Animals play an essential part in the grand plan of life. Yet too often, we think of animals simply as things to serve us when in fact, they have souls and are on an evolutionary path just as we are.

Animals look up to humanity for love and inspiration. We in the human kingdom have a sacred duty to help them in their spiritual development. Evolution unfolds at every stage of life—mineral, vegetable, animal as well as human. Just as the angels and archangels help us in our evolution, humans are meant to help the animal souls.

When you take in an animal as a pet, it’s not just for your pleasure. You are giving that animal an opportunity to develop spiritually. Animals are like spiritual sponges. They absorb and are uplifted by the love you give them. If you have a farm or ranch, you have an even better opportunity to help. Organizing a rescue shelter or adoption organization, becoming a veterinarian, (Editor’s note: also living a vegan lifestyle) are all ways to contribute to the welfare of animals.

Metaphysically speaking, animals have auras. They’re not going to have as large or as complex an aura as humans, but they have strong auras just the same. A cat, for example, will usually have an aura that reaches out about a foot in all directions. The colors will often be pink, red, and yellow. A dog will have a slightly larger aura, extending maybe a foot and a half. Blue, red, and pink are often seen in a dog’s aura, especially if it’s loyal. The aura around a horse will be even larger, extending three feet in all directions often with green, yellow, red, pink, blue, and violet spiritual colors. An animal’s aura changes depending on its feelings and moods. They express anger, fear, sadness, and joy in their auras like humans do.

Animals are instinctually psychic. They can often see spiritual energies around each other and people. They can even reach a place of tuning into their own higher nature. In this way, they go through a type of enlightenment and take on qualities we would start to identify as human. In many ways, they are more in tune with the spiritual realms than us — until we have learned to awaken our spiritual nature.

Animals serve the divine in so many ways, but mainly by the giving of themselves. Humans gain strength and support from this miraculous part of nature. So, do your best to honor your relationship with the animals. Help them and let them help you. In turn, you will be fulfilling an essential part of the divine plan of life.

Barbara Y. Martin and Dimitri Moraitis are cofounders of Spiritual Arts Institute. With over 40 years of clairvoyant experience, they have taught thousands to better themselves by working with the aura and spiritual energy. Their award-winning books include Communing with the Divine, Karma and Reincarnation, The Healing Power of Your Aura, and the updated edition of the international bestseller Change Your Aura, Change Your Life. www.spiritualarts.org.