The important strangers who gathered this past weekend at the Women at the Well retreat were blessed with many helping allies from the natural world to assist us going deep in our work. Helping allies are the animals, natural elements, and nature spirits that show up at a particular time in life to guide and teach us. Whether we like them or not, are afraid of them or not, are comfortable with the message they bring or not, to ignore them is to deny important and useful information to guide us on our path.
The banana slug was abundant and the mascot of the retreat center. I was reminded of this post from the archives – a reflection on my experience at a vision quest. Teachings from the Banana Slug. Here’s more about the mystical and healing qualities of slug.
We were also visited by hummingbird symbolizing the enjoyment of life and lightness of being. A perfect ally to our theme of relax and allow. Our special guest was the migrating Rufous hummingbird who persistently wanted to come into the room, buzzing windows, and perching on a nearby tree. Fitting that it is the feistiest hummingbird in North America. Helping allies have a great sense of humor.
Who and what are the helping allies in your life at this time? Study them, their characteristics, and attributes for messages from the invisible world. Use them as a talisman for qualities you want to strengthen in your life. Give gratitude for their appearance and presence. They are a sign from the invisible realms that we have more support than we can ever imagine.