Animal Wisdom Speaks - January

January has long since arrived and it may be later than usual, but this month Animal Wisdom Speaks was and is dedicated to the Giraffe.
 
Giraffe is a great mentor and guide. She teaches us to be patient and balanced, while moving forward, to face any tension with calm and to maintain our composure. She looks at everything from above and has a clear understanding of the bigger picture.

Giraffes follow their path and no-one can stop them. Even when they are hunted by a pride of lions, some of the lionesses have already sunken their teeth in their flesh and are clinging on to them, they keep on walking. They are so balanced, that they cannot be taken down. They simply keep on walking, taking one step after the other.

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While she favors expressing her needs and emotions calmly, she will stand up for herself. She is a keeper of peace, that won’t start a fight, but she will finish it, if need be. 

"White Reticulated Giraffe", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2024)

"Shadow Giraffe", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2026, Carinthia)

A few years ago, I visited a shop, that sells ingredients for ceremonies, tarot cards, crystals and excellent tea. While I was there, the owner and I had a chat about the tarot. I had shown interested in a spirit animal themed deck and the owner asked me, which spirit animal was with her at the moment. I looked at her and said, “Giraffe.” She was surprised. 
 
I smiled at her and explained, “Giraffes follow their path and no-one can stop them. Even when they are hunted by a pride of lions, some of the lionesses have already sunken their teeth in their flesh and are clinging on to them, they keep on walking. They are so balanced, that they cannot be taken down. They simply keep on walking, taking one step after the other. […] Eventually the lions will give up and start their hunt for easier prey, while the giraffe continues on her path.”
 
Kristin Raphaela Otti 
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To learn more about the Giraffe and her wisdom go to

Animal Wisdom Speaks