Archive through January 31, 2002

The ClubHouse: Archives: ~Native American Zodiac ~: Archive through January 31, 2002

Moondance

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 06:33 pm Click here to edit this post
The Native American Zodiac

The Red-Tailed Hawk
March 19 to April 19
The Hawk
In Native American cultures the hawk represents a messenger. It often appears in our life when we need to pay attention to the subtle messages found in our surroundings and from those we come in contact with. As with all messages received it is important to recognize its underlying truth. Because their are so many varieties of hawk its messages vary and can affect all levels of our psyche.
One thing that all hawks have in common is the skill to move between the seen and unseen realms gracefully connecting both worlds together. Their acute vision compliments this ability and their discriminating nature keeps them out of harms way. The broader vision of the hawk allows them to see what the future holds. In man this symbolizes prophetic insight. If this medicine is underdeveloped a tendency towards over analyzing everything is common. In so doing, clear vision is lost. Those who hold this totem should remember to keep their analytical mind under control and not allow it to run wild.
The hawk has many foraging techniques. The most typical in their pursuit of prey is swiftly following the animal's efforts to escape. Once the hawk has secured the prey with its powerful talons, the bird dismembers it with its sharply pointed, strong beak. In man, this suggests that we can run but we cannot hid from our destiny. Sooner of later it will catch up with us.
The destiny of all humankind is to awaken from their spiritual amnesia and realign with the original intention of their soul. When the hawk flies into our life we will be asked to evaluate who we have become and rip out the threads of our self created illusions. This enables our inner truth to surface.
Hawk signifies union with Great Spirit. A bird of the heavens the hawk orchestrates the changes necessary for our spiritual growth. Having this totem can be bitter sweet. If we accept its presence in our life we will be asked to surrender anything that doesn't honor the integrity of all life. Be it an idea, a feeling or an action. Although hard work is involved the rewards the hawk offers us are great.

From another book site...

In Egypt, hawks were kept in the temple of the sun god where the deity Horus was represented as a man with a hawk's head encircled by the disk of the sun. In Egyptian lore, the hawk came to symbolize the soul in its flight to the afterlife.

The Greeks considered the hawk sacred to the Great Light. The Romans associated the bird with Jupiter, father of the gods, and referred to the hawk as the Great Light of the Father.

The Ioway tribe so revered a particular species of hawk that they only killed it on rare occasions in order to obtain certain portions of its body to place with their most sacred medicines. The Shamans of the tribe believed that the hawk had a supernatural faculty that enabled it to remain indefinitely on the wing and to fly directly to the land of the Grandparents.

In the Medicine Wheel Zodiac, the red-tailed hawk is the totem animal for those born March 19 to April 19. Hawk people are thought to be adventurous and assertive, perhaps a bit headstrong, but always ones to cherish their freedom.

If the Hawk is your animal totem, you probably enjoy a very active dreamlife, perhaps returning almost nightly with messages from the Great Mystery. If you have only recently acquired the Hawk as your spirit helper, you may expect to begin receiving much more profound dream visions. You will also probably start to notice a somewhat dramatic increase in your psychic abilities.

As a spirit ally, you may rely on your hawk to be your trustworthy guide into the Silence. It will be of utmost importance to hawk that you proceed on your earthwalk with spiritual balance.


