Duck Spirit

4-10 April 2022

Our weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Duck Spirit

Image credit: 246. Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) 247. Wood Duck (Anas sponsa) illustration from Zoology of New York (1842–1844) by James Ellsworth De Kay. Original from The New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

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. While ailuromancy appears to be more fixed than other systems of divination, with some going so far as to interpret the cat’s color or actions, 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 page need to know this week to stay in alignment with the highest good? Then, while out for a walk at a nature preserve, I noticed a great blue heron suddenly startle along with several wood ducks from the wetlands as a passed. Since great blue heron is my personal animal totem, instead I chose to interpret the duck as our collective spirit animal for the week.

A symbol of clarity, family, love, vigilance, intuition, nurturing, protection, feelings, self-expression, balance, adaptation, grace, and strength, Duck Spirit travels between realms while bearing information and messages from the world of Spirit. According to whatismyspiritanimal.com, ancient Egyptian lore connects Isis, the Divine Mother and Goddess of Magic, with this sacred animal totem, a marvelous omen for prosperity, luck, and hope.

Because ducks fly and swim, they have associations with air, water, and even earth elements. Indeed, this spirit animal’s airy associations tie the bird to spiritual liberation. Afloat on a body of water, duck spirit symbolizes the conscious mind. Meanwhile when diving in waters for fish, the same creature represents the unconscious, emotions, purification, and psychic powers. Finally, since duck also walks on land, this is a characteristic that gives them amazing adaptability.

worldbirds.com adds that Duck Spirit may also be summoned as a wake-up call. We may need to take a step back and watch for this symbolism, as it comes with the warning that we no longer have control over our emotions and require protection. Indeed, as the duck floats freely on the waters, so, too, must we have confidence in our destiny and our ability to take charge of our life, letting go of insignificant things from the past.

Interpretation

The first full week of April begins under auspicious energies—Monday, April 4, it’s the angelic power day of 4:4. According to Australian cosmologist Elizabeth Peru, this is a “magnificently fortifying numerical energy sequence… that appeals directly to your deeper yearnings to be of service along the spiritual path.” The source and Duck Spirit encourages us to spread our wings by embracing new beginnings, dedicating ourselves to employ strong leadership, and remembering to ask for angelic support along the way!

While April is a truly magical month with the upcoming Jupiter-Neptune conjunction, it may not feel this way on Monday, April 4 as Mars is confronted with Saturn in Aquarius. astrosofa.com explains that Saturn is a very serious planet that endeavors to keep us accountable for our responsibilities; accordingly, he encourages us to think things through to ensure we build something enduring. In contrast, personal planet Mars wants what it wants and wants to act NOW. “The Mars-Saturn conjunction may feel very frustrating – but it will also give us that extra push and determination to get things done, by finding a good compromise between impulse-driven action and practicality.” Since Saturn, the ‘lord of time,’ will not be dictated by a heated mind when something has to happen, astrosofa.com adds this fact is precisely the conflict we have to deal with. To make the most of this challenging transit, the source and adaptable Duck Spirit advice “to do hard physical work or exercise for a few days, so that after a while, we can assess objectively the problems that lie ahead.”

On a more uplifting note, just after 4:4, Peru asserts that impactful Mars is providing “equalizing energy” rising up from our solar plexus. Where we may have been overly cautious, or have held back from making our moves, the floodgates start to open. Be on the look out for a “grand opportunity to achieve some major life goals” by acting upon gut instinct. At the same time, Saturn is also a key cosmic influencer, igniting our life path and purpose. Duck Spirit coaxes us to reclaim our power by releasing self-imposed negative thinking. Harness today’s energy to “realign your everyday life with higher purpose,” Peru continues; “Consistent effort is required to see results. Patience comes naturally when you’re doing your work every day.”

Tuesday, April 5, Venus moves into Pisces, the sign of its exaltation. While not in detriment in Aquarius, since Venus shared the sign with Saturn during the transit, astrobutterfly.com explains that this placement was “a bit too serious for her liking.” Now arrived in Pisces with the supporting energies of Jupiter and Neptune, Venus can freely express herself—“this is your time to connect with your heart and let it whisper its truth,” the source emphasizes. When Venus is in Pisces, we become helpful, loving, and compassionate. We are all feeling, and our enthusiasm makes us especially attractive. As astrosofa.com puts it, “[our] artistic disposition can emerge as well as the sensual one; the success of [our] unification is, therefore, preprogrammed.” Peru adds that with Venus’ recent shift comes a distinct feminine energy wave, sharpening our intuitive skills to new heights. With our internal guidance system amplified, the body now becomes a direct channel to Spirit's messages. Duck Spirit empowers us to implement this wisdom by making the necessary life changes that help us further our cause. Don’t overlook the body’s intelligence or second-guess yourself during this fortunate time!

Mercury completes its transit through Aries with two sextiles to planets in Aquarius and a Pluto square this week. When Mercury is sextile Saturn on Thursday, April 7, we are hardworking, ambitious, logical, and conscientious. Methodical and diligent, Duck Spirit conspires to help us consider our actions carefully and execute our plans correctly. If we follow through with our inspired actions, success is assured! On Friday, April 8, Mercury is now sextile Mars in Aquarius, giving us a positive and original mind, mental activity, a practical disposition, speaking, and manual skills. Just before leaving Aries, the messenger planet squares Pluto in Capricorn, Sunday, April 10. This dynamic and strained influence mingles with the thoughtful, positive aspect of Mercury and Mars “[Although] both sides are obvious and perceptible,” according to astrosofa.com, “characteristics of this constellation [could] spell waywardness and self-will.” We may overestimate our personal preferences, the source warns; and overeagerness could result in “errors and action slips.”

After a fast drive through Aries, Mercury enters Taurus, “changing the Ferrari for a Bentley” says astrobutterfly.com; “Yes, he’ll still get you to the destination, but instead of getting dopamine hits from speeding, he’ll now get to enjoy the leather [interior]… and the box of chocolates in the glove compartment.” When Mercury is in Taurus, our mind works slowly, but thoroughly. Preferring to stay in our head during this time, astrosofa.com adds we tend toward dogmatism and silence. Advantageously promoting practical skills, if we form a judgment about something during this time, we usually hold onto it. While judgement has a protective quality, Duck Spirit also encourages us to trust the vibrational discernment we are cultivating from the transiting planets in Pisces to guide our next right action steps.

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.