Deer Spirit

13-19 December 2021

The weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Deer Spirit

Image Credit: Deer or Virginian Deer (Cervus Virginianus) from the viviparous quadrupeds of North America (1845) illustrated by John Woodhouse Audubon (1812-1862).Original from The New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.com.

What is Theriomancy? Theriomancy or zoomancy is a form of divination that involves observation of the appearance and behavior of wild animals. Common forms of theriomancy include ailuromancy, the study of cat movements, and augury, the study of bird formations. Individual animal totem or spirit animals also have rich symbolism, which can be accessed by tuning into the oversoul of the animal. I asked Spirit, what do all those who frequent this blog need to know this week to stay in alignment with the highest good? Then, later that day, I glanced out the window and spotted a deer gently grazing in a small clearing on the periphery of the forest.

Hay House author Colette Baron-Reid’s Spirit Animal Oracle connects Deer Spirit with gentle, deft diplomacy and negotiation. Deer Spirit reminds us that we have the ability to be sure-footed and confident while showing humility and respect for others. When Deer Spirit presents itself we may find that our capacity for cool, calm and collected communication is heightened. If we embody the qualities of Deer Spirit we will do well, indeed, gaining the mutual respect of others and finding common ground that is pleasing to all. According to Baron-Reid, this oracle reminds us that “understanding others and their needs will be more powerful at this time than putting your own first. If you do that, you will be rewarded tenfold.” Deer Spirit teaches us that aligned action and heart-based leadership ensures fair and equitable negotiations in the highest good for all.

INTERPRETATION

Still in the post-eclipse period as we start the week, Australian cosmologist Elizabeth Peru notes that we are continuing the process of mapping out our personal pathway into 2022, thus setting intentions for the new year to come is a core cosmic theme. Especially as two planets change signs this week, as one goes retrograde and another goes direct, we’re being given a comic boost to forge ahead and to gain inroads into our life purpose. Indeed, “as you maintain a conscious high vibration and steady pace," the source uplifts us with Deer Spirit, "you may be reaping some very satisfying personal rewards!”

On Monday, December 13, two planets change signs as Mars moves into Sagittarius and Mercury moves into Capricorn. “When the planet of the intellect (Mercury) is ahead of the planet of action (Mars), we think before we act. Mercury in Capricorn comes with the plan and the strategy, while [fun-loving] Mars in Sagittarius will just do it,” explains astrobutterfly.com.

According to astrosofa.com, when Mars is in Sagittarius, we develop a passionate temperament. Enthusiastic speakers during this month-long transit, we prefer the esoteric and philosophical over small talk and trivial matters. While on holiday, we love sports and travel as we assert our independence and freedom. In our business negotiations, we are brave, generous, open, and transparent. Since we may develop a strong sense of self-will and work tirelessly, however, the source also cautions against entitlement and arrogance! Peru adds that Mars is giving us a boost of support, encouraging us to take direct actions to free ourselves from superfluous tasks that are no longer in our highest good. “Adventure calls, as you allow yourself to wander off down a path less taken,” the source advocates with surefooted Deer Spirit; “Indeed, the universe invites you to be bold and enterprising, as the cosmic alignments support your higher aspirations.”

Meanwhile, Mercury in serious Capricorn gives us clearheadedness and good logic. Diligent, persistent, and critical, we are especially interested in business matters, and find an exceptional ability to concentrate on dull or difficult tasks. While we may not learn things as quickly in this sign, astrosofa.com assures we will learn things more thoroughly than usual! Peru and Deer Spirit add that Mercury is “stirring our ability to communicate and move with swiftness and poise. This in turn is activating your ability to pass on and receive messages with directness and an air of responsibility.”

No sooner has it entered the fun-loving sign of Sagittarius than Mars is greeted by an unexpected guest on Wednesday, December 15—the South Node of the Moon! The South Node represents our karma and gifts, our accumulated body of knowledge, explains astrobutterfly.com. “When the South Node meets Mars, [it] shares its code of conduct: ‘Yes, you can go to all these great places in Sagittarius, but don’t forget about everything that went wrong in the past.’” While this may seem anticlimactic if not somewhat suppressive to feisty Mars, if it heeds this wisdom without personalizing it, it may discover an advantage to knowing the ins and outs of this uncharted territory without forfeiting its freedom. Peru adds that Mars helps empower us easily see beyond past misconceptions and into the reality of the present moment: “As you take the steps to put in place personal processes that support your health and higher consciousness, your energy field will surge with light and vitality.” Building upon this wisdom, the source and Deer Spirit impart, “the stronger your field of light, the easier it is for you to experience a waking reality that aligns with your inner truth, bringing inner freedom.”

On Saturday, December 18, we have our Micro Full Moon in Gemini. Forming an auspicious trine with Jupiter in Aquarius, during this lunation we may be culminating intentions initiated on the Annular New Moon Solar Eclipse in Gemini on June 10, as well as continuing to explore themes set forth by the Sagittarian eclipses on the other end of this astrological axis this year—the Total Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on May 26, and the more recent New Moon Total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius on December 4. “Energy is intense,” Peru notes; “Heart and soul’s presence grows and relationships can deepen.” Meanwhile, expansive Jupiter also forms a “perfect aspect” with the Sun in Sagittarius, the sign of its domicile, starting Sunday, December 19. According to astrosofa.com, this two-day influence gives us strong vitality, success in life, general popularity, professional and social advancement. The source and Deer Spirit advocate a strong sense of justice and a compassionate prosperity!

But the weekend isn’t over yet… on Sunday, December 19, Venus goes retrograde in Capricorn, and later that day, Chiron, the wounded healer asteroid, goes direct in Aries. Peru also points out that Chiron goes direct just as the post-eclipse period completes, in what she describes as an “intense crossover of energy.” Moreover, that Venus remains in an orb with Pluto compounds the cosmic potency! “A very powerful emotional revelation (Venus retrograde conjunct Pluto) will unveil a hidden wound, at the same time setting in motion the necessary healing process (Chiron direct),” explains astrobutterfly.com. While we may want new love, our vulnerability shows us that we’re not quite ready yet. We have some more inner-transformation to do first!

Presenting a once-in-18-month opportunity for a complete relationship overhaul, thankfully, Venus Retrograde brings with it great clarity. From now until January 2, 2022, we will figure out what we need to do—“it’s just a matter of embarking on the journey and staying true to ourselves no matter what,” adds astrobutterfly.com. And if we haven’t figured it out by then, the final Venus-Pluto conjunction gives us another opportunity on March 3, 2022, when it will be joined by Mars! According to Peru, self-worth and intrinsic value are key themes during this retrograde period as we integrate the lesson that self-acceptance brings us what we desire. The source and Deer Spirit empower us to “create opportunities rather than feel lost or alone… [to] become the initiator of your future [by] look[ing] within and remember[ing] who you are and all that you’re so beautifully capable of.”

Get Inspired

Does this message resonate? Tell us more in the comments below. To add more detail to your week, you can also try your own theriomancic draw. Set an intention or ask a question. Then let go, and see what animal comes shows up. Now research its animal spirit symbolism. How does the symbolism inform your question? Want help interpreting what you found? Book a reading with me now, www.readingsbytheladyofshalott.com/services.