The Beaver
April 20 to May 20
The Beaver
The beaver is an amazing animal. They are master engineers and alter environments. Their dams are made of wood held together with mud and leaves. Resourceful and ingenious they turn streams into lakes with their dams. When they leave an area, the dam eventually decays and a fertile meadow is left where the lake was. The beaver knows how to work in harmony with the environment and can show us how to do the same. They hold the energies of fertility and new promise.
Beavers are expert builders. Their dams are strong and secure. When the beaver swims into your life it is asking you to strengthen the foundation on which you stand or to build a new one. If we continue to stand on old foundations new opportunities can pass us by. Because of its building skills the beaver has been linked to ancient masonry. Those with this totem often have past lives associated with this magical art. The study of masonry can reveal deeper insights about who you are and who you have been.
The beavers fur is waterproof and a hard yellow enamel coats their teeth protecting them from damage. Their teeth continue to grow until they die. They are always chewing and falling trees. Author Ted Andrews states that without chewing the beavers  teeth would become to large, and it would be unable to eat. Its large incisor teeth are one of its most distinct features and holds great symbology. A person with healthy incisor teeth usually has a balanced inner nature, if unhealthy an unsettled inner nature is common. Proper dental hygiene along with developing a sense of inner peace is essential for those with this medicine. Meditation and quiet contemplation is helpful.
Excellent swimmers, the beaver can stay submerged for 15 minutes. Controlling the breath is one of its attributes. Those with this medicine would benefit from yoga or any form of breathing exercises. They make excellent breath workers as well as architects.
Beavers are creatures of the water the element associated with the subconscious. This is where hidden knowledge and forgotten dreams are stored. A powerful totem to have the beaver reminds us to live our dreams and shows us how to manifest them using the resources available. Beavers have a gentle nature and are very industrious. Those with this totem often find that they must work hard to obtain their goals. Remember to be kind to yourself. When you feel defeated simply call on the beaver to help you.
Beaver animal totem
The Osage tribe has a charming legend about how the first human evolved from a snail, Wabashas, who upon receiving the blessing of the Great Spirit was presented with the gift of a bow and arrows. While Wabashas strutted along the riverbank, enjoying his new position as lord of his domain, he was suddenly confronted by a large beaver who identified himself as the Chief of the Beavers, lord of all the rivers and streams, and a very, very busy person.Sensing conflict and truly wishing to avoid it, Wabashas informed Chief Beaver that the Great Spirit had recently placed him at the head of beasts and birds, fishes and fowls, and had given him the bow and arrows with which to maintain his position.

Once Chief Beaver viewed the sharp points on the heads of the arrows, he modified his position and announced that he had perceived that humans and beavers should be brothers.

Wabashas accepted an invitation to his lodge in the river, and when the chief's wife and daughter brought in the choicest food known to them fresh peeled poplar, willow, sassafras, and elder bark-he was immediately enamored of the charms of Chief Beaver's lovely
daughter. Unable to take his eyes from her, he begged Chief Beaver to grant him his daughter's hand in marriage. Seeing that the maiden was also attracted to the handsome Wabashas, the Chief did not hesitate to grant his consent.

A marriage quickly followed with a grand feast to which all friendly animals were invited.

Thus, from the union of the snail and the beaver, the Osage tribe had its origin. And all tribes, perhaps especially the people of the northeast, felt great affection for the beavers in their streams, referring to them as the Little Wise People.

While the white man made an industry of the fur trade, focusing at first on the beaver pelt to be fashioned into hats, the Native Americans revered the skin of the beaver to have medicinal powers. To many Shamans of the northeastern tribes, manitous, or spirit beings, also fancied the heavers as companions and bequeathed their healing abilities to the Little Wise People.

In the Medicine Wheel of the Native American zodiac, beaver people are those born from April 20 to May 20. They are generally healthy, loyal to their friends, and cherish peace and security.

If you are attracted to the beaver as your totem animal, you are probably a hard-working, no-nonsense kind of person. As a spirit guide, the beaver will bring you a sense of stability and renewed energy. You will probably find yourself becoming even more resourceful and practical than before. Just as the industrious beaver steadfastly chews down trees to shape a new and different environment in rivers and streams, so will the beaver as your totem animal encourage you to restructure the things in your personal environment that displease you.

As a small caution, do not permit your steadfastness to become just plain stubbornness. If you reinforce your spirit contact with adequate time in the Silence of meditation, your very own Little Wise Person will help you keep your balance.

The Deer
May 21 to June 21
The Deer
Deer teaches us the power of gentleness, keen observation and sensitivity. Deer's are in tune with nature and all it holds. They are sacred carriers of peace and show those with this totem how to open their hearts and love unconditionally.
Their senses are acute and they see extremely well in low light, giving them the ability to understand the deeper symbolic meanings of things. They can hear a twig snap in the far distance. Anyone who has deer as a totem has hidden clairvoyant and clairaudient abilities. They can see between the shadows, detect subtle movements and hear what is not being said. Call on deer to help you develop these gifts.
Deer protects their newborn from subtle outside influences. Fawns are born a color that protects and hides them from a predators sight. For the first few days of life they hardly move. Once the fawns energy field is strong and grounded they stand and begin to follow their mother around.
Watching the deer and her young is a reminder to honor the child like innocence within your self and move with gentleness and an open heart. It also suggests that you stand strong on your path and not allow yourself to get distracted by outside influences.
The set of antlers that the male deer grows are the antennae that connects it to higher forms of attunement. If you encounter a deer in the wild try to count the number of points on their antlers. This number ties into numerology and can hold great significance for those with this totem.
Deer animal totem
Among all Native American tribes who had contact with the deer, the graceful creature was considered a sacred totemic animal. The Medicine doctors of various tribes believed that the deer had a keen sense of determining which plants yielded the greatest curative powers, arid a great deal of time was spent stalking the deer for its ostensible knowledge of pharmacology as well as its flesh.

