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Ask Astrid Fridays ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Sacred Bonds & the Rabbit-Human Connection
Today’s share is one that is very dear to both Astrid and I, as it speaks to the relationship we have and how meaningful the rabbit-human bonding is, in our opinion. The theme of her message came through last weekend for this and has been building over the course of the week. But in essence, speaks to the special connection that is made when you invest your heart and soul into being a guardian and best friend to a rabbit.
Astrid feels this is also an important message at this time because it is nearing Easter and we both know how many people will go out and purchase rabbits, especially baby rabbits, on a whim thinking they would be cute gifts for their children.
Helping people to understand rabbits more and what is truly involved within that sacred bond you embark upon cultivating, is one of our hopes to help impart.
We’ll be speaking together through what I share and then maybe Astrid will have a specific message she will want me to separate out for her.
Rabbits are very social animals, but they are nothing like dogs and cats. I know many people see them as cute and cuddly little ones, but most rabbits aren’t particularly interested in being held and snuggled the same way you might a dog or cat. That’s not to say that all rabbits are this way, as they each have their own personalities and some, like my sweet Cosmo, truly love being held close.
But this is usually the exception, rather than the rule because rabbits are ground-dwelling and feel safest when all four feet are connected to their Earth Mother.
That’s also not to say every dog or cat easily cuddles up either, as there are exceptions like with animals who have been through quite a challenging past or some kind of abuse and neglect.
I know that many people are looking for an animal they can hold or show constant affection to, feeling a need to have their furry companion available for a certain kind of closeness. Dogs and cats usually come first to mind for people thinking about getting an animal companion because of this.
That’s not to say, for instance, that all cats like to be snuggled and close, as they also have ideas that are independent to yours and may or may not desire the same when you want it.
Dogs may be more inclined to do so.
Not most rabbits.
That might be a turn-off for people desiring more from their animal companions.
For me, it is exactly what I love most about rabbits.
You see, rabbits are prey animals, unlike cats and dogs who are predators. It takes a deliberate investment of time, nurturing, patience, and ultra presence to gain the trust of your rabbit because they naturally have different instincts – which is, everything is a potential threat.
Like horses, rabbits are magnificent clear mirrors and can be amazing therapy animals to help reflect and teach you the deepest core parts of yourself.
Again, I’m not saying that dogs or cats don’t do this, as they do and many of them are therapy animals as well, but things will be much more subtle and take more patience, presence, and willingness to go a bit deeper when it comes to a prey animal.
Their instincts and senses are ultra-aware. They feel every little nuance at an all-time high and therefore they immediately know what is below the surface and at your core far before you will. They pick up the finest frequencies of vibrational misalignment and disharmony.
They have to, after all, because their survival depends on it.
And in doing so, they truly help reflect some hard things to see about ourselves and help us to understand where we are being inconsistent with what we are saying and doing, and what we are feeling.
So, when a rabbit decides to welcome you, give a little more each day to you, shows affection, lets you approach them and stroke or kiss them, snuggle them on the ground, grind their teeth in delight, lick you, play with you, flop themselves on their sides vulnerably into dreamland, come search you out, chins, nuzzles, nibbles at you, follows you or jumps up on the bed or couch with you, rests next to you, and maybe even lets you pick them up without a struggle – these are invaluable.
To me, to earn that kind of trust and love from a prey animal is ultra special and meaningful.
To know that Astrid, or any of my bunny loves, have felt safe and seen with me means everything to me.
It’s simply something deeper I can’t put into words, but chokes me up to create that kind of bond and relating that is operating on a super high level of sensitivity.
Plus, it constantly keeps me very present and aware moment-to-moment about how I’m acting, feeling, and noticing everything about my rabbit and what is normal or changing with their behavior.
This also, by the way, helps you to stay on top of their health, as they will hide things more than other animals and to be on your toes with what’s going on with them every moment can save their lives AND enrich both of yours.
Rabbits ask us to meet them at their level – literally – so going on the ground with them will help with the bonding.
They also ask us to meet them equally in energy – bringing our full selves to the table in pure honesty and integrity of heart. In this way they will respond just as clearly with acknowledgment and meeting you in much the same way.
