Real Talk!

These are real HEADLINES:

Average house prices up at least 10 per cent in major Canadian markets
April 8, 2010 The Canadian Press

Record number of homes hit the market in March
April 15, 2010 Canadian Mortgage Broker News

Luxury homes sales through the roof as buyers seek stable investment
April 27, 2010 Globe and Mail

Why there are growing fears of housing bubble in Canada
April 27,2010 Globe and Mail

What's behind Canada's economic miracle? Housing
April 28, 2010 Globe and Mail

Real estate market showing housing bubble signs: report
April 28, 2010 Toronto Sun

GDP up for sixth month in February
April 20, 2010 Ottawa Business Journal

Gloom or Boom?

Recently the Bank of Canada was quoted as expecting the real estate market to cool down in 2011... but then, this might be taken out of context as, apparently, it was a comment made in reference to money pumped into renovations. Incidentally, Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney has been named the 21st most influential person by the prestigious Time magazine.

According to a report from investment firm Edward Jones, "Canadian investors should prepare for the possible impact of a housing downturn on the economy," said the report. "Investors with well-diversified portfolios may need to take no action, but those considering additional real estate investments should be cautious."

A recent ReMax report entitled “Upper End 2010” cites improved economic performance, increased personal wealth, immigration and foreign investment as catalysts in the sales surge in the luxury home category. The most active buyers so far this year have been business executives, entrepreneurs and professionals and vice-president, Michael Polzer, of RE/MAX in the Ontario-Atlantic region says he is optimistic about real estate sales at every level.

Looking at the slow but steady recovery of economies in the United States and United Kingdom, Polzer also said, "As those much larger economies continue to improve slowly and cautiously, that will help us, so is there a real estate bubble? I think it's unlikely, given the other circumstances at play."

David Rosenberg, the chief economist at Gluskin Sheff + Associates noted that Canada did not see as dramatic a bubble in housing and credit as that in the United States. “But maybe Canada experienced its bubble in the past year instead.”

A report by the Conference Board of Canada states that real estate sales and prices are expected to continue rising in most Canadian cities, including Greater Sudbury, for the foreseeable future.

CIBC chief economist Avery Shenfeld says that Bank of Canada's analysis of the country's economic performance is unreliable and suggests it may be overestimating the potential threat from inflation and is too ready to begin raising interest rate.

You don’t say?

The Bank of Canada’s own website: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/indinf.html states:
The Bank of Canada monitors a wide range of indicators in assessing the extent of pressures on capacity and inflation. The Bank's conventional estimate of the output gap provides an overall assessment of the degree of slack in the economy, but this estimate is subject to considerable uncertainty. This uncertainty is addressed by considering a wide range of indicators in various markets. Many of these indicators are derived from data published by Statistics Canada, but some reflect information gathered by the Bank's regional representatives as well as by various outside sources.

Often articles site facts and data gained by sources that relate to the real estate industry in very particular sector- one far different than the segment of traditional family home or personal use recreational property purchasers. Headlines catch our eye, but understanding which market is being discussed is essential to wading through the hype.

The Ontario real estate industry has flourished in the past few years and has become one of the top profit churning markets in the world. With the social and economic stability of the province, not to mention its booming population and continued financial growth, investing in real estate here is still a good choice from many different perspectives.

After consulting a mortgage professional to determine a comfortable purchase amount, you do want to make a wise and profitable investment, however when it comes to your home or your recreational property, you realize it is where you will share time with family, celebrate occasions, teach children to ride a bicycle or swim. The property then, becomes more than just a piece of real estate. Buying a home or recreational property is a lot more than an investment...

And... there are just as many reasons that a property is put up for sale.

It’s true, a number of older cottage owners, many who own their properties outright, are selling to younger purchasers with families and some American cottage owners in Canada are cashing out of the market, because of their economic circumstances at home. However, there aren’t many desperation sales.

Much of the activity in the marketplace today has to do with the mindset of individuals who have a commitment to lifestyle remains a priority ahead of the actual investment aspect of a purchase. More than a simple transaction to these Buyers, owning a recreational property is a demonstration of their dedication to family and balance- and while these folks are prepared to spend their hard-earned dollars on recreational properties, at the end of the day, they do want to know that they’ve negotiated the best deal possible.

A well-informed Buyer and/or Seller will find it quite easy to make a good, comfortable deal. & it’s still considered one of the safest investments there is.

Low ball offers are on the decline. Thank goodness. They are seldom met with success and, in fact, often result in tougher negotiations and multiple sign backs. Buyers who are serious tend to find out-the hard way- that Sellers are serious too. As a result, the sales-to-list ratio remains relatively high in most recreational property markets across the country. And so, the real estate market, at the family home or recreational buyer and seller level is perking along.

Yes, gone is the classic market mania that occurs when people believe the real estate market is the only place to make money. Instead, people have moved up their purchases to take advantage of pre-approved mortgages with interest rates that remain quite low.

Hold on to the thread, my friend. Remember the gentle spring breeze...remember the past... remember blowing kisses....

trust... and remember... it comes back... float back.

This is the perfect time of year for rock hounding. The snow is almost ALL gone and the trees are still mostly bare. I’ve got the itch... and the bugs aren't out yet!