The Native American zodiac names deer people as those born from May 2 to June 21 and says that they are generally of a good disposition, but they sometimes appear to be creatures of perpetual motion.
In numerous cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, the male deer, the stag, was regarded as a symbol of regeneration because of the way its antlers are renewed. In certain mystical traditions, the horned deer is also linked with the Tree of Life because of the similarity between its antlers and the branches of a tree. Consequently, the horn contained great magic, whether worn intact, broken in pieces, or ground into powder.

Very early in humankind's religious observations, the stag became the Shamans' Horned God, the sacrificial consort of such goddesses as the huntress Diana/Artemis. With the spread of Christianity across Europe, the Horned God easily became a representation of Satan; but in nearly as many instances, the stag was idealized as a symbol of Christ, for the deer, as did Jesus on the cross, gave its blood (flesh) for humankind. St. Withburga has the doe, the female deer, as her animal symbol.

If the deer has come to you as your totem animal or if you have felt drawn to the animal through a dream or a vision, your spirit self is now in the company of one who has long been cherished as an intermediary between the Great Mystery and humankind. With the deer as your totem, you will feel an acceleration of your powers of intuition. Many Shamans attribute the greatest psychic sensitivity to the Deer People.

With the deer as your spirit helper, you will find that you have an increased desire to spend more time in the Silence and in nature. You will also notice that your dreams have become more enriched. Among the lore of some native tribes is a regard for the deer as the Lord of the Dream. To focus on the deer before falling asleep, according to some, will bring prophetic dreams that may be shared for the good of your family and/or your community.

The Brown Flicker (Woodpecker) or Crab
June 22 to July 21
The Woodpecker
There are about 180 species of woodpeckers in the world.  Most spend their entire lives in trees. Woodpeckers are climbers.  They climb by propping their stiff pointed tail feathers against a support while shifting its leg hold. With its body close to the trunk or branch and its head bobbing, the bird hitches upwards, back down spiraling and nimbly darts sideways at incredible speeds. Because of their speed predators have difficulty catching them.
Their flight patterns are unique. Woodpeckers fly up, coast down then fly upwards again. Those with this totem often find that their path in life wont always conform to society's standards and that their personal unique rhythm needs to be honored.  Woodpeckers teach us to honor our personal truth and move through life with perseverance and inner strength. By staying grounded in our pursuits our goals can be obtained.
Woodpeckers are opportunists. They know when to fly out from a perch to catch insects in the air or on the ground. Their barbed tongues and strong chiseled beaks symbolize life lessons associated with discernment and proper use of speech for those with this totem.
In spring the loud calls of woodpeckers often augmented by drumming on hollow wood are the sounds of males holding territories. Woodpeckers defend their territory aggressively. Those with this medicine need to be in control of their personal environment and will not tolerate others trying to change it.  Although personal space is very important for woodpecker medicine people control issues can sometimes be a problem and flexibility needs to be learned.
The woodpecker is known as the Earths drummer.  Drumming is the heartbeat of mother earth and is associated with shamanism and the ability to move into other dimensions at will. For those with this totem the woodpecker represents self discovery. As they peck into and through trees and dead wood, hidden layers of ones psyche are revealed. Those with this medicine are good analysts and  have strong mental capabilities. They make excellent psychiatrists and psychologists. Woodpeckers are active birds so caution is advised to maintain balance when reviewing any situation or issue.  Too much analyzing can result in procrastination.
Or from the other site
Crab animal totem
In the lore of Tahiti, the crab is the symbol of the god of fugitives, since it can be seen scurrying from rock to rock as it heads for the sea, trying its best to escape the scrutiny and detection of its natural predators.

There is an old Japanese folktale of feuding families that battled so fiercely that the losers, in their humiliation, threw themselves into the sea, rather than face disgrace on land. Once they sank to the bottom of the ocean, however, they were not drowned, but were transformed into crabs.

Ancient Chaldean astrologers believed that the world would end and disintegrate into its primordial elements when all the planets were lined up in the constellation of the Crab. Because the wisdom of the Chaldeans was honored by astrologers in other cultures, their apocalyptic prophecy was given great credence in Egypt, India, Persia, China, and Europe.