Rabbits are very social animals and the relationship with you will be of utmost importance, alongside any other bonded rabbit they have as a partner. Connection is what will help your rabbit thrive and whether that means they have another or other rabbit friends, other furry animal companions, or bond with you, it is much needed to have that closeness.
Most rabbits do enjoy some level of affection, which can shift over time the more you invest in your relationship with them. It can be very pleasing to them to be snuggled or nuzzled on the ground, massaged, spoken to softly, caressed, or simply sitting or laying next to you.
They also love to play and thrive on fun – another way to bond with them.
I feel most of the time that my rabbit loves, including Astrid, think of me as another rabbit. That’s because I have learned to be more like them and interact with them, as they would with another rabbit and I always listen to their cues, knowing when they’ve had enough, if they want more, and what they like or don’t like.
Rabbits teach you to relax and slow down, get in touch with yourself, truly listen within, and live life with more gentleness.
They have all kinds of personalities, just like us, and aren’t there to please you the way you want or think you need, although once they welcome you as part of their “warren” you will be part of the family and appreciated and loved uniquely.
Over time, they can come to provide huge amounts of affection in the sweetest of ways and you learn that intimacy starts within the heart and can be extremely gratifying in more ways than you imagined because you have created a sacred bond.
“The sacred bond invites you to a secret dance that lies beyond the horizon of existence alone. It takes you into the alchemy of the heart that never ceases to be and always remembers its wholeness,” says Astrid.
Easter Basket Auction for Rescue Rabbits, Everything Now 20% Off Easter Sale & Payment Plans at The Magick Rabbit
So, yesterday Astrid and my rabbit loves in the stars inspired me to create an Easter Auction to help raise money for rescue rabbits. We always like to give to help the bunnies, and do this sporadically when one of our favorite non-profits is in need of help, but also at least once a year. We’d like to create an auction as our contribution to supporting other ways to gift people at Easter than to purchase a bunny on a whim, while also being able to add to our donations we’ll contribute for this year.
In light of this, we’re going to be holding an auction on all three platforms we host – yes it is going to keep our bunny senses on full alert to manage, but feel it’s the best way we can raise the most for the bunnies.
This is the way the Auction will go.
Auction starts now and will end at 9pm PST on Monday, April 15th.
Bidding starts at $10 with at least $1 bidding increments.
For anyone here on my blog that wants to be part of the bidding, please place your bid in the comment section below. I will be monitoring the bidding across three platforms and will update where the bidding is at, so that you can see if you want to place another bid. If you do, simply place your new bid in the same comment section. You’re going to want to pay attention to the comments for potential updates from me.
It will work differently on Instagram and Facebook.
I may have created a monster for me to manage, but it doesn’t take place that often and I’m willing to do so for the bunnies.
Shipping is $19.95 within the U.S. only.
This Ultimate Easter Basket will be up for auction.
The Cosmic Basket includes:
* A beautiful wicker rabbit basket adorned with faux spring flowers (basket can be used separately if desired)
* One stunning angelic blue Celestite organic/open egg with rainbows – properties include: angelic, celestial stone, communicate with angelic realm, tap into universal love, open clear channels of communication from the heart, mental clarity connected to instincts, recall dreams, compassion for Earth and all creatures, relieve stress, surrender to inner peace
* One large Sunstone egg – solar plexus and sacral stone, clearing negative thought patterns, expand mind, confidence, self worth, clears and activates pathways, optimism, hope, power of the sun, celestial lighthouse, warming, opening your heart to love, life giving, healing, transformative, creativity, truth, leadership, happiness, stress aid
* One medium Rainbow Moonstone egg with Tourmaline inclusions – new beginnings, gentle, calming, improves intuition and receptivity, goddess energy, inspiration, inner growth, strength, love, moon magick, sacred feminine, shadow work, dreamtime, creativity. Tourmaline properties -protection, grounding, calming, keeps away electromagnetic pollution and radiation, aids addictions, good for stress and anxiety.
* One sweet stuffed White Rabbit mother and child
* One Alice in Wonderland natural vegetable soap in Vanilla Frosting scent by LolliLuscious with white rabbit, 2 teacups, and clock sitting on top of a cupcake
* Two small silver stands included in case you want to display your Sunstone and Moonstone eggs separately
* Faerytale spiral moss to fill the basket
* One felt magickal mushroom
Here are photos of all mentioned above that’s included.