I have a huge collection of rocks that I’ve collected over the years... and I’ve had to move them, a number of times. Still, they are like old friends and I will miss them when I move from this house, as I plan to somehow include them in the landscaping, lakeside.

Bancroft is a haven for rocks and minerals. Styling itself, since the 60s, as the Mineral Capital of Canada, it’s been said that:

1/ 80% of Canada’s minerals can be found in the 60 km radius around Bancroft
2/ 90 percent of the world's mineral content can be found in Bancroft's Ontario Canada
3/ Ancient mineral deposits around Bancroft, from the long-gone Grenville Mountain range, give the area a special energy (The early Mesoproterozoic tectonic history of the southwestern Grenville Province, Ontario: Constraints from geochemistry and geochronology of high-grade gneisses)

The Grenville province represents a virtually unique window into the roots of a Precambrian mountain belt. The Bancroft/North Hastings region lies within the Grenville Structural Province of the Canadian Shield, a northwesterly trending belt, roughly 400 kilometres wide and 2,000 kilometres long, extending from Lake Huron to the Labrador coast. The rock beneath Bancroft is between 1.1 and 1.8 billion years old, and has been subject to volcanic activity, glacial scouring, extreme heat and pressure, and intense faulting and folding. The Grenville Province can be subdivided into separate areas or terranes, which exhibit certain characteristics (type of rocks, degree of metamorphism). The Bancroft area consists of deformed carbonate metasedimentary rocks, a minor amount of volcanic rock, and a distinctive suite of nepheline syenites, syenites, as well as, skarn pyroxenites, calcite cored veins, and uranium-bearing nepheline rocks.

Mining was carried out on a limited scale, between 1880 and 1935, primarily as open cuts and quarries.

Sodalite was discovered in 1891 at a deposit near Bancroft, Ontario by Frank Adams, while he was studying the geology of the Haliburton-Hastings area for the ‘Geological Survey of Canada’. The mineral,a beautiful dark blue color, is very popular. It is used in jewellery and carving.

The Duke & Duchess of Cornwall visited Bancroft in 1901 and were presented with samples of minerals including a piece of sodalite from Bancroft. In 1905 the Duchess expressed a desire to use sodalite to decorate her home, The Marlborough House. When the order was received from London in 1906, the Duke & Duchess had been created the "Prince & Princess of Wales" (the future King George V and Queen Mary).

Sodalite also occurs as a minor constituent in the mineral aggregate lapis lazuli. It is believed to possess serious metaphysical and healing properties. Sodalite is said to increase one's confidence and to enhance creativity, and to have a balancing effect on one's emotions and mental state. It is claimed to alleviate fear and bring clarity of mind and is a good stone for Psychic Protection. Sodalite is believed to strengthen the metabolism and lymphatic system. It is also said to enhance self expression and communication, to eliminate confusion, bring peace and to facilitate spiritual growth. It also cleanses the aura. It soothes and calms inflammations.

This mineral is said -like it's sister stone Lapis Lazuli- to benefit the higher self. In particular, sodalite is said to help prevent diabetes and is useful in the treatment of digestive system disorders, balance the metabolism, boost the immune system and overcome calcium deficiencies. It combats radiation damage by soaking up electromagnetic smog. Sodalite treats the throat, vocal cords, larynx and helps with hoarseness and digestive disorders. It cools fevers, lowers blood pressure and stimulates the absorption of body fluids. Sodalite can also help to prevent insomnia.

Sodalite fuels your creative processes and enhances wisdom. It also helps one make clear rational, logical decisions. Sodalite helps one to speak their truth in a way others can understand. It is recommended you use this stone if doing presentations in a business environment.

As a elixir it helps to give one self confidence. It also helps fight lymphatic cancer. One may use the this elixir as a salve to treat inflammations.

Sodalite may be used for massage in sphere, egg or wand form.

Sodalite Associations:
Chakras - Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra
Zodiac - Sagittarius
Planet – Moon
Element – Water & Air
Typical colours - Rich royal blue: mottled with white veins or patches
Vibrates to #4

Oh yes, oh yes... it’s time to put my gear in the truck... that well-worn leather bag... loaded with sturdy shoes, long pants, a hat, a couple of bottles of water, granola bars, safety glasses, chisels, hammers, containers, bug juice and my trusty mineral guide.

As always, I’m looking forward to the civic weekend, July 29, 30, 31st, and August 1st for the 47th Annual Rockhound Gemboree. It was chosen as one of the top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario for 2010. I never miss it!

Addendum
November 3, 2011 I just got this email:

Hello Jody!

I've just read your Blog on Sodalite and it is the best I've seen with more perspectives that I did not know about the Bancroft area. I'm a "rock guy" (and a sculptor, writer, green energy efficient architectural coatings expert) in California near San Francisco. I've got several pieces of the stone and love it as a hand piece. It's one of the most calming and rich stones. I like it as much as beach Jade, which is saying a lot, as that is in category of it's own. However I have got it in my mind to find gemmy, translucent, even colored, (like Calcedony) "Princess Blue" Sodalite like I saw in one of the gem books. It a color that speaks to my being. I am fascinated by it and it does not seem to be what most people associate with the stone.

