KAJAMA.COM NEWSLETTER

September 8 through September 14, 2025

This week is made for regrouping and reorganizing, setting new schedules, and restoring any disciplines that have fallen to the wayside over the summer. With a Virgo Sun overhead, we’ll find it easier than ever to get our worlds back in order, on both a physical and well as emotional level. The Moon cruises through Aries Monday and Tuesday, urging our creative and assertive sides to the surface. We’ll find ourselves drawn to more artistic and inventive activities during this cycle. The Moon will spend Wednesday through Friday in Taurus, which gives us the green light to restore order to our worlds on a physical and material level, whether that involves clearing out clutter, refreshing our homes, or taking care of financial/health issues that have been patiently awaiting our attention. The weekend is all about socializing as the Moon sails through chatty Gemini, whether we’re busy connecting with people in real life or over the internet. Either way, we’re sure to learn some interesting things!

The 6 Spiritual Roles Animals Play in Our Lives , by Lynn McKenzie

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

Animals play important roles in our lives and can assist us greatly in numerous ways that might not initially be evident if we don't take the time to examine them closely. As our spiritual companions, they offer us a deep transformative power, and they generally fall into one or more specific roles in our lives.

While there are several ways animals help us, we;re going to discuss six of them that stand out as some of the more common ones we might experience. The more attuned we are to animal communication and their subtle nuances, the more clearly we are able to see how they guide and direct us in these ways.

My work as an animal intuitive and master healer has taught me that our animal companions have clear and purposeful communication and direction for us. My book Bark, Neigh, Meow: Awaken to the Transformative Wisdom of Your Companion Animal to Activate Your Soul's Highest Calling, details through real-life stories and examples some of the common ways our animal companions help us and impart their divine wisdom into our lives. Let's take a look at the most common roles and some of the ways they impact our lives.

