This winter we have two black squirrels regularly showing up at our bird feeders. In researching squirrel, I have learned that black squirrels are relatively rare—about 1 in 100,000. One website makes the statement that most people have never seen one. So what is squirrel’s message? Well, one only has to watch for a few minutes to see that they are a little hyperactive. They rush to gather food, but sometimes forget where they’ve stored it. They also take time to play, chasing and scampering about. Squirrel is about preparing for the future, but taking time to play.
So how does squirrel relate to me? And why the black squirrel?
I have reached a point in my life where I am called to focus on just a few projects. For a long time now I’ve scattered my energy across a broad spectrum, but after a lot of effort and a lot of letting go of commitments, I am making a concerted effort to—focus. I can’t tell you how many times a tasty-looking nut has caught my attention and I am all set to head out of the nest to chase it down, only to remind myself that I am not doing that anymore.
Playfulness. This morning in my meditation time, I found my mind wandering (okay scampering about like a squirrel) to thoughts of my friend Sandy’s vacation. She is just back from a cruise and her first comment was how relaxed she felt. She said it with enough astonishment that I recognized a kindred spirit. What is it with this mid-western work ethic that makes us feel guilty for resting? Then the peaceful voice that reminds me to come center and focus on my breath during meditation also suggested that I remember to play, relax, have fun.
Black. The color of mystery and the unknown. The color of trust. I read a quote once, “I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light.”~ Mary Gardiner Brainard.
Squirrels can be one of the more trusting of wild creatures and will sometimes come and take food from an open hand. Trust. So the black squirrel comes to tell me to trust that I am in the right place, doing the right thing.
Whew! All of that from two little rodents racing around the backyard. Then again, when it comes to Spirit, it shouldn’t be so surprising that a lot can be communicated in something so ordinary as a squirrel, and something so exquisite as a black squirrel.
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Thank you for this post! I was looking for info specifically on black squirrels and wasn’t finding much (except the news that they are supposedly more aggressive than gray or red squirrels).
I can totally relate to your issues about scattering your efforts among many tasty nuts and now trying to get good at focusing on just a few projects. That’s exactly what I’m working on right now – trying to figure out which of the myriad fun, creative or career projects I should give my all to.
I also can totally relate to the part about remembering to play and have fun. When I saw the black squirrel in our yard this morning, I was rushing to get my “work” done so I could have time for fun things. I have not made enough time for play and fun in my life, even though I advocate that for my writing students.
I also read this today about squirrel: “If you have been hoarding things, get ready to release and let go.” Just before seeing Blackie, I had pulled out some piles of stuff from underneath a table so I could get at a box in the back that contains a fun project I want to work on. The piles of stuff at the front are a decluttering project I’ve been putting off for a long time, which would really lift some energetic baggage off my chest were I to make it a priority. D’oh! Do you think I got a little prompt there by any chance? ;~)
Interesting that you say most people have never seen a black squirrel. I saw them in the park when we visited Toronto last summer and I marveled at their bold black look—but at the time it didn’t call out to me to look up the totem animal meaning. However, seeing one right outside my window today did! I didn’t even know we had them here in Northern Ohio. We have gray and red squirrels galore, but never before has a black one shown up.
I love the photo of your Blackie on the bird feeder.
Nice post! I love the interpretation of the black squirrel’s omen.
I have lived in Illinois all my life (43 yrs), love outdoors and hiking, but have never seen a black squirrel…until today! It was a gorgeous creature! All black, with the exception of its under-belly which was brown.
So in search for what this black squirrel might portend, I found your post. Thank you!