HOPPY BIDDING! LET’S RAISE MONEY FOR THE BUNNIES!
Astrid and the bunnies are super excited about so many things right now, including how mom is 100% back to her writing full time and what that means. They’re also pretty delighted about Spring time and all of the tiny forest creatures that are coming around more again – can’t wait to see if our bunny friends will be back! They are anxious to see if mom is going to replant the Garden Tower and what flowers will be popping up alongside all of the irises pushing up and blooming right now.
And yes, they really, really want to encourage Easter gift-giving not to involve rabbits unless people are committed to a lifetime of companionship and guardianship with their rabbit family.
So, they have prompted mom to include ALL items in our shop for the Easter Sale, so that all of the new items can also be a part of the offering. And a 10% portion of proceeds will be included in rabbit rescue donations.
This includes our beloved new Magick Rabbit Talismans.
Two have found homes and I’m talking with people about potential plans for a couple others.
Titles for these creations include Temple of the Stars, Sunflower, Four Leaf Clover, Mer-Rabbit, Atlantis, Dragonfly & Friends, Pink Daisy, Dreamy, Rose, Desert, Violet, Love, and White Magick Rabbit Crystal Talisman Necklaces.
All now under $100, which is an incredible offering for these hand-painted and crafted treasures. That includes free shipping.
You’ll also find the first joy-filled Magick Rabbit Keepsake Chest, potent Cosmic Butterfly pendant, and smaller, ethereal lilac and purple “Thumper” foot-like piece of the Amethyst Rabbit also now included in the sale.
And yes, as people have been asking, I do offer payment plans.
If something says RESERVED, it is not available, unless the person relinquishes on their piece.
We are about 1/2 sold out of mini rabbit faery gardens now, but some of my favorites remain and all at incredible prices including some of the larger, vintage, or unique item pieces. There is only 1 glass terrarium mini garden left.
We have of course many whimsical choices that make wonderful Easter gifts, instead of buying a rabbit this season.
This includes a set of 5 greeting cards that would make lovely Easter notes to loved ones for only $15.96. The collection features all five of my original pieces, Moonlight Whispers, The Journey, Bedtime Stories, The Empress, and Cosmic Voyage with envelopes and title on the back cover. Perfect for every occasion and not just Easter – thank you’s, thinking of you’s, holidays, birthdays, sweet messages “just because”, anniversaries, congratulations, celebrations, motivational notes, sympathy, and more.
And yes, even the birth paintings that started it all are available at discount – a great chance to have an original piece of art.
The ever-popular journals featuring the five paintings are also available. We’ve sold out of Moonlight Whispers, but still have some of each of the other 4. Only 1 each left of The Journey and The Empress, 2 Cosmic Voyage, and 3 Bedtime Stories.
And besides the ultimate Easter Basket that is being auctioned, there is still one other remaining at big discount.
All available at this link:
Stay tuned later today for Ask Astrid Fridays and her message of the week!
Thank you from our hearts to yours!
Ask Astrid Friday’s ~ The Rabbit’s Corner: Yield in the Face of Change
Ever since our Amethyst babies have returned home, the energy has been shaking up and redirecting here. Not in a new direction, per say, but into alignment with what I’d been sensing. The Universe, or All That Is, likes to reiterate things in reflection and with the types of astrological placements I have, much of the time my messages come in clear through an injury or fracture. This took place today.
I slipped on some ice, even after being told twice by Dave to be careful of it AND being cautious. My heel just hit the perfect angle sending me out of balance and falling in a way that overextended my knee. And this leaves me either with a strain or tear to my MCL. At least not a bone fracture, as my usual M.O., but ligament injuries are no fun thing and it will take time to heal.
And where does that leave me?
Only able to focus on my writing again. Go figure!
It was no surprise by me and it just seems that the Universe, or Uni, as I like to call IT has my back and knows me well – that to get into alignment with the momentum needed, there would need to be something put into place.
I’ve also sensed a lot of energy out there and my desire not to engage in it. There may be a part of that in this too, but also reflecting how I’m really ready to move forward with new momentum.
And, just like Astrid went through her little experience of moving energy through her solar plexus recently, I am moving energy through my knee – the place of flexibility, movement, and considered where we assimilate knowledge and learning on a spiritual and energetic level (think kneeling and praying – even being knighted back in the day). When you take into account that knees can also represent fears and humility, it makes a lot of sense.