In your experience, does such a thing really exist up there and if so, so you know anyone who sells it, or cabs it for sale for jewelry or tumbling?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes for a great day

Michael

This isn't anything new... infidelity has been written about in literature for many centuries. From the classic plays of William Shakespeare, to the modern works of Arthur Miller and more recent studies, like the 1992 movie "Basic Instinct"... and 2009's "Couples Retreat" to name just two!

Tiger & Elin Woods

“For weeks now there have been rumours that Tiger Woods and Elin might reconcile and save their marriage. It was believed by going to sex rehab Tiger had done just enough to keep his family together. But sources have told me that the marriage is indeed over," says news correspondent Kevin Frazier.
(http://www.hindustantimes.com/sportscentre/Tiger-Woods-wife-finalising-divorce/531609/H1-Article1-531076.aspx)

When ex-NYPD Blue actress, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon recently discovered that her husband of nearly nine years has been cheating on her, emailed Mike Nilon's colleagues at LA's Creative Artists Agency saying, “I found out today that my husband of almost nine years has been having an affair of 5 years with some slut in Chicago. I am devastated. And I have been duped!”
http://www.taletela.com/news/1152/garcelle-beauvais-nilon-gets-revenge-on-cheating-husband

Radar online has reported Oscar winning actress Sandra Bullock is preparing to serve cheating husband Jesse James divorce papers.
http://www.680news.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/article/42294--bullock-says-she-s-done-with-cheating-husband

Jesse James & Sandra Bullock

Brooke Mueller could be fed up with the problems which keep hitting her marriage with Charlie Sheen that she is said wanting to end it. The mother of two reportedly plans to file for divorce to her husband after learning that he has an affair with a lingerie model while he is supposed to be in rehab treatment.
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00031937.html

Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole announced that she is splitting from husband and footballer Ashley Cole after reports of him cheating on her with five women surfaced in February.
http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100138298&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=hollywood

Luann de Lesseps, from The Real Housewives, will be divorcing with her cheating husband.
http://www.buzzybloggers.com/latest-news/12148/luann-de-lesseps-cheating-husband-news-update/

Larry King’s marriage has:
“reportedly crumbled after Southwick (wife Shawn Southwick) accused King of having an affair with her younger sister, Shannon Engemann.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/04/15/2010-04-15_larry_king_stays_professional_onair_amidst_accusations_of_affair_with_wife_shawn.html

Singer Cheryl Cole has been estranged from her husband (Ashley Cole) after learning that he was cheating on her.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Cole-turns-to-psychic-over-marriage/articleshow/5782097.cms

Divorce documents allege that:
Bruce Springsteen has been involved in an affair with a married woman.
http://www.411mania.com/music/news/134819/Bruce-Springsteen-Cheating-Too?.htm

Amid claims that Rebecca Hall was the reason behind the split of Sam and Kate, friends and representatives of both Rebecca Hall and Sam Mendes have rubbished the rumours.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/celebwatch/Mendes-denies-cheating-on-Winslet/520886/H1-Article1-520587.aspx

Lenny Henry and (The Vicar of Dibley)Dawn French have revealed they are to split after 25 years of marriage - The stars have faced questions over their marriage since 1999, when Lenny was accused of cheating on Dawn with an Australian receptionist.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/2010/04/07/comedy-stars-lenny-henry-and-dawn-french-split-after-25-years-together-86908-22167414/

Tiki Barber

Sports broadcaster Tiki Barber and wife of 11 years Ginny Barber announced their seperation this week. Ginny is eight months pregnant with their third child. According to a new report by the New York Post, Barber split with his wife to pursue a romance with a former NBC intern named Traci Lynn Johnson.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/slideshow/cheating-hearts-2210571

Reggie Bush has denied claims that he was unfaithful to Kim Kardashian.
http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/news/a211030/reggie-bush-denies-cheating-rumours.html

Billy Crudup Walked out on seven-months-pregnant Mary-Louise Parker to date Claire Danes.
Jude Law His relationship with Sienna Miller came to an abrupt end when news leaked that he was putting the moves on his kids' nanny.
&
Jon Gosselin News of Gosselin's alleged infidelities busted up his marriage to the mother of his eight children, Kate, and put an abrupt end to his reality TV career.
&

David Letterman The "Late Night" host was forced to out his affair with staffer Stephanie Birkitt after her boyfriend tried to extort $2 million with threats to take the relationship public.
&
Brad Pitt Pitt reportedly "fell in love" with Angelina Jolie on the set of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," before leaving then-wife Jennifer Aniston.
&
Ryan Phillippe Phillippe and co-star Abbie Cornish started seeing each other in 2006 on the set of "Stop-Loss" while he was still married to Reese Witherspoon.
&

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant Cheated on then-girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley in 1995 with prostitute Divine Brown.
&
Eric Benet Benet blamed sex addiction for cheating on then-wife Halle Berry in 2002.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/04/09/GA2010040901670.html

Jenny Sanford’s divorce from Gov. Mark Sanford became final last month. The pair split after the governor disappeared last June and returned to publicly reveal he had been carrying on an extramarital affair with an Argentine woman.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/04/15/1377666/former-sc-first-lady-jenny-sanford.html

