This past weekend was our third field trip for Listening to Zoo Animal Ambassadors, and we visited the Ambassador animals at Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, Wash. on what turned out to be a special snowy day.

The Zoo ended up opening an hour late, but I count us fortunate that the Wayras were kind enough to keep the temperature high enough that it did not have to close. The snow made a beautiful zoo look even more magical. We had been warned by zoo staff that it was very likely that many of the animals would opt to stay inside their homes since cold, snowy days were not the type of weather their species were accustomed to. To our surprise, the cranes not only met with us, after adding their prayers, they wanted to socialize and show off their dancing skills. And ALL of the Lemurs came outside to greet us, add their prayers, and enjoy pawfuls of “snow cones” (snowy ice crystals) that they eagerly crunched up.

But those encounters came later. We had scheduled a special behind-the-scenes encounter with white Bengal Vitez in the Tiger Tunnel in the morning. What makes it special is that there is an area of the glass where the only barrier that separates you from the tiger is a mesh panel which means that if the tiger feels like it, you may be able to feel the bristly whiskers and fur through the holes in the mesh when he affectionately rubs up against your hand.

For many years it was Almos and Taj that met with us. They knew us well, and we were often blessed at the barrier with very enthusiastic greetings. However, when they began showing distinct signs of age that changed. Instead of coming down, they would acknowledge us from their resting platform and assume the lying down position to receive the Reiki they knew would be offered after we had collected their prayers. Sadly, both are now gone. Almos crossed over first, and Taj followed him into Spirit last year.

This year, it would be one of two brother tigers that would meet with us: Bagheera or Vitez. My feeling was that Vitez needed us most at this time, and sure enough, that was who we discovered waiting for us. He clearly knew who we were and why we were there since he grabbed his scratching log with both paws and gave it a very enthusiastic hug and face rub. If tigers could purr, he would have done so (the largest cats that can purr are mountain lions).

But Vitez did not come down to greet us and the why became apparent as he stretched out to receive Reiki from our group: he had arthritis and and the weather was causing him increased discomfort. Any disappointment we might have felt vanished in his clear appreciation of the comfort received from the Reiki being sent. A question to his caregiver uncovered that Vitez is receiving several forms of medicines designed to help with achy bones and had a vet checkup the following day., so he is receiving the best Western care possible. I also learned that he will be 16 in May. That makes him a very senior tiger, indeed.

Our group left Vitez resting quietly, and when we saw him later in the day, he looked like he was moving better. I hope to be able to make another visit in a couple of months as part of my pro bono work and I will be certain to ask him if he would like more Reiki.

Today, February 12, is President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. I’ve always wanted to have a conversation with him, but the photo above was the closest I could get. Lincoln was a cat lover and an animal person in general from what I have read. Historian Heather Cox Richardson wrote a great article on how Lincoln developed his perspective on the role of the U.S. Government in support of the American people. He was a man ahead of his time, and a President for all times.

THE MONTHLY SHAMAN NEWS
The Monthly Shaman past events are now available for purchase (see below)

• Shamanic Energy Bootcamp: Activate Your Energy Body for Total Badassery with Claudine Records was well received by attendees who found the exercises helpful and there are now pdf handouts to go with the video and transcript.

• Sacred Pipe Ceremony in the Lakota Tradition with Patrick Corrigan was energetically powerful and filled with wisdom and laughter. Email me to purchase.

I hope to see you at our next offering Claim Your Power: Harness the Skills and Wisdom of Your Ancestors with Claudine Records later this month (see below for more details). Space is limited, so don’t delay in registering!

Blessings,
Rose De Dan, Night Sky, Tamerlan, and foster cats Noctua, and Sadiya

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Want to learn how to connect more deeply with animals, restore balance to your life, increase intuitive skills, and help heal the Earth? Take a look at my live Reiki and shamanic virtual classes, available worldwide.

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A WILD WAY TO HEAL
Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC is an animal communicator, Reiki Master Teacher, shamanic energy healer, and author of Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism and Out of the Darkness and Other Animal Tails. Her classes, sessions, and ceremonial work are inspired by wild and domestic animals who have issued a call to action for personal and global healing.