Yesterday while visiting with 3 friends in the early evening, I had the pleasure of seeing a doe nursing 2 fawns about 30 feet away from me.
My friends and I were cooking out and enjoying our (not so quiet) conversation at a rather secluded house in the woods when I looked up and saw the doe and her fawns. The deer were aware of us; the mother simply watched us with her tail down (she was not alarmed) while her 2 fawns nursed contentedly for a few minutes.
We all marveled at the sight, none of us ever having seen this spectacle quite so close to us. We also noticed how calm the doe was. She never flicked her tail or seemed the least bit skittish. After a few minutes the fawns seemed sated and the little family wandered off into the deep woods.
Given the holistic nature of the work that I do, I speculated that there was some significance to the 4 of us witnessing this moment of tenderness in nature, so I did a little research to see if I could find anything regarding the spiritual meaning or significance of a doe nursing her fawns. According to Ted Andrews (author of Animal-speak: Symbols, Guides, and Guardians from the Natural World) the deer symbolizes the gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. The deer is also a sign to trust yourself and your instincts. The doe nursing her fawns is a reminder to nurture ourselves as well as all that we create in life. It’s also a reminder that we have the ability to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings, helping them to heal themselves.
For me, the symbolism was very appropriate as I am embarking in new directions in all areas of my life. It was a gentle and loving reminder from nature to honor all that I am doing as well as to honor, nurture and love the self.
Pay attention to the wonders (and the messages in them ) all around you.