Former presidential candidate (John) Edwards admitted in January that he is the girl's father after initially denying it. He and his wife, Elizabeth Edwards , are now separated.
http://www.kansas.com/2010/04/07/1258294/winfrey-snags-interview-with-rielle.html

Usher

Multi-platinum R&B crooner, Usher, has released an album in which he:
implies that his own lies and infidelity led to divorcing the love of his life (Tameka Foster Raymond) and ending a two-year marriage
http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/reviews/view.bg?articleid=1243017&srvc=rss

Boyband member, Mark Owen (of Take That) has entered rehab for “infidelity and issues with alcohol”.
http://uk.news.launch.yahoo.com/dyna/article.html?a=/100325/340/ivy1t.html&e=l_news_dm

Hong Kong actress Myolie Wu has been plagued by rumours that her boyfriend, fellow actor Bosco Wong has been straying.
http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4012095

Carl Paladino

Millionaire governor wanna-be Carl Paladino reveals he fathered a child out of wedlock.
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/04/14/2010-04-14_sleaziest_candidate_ever.html

Toronto Transit Commission chair, Adam Giambrone, admitted cheating on his long-time live-in girlfriend with multiple women.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/giambrone-back-aboard-his-streetcar-but-show-could-be-derailed/article1510085/

Chef Gordon Ramsay is said to have cheated on his devoted wife, Tana, for years.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1264233/Gordon-Ramsays-Kitchen-Nightmare-Top-chef-Jason-Atherton-quits-alone.html

Chef Ramsay

Uma Thurman- Ethan Hawke... Scarlett Johansson- Josh Hartnett... Paris Hilton- Nick Carter... Sienna Miller- Jude Law.... Hillary-Bill.... oh there are MORE!!!!

And I read this, too:

John Tesh and Oprah Winfrey allegedly had a love affair before she was involved with Stedman Graham... now, they weren’t married to others at the time but still...

Tesh apparently abandoned Winfrey in the middle of the night after succumbing to "social pressures" that caused tension in their relationship.

John Tesh & Oprah Winfrey

"He said one night he looked down and saw his white body next to her black body and couldn't take it anymore," a Tesh ex told Kelley in the book, the Daily News reports. "He walked out in the middle of the night . . . He told me later he felt very guilty about it."
http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1269105

Hugh Hefner and girlfriends

My favourite comments, though, are these quotes from Hugh Hefner (c/o wwtdd.com)

on Jesse James (cheating husband of Sandra Bullock):

“When you get married, you make a commitment. I had a lot of girlfriends, but it’s not the same as cheating. I don’t cheat. I am very open about what I do . . . Sandra Bullock’s husband looks like a real creep. I think that when you are in a relationship, you should be honest. The real immorality of infidelity is the lying.”

On Woods:

“... this whole idea that it’s a sex addiction is a copout. Some people become obsessed with sex, but it’s not like an alcohol or drug addiction. He did it because he could get away with it.”

I’m listening to voices in the background, on t.v. (I confess, at times I’m occasionally drawn into the electric circus)... and I’m hearing about the St. John’s River, in Florida... and Haleigh Cummings... and Cousin Joe... and I’m thinking...

Something happened... and there’s a whole bunch of North Amercian humanity that has lost their minds with drugs... and they’re so sick, they’re sacrificing their own babies... and the rest of us just don’t want to believe it...

So we think it’s enough to sneer and judge and say they’re scum...
Why didn’t we fight for the children the first time we thought it?

Rest in peace, little angel.

Supposedly, the economy is starting to right itself and the rebound in real estate supports the theory. The spring housing market is expected to reach a fever pitch. "It's extremely busy out there right now. There is clearly a shortage of properties for sale in many parts of the country," says Michael Polzler, executive vice-president of Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada.

“...there is an increasing risk that we are going to get a mini boom/bust." Doug Porter, deputy chief economist with Bank of Montreal, recently said.

Still, the real estate world is facing the usual gamut of issues...

1/ Rising Interest Rates on the long end of the mortgage market are being cited as a catalyst in creating a mini boom this spring. On July 1st, Bank of Canada is expected to hike short-term interest rates.... as if this is some scary monster!!!! Am I the only person who remembers mortgage rates at near 22% back in ‘81?

2/ New mortgage rules that take effect April 19 will make it tougher for some people to borrow, in some cases. Just the thought of it, scares people! What does it mean? Simplified, it means that new federal guidelines require anyone buying a home with less than 20 per cent of the purchase price for a down payment must be able to qualify based on the posted rate for a five-year mortgage... just in case.

3/ The HST- okay, the new “harmonized tax” will affect a real estate transaction by adding between $1,500 and $3,000 in costs, on average- on “resale” homes, it only applies to the services connected to the transaction... such as the Realtor/lawyer, etc. Services that were charged GST of 5% will now be subject to a 13% tax. Now, the effect on new home construction will be more dramatic.

4/ Ongoing press coverage of the Competition Bureau v.s. the Canadian Real Estate Association regarding MLS... which nobody really wants to talk about, but includes a lot of inaccurate reporting! See #5

5/ The cost of doing business as a real estate sales person. See also #4

Let me tell you a little about #s 4 and 5.....

