It is believed that each of us is born with 9 animals who bring teachings and messages for greater understanding and insights for our benefit throughout our lifetime. Two of those animals are permanent and never leave us; they are our primary totems -- sometimes called Power Animals. We usually know these animals by instinct because we are especially attracted to them throughout our lives. They are not necessarily exotic animals, but can be anything from the animal, bird or reptile families. Sometimes we may even dream about them.
One walks on the left to guard and guide the feminine side of our energies; the other walks on our right to guard and guide the masculine characteristics. Those born with a female totem on the right, and a male totem on the left are born with a special kind of energy balance and usually have very important Spirit work to do in their lifetime. To discover the remaining 7 totems, we should read and learn as much about animals and their physical characteristics as we can.
Badger medicine is a tough one to carry. If it is not balanced with deer, it can result in a sad, lonely and alone life - but badger would never admit it.
Badger out of control is feared and hated. He is the dictator. He speaks with no concern for the feelings of others. He is concerned only with his personal views and his own welfare. If badger perceives a wrong has been done him, he will follow you to the ends of the earth to get his revenge. If he gets a grip on you, or gets you cornered, he will tear you to shreds. There is no mercy in badger for he cares for no one except himself. Badger is the power monger; the control freak. He is the mark of aggressiveness carried to the extreme.
Why would we even consider learning about badger? There are many people who can use a touch of badger. If you are taken advantage of; if no one appreciates you; if you are the doormat; if you are overly timid and shy; if you are painfully introverted; if you let opportunities pass you by because you are afraid to act, then a spoonful of badger may be just the medicine you need.
A little badger, used wisely, can give you a new outlook and a new respect for yourself. A little more assertiveness to make your views known and considered. The courage to say "no" when enough is enough. Enough boldness to take you out of your shell, make new friends and mingle more with those who share your views. The strength to act on something that is important to you. The self-assurance to seize an opportunity you really want, and the self-confidence to make changes that are in your best interests.
Badger can be your friend; just keep him in balance. Control him. Use him for your benefit.
The bat is a mammal, and the only mammal that flies. It is also a very social animal, and if you have a fascination for bats, or if one has crossed your path recently, perhaps you should look at your social habits. Are you too much of a loner? Do you need to work on improving your interaction with others? Are you withdrawn; introverted; too shy? Then the time has come for some inner work to break these old ways.
If bat is coming to you, then you have an extraordinary sense of direction. You can find your way anywhere, and never seem to get lost. You also have the ability to weave through threatening or uncomfortable situations safely. You are quite at home in the dark, and have outstanding eyesight that lets you see clearly in poor light, or even the dark.
Bat is a powerful totem that carries a very heavy message. It is usually misunderstood, for it is more comfortable to ignore the teachings of bat -- which is all about fear. Bat brings up our most hidden fears; those that lurk in the dark corners of our mind and spirit; those that make us break out in a cold sweat. He is telling you that it is time to bring these fears to the light. Nothing is greater torture than hiding such fears for our very refusal to acknowledge and deal with them only magnifies them, gives them even more power over us, and turns them into destructive monsters.
If you follow the teachings of bat, it may seem that things get only worse. They may for a time until you bring each of your fears into the full light of Spirit, tear them apart thoroughly, examine each element of that fear (where it came from and how it is influencing your life) with total honesty, and let it go ----- out of your mind ----- out of your heart ----- out of your spirit. It's time for serious self-examination and self-evaluation.
Always remember the positive power of bat. It is the symbol of the shaman death. This is not actual, physical death, but the death of old fears, old ways that no longer serve you, old belief systems that you have grown beyond, old prisons that have held your very soul captive. The beauty of bat? Once you pass through the darkness into the light.....YOU CAN FLY! You are transformed. You are re-born. You are free.
Deer carries the message of purity of purpose; of walking in the light to dispel shadows. Deer knows the work that it must do, and goes about that work with no fanfare and no need for personal glory or recognition.
Nothing can cause deer to change its path. There may be many who continually throw roadblocks in the way; deer steps over them or goes around them. Many give deer dozens of reasons why a thing won't work, but it only listens politely and then continues on. Deer people know what they must do, and will not be turned from its mission.