In the zodiac, the sign of the Crab is from June 22 to July 22. Those born under this sign are sometimes said to be imaginative, but somewhat lacking in willpower. Home is very important to Crab people and they guard its sanctity with great determination.

If the crab has come to you as a totem animal through your dreams or visions, you might examine your personal life to see if you have a tendency to hold on to things that would better be released… This spirit helper comes to you from the water, a symbol of the unconscious, and it will aid you in determining what elements within your life need to be set free in order to elevate your consciousness to higher planes of awareness.

This totem animal will also help you to increase your powers of endurance and to develop a harder shell around your sensitive nature. Learn to listen to this spirit helper's advice as to when to hold on and when to let go of certain challenges and opportunities.

Moondance

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 06:37 pm Click here to edit this post
The Sturgeon
July 22 to August 21
The Salamander
Salamanders most commonly occur in freshwater and damp woodlands, principally in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are generally short bodied, four legged, and moist skinned animals with bold patterns and bright colors. Patterns and colors have different meanings to different people. Examining the patterns and colors of the salamander can help us discover the intricate patterns that govern our lives. Unwanted emotional patterns can be restructured or eliminated by the study of sacred geometry and meridian alignments.
Like other amphibians the salamander absorbs water through their skin and needs a moist habitat in which to live. Those with this medicine need to be around water for their overall health and well being. Breeding often occurs in the water although certain members of this family breed on land.
The word amphibian comes from two words--"amphi" = "double" and "bios" = life. Amphibians divide their life between land and water. From a symbolic aspect, this can reflect much about what has often been taught in lore about its power. Salamanders are often regarded as the keeper of dreams. Their ability to live in water and on land can reflect that lucid dreaming is going to be stimulated.
The salamander hears and responds to low frequency tones rather then high pitched ones. These tones are primal in nature and can help us gain entry into the underworld. To strengthen ones sensitivity to such sounds playing the didgeridoo as well as drumming is helpful.
Typical salamanders undergo a larval stage that can last for a period of a few days to several years. The development of a child with salamander medicine is usually slower than other children their age. Specific periods of major transitions are common and easily pinpointed. Those with this medicine will find themselves continually learning, growing and developing their body, mind and spirit throughout the early part of their life. In their adult years knowledge gained as a child will surface.
Salamander medicine is a subtle teacher, from its patterns and colors, to its connection with the elements. Those with this totem will often find themselves living a double life. Their thoughts and actions can seem odd and unusual which gives them the power to assist others in shape shifting their reality.

From the other site
Fish animal totem
Fish constituted one of the basic food items for many Native American tribes. As a universal symbol, the fish is highly revered by numerous cultures. To many native people, the fish serves as a symbol of hidden knowledge, for it dives deeply to explore the unknown depths of the waters.

The fish was sacred to the Babylonians, Phoenicians, and Assyrians, and it was also esteemed as an emblem of fertility. In Scandinavia, the Goddess Freya's day was Friday, a day devoted to lovemaking. Fish, considered to be an aphrodisiac by the old Norse, were consumed in large quantities that day by hopeful lovers. The Celts also believed that a meal of fish could aid acouple in conceiving a child.

The early Christians adopted the sign of the fish as a symbol of Christ, for the Greek ichthys provided them with an acronym for. "Jesus Christ, Son of God."

There are, of course, many kinds of fish, but it can be said in a general way that if an entity of the lakes or streams should come to you as a spirit animal, you may expect to be put in touch with many basic elements in nature that you may previously have ignored or given little attention. As a creature of the waters, this spirit helper will also represent to your deeper levels of consciousness a willingness to develop new expressions of creativity.

If a fish has presented itself to you in a dream or a vision, you may be about to experience a bit of good fortune in the workplace. A dream of hauling in a good catch of fish can also presage a positive turn in your personal relationship with a member of the opposite sex.

If a fish has come to you as a spirit helper, be open to exploring ancient mysteries that will reveal an astonishing perspective of the Earth Mother,from primordial seas to soaring spaceships.


