This week's External Influence is the Reversed Spirit Guide Dog. When this guide normally appears, the Dog guide reminds us to work with thought towards others. That it is time to make sure we have strengthened our bonds of loyalty and mutual affection with others. However, when this spirit guide appears as a Reversed symbol, we see that the Dog comes to signal a time when we may need to isolate. Take some time by yourself in silent thought and contemplation towards others. Have you balanced out your time appropriately for aiding others and for helping yourself? Have you forgotten an old bond that needs to be strengthened or have you tightened down to hard and need to let another have their space? The Reversed Dog spirit guide asks us to turn our mind to careful, individual thought about others and ourselves. It is ok to be selfish now and then. Let yourself indulge in a favorite hobby or slow down for a relaxed day. Let your body and mind relax. You may have gone through something traumatic recently and feel like your being pushed to go, go go. However, remember that it is ok to let yourself rest. Don't be so hard on yourself. If there is someone trying to help you, let them. Allow yourself to be cared for, even if it's just by giving yourself time and care.

This week's Rune is Isa. This rune is depicted as being the vertical axis through which energy and antimatter travel up and down and reinforce the structure of all. This straight symbol is seen as an archetype, present throughout all other runes. It symbolizes ice, constraint, as well as a massive force or slow expansion. Although ice does not move swiftly, when it does, it moves with an incredible force and magnitude. This energy could work either as a constraint holding you down or as a structure of stability in a fast-paced world. Working with Isa can enable you to recognize and use forms of pattern, understanding polarities, and help you understand potential dangers and how to avoid them.

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 mundane, controlling, or overindulgent illusions. 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. Remember to believe in your personal abilities and to treasure those around you.