There are no shadows about deer; no ulterior motives; no hidden agendas; no lies or misrepresentations, and it is not possible for deer to knowingly hurt anyone or anything. Children sense this about deer people, and are drawn to them. They feel safe and not threatened. Deer works very well with children because of their innocence.
Deer carries a strong message, but with a gentle touch. Its determination to do its work is not destructive, but a quiet and powerful path toward completion of the task it has been given.
Consider the poor moose. Long gangly legs supporting an awkward, oversized body topped by a rack of antlers that looks like it will topple him over. What a poor sight. Hmmmmmm. Well, Mrs. Moose doesn't think so, and none of the animals of the forest who know moose think so either.
Moose medicine teaches us the value of self-esteem, and of rewarding ourselves and others for a job well done. Moose walks with a measured and regal gait with his head held high for he knows he has value and dignity.
Moose people do not hesitate to encourage others to learn and grow for they are not threatened with the thought that someone might get to be better at a thing; the student surpassing the teacher as it were. Moose will not only encourage others to learn, he will jump in and help teach, and will show by example. Moose people will never ask others to do what they will not do themselves.
Moose knows how damaging unkind criticism and nitpicking is to the spirit of someone trying to learn and do their best. Moose will look for any excuse to tell the world about something that has been done well, and he sings it forth for all to hear. People work hard to please moose because the rewards of his pleasure are great.
Moose does not suffer from false shyness or inhibitions or the tendency to make light of his own accomplishments. He is not coy about his successes. Moose says, "I worked hard to do this, and I did it well. I'm proud of myself". When you acknowledge that your own acceptance of a thing well done, and satisfying your own standards, really is important to you, you are on the road to building a bedrock of solid self-esteem. Remember that "self" esteem comes from the inside out -- not from outside sources.
If you do it well, admit it and enjoy it. Praise from others is good, but praise for yourself is more important. If someone else does something well, praise them. Be as generous with your praise as you are your criticisms. Bring joy into the world -- and shout about it.
Spider is the weaver connecting the knowledge of the past with the possibilities of the future. Notice that the shape of the body loosely resembles the sign for infinity.
Also notice that the center of the web is always small (you), and the web ever expanding (your possibilities).
Spider cautions us not to get locked into the illusion that has made you what you think you are. Our behavior, and our belief systems, and our view of ourselves is locked into an illusion of who we truly are that was created for us by others; usually starting as a small child. As we grow, our life becomes a reflection of those illusions, and those of us who do not follow that pattern are "rebels" or "black sheep" or other terms that imply non-conformity.
We are locked into that illusion because it has become our "comfort zone", and it is our fears of the unknown and untested which keep us in that zone. It is far easier to live in the hell we know, than to stick our mental and emotional toes out into the world and chance discovering that there is another way which may be better for us.
Spider is telling us that the possibilities for each of us is only limited by our own view of ourselves. Notice that the web constantly grows, outward, still connected to that small center space. It is always reaching, always expanding, never satisfied with the status quo. When something of value get caught in the web, it is taken back to that small center and utilized; never wasted. It may be stored for later use, but it is never wasted.
The next time you come upon spider weaving its web, stop to really look. Notice the beauty and symmetry and balance; the careful and intricate design. Spider is telling you to have the courage to reach out and create your own tomorrows; to break out of the illusion that has you locked in a time-step, and discover who and what you truly are.
The time of year is here that brings to mind the squirrel with his preparations for the cold winter. Squirrel energy says that you are sensitive to your surroundings, and can tell instantly if something around you is out of order, or just doesn't smell right, or has a strange sound. Those things tell you that something is amiss in your world. You move quickly from one task to another. You like to stay busy and productive, and are not one to sit idly. You may have problems quieting yourself very long for prayers or meditations. Your mind nags you about the next thing to do.
A warm and cozy home is important for you. You don't mind the cold, or being outside in nippy weather, as long as you know there's a warm house to get back to. You have no love of the rain and prefer cold, crisp, clear days.
