This week's External Influence is the Spirit Guide Rhino! Throughout this week, we will have opportunities to explore a range of solitary activities that will strengthen your ability to find a sense of self peace and calmness. If you are feeling antsy, try to take a deep breath and find a way to express this energy so that you are able to connect with that sense of peace. The Rhino guide is a sign of ancient wisdom, representing a chance to gather as much information as possible from the world around you as well as by diving within yourself to learn a deeper sense of self. While there are many ways to connect with the divine in an outward expression, Rhino comes to remind you that you can also find a connection and depth of peace through finding the divine within yourself. Rather than rushing ahead, use this collection of knowledge to carefully think out and plan your future actions this week. Research into the specific type of Rhino you feel drawn to can aid in a deeper understanding of what this Spirit Guide is here to teach you. Look at those around you with a different perspective. Rhino's deep connection with the Oxpecker bird reminds us that even though we can find happiness in solitude, that we also must still retain our love and connections with those important to us.

This week's Rune is Thurisaz. Depicted as a thorn, this rune is a symbol of protection, defense, destruction, and regeneration. It can be seen as either an active defense or used as an attack against enemies. It is depicted as a thorn from a plant, yet is connected with the element of fire and a symbol of the lightning and thunder attributed to Thor's hammer, Mjollnir. Use Thurisaz when you wish to protect yourself against those wishing you harm or ill will, but know that this symbol will also aid you in awakening your will and overcoming obstacles found in uncomfortable situations. Thurisaz will aid you this week in giving you a push of additional strength. This week, work on tapping into your sight to become aware of energies and when to think before acting. This rune also warns us to consider the dark within ones self and how to deal with it positively in order to avoid it gaining strength over us. Do not let your negative fester within. Thurisaz will aid you in breaking down barriers in order to make way for a new beginning.

In Internal Influences, we see a very special card appear. The Tigrina, a small South American feline cousin to the Ocelot and the Margay. Not often seen in spirit guide sources, this feline is a strong personal guide to myself and created as a card to show a special sort of inner self. You are who you need to be. Your soul is light and energy with a skill of creation and expression. This feline is a secretive type not often seen which can indicate that you have talents within you that you may not even recognize yet. Take time in solitude and meditation to search within yourself. What is your light? What is your soul's talent? Music? Arts? Writing? Connecting with or helping others? Often, we find our greatest strengths in solitude and introspection. At times, when we find this skill, we share it to the world in our happiness, however, remember that actions speak louder than words. Instead of sharing, take a deep breath and let yourself explore this realized ability. By sharing too soon, we can lose the power built up behind an idea, but by placing that power into the idea, we can create miracles to share. Tigrina is an indication that you are an empath. A person able to feel the emotions or energy of another on a strong level. Meditate and build shields around you so that you do not become overwhelmed by your environment such as the mundane, controlling, or overindulgent illusions that may be symbolized by the Reversed Satyr. Trust your spirit and find your light within. Researching Ocelot may also lead to insights to yourself when looking at this card. If feeling overwhelmed, breathe deep and easy. As you do so, imagine the feelings overwhelming you as a stream that flows outward with your breath. Leaving your body to be recycled by the earth. See yourself as a bright light shining with abilities and worth. You can manifest your desires and use this to aid those around you. Remember to take time to recharge in solitude, however, so that you don't become overwhelmed. When tired, let yourself relax without guilt so that you can dive back into the mix to create and share joy with others without draining yourself. You have the ability to return the Satyr to his positive and exciting role if only you believe in yourself, your personal abilities, and remember to treasure yourself and those around you.