In my humble opinion, there’s way too much talk about the horrendous cost of using a Real Estate professional... the truth is that commission rates are negotiated at the time that a Real Estate pro and the Seller sign a contract... called a listing agreement... and there are no “set” fees.

There are all sorts of creative ways to construct your contract if you wish to keep your commission costs to a minimum, however, most Sellers understand that there is a lot more to selling property than simply sticking it on the MLS website, www.realtor.ca and they’re happy to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to have a professional do it for them.

Nobody said you HAVE to use a real estate professional, it’s just that it’s been proven time and time again that a real estate professional will get a significantly better deal... because we are trained in the business... PLUS, we take the brunt of ignorant phone calls- at all hours- the tire kickers, scheduling nightmares and we know how to market a property at its optimum advantage. I could go on. and on. and on.

It’s a hard business, this. It is full of cynicism and distain... and the truth is that most people haven’t the foggiest about what it costs to be in the industry- especially in rural areas. I’m not going to waste anyone’s time trying to explain or defend this... trust me, it’s not easy to make a living in this business. It’s hard work and long hours and we fight tooth and nail for every cent.

The media confuses a lot of people... recently, I actually had buyers ask me when I expected the desperation sales to begin. They figured that the economy would have created much better “deals” than they were finding.

I think that all the hype about going “for sale by owner” is fooling people into thinking that DIY is a cake walk. Most people wouldn’t think of doing their own electrical, dental, plumbing or legal work. Why? Maybe because it isn’t that easy to do it well?

In fact, I think Sellers have gotten a bit lazy, too. They think they just have to sign a listing paper and they’re done their part... but Buyers are savvy... they want documentation and verification. Homeowners should keep an organized file of paperwork that relates to their property and all of its components... but most don’t.

Property lines are simply pointed out, with a grunt in a direction and a shrug in the other. Easements are confused with right-of-ways... and let’s not even start about encroachments. Many Sellers aren’t sure about their zoning and that means that they aren’t sure if the property is compliant. Sellers may not be aware of the intricacies of their property... it may not have seemed important to them and they may not have stumbled upon any problem... but if these matters aren’t sorted out at the onset, there’s possibility for ugly stuff later!

Somebody has to take responsibility. No doubt most home sellers want to move on, in the comfort that they will not be followed by any aggravation related to their prior abode. & buyers want to have someone thoroughly explain every detail, including potential pit falls, to them. A good real estate professional helps resolve these matters, before they become ISSUES.

I recently read this quote from the ReMax Ontario-Atlantic Vice President Polzler, “Right now, a realtor is not often needed in the selling process, but you sure need a realtor in the buying process. If you don’t have a good realtor in this market, finding the right property and going in at the right price, people are being rejected all over the place.”

It’s true, having represented 100s of buyers and sellers, most Realtors understand the process of closing negotiations and bringing the parties together to form an amicable agreement. That’s one of our finer qualities! How come nobody reports that kinda stuff?

I love animals. I always have. I was recently reminded by a former high school classmate that my grade 9 year book proclaims that I imagine a future living in the country with my husband, a dog and other assorted creatures.

In that measure, I suppose I am a success... but I digress...

My regular blog readers (more regular than my blogs, it seems)... will note that I also have a great interest in the mysteries of the universe... and one of the things into which I have often delved is my connection with the other creatures with whom I share this planet.

I have animals that visit me and I see as a sign and others that are simply dear to my heart. My friends, relatives and real estate clients can attest to my connection with nature and wildlife. In fact, I have always been most at home, in the forest. I have spent many contemplative hours, quiet, in the forest and there have been many occasions during which I have been joined by a wandering critter, or two.

These have been some of my most treasured moments in life.

I thought I’d share a bit of the history and teaching about the oneness of nature and , in particular, my own spirit/animal guides, totems and messengers. Curiously, I decided to look up a few definitions to start...

ani•mal•ism (an′i məl iz′əm)
The doctrine that human beings are purely animals in nature and lack soul or spirit.
Animalism is a versatile Discipline that gives its user the ability to communicate and control animals.

Genesis 1:
{1:24} God also said, “Let the land produce living souls in their kind: cattle, and animals, and wild beasts of the earth, according to their species.” And so it became.
{1:25} And God made the wild beasts of the earth according to their species, and the cattle, and every animal on the land, according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
{1:26} And he said: “Let us make Man to our image and likeness. And let him rule over the fish of the sea, and the flying creatures of the air, and the wild beasts, and the entire earth, and every animal that moves on the earth.”

God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

The Talmud interprets "dominion" as the privilege of using animals for labor only.

"The Dominion Principle All animals everywhere belong to God. 'For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills" (Ps. 50:10). 'All things were created by him [Christ], and for him' (Col. 1:16). We cannot own what belongs to God; we're only caretakers.

In Genesis 1 Christ gave us dominion over animals, not ownership.

Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), Indian (India) founder of Buddhism religion and philosophy - "When a man has pity on all living creatures then only is he noble."

Animals and people have always shared a special relationship with each other. With the increase of information concerning animals and their ability to heal people psychologically, spiritually and physically, we are becoming more aware of our relationship with all animals in our society. More and more studies confirm that animal/human interaction fosters well-being.