You like to have things in order; a time and place for everything. You probably stock up on things you and your family use on a regular basis, and take care that your supplies stay pretty constant. You have a separate place for little treats and surprises, and like to keep enough of everything on hand "just in case". Unexpected company? That's O.K. You have your well-stocked pantry to turn to.
There is a downside to squirrel energy to consider. Do you have a tendency to jump from one thing to another without ever really finishing what you begin? Are you easily distracted? Do you have problems concentrating on any one thing for long periods of time? All of things lead to feelings of frustration -- of never accomplishing anything -- of depression -- of wasted motion and "spinning your wheels" -- and it's all true.
It takes a strong will to break these long-standing behavior patterns, but it can be done. Once you begin to form the new habits, your feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction will be well worth your efforts. Try these ideas: While you're having your morning coffee, think of the coming day. Make a list of those things you feel must be done, and put those things in the order of their importance. Give this some thought, for you're going to force yourself to follow your list. When you begin your day, take #1 and DO IT. All of it. Finish it, and cross it off your list. You will think of a dozen other things while you're in the middle of that chore, but don't stop and go to something that popped in your head. Instead, write it down, but continue on with your work. If that thought you had was important, and something you truly forgot about, then do it next.
Follow this same plan all the way through your list. Do Not Stop. Do Not Move To Something Different. Stay grounded; stay focused; stay determined. At the end of the day, post your list on a bulletin board, or the refrigerator, or where ever you post notes to yourself so that you can see all the things you actually finished and accomplished each day. Doesn't that feel great?
If you work for a living, the same rules apply. It's difficult when you have other people stopping you and interrupting your work flow with things they just "have to have", and I realize that you are not always in control of this type of situation. However, once you have finished the crises at hand, GO BACK TO YOUR LIST and finish it.
Try these little ideas. It will help you have more order and control in your life, and you will feel better for it.
The lion carries all the traits of fierce independence, of the fighting warrior when cornered or threatened, and of the ability to see clearly what it looks at, that are shared by all members of the family of big cats. However, the lion is unusual because it lives in families called "prides". Its home is Africa, and if you carry the lion as a totem, you should read about and understand the physical terrain of Africa; especially the environment and balance of life on the savannas there.
The lion is definitely a totem for the power of feminine energy. While the male lion sits around looking beautiful with his great mane, it is the female that is the worker, the hunter, and the killer. When you hear the mighty roar of the male, know that he is only using that big mouth to scare game in the direction of the female who is lying in wait. It is she who feeds the group; who cares for the young, and who is the nurturing force in the pride.
While the male is the protector of the group, even he does not seek out confrontations or attack needlessly. He will act when challenged, and will fight to the death to protect, but he much prefers the calm and peaceful life. Is your temper in check? Do you lash out at others with no cause? Better take a lesson from the lion. :)
If you are attracted to the lion, examine how you act and inter-act in groups -- not only your own family, but your working situation and your social activities as well. What is your role in each of these groups? What do you contribute? What do you get from each? Are you carrying your own weight in the group effort?
A lesson of lion that will serve you well is to learn the secrets of silence, and of watching for the proper moment to take action that is important to you. Like the fox, the lion is stealthy and can disappear into its surroundings to get its bearings, to learn where the strengths and weaknesses lie, and to watch for its opportunity to take full advantage of a situation.
Learn the proper use of power, force and strength from lion. Be calm, quiet and secure in your power but, when necessary, don't hesitate to fight for those things that are dear to you.
Let's take a look at the mouse, and the lessons he has for us.
First of all, mouse is very cautious about where he goes and what he gets himself into. He uses his whiskers to measure space so that he doesn't caught in a tight squeeze he can't get out of. Secondly, his ears are like miniature sonar discs that keep him constantly alert to the sounds around him. Thirdly, mouse is careful to store things for future needs, and not to be wasteful in his habits. Lastly, he moves very quickly, scampering from spot to spot in silence.
Do you carry mouse medicine? Mouse people examine everything very carefully to be sure they understand all that can be known. They do not rush into new situations with no information. They have a need to be fully informed about everything so they don't get caught unaware, or get put into embarrassing spots out of carelessness because they "didn't know". This is really "look before you leap" caution.
