  She won't hurt you.  She will follow you.  Come out here."

This was even more strange, because my mother was calm and not yelling--she was being kind and patient and it helped me to feel confident and more relaxed.

I opened the door and walked into the kitchen where my mother stood--clear as the day, young and beautiful with short, thick hair and cooking in MY kitchen.  I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, because I was so happy to see her in my house, but I was a little sad about not having her in my physical life.  She knew exactly where everything was and where things went--even though she had never been in my kitchen at the farm.  I think this assured me somehow that she never really left. 

Then I remembered the eagle and that it was behind me on the floor.  My mom, laughed a little, "You're still afraid of birds, Jenny."  It was a comment, not a judgement and I smiled and nodded.  I don't know why.  I like watching them and seeing them.  They are beautiful and fast, they fly and soar and dart here and there.  They are spectacular.  They also seem unpredictable and the larger ones, like the eagle and hawk, are so powerful.  I am uncertain what they will do and I don't like that.

She went in the drawer and got some pot holders to put on her arm.  Then she told me to go make a nest somewhere in the addition for the eagle so it could be safe and warm.  I nodded and started to turn before stopping and looking back at her.  It was if she read my mind and knew how much I wanted to talk to her and tell her about my kids and life...she smiled and said, "the kids are still sleeping so let's do this now and get her settled before they get up and come down the stairs."

Again, that quiet reassurance pushed me forward.  I took the blanket my grandmother had given me (the one she used to cover us in when we were sick) and wound it into a nest of healing for the eagle.  The blanket means so much to me but I knew it was important to offer up something I loved for this majestic animal teacher--to give away so I could receive.

My mother walked in with the eagle perched on her arm--the talons biting into the pot holders (isn't that a funny image?)  She bent over and gently let the eagle settle into the arm chair with the nested blanket.  The eagle bowed her head down and tucked it into her wing for a moment and then lifted her head and looked at me.  I slowly reached over and stroked her head again.  She closed her eyes as I did this and I received a message of trust--that she trusted me and would allow me to care for her until she was well. 

My mom got up and said, "Eagle medicine is a huge gift.  She has come to you for a reason.  You can heal together.  She will teach you to not be afraid and you can give her love--you are very good at that." 

I heard the kids waking up and the phone rang.  I didn't want the moment with the eagle and my mom to end, but she smiled encouragingly and I woke up. 

the phone was ringing...my husband was calling to make sure I was up.  He is so sweet and concerned that way.  I am lucky.  I told him about the dream and he listened.

When I hung up, I wanted to rush to go look up Eagle in Ted Andrew's Animal Speak book, but I didn't.  I had already heard myself tell some of the dream and I wanted to ask MY wise self what the message was.  Even now, as I type, I get more insight from myself and my surroundings.  I just related my dream to my dad and, when I stopped to wipe away the tears that came, he said, "Eagle was your mother's totem in woodbadge.  I was the bobwhite and she was eagle."  How wonderful that the messages and lessons continue to come even after the dream--spirit is not limited to a physical place so I try to remember to be aware always.

For now, I am going to rest.  I will let go of fear and allow myself to soar--to claim my spiritual gifts and power.  I will work with the eagle totem and offer blessings and love to her.  That is what I am doing more and more--I give of what I have and open up to receive gifts from others.  It is a beautiful reciprocal process of purpose and meaning and it is always perfect.

Just like my life--when I calm and move forward with trust and faith, all is well.  I hope you are, too.

Tonight is also Koha Flying Yoga--Partner Workshop--Eagle medicine will be helpful to me today.  You could come and use it, too.

Namaste.