1. Partner
   When we form a bond with an animal, it goes much deeper than just a friendship, although they are certainly excellent friends to us and provide wonderful camaraderie. Animals can be our soulmates—our spiritual companions divinely partnered with us for a very specific reason or purpose. In fact, we might discover a bond with our animal companion that goes as deep as—or even deeper than—our bonds with other people. Many find that the partnership is stronger than the human bond due to the unconditional love with which our animals shower us—which makes it easy for us to connect on such a deep level with them. Our hearts and souls seem to merge, and therefore, we can easily link our energy fields as well. This spiritual connection creates a strong bond that lasts even beyond death—our animal partners are still able to be with us from the spirit realm and are able to communicate with, comfort, and guide us from there while we're still on the earthly plane.It is my firm belief that animals were put on this earth not only to be friends and companions for us, but to share their deep, divine wisdom with us; each of them possesses it and eagerly wants to impart it to us. It may not always be evident in the moment, but in hindsight, we can almost always see just how important an animal friend was or continues to be in our lives. All beings are equal, and any species can partner with us and help to enhance our lives, even unexpected ones such as hedgehogs, tortoises, and goats that aren't typically thought of as pets. When we make a conscious decision to attune to them and link our spirits, we work together in unison and awaken a fulfilling and often magical existence.
2. Teacher
   Animals come into our lives to teach us many things, both subtle and obvious—and in both physical and spiritual ways. From the smallest of lessons, such as, "Slow down and enjoy life in the moment," to deep, personal, and very specific divine messages tailored to our lives and experiences, we can learn a great deal from our animal friends. Being attuned to an animal companion as well as animals in general can reward us with many lessons they desire to teach us and can drive us forward on both our individual and collective spiritual journeys. Each nugget of wisdom we receive can open us up to further teachings, guide us toward our purpose, and propel our spiritual growth as we fulfill our own divine missions.Animals are excellent teachers, and when we open ourselves up to what they have to share with us, we can grow exponentially simply by being in their presence and experiencing day-to-day life. It takes careful attention at times to recognize and absorb the lessons they wish to impart, but once we attune to them, it becomes second nature for us. Animals teach us unconditional love, patience, and living in the present moment. Even observing interactions between two cats, birds, or hamsters can teach us a lot about life, nature, and the oneness of all. Adopting an attitude of learning from animals can benefit us a great deal and allows us to grow and share what we learn with others.
3. Guide
   Spiritual guides can come in many forms, and animal companions are our furry ones, put here to guide us in both the physical and unseen realms. Whether they are guiding us toward a decision, a breakthrough, or our divine paths—or maybe away from danger—animals can provide clear and directed guidance in our lives when we are attuned to and communicating with them. The deeper the bond we share with our animal friends, the more we are in tune to their guidance. At times, the guidance may surprise us—but when we are receiving clear or multiple messages in one direction, we can pause and ask our animal companion for more information, and ultimately, we can trust that they almost always know what's best for us in our lives.Animals can guide us in many ways and areas—toward something, through something, or away from something. For example, maybe a dog barks incessantly to alert you to an intruder, or a flock of birds alerts you to an incoming storm. But there can be intensely personal guidance we receive from animals as well, such as a prompt to move forward in an area of our lives or back off and try a different approach. Recognizing the clear guidance of an animal leads to many benefits in our lives, so it's important to be attuned to this important element they offer us.
4. Healer
   Animals possess extraordinary healing abilities, and stories of animals healing and helping to heal humans abound. The healing our animals provide can encompass a variety of areas, from physical ailments to emotional issues and even a broken heart. (Anyone who's spent a lot of time with an animal companion after a painful loss can attest to that.) But animals are also able to heal themselves, help us heal them, and help us heal ourselves. The deeper the connection, the deeper the healing—and our animal companions also help us to cultivate our own healing gifts. When you're feeling sick or experiencing an ailment, pay attention to your animal friend's actions in relation to you and even your chakras. Animals will often lie on or point to a specific area that needs healing or chakra that needs balancing, and this is but one incredible way animals share their healing abilities with us.Animals are like sponges for us; I’'e seen them absorb and take on the illness of a human in their efforts to heal them. They can also balance your energy or alert you to something physically off in your body with their persistent demonstrative actions. I've even had animals tell me what was wrong with them during times of acute illness, the specificity uncanny, even lifesaving! This is yet another reason a deep connection with animals and being attuned to them can help and change our lives, and we would do well to notice details of their healing actions and abilities.
5. Catalyst
   When we are deeply connected to our animal companions and are in a place of receiving their divine wisdom, they can serve as catalysts in many areas of our lives. Oftentimes, the guidance or wisdom of an animal friend in our lives presents us with an opportunity for change that may sometimes feel daunting for us, but in the end, we learn that all was divinely orchestrated. Further, when we are listening to their guidance and teachings, we can not only learn more about ourselves and our own purpose, but we may just be inspired to take a step or leap toward following our dreams. Sometimes, the subtle nudgings of an animal friend are just what we need to move ourselves in the direction of our divine mission and purpose.Often, the mere presence of an animal in our lives can be the catalyst we need to push us toward the next highest version of ourselves. Perhaps a stray cat appeared in your yard unexpectedly or a relative dropped a dog off to you, and even though you hadn't planned to add another member to the family, you kept them. Before long, you're noticing that the animal is showing you something about yourself that you'd forgotten—or are just becoming aware of—or in some way, the animal is inciting positive change. Attuning to the wisdom of an animal can be the catalyst we need to open up certain areas of our lives and allow them to help us follow our dreams.
6. Bridge
   There are many bridges we traverse throughout our lives, and our animal companions are there to guide us—or even be the bridge themselves. Communication with animals can deepen our connection with the spirit realm, other animals, and all that is around us. Each animal comes into our lives at a specific time and for a specific purpose, and sometimes that purpose is to bridge the gap toward another part of our lives or to further communication, healing, teaching, and guidance from other animals. Think about a time when connecting to one animal has led you to meeting another that needed your help—the first animal was the bridge. An animal friend can bridge the gap between spiritual and physical realms also, such as guiding a soul to the other side or sending us communication from another being that has crossed over.Animals can serve as bridges in many ways—for example, an animal's message from the "other side" may be so meaningful and profound for his or her person that it is enough to help heal or greatly lesson the pain and grief of their loss. Even a non-domesticated animal such as a hawk that's still on the earthly plane will often be the bridge to deliver a message from a beloved animal friend that's already crossed over. Receiving it can be absolutely heartwarming. Simply learning that the love we share with our animal companions does not end with their passing from the physical plane is one of the most important and meaningful messages an animal lover can learn. Since all of life is interconnected, animals can bridge many connections with and for us as well as helping us to become a bridge for others.

It's important to remember that each role that an animal companion plays in our lives leads us toward something greater in our lives, whether that's recognizing our own spiritual gifts or nudging us toward healing or following our dreams—or something else entirely. When we are deeply bonded, connected, and communicating with animals, we open ourselves up to receiving infinite richness from them. Animals are a vitally important part of our lives and can teach us, guide us, heal us—and so much more—when we allow them.

For a deeper dive into some of the various roles that animals play in our lives, you can read my book, Bark, Neigh, Meow: Awaken to the Transformative Wisdom of Your Companion Animal to Activate Your Soul's Highest Calling.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2021. All rights reserved.

