A Message for Humanity From the Elephants
Dear Ones,
I knew our connection to the elephants in South Africa would be significant during our 2025 trip.
Our pilgrimage in March was very specific. We intended to connect energetically with Mama Africa, the land and animals, to collaborate and co-create a new way of being on the planet.
Our last encounter in 2018, in Zimbabwe, opened my eyes and heart to a way of connecting with these amazing giant creatures that I could never have imagined.
Having surrendered to the possibility of not seeing the elephants, we opened our hearts to connect with them energetically. Sitting on the sand, facing the watering hole, we closed our eyes and sent out our prayers and blessings. In this surrender, much to our surprise, seventeen elephants appeared and formed a circle in front of us, resembling a medicine wheel with their heads turned inward. It took our breath away; it was so magical. To add to this, the lions roared continuously throughout the entire encounter.
Fast forward to March 2025, during our last game drive through the bush at the eco-reserve, we reflected on the monumental moments we shared with elephants, lions, hyenas, impalas, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more—communicating heart to heart our love and respect for them and our gratitude for an amazing exchange during our week with them. We sought to collaborate with the animals and the natural world to find new ways of coexisting on the planet that respected and honored one another.
Our world is undergoing rapid change, accompanied by significant upheaval. We need a new paradigm to guide us that fosters cooperation between species.
A bittersweet ride in the open jeep, as we said our goodbyes to the land and its inhabitants, was interrupted by a sudden turn of events. Our guides drove us to a pond, whereupon elephants emerged from the dense brush, one by one. I held my breath, thinking there would be seventeen elephants. I started to count: 1, 2, 3, 10, 17, 25, 36, 44—no, 50 elephants came to say goodbye to us—fifty elephants, essentially all of the elephants in the reserve. Matriarchal mamas, old big papas, young males and females, and babies—all sizes and ages.
A few entered the watering hole and put themselves in a circle in the water, a medicine wheel, with their heads pointing outward this time. Another medicine wheel, could this be true? They were communicating with us!
Our hearts quickened with wonder and awe. We were all stunned and grateful, both humans and elephants. The guides had not experienced this before. And then the lions roared. I smiled. It was complete.
What, you might ask, is the message that the elephants wanted to communicate to us? A medicine wheel is a sacred symbol representing spiritual knowledge and the interconnectedness of the universe. It symbolizes unity and balance in the natural world, and the cyclical rhythm of life. The message seemed to be one of gratitude for the fact that, on this pilgrimage, we were honoring the natural design that exists between human beings and non-human animals, as well as the elements of water, earth, fire, spirit, and air.
It was affirmed that this indeed is the direction we must go in to support the evolution of our species, of all species. It is time to remember who we are in the balance of our ecosystem and act from this place to reset and evolve to a higher consciousness of being.
The most important lesson is to shift our awareness to the fact that all beings are sacred and have a purpose. We are here to work together in a collaborative and mutually beneficial manner. Let’s begin by recognizing the inherent worth of all beings, including our fellow humans and nature, to create a healthy, vibrant world where all beings are free.
Aahara’s Shamanic Warriorship Path Beaver Initiation is coming up this weekend. Beaver's teachings can support us in becoming the ecological engineers of our lives, helping us make the necessary changes during these challenging times to rebuild a more just and equitable world.
Hope to see you soon!
Much Love,
Carley and John