It’s interesting that Astrid has changed her position of where she lays the last few days for her daytime naps. Normally she’s enjoyed being under the sleigh at center of our room or under the low meditation table in the exercise room adjacent to ours.
But I’ve found her now in the top level of her castle tower and with her body curved in positions where her bunny butt hangs out the window on one side or her legs do.
She seems to say with this that the peace in our hearts can keep us anchored and safe, even when we stretch parts of ourselves through unknown doorways.
That it’s about moving forward with a new approach to change, which is basically the unknown.
“You know, the unknown you’ve felt around your book,” she adds.
She likes to cut to the chase.
“Yes, you’re absolutely right,” I reply. “And you know that I’ve said I was going to get back to it full time after my birthday even though I’ve felt some fear around it.”
“Yes, and I’ve seen you clearing the slate and making room for it,” she says. “You’ve been feeling the tug at your heart for a few weeks now, while being presented with life options, and we’ve been waiting to see what you’d choose.”
She’s right. I have been feeling it in the background very profoundly and started getting the sense to jump full on in again, which is why on Monday I’d announced that Monday and Wednesday’s blogs would likely go dormant while I switch back gears to writing full time.
“Yes, and you know how powerful your words and feelings are. You then created the scenario to ensure it!” she says with a wink.
“I did indeed, because now I will need to rest my knee and lay low, which will keep me where I feel I want and need to be. It also ensures I listen to the messages so as not to create anything really terrible. I think the wind and storm, and now the knee, all point to new directions and their timeliness I’ve felt in my soul. Funny that I also was heading into a new form of painting with my side creative time to accompany writing, which all keeps me able to sit or lay on the bed while doing them.”
“You do follow your feelings well,” she says. “There are times you may feel vulnerable or even unsure about something, but you have never been one to resist the winds of change. That’s why you braved those 80 mile an hour winds without hesitation and stepped into them with determination to retrieve your things. Your knee is not a punishment or bad thing, but simply a reset and an opportunity to surrender even more and open to yet wider, even more flexible possibilities you have yet to imagine with your writing. Anything that feels overwhelming can be embraced through humility. I know that the next phase will likely be your hardest one yet with the book, but the wisdom of your knee is to yield in the face of change. Something I know you can do well, my friend. Remember where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. Now repeat that process. The parts and players may be different, but the game is still the same.” she says.
~
I wonder if any of you are approaching similar resets in your life that seem both exciting and overwhelming?
Do Astrid’s words touch a chord?
Whimsical Wednesdays ~ The Artist’s Corner: There’s Never Too Much Whimsy
I’m just getting back to things after taking the day off yesterday for my birthday. The day before was quite a wild experience navigating an 80+ mile an hour wind and storm that could have gone far worse than it did. As I told a friend, it was more like winds of transmutation ushering in a new cycle. To say we were grateful is an understatement. And it had me laying low yesterday, only to start one new creative project for The Magick Rabbit Etsy shop, as I wanted to birth something besides myself. 🙂
I’m still not on high gear of wanting to do a lot right now, but I thought for today’s Whimsical Wednesday, it might be fun to share the whimsy that I’ve had SO much fun with when sending out orders.
I like to create a whole experience with everything – “creating life as a work of art” as you know – and so this extends to wanting people to feel the joy, beauty, and inspiration from the moment they receive their packages.
Each one like a work of art and gift itself – all Astrid approved!
So, I spend a lot of time making them fun and creative, as well as intuit what feels right for each package.
Astrid and I love to add surprises, so we add little extra touches and gifts to make you feel as special as you are.
This includes nature and magickal inspired touches, bright colors, fun stickers, crystals, decorative items, and pure whimsy to add love and joy to your life and home.
We’re SO excited about some of the recent additions you see pictured below, that will be going out with the new orders, along with some of the creativity you see in the photos above from past packages.
From buttons, to magnets, to bags, to bubbles, to bunnies….there’s just so much cuteness it makes me want to keep it all. LOL!
And there’s more!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this little bit of whimsy while I head off to wrap some fun.
Remember that the Birthday Celebration Sale continues today and tomorrow (2/27 and 2/28) to receive 20% off.