Is it possible to get a regular presence and communication from my departed spouse? My late wife, Myra, passed away in April. She visited our daughter in her dreams a few days after she passed and told her that she loves her always. She also made her presence known at my mother's house around the same time. She sent a sign that she is around by moving the vertical blinds at the window. The very last strand of the vertical blind was swaying back and forth for a very long time; it was the only one moving. I checked thoroughly to make sure that nothing else could be causing the blind to move that way. Then there was another situation when she came to me while I was driving with my window open. A butterfly flew in the car and landed on the steering wheel. It slowly worked its way to crawl on my hand, which was holding the steering wheel. It then went up by my arm, up to my shoulder, and ended up on my cheek. I was overwhelmed by all of this, because I knew it was her. I was very, very happy. There were many other sweet subtle signs from her, so I tried to experiment and call on her in my mind. I told her that I was going to my mom's house and asked if she could be there, and she showed! Five minutes after I got there, the vertical blinds at the window started moving and swaying. I did this experiment twice, and she keeps responding. What I would like to know is if I can ask her questions and get answers from her by having her simply respond yes or no to my questions by using the vertical blinds at the window. Am I being silly or what? Because this is exactly what she would say to me if she were living! Ultimately, I really would like to be able to communicate with her on a regular basis. It's not that I can't let go - I think I've done that - it's just that ever since she passed, I have had this extraordinary interest in learning as much as I can about life after death. I have done a lot of research and started basic meditation exercises. Which way do you think is the best way to communicate with departed love ones?
Oscar

Susyn:

How wonderful that you are in touch with your wife's spirit! As long as we remain open to this possibility and trust in what we experience, we all have the ability to carry on our relationships with loved ones who have passed.

Many times, our loved ones attempt to connect with us after they have passed. If we ignore those signs or doubt what we hear or see, it can be quite frustrating for them. Your description of your wife's visits to your daughter, the butterfly who worked its way onto your cheek, and her moving the vertical blinds in response to your requests that she make her presence known are all strong confirmation that Myra's spirit has never left your side.

We should not be afraid to test our loved ones or make requests of them. If they are able, they will accommodate us. Your wife has shown that she is very capable of not only hearing you, but responding in the manner you request. The idea of asking her yes and no questions via the blinds is ingenious and just one of the many ways you can communicate with her. I highly encourage you to use these means to get answers to important questions. I would also involve your daughter in these processes, as her mother will be anxious to talk with her as well.

In my experience, focusing on a certain object attached to a loved one can also open the door to greater communication. I moved shortly after my mother passed and in the process, placed a clay sun face she had given me on the upstairs balcony of my new home. That's when I discovered that at night, the face would glow from the solar rays it had been exposed to during the day because its paint was luminescent. I had had this clay object for years and had never known that it glowed. I took this as a sign that she was near, and I began to communicate with her whenever I wanted to by meditating on the face.

The more you practice communicating with your wife, the stronger this connection will become. You will hear Myra's voice in your head and know that she is speaking directly to you. Spirits can also communicate through other people, the media and electronics. A clock that stops or starts for no reason, a special song that comes on the radio or a favorite rerun on television can all be considered signs of your wife's presence.

The methods you use to connect with your wife will vary and expand as you both move forward and develop a new level of your relationship, which will involve melding the physical and spiritual in beautiful ways. Because you are both open to this new way of being with each other, you will always feel connected to Myra on a deep spiritual level.

*****

Oceania:

I use tarot cards when my clients wish to communicate with a departed loved one. I invite the spirit to join us and speak through the cards if they wish, after which I usually perceive a strong presence and sense the message they are trying to convey. If this visual approach appeals to you, I recommend the Voyager tarot deck unless you already have a favorite. Begin by moving into a meditative state as you shuffle the cards, and then invite Myra to join you and communicate through the cards. Pose a question or invite her to share a message. Allow her presence to guide you as you choose a single card. Don't concern yourself with the traditional meaning of the card; just notice the impressions you receive as you gaze at it.

If you are more inclined to communicate with words, you might experiment with automatic writing or typing. Again, take some slow, deep breaths, and enter a meditative state. Begin by writing or typing Dear Myra, and allow your own thoughts and feelings to flow. When you finish, invite Myra to reply by writing or typing through you, and get it all down without interpreting it. Don't worry about spelling, grammar or making sense. When you have completed your dialogue, read it out loud.

It sounds like the two of you may have developed a system of your own using the vertical blinds. You might further experiment with that method and see if you can develop a yes or no system. I would point out, however, that the two methods I suggest above would not limit her replies to yes or no answers.

You said you've let her go, but I'm not so sure about that. It hasn't yet been a year since your wife transitioned. The first year of a loved one's passing is the most poignant because you are experiencing the seasons, holidays and anniversaries without them for the first time.

Myra was part of your daily routine for many years, so it's natural that you'd like her to remain part of your life. It's possible you are focusing so intently on your communication experiments as a way to forestall your grief about losing her physical presence, and that's okay. Just know that there may be more sadness to feel and express, and even anger at Myra for leaving you. As she is now in a place of well-being and higher wisdom, you do not have to protect her from your pain.

When we stop holding back uncomfortable feelings and allow ourselves to express them fully, we reap all sorts of rewards on all levels: our physical and mental health improve, and by traveling to the depths of despair and releasing our emotional energy, we create space for new blessings to flow into our lives.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.