Goose Spirit

30 August-5 September 2021

The weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Goose Spirit

Image credit: untitled vintage illustration of flying geese from 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. 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 came upon a gaggle of Canada geese on the border of a small pond outside my home. Later, when it started to pour rain, curiously I noticed that they didn’t take cover like smaller birds; they just stayed put as though their solidarity were impermeable!

Some of the key energetic traits associated with Goose Spirit include reliability, productivity, new ideas, joy, guidance, teamwork, quest fulfillment, watchfulness, and wisdom. In nature, geese are immensely territorial. If anything gets too close, they honk wildly as a warning. While you can be as nice as you wish; if Goose perceives you as a threat, however, there is no peace offering. This why this spirit animal symbolizes the fortitude, protection, and bravery. Interestingly, in Ancient Rome, geese were sacred to the Goddess Juno, protectress of the State, daughter of Saturn, wife of Jupiter.

When Goose crosses your path, this oracle may be guiding you toward some type of hidden treasure (whether spiritual or material; non-physical or physical). As we travel our soul’s path, for example, there may come times when we are honing in on a Universal Truth, but are in danger of missing the lesson due to distractions. Goose wants to get you back on course, so you don’t miss this opportunity to truly live your bliss.

Another common reason Goose may appear is when we have grown restless or complacent in our current conditions. Goose moves to eat, breed, or find a safe haven. Where is it that you need to go for spiritual nourishment? Spread your wings and trust that you are taking the right action to stay in alignment with your highest intentions. Gregarious gaggles of geese also speak of companionship and social circles. Could you have sequestered yourself too much during the pandemic? Have you been afraid to open up? This oracle nudges you to engage in authentic relationships leading towards your chosen family or soul tribe, or even the adoption of a new role in your community.

Since Goose feathers were used as a favorite writing implement historically, the oracle also honors communications skills. Since it was thought to be the perfect medium for moving ink fluidly onto paper, many writers believed that the Goose quill had a kind of magic that manifested in the muse and vision.

interpretation

As we begin the week, six planets are still in retrograde, and Mercury just moved into Libra, joining Venus and Mars. According to astrobutterfly.com, the shift from Virgo to Libra is extremely important and cannot be underestimated. If the first six signs of the zodiac (Aries-Virgo) are about the self, the last six signs (Libra-Pisces) are about the other. Indeed, it is only when we can truly open up to another, that our ego dies and we can ‘find ourselves’ within the greater whole. In fact, this is symbolic reason why the glyph for the sign of Libra features a sunset! Moreover, since Libran values include diplomacy and partnership, we’re being urged to bring greater harmony and balance to the fore. Australian cosmologist Elizabeth Peru and Goose Spirit remind us that the “experience of love and belonging, feeling safe and secure… all begins within you. You can create an ideal lifestyle that thrives from acts of kindness, gentleness, and inner strength; shown towards yourself and others.”

Starting Thursday, September 2, with Mars in Virgo opposition Retrograding Neptune in Pisces, astrosofa.com warns that we may find ourselves in situations that we would rather avoid. During this three-day influence, we are challenged to face the problem and solve it--the sooner, the better! Peru adds that during this difficult transit we may feel as though we’re being pulled in two different directions at once. On the one hand, with Retrograding Neptune we’d love to dive into our spiritual practices, and let all our physical responsibilities take a back seat. But with opposing Mars, that might not be possible; the source explains “you’re being asked to juggle two worlds at once because… you’re so capable and soul is putting those innate capabilities to the test.” Indeed, as we enter September and near the Autumnal Equinox, the energy is about the culmination of all that we’ve learned and grown over the past nine months. Goose Spirits encourages us to embrace our spiritual maturity. As we do so, our confidence rises.

With the trine between Mercury in Libra and Retrograding Saturn in Aquarius on Saturday, September 4, we have ambition, logic, conscience, and strong concentration. Methodical and diligent, we are careful and considerate in the action and execution of our plans. According to Peru, Retrograding Saturn is providing us with the inner determination to stay attuned with our life path. “It’s as though a veil of truth has been lifted… and you can clearly see and express the empowered soul that you are.” This favorable transit stirs within us a wave of courage to implement lifestyle changes that will enhance our health and spiritual power, the source continues. You could also be creating your own opportunities to establish a new soul-based career path. “This energy is liberating and is good for you,” says Goose Spirit.

Starting Sunday, September 5, the square between Venus in Libra and Retrograding Pluto in Capricorn may trigger the tendency to exaggerate. According to astrosofa.com, “We abandon the reluctance to exercise [restraint], which can lead to sophisticated complications.” During this two-day influence, short-term acts of recklessness and waste could lead to long-term consequences. Astrologyking.com adds that this transit can have a profound effect on our love life, producing power and control issues in existing relationships, such as manipulation, jealousy, or possessiveness. “At the root of such behaviors [is] a deeply buried fear or insecurity about not feeling loved or valued,” the source explains. While an unhealthy relationship may painfully breakdown, a well-based one will withstand the intensity of this transit. Goose Spirit reminds us that transformation is necessary in the pursuit of sacred partnerships.

On Monday, September 6, we have our New Moon in Virgo. Auspiciously trining Uranus, the New Moon proffers insight, clarity, and new opportunities. “If you’ve been feeling stuck or confused and you’re in search of some inspiration,” asserts astrobutterfly.com, “[then] this is your New Moon.” Astrosofa.com adds that the trine with Uranus gives us great attention, persuasiveness, ambition, and originality. We go our own way and look for new methods; “We are determined, imaginative, keen to travel, and have a happy hand in doing things" says Goose Spirit. Also on this day, begins the three-week lead in to Mercury Retrograde. “Notice your life themes as the Moon is New,” emphasizes Peru. “Freshness is offered.”

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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.