We have all heard that owning a pet can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol; lower triglyceride levels; lessen stress; result in fewer doctor visits; and alleviate depression. Infants who live in a household with dogs are less likely to develop allergies later in life, not only to animals but also to other common allergens.

Evidence suggests that dogs can detect bladder cancer and predict the onset of seizures. Dolphins have been found to sense disabilities in some people and they will adjust their behavior accordingly. For instance, they'll reduce the speed and power of a 'dorsal pull' to accommodate the swimmer's condition. Horses have been engaged in treating emotionally disturbed teens.

There are many forms of animal-assisted therapy... and I could go on and on and on... but there’s more... there are many stories, legends, religions, teachings and disciplines to confirm that our spiritual lives are somehow linked with our relationship with animals. Animal lovers believe that animals possess souls, consciousness and extraordinary powers.

Some cultures have honoured animals for having a spiritual life similar to their own and imagine that the spirit of the animal exists after death. Shamanic practice honours and acknowledges the life and wisdom that exists in all things. Everything is believed to have something to teach you and animals are thought to have a wealth of wisdom and protection to offer you. Some refer to these as power animals, animal guides, totems or spirit guides (that just happen to be animals)- something akin to guardian angels. They may be animals we have known in life (such as a deceased pet) or they may be personal symbols that represent the qualities of an animal.

Our native cultures believe an animal's spirit enters into a person, at birth. You do not choose a Spirit Guide as your personal spirit guide. The Spirit chooses you and they decide to whom they will reveal themselves and make their friend. Its duties are to keep each person strong and wise as well as to excel in matters of attributes given to that Animal. They perceive these Spirit Guides or totems as powerful guardians of the land or spirits of living animals. Some psychologists conjecture that a vision or message from a Spirit Guide may be certain aspects of the human psyche resurfacing from the pre-conscious ancient human mind.

A spirit guide is a teacher with something to teach you. A totem animal is often a protector, a mate to travel the Inner Worlds with who knows its way around and can get you in, to your destination and out again safely.

The knowledge and power of animal guides can be effectively used to improve our lives. If you feel drawn to a particular creature or if perchance a particular creature comes, calling on you, you might want to Google “animal medicine” and check on the correlation!

The meaning and lessons an animal guide brings will differ according to the type of guide it may be. Learning the difference between the types will help in your understanding of the relevance of that particular animal to you.

All guides are powerful.

An Animal Totem is an important symbolic object used by a person to get in touch with specific qualities found within an animal which the person needs, connects with, or feels a deep affinity toward. Generally, a totem is an entity that watches over or assists a group of people, such as a family, clan, or tribe. Although the term is of Ojibwe origin in North America, totemistic beliefs are not limited to Native Americans. Similar totem-like beliefs are present throughout much of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Arctic polar region. The elders of almost every indigenous tribe on earth believe that we are all a part of a great dream that the Creator envisioned. A big dream where man and animal would live together connected, serving each other in the balance of life.

The Nine Totems

Each person has nine animal essences or totems that walk through life with them, teaching and guiding them and in some cases, protecting them. Your totems are found in 7 directions around your spirit: East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within. The last two animals are walking beside you at all times; your Right Side (male) and your Left Side (feminine).

EAST:
Your totem animal in the East guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guards you while you are on that path of illumination.
WEST:
Your totem animal in the West leads you to your personal truth. He helps you find the answers you already have buried deep within.
SOUTH:
Your totem animal in the South brings you trust, balance, and innocence. He protects your inner child.
NORTH:
Your totem animal in the North is very wise. He helps you to discern when to listen and when to speak. He also reminds you of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.
ABOVE:
Your totem animal from above connects you to the Great Star Nation, the Universe, and reminds you that you came from the stars and so shall return someday. This totem also brings you the dreams you experience in the Dream Time, helping you connect to other dimensions other than just this one.
BELOW:
Your totem animal from Below brings lessons about Mother Earth and how to stay grounded and
Balanced, while here in the Earth Walk.
WITHIN:
Your totem animal from within brings you your heart's desire and gives you the strength to be true to your dreams and Walk your Talk.
RIGHT SIDE:
Your totem animal on your Right Side protects you like a father. He is your protector as well as the one who gives you your courage and spirit to fight when necessary.
LEFT SIDE:
Your totem animal on your Left Side protects you like a mother. He teaches nurturing yourself as well as others. He teaches how to experience and have loving relationships.

MESSENGER GUIDES:
While sometimes the living animal is around you, most often they are only the essence of the animal.

At different times in your life, you may also have Special Helpers and/or Special Protectors. These stay with you for a limited period of time, depending on the challenges that you must face. They usually appear in person, in dreams or during meditation.

A Messenger Guide quickly comes into your life and then leaves once a message is understood. The time a Message Guide stays in your psychic is relative to you seeing and accepting the message. The message itself can be spiritual in nature, or it can be a warning. The message may deal with a seemingly mundane aspect of your life or it may be a wake-up call for some important action you must make. Sometimes the animal messenger will come during an unusual event and make a powerful statement and others come on the wind as a whisper. A messenger guide can cause you delays or some unforeseen help in your life. They can be both negative and positive in nature for they are totally impartial.