The Bear
August 22 to September 22
The Bear
There are several types of bear including the Grizzly, Brown, Black, Kodiak and Polar.Ê Bear has played a prominent role in many Native cultures. They are considered to be a highly desired ally and spirit helper because of its fearless power. It is believed that the power of Great spirit lives through this animal. Because of this a constellation was named for it, Ursus Major, The Great Bear. Some tribesÊ prayed for medicine dreams that would show bear to be their guide. Others felt the bear was too powerful a medicine and would only hunt them if it meant not starving.
In some traditions bear is the spirit keeper of the West. The place of maturity and good harvest.Ê The gifts that bear offers to those with this totem are strength, introspection and knowledge.
Unlike other animals who are active during a specific time of day, the bear is active both day and night. This symbolizes its connection with solar energy, that of strength and power, and lunar energy, that of intuition. It enhances and teaches those with this totem how to develop both within themselves.
Bear can sometimes be too quick to anger and too sure of it own power. While they have little to fear they can forget caution, which is an important trait to have. If bear is your totem be careful that you don't throw your caution to the wind. Being unaware of your limits in certain settings can be disastrous.
Many years ago while hiking in the woods I was surprised to meet a black bear face to face. As it stood before me the power that the bear held intimidated me. Fears surfaced and I was sure I was going to die. I rose my arms high over my head appearing larger than I was.Ê Because I created an illusion of size and strength my life was spared. The bear watched, dropped down onto all four legs and slowly moved away. Bear taught me the importance of appearance by gathering my inner strength and presenting it outwardly.
During the winter bears spend several months sleeping in dens without eating, a condition that resembles hibernation. The more fat their bodies have stored up the deeper the sleepÊ Bears live on this fat throughout the winter. It teaches us how to go within and find the resources necessary for our personal survival.
The bear holds the teachings of introspection. When it shows up in your life pay attention to how you think, act and interact. Use discernment in all that you do and discriminate with care. Bear teaches you how to make choices from a position of power.

From another site...

Bear animal totem
The bear is so highly revered as a totem animal that many Medicine priests have adopted 'bear" as a part of their name. According to some tribes, the spirit of the bear never dies, and thus has become synonymous with supernatural powers and the ability to heal. Among nearly all shamans, the bear is reverently addressed as "Grandfather."

Throughout the globe and since the Neanderthal cave dwellers, humans who live in proximity to bears begin to make comparisons to themselves and their powerful woodland neighbor. The Native Americans were no exception, noting that just like the people of the villages, the bear is able to live on fish, flesh, or berries. The lumbering giant was known for its great love of honey, and its keen sense of smell was able to detect the golden sweet treasure of a bee hive from miles away. The tribespeople watched in awe as their powerful brother snatched the honey from the hive without fear of being stung.

When the bear was on the hunt, it seemed to saunter in a leisurely manner, its huge feet placed flat upon the ground and turned slightly inward, thereby causing the forest giant to walk with a peculiar
movement. When it stood upright on its two hind feet, it appeared very much like a stout, powerfully built man with short, bandy legs. But the tribal hunters knew better than to confront a bear in such a position, for from such a stance it would attack its enemies, using the claws in its great forepaws to slash at the head and the belly with devastating results.

The Navajo regard the bear with as much respect as any of their human neighbors. They kill bears only when necessary, and under no conditions would a Navajo eat a single bite of bear meat. In their eyes, it would be like chewing on the spirit of their ancestors.

Among the old tribes of Northern Europe, the Nordic warriors, known as the"Berserkers," wore bearskin shirts into battle in dedication to the Goddess Ursel, the She-Bear. To the Norse, the bear was a masterful martial artist, and the she-bear protecting its cubs was the worst nightmare a hunter could encounter under the Northern lights. Thus, the bearskin shirts were worn in the hope that the warrior could absorb the great beast's fighting prowess and its enormous endurance and strength. To the Viking warrior, the bear symbolized the lonely champion, prepared to fight in single combat.

The bear was a totemic symbol for St. Gall and St. Seraphim. In the Native American zodiac, those born from August 22 to September 22 are in the Medicine Wheel sign of the bear. Bear people are said to be slow, cautious, and quiet.

To have the bear as your totem animal is to be aware that you are being guided to assume a role of leadership. Your spiritual guardian will also encourage you to exercise your abilities as a natural healer.

You may also be placed in a position in which you will need to defend your beliefs in a firm and fearless manner, but your bear totem will give you the insight and powers of discrimination to present the truths of your lifepath with confidence and courage. Follow your bear as your totem guide, and you will be led to greater balance in body, mind, and spirit.