If there’s something you were drawn to or thought might make a great gift, this is a great time to bring home some enchantment.
You’ll see the discount reflected in the prices at
Whimsical Wednesdays ~ The Artist’s Corner: If You Don’t See What You’d Like in the World, Create it Yourself
We’re creative beings by default, regardless of whether you feel you have a creative bone in you or not. We all have creative potential to not only express through the creative forces at the root of our being, but to actively co-partner in remaking our shared world and collective experience. We each embody a unique expression of All That Is and are a part of the life cycles of birth and death transmuting into new forms over and over, just like the life and death of a star.
When we find ourselves unhappy or unsatisfied with what we see and experience around us in the outer world, we can look within at ways we can tap into our creative power to start reshaping the inner world of our experience. In this way, we start to experience shifts in domino-effect that have far-reaching benefit.
If you wish to see something “out there” try creating it “in here.”
This can be in larger ways like desiring to experience more compassion in the world, so you commit to walking in compassion as much as you can on a daily basis, starting with having compassion for yourself.
Or, it can be in smaller ways, like wishing you could find that perfect item that you envision, but no one carries, so you make it yourself.
In each case, and all of the myriad of other examples and possibilities in between these, you are using your creative energy to create something. You are taking initiative and action by harnessing the creative forces within you to find ways to bring about/birth from the impetus of an idea, inspiration, strong desire, or dream.
And this makes you powerful.
Yes, you are powerful.
You are co-creating life and the type of experience of life you want to have, regardless of what is out there or not.
I actively engage in both types of “creating,” choosing to be more of the things I want to experience in the world and creating little bits of magick my imagination and heart desire.
The latter is what I did recently with two little rabbit Faery gardens I created for me and Astrid.
And in doing so, not only did I create something I wanted, but wasn’t out there (at least that I knew of), but the energy carried within each creation has twofold reach in not only making my heart happy and creating sweet energy for Astrid and me, but in creating these mini worlds, I’m creating a space of potential – like a timeline or portal – that acts like creative visualization for manifestation. They help to draw in layers of meaning, possibilities, and integration into the “now” experience.
This is the new creation I just made yesterday for our Wonderland room.
It’s called Royal Cosmic Wedding: Union of Inner Harmony.
Just the title likely gives you a hint at the energy embodied here, speaking about that marriage of wholeness within the divine perfection that we already are. And if there is any imbalance or turmoil within these parts of ourselves, it unifies them in harmony and understanding.
It’s created atop a vintage white porcelain castle planter and is currently the centerpiece to our room sitting on the highest platform of Astrid’s butterfly sleigh that she sleeps under.
To further help you understand the symbolism within it, here is what I included in the creation:
There’s a black AND a white bunny, a unicorn, a bunny in a swing at top center, two bunnies holding the Faery Queen’s white gown, a crown I found and glued atop her head, puffy white cattail on the reeds that double as nature and stars, a green dragonfly on one of them, and there’s a little book on a silver plaque holder that says “Once upon a time” with words beginning a story and an image of a castle on it. All of the figures sit atop gold sparkly stepping stones like gold coins that light and support the way.
It and Once Upon A Time: The Rabbit Faery Queen are the two mini themed magick rabbit worlds I decided to create and keep for Astrid and me.
Bringing art and love together, to me is “creating life as a work of art” – my personal motto.
Art, to me, is a manifestation of love.
When we create something from ourselves, no matter what it is, it is an extension of the love within us expressing creatively and that reaches out to another’s heart, bringing us together.
Everyone’s creativity, because it comes from the source of harmonious love, has value.
And in exploring, discovering, and bringing forth our creative energy, we are celebrating the hidden gift of being alive.
~
Note: Although I cannot create another of the Royal Cosmic Wedding: Union of Inner Harmony, due to the one-of-a-kind vintage castle planter, I did make a second of Once Upon A Time: The Rabbit Faery Queen for our Etsy shop, The Magick Rabbit, that sold. I can make more of that one if someone’s interested.
I’ll be sharing 3 new mini rabbit Faery gardens either this or next week – the last ones I’m making, as I’ll be focusing on new creations for the shop to share over the next weeks and months.
More mini rabbit Faery gardens can be found here, along with the original magick rabbit paintings, prints, greeting cards, and journals: