And A Squirrel Living In A Pear Tree…

And A Squirrel Living In A Pear Tree… July 14, 2020

My family and I moved into our current home at the end of February. And even in Winter, it didn’t take long to notice our large yard is a haven to many creatures: birds, a muskrat, rabbits, and a squirrel. Okay, so there are several squirrels. There is one who has captured our attention because they (we don’t know the gender so…) are very fat. Fun to watch, that one. But then a skinny baby squirrel came along a month or so ago, and stole my heart.

This tiny one hangs out in the pear tree bordering the driveway along our side yard. I have various plants, herbs, and flowers growing along the border there. What is hilarious is little squirrel doesn’t try to nibble on the plants. Rather,  hiding walnuts in between the plants is the goal. The little one is also making a mess eating the tiny pears now appearing on the tree. I’m hoping they will leave the low hanging fruit for us to enjoy as well, but we shall see.

Squirrel
Pears. Healthy food for a young squirrel. Image by _Alicaja_ via pixabay.com

Squirrel: Just The Facts, Ma’am.

So, what do we know about squirrels from a scientific perspective? Members of the rodent family, squirrels are mammals, omnivores, and their Latin name is Sciuridae. There are over 200 species living all over the world (except Australia). There are tiny African squirrels that measure five inches from nose to tail and actual “rodents of unusual size” tallying in at three feet in length. Those live in India.

Squirrels have four front teeth that grow all of their lives. The most familiar squirrels we humans recognize live in trees. They are known as excellent climbers and for their leaping ability. Others thrive under the ground in tunnels and burrows, hibernating in cold months.

A tree squirrel’s diet is nuts, leaves, berries, seeds, plants, tree bark, eggs. Other types of squirrels may catch small animals, caterpillars, bugs, etc. And then there are the flying squirrels that glide by stretching out all their limbs allowing the wind to catch extra skin that act as “wings.” These will eat fruit, nuts, and even baby birds.

One or two baby squirrels are born to females. Blind at birth, they need their mother much like a kitten does in the early weeks. Female squirrels can have multiple births in a year, which is why squirrel populations remain robust. They can either be playful and amusing or thieves and pests, depending on your perspective and what the squirrels on your property are doing. They can be friendly or aggressive (depending on the situation) and they will “chatter” at you, as they are talkative little creatures.

Image by pixels via pixabay.com

Squirrel As A Magickal Ally

If you choose to work with squirrel spirit as an ally, you will have an exuberant, energetic partner in witchcraft. Honestly, I had not thought to seek them out until observing the little one in my pear tree. But here a few reasons why you might want to consider it:

Abundance — While many squirrels forage, store, and protect their food from “thieves” by creating “false caches”, not all squirrel species are so careful or clever. For instance, the gray squirrel is known to forget where the nuts are buried. So, I’d be sure you are working with a variety of squirrel spirit that knows how to gather and take care of its wealth (whatever that may be). Unless “losing money” is something you desire for someone else. Then gray squirrel might be the one you tap.

Action — If you need some extra energy, ask if this animal spirit is willing to share some of theirs. Just remember to ground the excess when you have accomplished your task.

Communication — Even before looking up squirrels in Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences (highly recommended resource), I figured squirrel spirit is a good ally for communication. Why? Because they do enjoy chattering as noted above. Now, whether that is because one must be heard or learn to listen is up to the spellcaster.

Danger (or Awareness of Surroundings) — As with most wild animals, squirrels are tuned into their surroundings. They know their environment. They are on alert for danger. So, if you need to work on building awareness or create a better sense of self-preservation, then seek out squirrel spirit for assistance and guidance.

Squirrel
Image by Goncharenko Vladimir via Shutterstock.com. Image used with licensed permission.

More magickal suggestions for working with Squirrel

So, how do you go about working with this animal spirit? Good question. Here are a few of my ideas:

  • Meditate where squirrels hang out in your yard or a park. Watch them play. Leave food in the Winter. Then reach out to Squirrel Spirit. Ask if they will be an ally, share energy, or assist with a spell or ritual.
  • Use a nut or seed you’ve observed as being hoarded by squirrels in a spell bag to focus squirrel energy into the desired outcome.
  • Craft a nut (leftover shell left behind by a squirrel) into an amulet with the intention you wish to draw or access.
  • Print an image, find a small figurine, or some other representation of squirrel to add to your altar as an ally.

Let intuition be your guide in working with squirrels (or any kind of nature-based Earth magick). Be willing to step outside your comfort zone or even act a little silly. Because who hasn’t watched the antics of squirrels without smiling? There is much we can learn from working with squirrel in witchcraft or magickal workings if we are willing to reach out. I know that I’m certainly looking forward to the experience.

About Gwyn
Gwyn is one of the hosts of 3 Pagans and a Cat, a podcast about the questions and discussions between three pagan family members, each exploring different pagan paths and how their various traditions can intersect. The most practiced pagan on the path, Gwyn is a Green Earth Witch devoted to the Earth Mother, Hekate, Brighid, and Frigga. She is a Clairsentient Medium, Tarot Reader, loves writing and, spending time with her family, as well as working with herbs, essential oils, and plants. You can read more about the author here.

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