The Raven
September 23 to October 22
The Raven
Ravens have a long history of myth and lore associated with them. In some native tribes they are known as the "keeper of secrets." They hold the teachings of mysticism and magic. Ravens are linked to the void, where universal secrets are stored. Their inky black color is the color associated with darkness. The darkness is a place where unconscious fears live. Raven, a master magician, embodies the energy of transformation and shows us how to eliminate our inner demons.
Ravens are the largest songbirds in North America. They are extremely intelligent and are clever mimics. They incorporate and mimic calls of other species and can teach us how to understand the language of animals. They have also been known to learn some human words.
The raven knows the mystery of life. They have an intimate association with death and rebirth. Because raven would feed on the corpses of the dead hanging on the gallons, early European settlers feared this bird and considered it to be an ill omen. In truth, however, raven should be respected not feared.
There are many stories in native cultures about this illusive black bird. Shamans know the power of an unexpected piercing sound in altering consciousness. Ravens exercise this power, emitting a variety of sounds and can aid us in shifting our consciousness into various dimensional realms. This is one reason why the raven is known as a shape shifter with magical powers. Anyone with raven as a totem can expect continual changes and spiritual awakenings throughout their life.
Raven picks its students according to their accumulated wisdom. It flies into a persons life carrying the energy of magic and healing. If it decides to settle in and take up residence, it will stay as long as necessary to aid you in transmuting your karma then return you to the light. It will push, prod, and lead you into the discovery of your multidimensional self and reunite you with the secrets of the multidimensional universe. Those with this totem should remember to meet raven, not with fear, but rather with an appreciation for the teachings that it holds.

From the other site...

Crow/Raven animal totem
This large, stately black bird assumes an almost universal role as a symbol of death or destiny.

Among the Celtic people, the bird was associated with various war goddesses, who could assume the form of a raven at will, The Vikings held similar beliefs about the valkyries, and it was decreed that understanding the speech of birds could help one gain entry to the world of valkyries and ravens, where the results of future battles were ordained. Valkyries, in their coats of lustrous black feathers, were also known as Krakeit, or crows. Warriors who fell in battle and whose bodies could not be reclaimed by friends or family were known as hrafengrennir, "raven feeders."

The great Danish hero Sigurd was the son of King Ragnar Lodbrok and the vaikyrie Kiake, a shapeshifter who could choose to be a beautiful maiden or a crow.

In numerous fairy tales of the northern Europeans, the raven is the spirit helper who guides the hero through the dangerous turns and traps of his quest. The raven is also a reliable consultant on the vagaries of the Other World.

In the Germanic tradition, the great hero Emperor Frederick is guarded by ravens as he sleeps in his underground sanctuary until the day of his return to earth.

During the dark and troubled Middle Ages in Europe, the crow also came to be associated with Satan because of its black color and raucous cry. Moralistic animal fables were told of the crow's shame of its blackness, even to the point of scattering mud on elegant swans in an attempt to make them look like him. They, of course, could wash off the dirt, but the jealous crow could never change his color. St. Antony, however, was not disturbed by such negative reports against the crow, for he chose it as his animal symbol.

Among many Native American tribes, especially among the plains and southwestern groups, the crow is a trickster figure, similar in many ways to the coyote.

The Dakota envision the crow as an assistant to the plover; the Spirit of the South, who presided over warm weather. When the Spirit of the North arrived with his winter wolves, a battle ensued between them and the crow and the plover. According to tradition, if the two birds with their war clubs are able to beat back the wolves, warm weather would prevail for a little while longer before the harsh cold set in over the plains.

The Pueblo groups usually associate owls and crows with Dark Side witchcraft, and it was generally accepted that witches could change themselves into crows at will and fly at night to work their evil deeds.

In the Native American zodiac, those horn from September 23 to October 22 are Crow/Raven people. The Medicine Wheel describes them as social, energetic, and full of nervous energy and fluctuating moods. But they are generally very flexible and adapt well to new environments and circumstances.

If you have selected the crow as your totem animal, or if the crow has selected you, You may consider yourself to be something of a shape-shifter, gifted at wearing many faces. Be cautious of becoming too manipulative of others and impinging upon the free will of those who may be a bit gullible and easily led.

Your crow is a keen-eyed student of the environment from a perspective seldom achieved by ordinary observers. As one who watches shrewdly over the lay of the land on both spiritual and physical levels, your totem animal expresses a point of view that touches several dimensions. As you learn better how to listen, you will find that he is a messenger without peer.

As a spirit helper, the crow will be able to get you in touch with many ancient mysteries, but you must regularly enter the Silence to be certain that you do not yield to the temptation of exploiting the powers of these ancient wisdoms for the. glory of the Dark Side. If you are able to maintain your spiritual balance, the crow will guide you to become a gifted practitioner of True Magick and Medicine.