Can you hear the unspoken word? Are you alert and aware of body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, the messages in the eyes? Are you aware of the actual physical sounds around you? So many of us live our lives with no sensitivity to sounds and silent messages. Try listening like the mouse, and you may be surprised at what you hear and see.
Mouse people are not compulsive or impulsive buyers. They examine everything for its usefulness. The decision to invest both time and money is well thought out, both for the current need and the future value.
Do you know when it's time to leave? Are you aware when you have overstayed your welcome? Can you tell when you are boring people, or becoming aggravating, or dominating a conversation. Have you learned the value of silence and the art of listening? Do you go about your business with quiet determination and effectiveness, and move on when your mission is accomplished? You may be mouse.
There is a danger in mouse medicine. Mouse has a tendency to become a wharf rat! If you examine things too much, you can nitpick the joy away and destroy the spontaneous pleasures of life. If you save for tomorrow until you have to rent outside storage, a major rat is growing. When a thing no longer serves you, whether it is a pattern of behavior, or a belief system, or those pants you wore in high school GET RID OF IT. Remember that nothing new can come in until there is room for it. Mouse is wonderful ---- as long as he stays a mouse. Be careful not to let him grow.
There are very few Native tribes, and I say tribes and not Nations, that have a deathly fear of the owl. The Apache Nation is a perfect example. The Nation as a whole does not fear the owl and, in fact, some wore owl feathers on their clothing and headdresses. It is the Mescalero that fears the owl. I know a Mescalero medicine woman (a real, practicing medicine woman) who is so terrified of the owl she does a special ceremony if she even sees a photo of one.
This apparently comes from the beliefs of these various tribes, few as they are, that the owl carries the spirit of the recently deceased to the Great Spirit. Thus, the death messenger. The sound of an owl makes these people stop in their tracks. The sight of one is enough to scare them and, heaven forbid, if one flew at them, they would surely die of fright.
As a totem, owl medicine, as I said last night, is a feminine trait. It is at home, and comfortable, in the night. It has great awareness of all that is around it at all times. It has predator vision, which means it sees clearly what it looks at. It has great intuition; it is the totem of psychics and clairvoyants. It has the courage to follow its instincts. It is a meat eater, which means it can be a fierce warrior if challenged, or if something dear to it is threatened.
Owls come in all sizes from a tiny miniature that actually lives inside the cactus in the desert, to the great horned owl which is the only bird that can out fly the golden eagle. A fully grown great horned is an awe inspiring creature. Its talons are furry, and closely resemble the paws of a baby mountain lion with claws extended.
Owl medicine is wonderful to have. Those who carry it cannot be conned because their vision shows them the truth of the situation.
Pegasus comes to us from Greek mythology. He was born of the blood of Medusa as she was beheaded by the hero Perseus. With the help of another Greek hero, Bellerophon was able to capture Pegasus and ride him. However, when Bellerophon tried to ride Pegasus into the heavens, he was attacked by a messenger from Zeus, fell from Pegasus, and was killed. Pegasus traveled on to the heavens alone where he became a constellation, and a servant of Zeus. It is said that a kick from his hoof created the fountain of poetic inspiration.
In modern times, Pegasus is seen as the symbol for the immortality of the soul, and as the carrier and protector that guards the spirit in its journeys into the astral plane. Pegasus is the power of the creative spirit in all of us. He is the symbol of the Muses, of inspiration, and of the beauty we bring to our life and the lives of others.
If you are drawn to Pegasus, then he is calling you to create -- in music -- in song -- in poetry -- in writings -- in art -- in any form you choose -- but CREATE and share your expressions of beauty.
The mighty eagle has held a place of spiritual importance in many, many cultures around the world for thousands of years. Each culture has created its own stories of the eagle's power and mysticism to the point where this could be a course of study of its own. Eagle feathers are used around the world on ceremonial tools, clothing, headdresses and other items where a symbol of power, healing and wisdom is a part of the ritual.