SHADOW GUIDES:
A Shadow Animal Guide is one that invades you with fear.Its purpose it to teach a lesson you have not learned from repeated mistakes because of anger, avarice, greed, insecurity, or other negative thoughts. A Shadow Guide will return again and again bearing strong feelings of fear until its message is acted upon or a change in lifestyle or actions are incorporated into your life. The Shadow Guide is powerful. It can help you to overcome fear by bringing truth and turning fear into a helper animal guide or spirit animal guide. However, if ignored the Shadow Guide can become dangerous and its powers will have a negative effect on your life. The Shadow Guide lives in the spirit world and usually arrives during a time of testing.

JOURNEY GUIDES:
A Journey Animal Guide appears at the fork in the road of your life. When a decision is made to follow a certain path in life, the Journey Guide is there to serve as a guide along the way. It represents a path that may take months or years to complete. It can be a friendly traveling companion if the path is right. If you become lost along the way, the Journey Guide is there help lead the way back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and leaves quickly, the Journey Guide remains at your side until the current cycle in your life has changed. A journey guide appears at the fork in the road of your life. When a decision is made to follow a certain path in life, the Journey Guide is there to serve as a guide along the way. It represents a path that may take months or years to complete. It can be a friendly traveling companion if the path is right. If you become lost along the way, the Journey Guide is there help lead the way back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and leaves quickly, the Journey Guide remains at your side until the current cycle in your life has changed.

LIFE GUIDE:
A Life Animal Guide is also called a Spirit Guide or Master Guide as it remains a part of you throughout life and reflects your inner-spiritual self. You may have more than one Life Guide and new ones may come during an expected time. Usually a Life Guide does not move away or disappear but remains an integral part of your life, however, there are instances when a particular Life Guide is no longer needed and is replaced with a new one. Its powers are always there for you and serve as a constant reminder of your inner powers and oneness with nature. If for example your Life Guide is Bear, you should be a person who is a solitary dweller, a seeker of knowledge and well grounded. A Life Guide will often call upon other animal guides found within its domain to assist in giving you special messages from time to time.

Animal wisdom is something we can all understand. It is based on the characteristics of the animal. It makes sense, intrinsically. At least it always has, to me.

Some of my own personal animal guides:

The bear. I was born with this connection. You can imagine my delight when I discovered that my 7th-great grandmother (on my paternal side) had been adopted into the Bear Clan! Also, a few years ago, when at a retreat with a native sensitive, she mentioned seeing a bear with me... behind me... she commented on its great size and the enormity of my bear medicine. I have always kept a bear at my door.

My bear is light coloured. Polar. Arctic totems are superb survivalists. Living in a cold climate and harsh environment demands stamina and determination to survive. Arctic totems teach the ability to thrive under the direst of circumstances.

Bears in general teach us to slow down and reserve our energies. Bear medicine also has to do with awakening from within. Bear teaches us that life's answers are no further than your own subconscious. There is no need to look outside of self when bear is nearby. Bears are also climbers and can teach us to reach new heights. Bears love honey and teach us to appreciate the sweetness life offers.

Polar bears are known for their fearlessness and aggressiveness. Polar bears are good hunters and strong swimmers. Humans are their only predator. Because Polar bears are so high up on the food chain it is understandable why they are so fearless. When polar appears you will want to evaluate your fears by looking at the things that make you reactive or act out. Or, you may need to strengthen areas of personal weakness.

The Polar bear is a good provider for his family, anyone with Polar bear as his totem bears the honourable responsibility to provide for others. It is right for the strongest to care for the weakest. Polar bear totem asks that any aggressive behaviours you display are for defensive purposes and not meant to bully.

Birds are another strong guide for me. Birds in general are survivalists. They will first choose flight over fight. They instinctively know that fighting is a dangerous endeavour. Whereas flight is avoiding trouble: possible injury or death. Birds have superb reflexes. They teach us awareness and adaptability. Birds represent the air element and are also teachers of proper breathing.

I have dreams and recollections of a white bird that comes to me and visits. I won’t go into immense detail about this bird... it is my own. I have not been able to find any image that perfectly depicts it, although it is not a particular showy or spectacular looking creature. It is simply smooth and white, fast flying and gentle.

Herons have surrounded me, always. Even when I lived in suburbia, there was a Heron that visited my backyard, daily! I have seen a heron in flight during most every successful real estate showing tour. All of my herons are called Harry. I was once dozing in a paddleboat at dawn, when I heard a horrible growl close by, I turned and was eye to eye with Herry... I could practically see his feathers move as I breathed! He eventually flew off... it was almost a prehistoric feeling!

Dolphin: Dolphin medicine represents the sacredness of all life and the abundance of the primordial sea. They are the gatekeepers to other realms and may teach us how to pass freely between this world and others. Dolphins carry this ability because they are mammals that live in the sea. They live in two worlds, the world of air and the world of water.

Dolphin’s qualities are life force energy, manna, inner child and Universal Consciousness.

When I was 13, I asked my uncle Frank to design a house for me... it was to be rooms surrounding a swimming pool, in which I would raise dolphins!

Dolphin teaches you the sacred ways of breath, how to release the old and bring in a new life force energy. Dolphin is playful, sensual and communicates love and compassion through its eyes. Other animals connect with Dolphin type people. Dolphins treat all life forms with love, gentleness and compassion. All life is sacred in their eyes. These people are connected to the universal awareness. They have strong psychic gifts.