The Snake
October 23 to November 21
The Snake
Snakes are fascinating creatures that deserve respect. Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility and transformation.
In Israel the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility. In Egypt the cobra wasÊ known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs which symbolized immortality.Ê In Christian lore the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross sometimes portrayed with a woman's head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures a snake rising up through the spine represents the kundalini, or life force being awakened.
One of snakes most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.
The eyes of a snake are always open protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin the snakes markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue. This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Learning how to see into the hearts of others is part of what it teaches us. .
Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and transmutation. Soundless in motion and invisible at rest snakes are unable to produce their own body heat.Ê They are often seen lying in the hot mid day sun. The suns warmth coupled with the snakes behavior regulates their body temperature. Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this totem need very little food to energize themselves. They are usually cold and prefer warmer climates.Ê Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.
Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound.ÊThey are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld where secrets are stored.
The snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power, creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.

From the other site...

Snake animal totem
Although the snake is feared and loathed throughout every culture around the planet where reptiles appear, it is among the most universally respected and sought-after of all animal totems. In ancient Egypt, the snake was regarded as a symbol of both immortality and death, and the pharaoh wore a snake emblem on his head-dress as a mark of royalty and divinity. Apep was the Egyptian and Greek name for the Great Serpent of the Underworld. Ouroboros was the Greek name for the gigantic serpent coiled in the earth's womb.

Apollo, the Greek god of healing and medicine, was originally invoked and worshipped as a snake. In later times, Aesculapius, and other deity associated with medicine, is said to have assumed serpentine form. His crest remains today as a symbol of the medical profession.

In Hindu mythology, Vishnu sleeps cradled in the folds of the great serpent Sesha. In the Hindu tradition, evil spirits are directed in their misdeeds by their leader, a great serpent.

In the Hebrew account of the fall from Paradise, the serpent was the king of beasts, walking on two legs, eating of the same food as Adam and Eve. However, when the serpent saw how the angels honored Adam, it became jealous of the human. For his part in the seduction and defilement of Eve, he is punished by having his arms and legs cut off and by being reduced to crawling on his belly throughout all time. In the Moslem tradition, Archangel Michael chops off the satanic serpent's legs with the sword of God. In Native American legends, such cultural heroes as Manabozho battle not one, but many serpent people, who seek to hold humans in bondage.

To the ancient people of Asia Minor, Ophion was the father of all humankind, the divine, serpent who lived in the Tree of Life in the primal garden.

The brazen serpent that Moses raised in the wilderness was named Nehustan. The statue was destroyed by David's. son Hezekiah when he ascended to the throne of JJudah Nehustan was quite likely descended from the Vedic serpent king Nahusha, ruler of all gods until Indra cast him down to the underworld.

Until the eighteenth century, Basilisk, a mythical snake so poisonous that it could kill its victims with a glance, was thought by Europeans to be a real serpent. The idea of Basilisk was probably inspired by the old Greek legend of the Gorgon, a female monster whose hair composed of writhing serpents was so frightening that to gaze upon her was to risk being turned into stone. The Japanese have their version of the Gorgon in Yama-uba, a tterrifyingdemon who appears as a long-haired woman. Once Yama-uba sights her prey, her long tresses transform themselves into ravenous snakes which draw the victim into a mouth on the top of her head.

In ancient Mexico, Ciuacoatl, the Great Mother of men and gods, is represented as a serpent woman. Quetza-coatl, the great culture bearer, is depicted as a winged serpent. Among many African tribes, it is Aido Hwendo, the Rainbow Serpent, that supports the earth.

Father Charlevoit, an early French missionary to the eastern tribes of North America, remarked in his journals that there was no image that the Native American tribes marked upon their faces and other parts of their bodies more than that of the snake. Furthermore, according to the priest's observations, the Shamans had the secret of charming snakes, of benumbing them, "so that they take them alive, handle them, and put them in their bosom without receiving any hurt."

The rattlesnake was considered the chief of all serpents; and some tribes believed that in addition to delivering death via the strike of its deadly fangs, the "chief" could transmit diseases with but a glance of its beady eyes.

If a coiled rattlesnake should appear in the path of a warrior, he would freeze in his tracks, speak beseechingly to it, and offer it whatever gifts he had on his person that he hoped might propitiate the angry chief of snakes.

The Medicine Priests who walked unharmed among the rattlesnakes knew that the powerful essence of the Great Mystery moved through them. Those who had received the snake as a totem animal during the vision quest felt especially blessed. The Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes revered Horned Serpent and Horned Water Serpent as largely benevolent guardian spirits and prized snakes as totem animals and spirit helpers.