There are some 59 different species of eagles around the world which boast their own distinctive coloring and feather patterns, but which share some common traits as well. With all of the power in its body, beak and talons, the eagle has a very weak voice -- almost a chirping sound. The piercing scream heard as background for mighty scenic vistas in many movies and TV shows is not the eagle, but the hawk.
If you carry the eagle as a totem, these are some important things for you to consider. You do not have a strong voice, so you will need to develop an instinct for the proper time to speak, how much to say, and how strongly to voice your thoughts. You are not given to idle chatter, and if you do talk at length, may find yourself clearing your throat repeatedly. You should be on guard for sore throats, laryngitis and other such problems with the vocal chords and voice box. Save your voice. It's precious to you.
You are gifted with clear vision, and can truly see those things you look at. You're not one of those who couldn't see an elephant in a bathtub! You may be farsighted, and this would be in keeping with the ability to maintain a broad overview of all elements of a situation, and not get locked into a narrow perspective or develop "tunnel vision". Your gaze can be piercing, and may make others uncomfortable.
You are patient, and can wait until the opportune moment for those things you must do. You don't get caught up in wasted motion, or scurrying around in pointless efforts. You conserve your energy and, when the time is right, you take action.
You have a strong warrior spirit and a healthy temper. This is not to say that you pick fights or disagreements, or that you wear massive chips on your shoulders. Rather, you prefer to keep your peace and leave others to live in peace. However, when you're threatened or in danger, or perceive perils to those dear to you, you will fight without fear using all of your mental and physical strengths to protect and defend.
You live in balance with the earth and the heavens. Your spirit can soar to great heights even while performing the most mundane of earthly duties. You are the living proof that the mind and spirit of man are forever free regardless of the boundaries and restrictions we may live under. Take heart and be strong, for your thoughts and prayers are carried on the wings of eagles.
You probably never gave the elk much thought, but I think you'll be able to relate to his message. Elk is power, strength, stamina and nobility. At one time, the entire continent was covered with elk, but now it is found only in the West, and it is one of the protected animals.
If you have elk medicine, you have learned to look at the long view of things, and "hit your stride" so that you can maintain your energy and determination until a project is completed. Things that take a long time to complete properly do not discourage you. You don't give up easily. Also, you work well in groups and are not one to "hog" the credit for a thing well done. Elk teaches lessons in mutual cooperation for the good of the whole.
Your favorite time of the year is probably autumn and early winter. You don't feel the cold as severely as others might.
You are either a vegetarian, or eat a lot of veggies and fruit. You find that your energy drops when you eat too much meat.
One of the wonderful traits of elk people is that they are comfortable with their own sex, and work well with their own sex. Elk people belong to women's/men's groups and do not suffer the intense competition found in some people when they are with their own sex. Women are able to work well with other women without gossip and jealousy and pettiness, and men work well with other men without the need to flex their macho muscles, or be top dog, or be the one in control. However, it is important for elk people to mingle and communicate with the opposite sex; not for sexual interaction, but for the sharing of energy from another viewpoint. This is necessary to maintain balance in the emotional and mental outlook.
If you are an elk person, you probably spend a lot of time just "being a friend" to others. You are warm, comfortable and understanding.
Has elk entered your life? He is a wonderful asset.
There are 21 species of fox around the world, and this little creature has had an impact on every culture there is. The fox is so much a part of our everyday speech that we don't even think about it: "sly as a fox"; a "foxy person"; you "clever fox" -- and on and on.
Fox teaches us about feminine magic, but this does not imply that it is a totem for women. Rather, both men and women who have the fox as a totem are being told to stay in touch with the feminine side of their personality and character. If you're attracted to the fox, you would have a better understanding of your need to develop your feminine side if you read up on feminine/goddess energy. There are many excellent books available that are far too numerous to mention here.
Fox comes out of hiding at dusk -- twilight -- that magic time when the doors to the fairy kingdom open. If you have a fondness for fairies, elves, gnomes, the "little people" and sprites, fox is working on you. :) Its keen eyesight also has the ability to see movement and objects on the very edges of the field of vision. Those with active fox medicine can often see Spirit, and the beings "between worlds". If this is an ability that you'd like to develop, practice at twilight and call upon fox energy to help you. With fox's super-sensitive hearing, you may also be able to hear Spirit.