Lioness: regal, majestic, powerful and strong, yet nurturing, devoted, playful and calm. As a totem, you will find yourself commanding this same respect from those around you, but not for no reason – you will have earned it, as Lion teaches leadership amidst cooperation. Just as lions live in groups called prides, so you may find yourself placed in uncommon situations of leadership or at the very least as an integral part of a group endeavor.

The next lesson with Lion that you can count on receiving is one of cooperation and how best to work with others. Within the pride, it is the female who does most of the hunting. But by hunting alone she would not do quite as well, and so she relies on her mate to do his part. He sits and roars, scaring the prey toward her. She then takes the lead and brings down dinner.

Lion is a strong spirit, and one of the most influential of all animal totems. Even the physical symbols associated with the lion suggest this is true, and they are; the Sun, the precious metal Gold, the god Mithras, and a king’s throne to name a very few.

Lions, though fiercely independent, can be extremely jealous and protective of their mates, and those with Lion Totem may find themselves exhibiting this same trait. Lion Spirit is not totally all about pomp and power. There is a marked softer and gentler side to this totem. Playfulness and the understanding that there should be a balance between a time for work and a time for rest is another totem message from Lion. In fact, lions revel in a very calm, almost lazy life, basking and preening and frolicking for many hours in the shade of the vast lands they inhabit.

Sensual, graceful, charismatic and passionate are all adjectives that also aptly describe Lion.

Wolf: the wolf is a powerful spiritual symbol. They are considered to be teachers or pathfinders. Wolf is the Grand teacher. Wolf is the sage, who after many winters upon the sacred path and seeking the ways of wisdom, returns to share new knowledge with the tribe. Wolf is both the radical and the traditional in the same breath.

Wolf Medicine brings a high sense of loyalty and strength, especially to family & children.

Great social skills, friendly, and gregarious. Ability of incredible strength, stamina, & communication both in physical & Spiritual realms. Naturally creative, noble, passionate, with the ability of profound understanding.

Jaguar: (a black panther) Some of the most powerful Shamans carry Jaguar energy, they have the ability to move into realms and realities where others cannot follow. Jaguar invites one to experience more of the "great beyond", to develop further one's intuition, bonding more deeply with guides and totems through meditation and action upon guidance received. In the Native American Culture, the Black Panther symbolizes "Embracing the Unknown." The Black Panther's medicine allows us to face our fears and darkest behaviors, exploring the hidden shadowy aspects of the human soul.

The color black is respected and honored by the red race. Darkness is a place to heal, to uncover the truth, to seek and find answers. Through dreams, the Black Panther teaches us to look inside of ourselves into those places that need healing, to embrace uncomfortable territory through self-discovery and courageously face the unknown.

Panthers are quiet and very sensitive. They have good vision and hearing and are very much at ease with being alone. Trusting your own thoughts and instincts, paying attention to the senses and using care are all part of the Panther's medicine.

Foliage... Yup, plants, trees, shrubs... call all be totems, too! They remind us that not all of life's mysteries have logical solutions. We must be open to magical opportunities, spirit allies, and unconventional paths. Plant life reminds us to celebrate our connection to all things growing on earth.

A blue star or blue flame... hmmmmmm
Flame/Star.... Twin flames were created together and share a destiny. They may spend many lives together and some apart but their paths are always connected.

Twin flames, although separate beings and often many miles apart tend to have similar experiences in their lives so that they are able to learn the same lessons.

Whenever they are together they appear to make up a whole, they are completely relaxed with each other and often have a type of telepathy or understanding of each other. They will be drawn together straight the way upon meeting.

Sometimes your twin soul may choose to remain in spirit whilst you are reincarnated and they will act as your spirit guide.

Sylph: Air spirits- a faux-mythological entity... an elemental being . Their element has the highest vibratory rate. They are said to live on the tops of mountains.

They often assume human form but only for short periods of time and they are said to be the most beautiful of all the elementals. They are usually seen with wings, looking like cherubs or fairies. They are said to leave beautiful green rings in meadows and fields caused by bending the dewy grass caused by their dancing in circles. Because of their connection to air, which is associated with the mental aspect, one of their functions is to help humans receive inspiration.

Sylphs are drawn to those who use their minds, particularly those in creative arts.

Sylphs are usually sympathetic of human endeavours and for the most part their actions towards them are kindly and thoughtful. The Sylphs can have a profound and powerful influence on the human mental body and thought, and, they are responsible for being the primary impetus behind both inspirational art and inventions.

As you can see, Spirit guides generally don't have a physical form; they reside on higher vibrational planes (dimensions), unhindered by the physical lower-vibration body. They work from these planes (the world of spirit) and move into our reality (3rd dimension) occasionally to offer guidance, assistance and insight.

Spirit guides will approach us in a form that is most comfortable and acceptable to us. For most people this is probably in something resembling a human form, though some might be seen in the form of a colour or shape, etc. I understand that we mustn’t confuse these with Angels- Angels function on a higher vibration than spirit guides, and in a higher dimension than spirit guides. Angels are of the stars and guides are of the earth. Animal totems, Animal guides or Power Animals can be a little of both.