Currently, more than two hundred species of squirrel can be found worldwide, except in Australia and Antarctica. Squirrels can be broken down into three groups: tree, ground, and flying. Tree squirrels live in woodlands and forests, ground squirrels live in areas that include grasslands and tundra, and flying squirrels live in the woods. Even within their group, different species will compete for territory, sometimes viciously, but the general nature of squirrels is playful, loving, and protective. They are also incredibly intelligent and resourceful, as anyone who has tried to keep them out of a bird feeder knows. They can solve any puzzle or obstacle that keeps them from what they want. They are also the epitome of preparedness, teaching the lesson to always be ready for a rainy day.
Key Attributes
Playfulness, resourcefulness, planning for the future, trust, achieving one’s goals through determination and hard work, socialization, chatty conversation, cleverness, and a reminder to have fun.
Chakra Interpretations
Root
Most people think squirrels only eat nuts and what they can steal from a bird feeder, but this is not the case. Squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. Squirrels will sometimes pretend to bury food to throw off potential thieves. They also hide nuts in lots of different locations and no one is entirely sure if they can remember all of them. Nuts that get left behind contribute to reforestation. You may have a habit of “squirreling away” food in various parts of your house, office, or car. Another possibility for the squirrel in this chakra is that you are very good with investments. You don’t put all your money in one place but have mastered the art of diversifying. One more possibility is a warning that you may be accumulating way too much stuff and becoming a pack rat. Is it time to clear out your nest?
Sacral
Squirrels will run in unpredictable routes to confuse possible predators. People may have a hard time keeping up with you, which might be intentional on your part to keep them guessing and your way of staying ahead of your game. It is also possible that your energy has become scattered and you need to focus or nothing will get done. If this is the case, slow down, quiet your mind, and remember to breathe. Another aspect of squirrel is that they learn best when working with their hands. Building something practical or just creating something beautiful for the sheer joy of creating can bring you a lot of satisfaction.
Solar Plexus
Squirrel is the epitome of hard work and preparation because it spends all its waking hours toiling. If this sounds like you, while your intentions are honorable, it might be that you are neglecting not only the people closest to you but yourself as well. The bills will probably still get paid, and food will be on the table even if you take a night off now and then to be with those you love. They are the reason you work so hard, and you need to remember that. Another possible interpretation has to do with one particular species, the flying squirrel. If you have been resisting making changes in your life, this little guy is telling you to take a leap of faith and soar. Another characteristic of the squirrel is that it is one of the few wild animals that will eat out of a human’s hand. Squirrel energy may be telling you that it is okay to accept a gift or a handout. The person doing the giving may not have an agenda other than to help you.
Heart
A squirrel’s heart beats very fast. From a practical standpoint, this could mean you are prone to high blood pressure. Meditative practices can help, but don’t shy away from medication if it is necessary. The territorial and chaotic nature of squirrel could be a reminder that it is time to calm down. If you want to find peace in your heart, you must first find harmony and balance in your life. Slow down and take a breath. Squirrels can be very trusting, but when they are frightened or sense danger, they will stop and remain motionless. The squirrel could be asking what the status of your heart is: open and trusting or frozen with fear? If it is fearful, identify the source of your anxiety and get away from it to safety. If it is open and trusting, then that is a beautiful thing.
Throat
Squirrels are very vocal in both work and play, and their nonstop chatter can create a sense of confusion. It might be that you feel like you need to talk louder than other people to get your point across. It very well could be that you thrive in situations like this, but if not, try to calm the chaos and seek silence. Another way squirrels communicate is with their tails. It is possible that your body language is easy to read; just make sure the signals you are projecting are the ones you want it to send.
Third Eye
Squirrels’ eyes can see a significant amount of their surroundings without their bodies or heads needing to move. This says that you are aware of everything going on around you, while others think you aren’t even paying attention. At the same time, it may be time to stop the inner chatter of your mind so you can pay attention.
Crown
Many species of squirrel spend most of their time in trees, and while they do not hibernate, they do sleep a lot, especially during cold weather. You might be the kind of person who only crawls out from under the covers because you must. Your best way to recharge is by slowing down and spending time in the dream world. If this sounds like you, you know yourself well enough to know that you need to shut off the outside world and bury yourself in your nest. Only when you do this can you hear the messages not only from your higher self but also from Spirit and the universe.