The ears and tail of the fox have messages for you. The ears help the animal to keep cool in the summer as they expel body heat through the ears. If you're too warm, pull your hair away from your ears; if you're cold, let your hair cover your ears. The tail acts as a portable blanket to keep the nose and feet warm. Do you sleep in socks? Do you always want something on your feet? The tail also says that you have the ability to protect yourself from unpleasant and uncomfortable situations and relationships, and can stay cozy and warm with your own inner strength.
The fox also has a highly developed sense of smell, and you may be very aware of smells, odors, and their subtle differences. You are also alert to unpleasant situations and/or danger because something just "doesn't smell right". The study of aromatherapy may be just the thing for you.
Use fox medicine to become a master of camouflage. How? Practice entering a room or gathering quietly, melt into the surroundings, and see how long you can go unnoticed. This will let you get the lay of the land, size up the situation, determine where you fit in to your best advantage; all very quietly without anyone knowing what you're doing. Practice calming your energy fields and your vibrations, and pulling them closer to you, so that your presence is not announced by the sheer force of your being.
While the actual body of the fox is very small, the mass of hair that protects it gives the impression of greater bulk. The hair varies in color tones and textures much like human hair. Fox people take pride in caring for their hair as their "crowning glory". Bored? Restless? Antsy? At odds with yourself? Change your hair -- it'll work wonders for your outlook.
Such a tiny animal to carry so many teachings. :) Study the fox. It can help you to change your life in many ways.
The raccoon is a distant relative to the bear, and those who carry bear medicine should also take a good look at the message of the raccoon. The word "raccoon" comes from the Algonquin word "arckunem", which means "hand scratcher", and has to do with their very strong and dexterous paws. They can open just about anything! There are some 6 species of raccoon in North American. Like the raven, raccoon energy can be used for both positive and negative purposes.
For example:
The raccoon travels at night. Do you enjoy the quiet peace of the night sky, or do you "get in trouble" when the sun goes down? It is curious about anything and everything, and will explore its surroundings endlessly. Are you alert and aware of your surroundings, learning from your environment, or do you stick your nose in where it's not wanted or welcome?
The powerful paws say that you have strong and nimble fingers. Are you expert at finger skills, or do you use that ability to steal and take what is not yours?
The raccoon will always seek out water and, while it is known that they wash their food, water also increases the sensitivity in the paws so it can "feel" the food better. Are you a very clean person who likes to have their hands in water?
The most powerful message of the raccoon is the mysterious mask it wears. Mask making is a custom used in cultures the world over as a tool to reach altered states of awareness and spiritual transformation. Do you wear a "mask" to help you become what you really want to be, or do you hide behind the mask of deceit and chicanery?
If you carry raccoon medicine, and are planning changes in your life, expect those changes to take 20 weeks to manifest. For more powerful and effective plans, be patient and look to the long-range outcome. Take it slowly and carefully -- raccoon is working.
Those who carry raven medicine also carry a heavy responsibility to Spirit. Raven is the messenger of magic from the great void where all knowledge waits for us. He is also the symbol of changes in consciousness, of levels of awareness and of perception. He carries the mark of the shape-shifter. He is the carrier of healing energy from distances. Those of you who have asked for messages of light and healing and prayer on this list have asked for raven medicine.
What all of this means to us in the modern-day world is that raven medicine gives you the ability to get inside another's head and heart, and to understand them from the inside out, so to speak. You can "become" that other person because of the depth of your understanding of them, and it is not necessary to be in their physical presence for that to happen. Spiritual healers and counselors who are skilled in their abilities are using raven power for they have a depth of understanding and empathy not shared by all. Because of this power, they have the ability to actually alter another's perception and behavior. They are able to work real magic in bringing peace, healing and understanding to others.
