Praying Mantis Spirit

11-17 October 2021

The weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Praying Mantis Spirit

Image Credit: image of a praying mantis by Francis Ray from Pixabay.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. While augury appears to be more fixed than other systems of divination, with some sources going as far as to interpret the direction of the birds’ flight, calls, and times of day, 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 I went out for a walk and rendezvoused with not one but two praying mantises, a spirit animal I seldom see! Representing quiet introspection, new perspectives, intuitive abilities, and spiritual connection, crystalclearinutition.com interprets the spirit animal as a sign from our higher self to trust our inner guidance and wait for the divine flow of the universe to assemble the cooperative components for us.

Spirit-animals.com adds that this spirit animal often makes an appearance when we’ve flooded our lives with so much business, activity, or chaos that we can no longer hear the still small voice within! Accordingly, Praying Mantis Spirit insists that we take a step back. Integrating a simple spiritual or meditation practice into our daily lives, for example, may go some way towards helping us recenter and reconnect with our truth. Since this spirit animal’s two forearms look as though permanently clasped in prayer, more generally it is a symbol of peace, quiet, and calm, inner-reflection.

Alternatively, Praying Mantis Spirit reminds us that we have the power to adapt to any situation, however painful. The spirit animal encourages us to take a deep breath and make any necessary adjustments. Like the lesson of the 9 of Wands card in tarot, which is in many ways the minor arcana version of the Hermit, rest and recovery may be necessary before we can complete our endeavor. ‘You got this!’ coaches Praying Mantis.

INTERPRETATION

As the week begins, Australian cosmologist Elizabeth Peru notes we’re coming off the special Power Day of 10:10 “infusing us with a solidifying, active energy” as Saturn stations direct after its five-month retrograde. While the 10th day of the 10th month calls forth the energy of initiation into our own self-mastery, since 10 is also the number of completion and Saturn is the planet of karma, this day may coincide with the completion of old patterns or cycles. Over the next 24 hours we may feel both “robust and spirited, and yet slowed down,” the source explains; “as Saturn moves direct, it can feel like a vast weight of responsibility is now slowly lifting.” While Saturn Retrograde provided a decisive energy period to fine-tune our life purpose, now “you’re being stirred to embody the pure potential that exists within. There’s a dynamic force for new beginning and the fruition of one’s full potential.”

Starting Wednesday, October 13, when Venus in Sagittarius is sextile to Saturn in Aquarius, our feelings are loyal and sincere. During this two-day influence, we are thorough and accurate, controlled, persistent, focused, and decent. Preferring simplicity and unobtrusiveness at this time, we also tend to be more carefree and allowing. Peru adds that Venus aligns us with our higher path, working in tandem with Saturn to inspire us to follow through with those next aligned actions steps to further our cause: “The universal forces are most definitely on your side. You’ll notice that when you’re in the flow, its easier to affect great change with less pushing.” Praying Mantis Spirit reminds us to calmly go about our business, trusting that all which comes to us comes of its own accord.

According to astrosofa.com the Libra Sun’s trine to Retrograding Jupiter in Aquarius on Friday, October 15 is an “unique aspect.” Promoting well-being and strong vitality, success in life, general popularity, professional and social advancement, and a strong sense of justice, Peru adds that the Sun is our master star responsible for the elevation of global consciousness. As we receive new light codes in our sleep, we may notice they integrate as a subtle change of perspective in how we view current and old situations. “You’re seeing everything with fresh, mature and enlightened eyes” explains the source and Praying Mantis Spirit. Indeed, over the next 24 hours “you’re cosmically supported to expand your horizons and to gladly accept the fruits of your labors. This is your day to recognize that you are just like the universe, always expanding…”

As we enter the weekend, Peru notes that it brings in some challenging energy as both Mercury and Jupiter prepare to go direct. “There’s a sense that something’s looming and that’s to be expected when a planetary giant changes energetic course,” the source explains. Saturday, October 16, Retrograding Mercury in Libra’s sextile to Venus in Sagittarius makes us kind, cheerful, stimulating, friendly, eloquent, and adaptable. Our artsy, creative energy appears, as well as our sense of design. Meanwhile, the tense aspect between Sun Square Pluto in Capricorn on Sunday, October 17 can make us rash and overbearing. Provoking a spirit of opposition and arrogance, astrosofa.com cautions against disputes and road accidents. To make the most of this challenging energy, Peru and Praying Mantis Spirit empower us to trust in our innate leadership by “condensing your power within. See yourself as the observer and director of your life experience... You have access to every choice and consequence. Choose how you proceed; wisely. Own your abilities.”

As Mercury and Jupiter move direct on Monday, October 18, a long-awaited turning point arrives. For many, the past four months has been a life-changing and influential Jupiter Retrograde. "The continuing global pandemic has drawn the focus within as crisis points have led many to locate the source of their true wealth and love [from within]" Peru explains. Indeed, it’s this expression of prosperity that we have been learning to cultivate and implement ‘abundantly’ in our daily lives. Now that Jupiter is direct we’re in a much better position to reap the rewards of our upgraded outlook on personal success in our outer worlds!

Also on this same day, Mercury completes its intensive three-week retrograde. This is an important moment, as all the work we’ve undertaken to be "clear and effective communicator of the light now catalyses—propelling us ahead into a new energy day." Although the post-shadow phase of Mercury Retrograde continues until early November, communication now starts to accelerate. “You’ve healed and grown so much over the past three weeks” observes Peru and Praying Mantis Spirit, empowering us to take action on any remaining loose ends to help us move forward.

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.