Here is the heavy responsibility, and the dangers, in raven medicine. As with all things, these powers can be used for dark purposes. It enables the carrier to manipulate and coerce others into doing their will to the detriment of the other. This medicine can be used for selfish and self-serving purposes for the ego and greed of the carrier. Because of the power of the levels in understanding others, a practitioner of the black arts can use raven for destructive purposes.
If you carry raven medicine, you must always use it in the light for the highest and best interests of others. You must use it for the good and well being of others, and never for your own selfish motives even though you may be tempted when times are bad. Raven medicine demands that you walk in the light in all things. That's heavy with responsibility for your own thoughts and deeds.
Work your magic in the light -- you are Raven.
Feared and hated by men the world over, the mighty wolf has been plagued by all forms of evil stories, myths and legends. Hunted, trapped and killed to the point of extinction, many of these majestic animals are gone forever -- their breeds and blood lines never to be seen again.
In spite of the many horror stories of wolves hunting, tracking and killing humans, no such event has ever been confirmed. Their eerie and lonely howl, which can make the blood run cold, is merely their form of communication. Each howl, with its tone, depth, length and frequency carries a different message to the pack, or to the partner who is out of sight. They're merely "talking". If you carry wolf medicine, here are some characteristics that sound familiar to you:
You are fiercely loyal -- to friends, family, ideals and principles. There is no compromise for you.
You are very territorial. You protect all that is yours and your family's at any expense. You are fearless in your protection, but not reckless. You plan your strategy carefully, and wait for the opportune moment for most powerful effect.
You have a strong family structure. There is no doubt who the elders, patriarchs and parents are, or about their roles in the family structure. Disobedience, selfishness and unruly behavior is not tolerated as there are strong boundaries for the young. They are taught well and carefully so that they may assume leadership roles in their own family structures.
You have an unrelenting sense of adventure. You love to explore new things, to stretch out for new horizons. You have a thirst for knowledge and for learning new things. You are eager to share these things, which makes you a natural teacher. Your adventures may take you away from home and family, but it is important that you have this base of security to return to
You have an unrelenting need to be alone. You are so busy being the protector, the provider, the teacher, and the trailblazer, that it's very easy for you to become exhausted and burned out. In order to re-charge your spirit, and keep your balance, it is critical that you have time to be alone with your thoughts and your own sense of self. This is one side of your nature that must not be overlooked. Even if you lock yourself in the bathroom for 15 minutes a day, the time alone must be honored if you are to have value to those you care for.
Wolf is power. Wolf is honor. Wolf is integrity. Brother Wolf; Sister Wolf -- I honor you
The Bear is the keeper of the dreamtime, and stores the teachings of dreams until the dreamer wakes up to them. If you like bears, you should maybe look into some books on interpreting dreams; especially if you're a heavy dreamer. If you need a lot of sleep, it may be Bear working.
Bear is not one to make snap decisions, and is not an addictive, or obsessive/compulsive person, nor one to ramrod or force into any position. Bear takes in all available information, takes it into his quiet place, studies that information carefully, gives it careful thought for a while, and then reaches his own informed decisions based on the facts at hand. Bear is the one who says, "I have to think about this. I'll be in touch later." Bear people often give the impression of being plodding and slow, but they are really being studious and cautious.
You can rely on opinions coming from a Bear person as being well thought out and thorough, and based on the facts given. Many inventors and scholars probably carry Bear medicine.
Bear is a fierce warrior, especially when protecting their young. They appear to be lumbering and slow, but can have lightening speed when threatened. They love fish when they can get it, but they also eat berries, honey, etc. Bear people like home and shelter, and like to be warm and cozy.
The otter is a feminine totem. It's fur and pelts have been used from time immemorial by medicine people the world over to hold their medicine tools.
Otter is the symbol of grace and empathy. Otter medicine takes great pleasure in the success and happiness of others, and will work untiringly to help others achieve that. There is no selfishness in otter. They could never be mean, or self-centered, or self-driven. You will not find an otter who gossips, or who "flames" others, or who is unnecessarily critical in a vengeful way for the purpose of otter is to support and enhance OTHERS, not themselves.
Otter is also a signal that you need to take more time for yourself to just play and be silly. Lighten up! You must feed otter's playful side so that she can continue to help balance your great concern for the welfare of others. We lose sight, sometimes, of our own spirit's need to be lighthearted and to laugh and be childlike. That is a very important element in walking in balance.
Most of us think of coyote as the trickster, and it's true that he is. However, the talented trickster uses that ability in many ways.
Coyote represents the 2 sides of every coin, every issue, every situation (including ourselves), and urges us to examine all the facts before we take a position or offer an opinion. Coyote is duality in everything: wisdom and folly; humor and seriousness; work and play; simplicity and complications -- the wise fool. He is the living paradox at the heart of all things. He is here to teach us the value of living and walking in balance.
Coyote is skillful, but would rather find someone else to do the work if he can. He doesn't want to overextend himself, so he finds others to help in tasks so he can drop back. Coyote is Tom Sawyer painting the fence. He is the head of the committee who delegates all the work.
Coyote is devoted to the family unit, and the male takes an active role in parenting. He is adaptable, and can make his home in any environment -- and make it work for him.
Coyote also uses humor to cover sadness, pain, loneliness, and deep emotions. His laughter many times has an hysterical quality to it for, if challenged, he will burst into tears. Coyote will play the fool to get a laugh, and he is the one with the lampshade on his head at a party.
Be gentle in using Coyote humor for it can be sharp and biting toward yourself and others. Consider the consequences of your words and actions before you end up backed into a corner with egg all over your face. You have out-tricked yourself, and will be left wondering how that happened. Coyote can be Murphy's Law at work. Watch him!
Oh, my -- the pesky ant. They get into our food, on our kitchen counters, in our sugar, and they find ways to get into places you would never think of -- and some of them bite. What a pain! Hhmmmmmm.
Watch the ant closely. He is seldom alone, and you know there is a colony somewhere. He can carry many, many times his size in weight and, if he can't carry it, he will drag it or get help from another ant. If you put an obstacle in his path, he will study it for a minute and then either go over it, around it, or try to find a way to take it with him. You cannot stop them from their ultimate goal unless you kill them.
Ants are master designers and builders, and they never rest. They are always working, and they work together to complete a master project.
Look at the many lessons for humans here. Quiet determination to reach your goal, and the willingness to work hard and steadily to accomplish that goal. No false pride that says you have to do everything yourself, and alone. The ability to work in groups for the good of the whole. The great gift of patience which allows us to study our alternatives, and take one step at a time -- always moving forward toward that goal.
Self discipline, group effort, and the ability to delegate are all part of ant medicine. Never giving up. Patience, patience and PATIENCE. Not falling for a fast and easy solution because, in your heart, you know there is no substitute for your own dedication to your goal, and your willingness to work to get there. Persistence -- and the success that comes with persistence -- are ant traits.
Also, if you carry ant medicine, the number 12 may be significant for you. Your successes may come at intervals of 12; 12 minutes, or 12 hours, or 12 days, etc. You may want to consult someone knowledgeable in numerology to understand your connection to the number 12.
Before you step on the next ant, watch him for a minute. Have you learned his lessons?
March 31, 2007
Today is
For any
issues with this site or for more information, please feel free to contact the
Web Spinner or
the Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA
• 1655 W. Frye Rd.
• Chandler, AZ 85224
• (480) 899-9622
This is an unofficial site for the San Tan Expedition YMCA Adventure Princess program. It does not necessarily address or reflect the views or opinions of the YMCA. It was created solely for the purpose of promoting the YMCA Adventure Princess program among its members at the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA. Although we strive to verify the contents of this site, accuracy of the submissions cannot be guaranteed since in some instances, information is received by secondary sources. Any personal information collected by us will be used only in connection with the YMCA Adventure Princess program and will not be sold or used in any other way. We also do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Any Indian Tribes named or referred to on this site are not affiliated with actual Indian Tribes or Nations. The Y-Princess Program is a non-profit YMCA organization run by 100% volunteer Dads.
Unless otherwise noted, all content ©Copyright 2006, 2007 San Tan Expedition YMCA Adventure Princess Program. All Rights Reserved.
Website Designed & Maintained by
Concepts 'n' Creations