Shamans revered the snake for its great wisdom, and many believed that the serpent spoke a secret language of its own that no other animal was permitted to comprehend. According to many tribal legends, in the beginning time, humans and snakes could converse freely Therefore, if one were powerfully attuned on the spirit level, he or she could still communicate with a snake on the telepathic level. If one could achieve this mind linkup, the serpent would reveal secrets of the future and other aspects of arcane knowledge.

The skin of the rattlesnake was used by nearly all Medicine Priests in some aspect of their rituals, and their rattles were often carried in the priests' sacred pouches.

Those born in the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac are characterized as wise and intense, with a tendency to be vain about their physical beauty. The sign of the Snake in the Native American zodiac (October 23 to November 21)identifies a person who is charismatic, but difficult to comprehend.

The snake is the animal emblem for St. Patrick, whose victory over the serpents of Ireland is celebrated. every March seventeenth.

If you accepted the snake as your totem animal some time ago, you have probably always been drawn to the strange, the mysterious, the unexplained You have quite likely amassed a rather large library of esoteric and metaphysical works, and you are no doubt attracted to a study of ancient cultures and religions. Discoveries of unknown ruins of alleged prehistoric origins are certain to excite you.

If you have only recently received the snake as your spirit helper in a dream or a vision quest, your totem guide may have arrived to assist you in aspects of your personal transformation. Perhaps friends and family members have thought you a bit too impersonal, too indifferent, too "cold-blooded." Snake may have come into your life to help you to develop more sensitivity to others around you in your immediate environment.

When you enter the Silence with Snake as your ally, you are certain to go deep within and draw forth ancient wisdom teachings that will immediately be able to change your life for the better.

Moondance

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 06:42 pm Click here to edit this post
The Elk
November 22 to December 21
The Elk
Elk have tremendous stamina and can run for a very long time. They are powerful animals with strong reflexes and respond quickly to anything that appears on their path. They are also unpredictable, passive one moment and aggressive the next. Elk can sense danger the moment it arrives and can teach us how to become more observant of subtle energies.
Elk live in large herds and are seldom seen alone. Although they enjoy the company of their own kind they do need space to roam and if cornered they can become quite dangerous. Those with this totem need a sacred space to retreat to from time to time in order to keep their energy balanced.
The elk, like the deer, have contests to see who will mate with the does; but unlike the deer, elk will fight very aggressively and frequently draw blood or worse. Those with this medicine need to keep their aggressive tendencies under control and seek fairness in all that they do. These tendencies may not be evident to the conscious mind, although when provoked they can often surface unexpectedly.
Elk never graze at night. An attacked herd will bolt in all directions so as to confuse a predator. The art of survival is part of its teachings. Majestic in their bearing the elk demands respect. Adult bulls with a full set of antlers are a match for any animal they would encounter, including a bear.
There is no more impressive a sight than a full grown elk, with its winter coat, standing tall and looking fierce. Elk shares with us its regal demeanor and those with this totem often find themselves on center stage both in their professional and personal lives. If Elk medicine is fully developed within a person a strong self image is expressed. Those with this totem usually have past life associations connected to royalty.
When elk appears in your life, it may be telling you to polish your act and carry yourself with pride and power. That does not mean you should be egotistical, however, for elk knows that its true power comes from Great Spirit. It shows off the gifts it has been given and uses them to its advantage.
Elk holds the medicine of strength and empowerment. If you need to be impressive in a situation, it would be good to connect with elk and learn from it. If you are shy or unsure elk can show you how to become more confident.

From another site...

Horse animal totem
In ancient Babylon, the horse was identified with the god Zu. The Greek word for horse is ikkos, the "great light," and they placed their god of wisdom in a chariot drawn by four fiery horses. The Hebrew word for horse means"to explain," thus equating the animal with the human intellect. The Latin equus resolves into the light of the great mind or soul.

To the ancient Vikings, the god Odin rode a swift horse across the sky and down into the realm of death. Many of the old Germanic tribes used horses for purposes of divination, believing the sacred beasts to be more in contact with the gods than were the priests.

Charlemagne presented his four sons with the magical talking horse Bayard, whose back could stretch from single saddle to accommodate all four of its masters.

Although the creature had been predicted by many Native American prophets,few tribespeople were prepared for their first encounter with the awesome animal that Coronado and the Spanish conquistadors brought to the plains in 1541. The eastern tribes and the Iroquois Confederacy did not have their visions of the strange beast realized until the early 1600s. Because the Blackfeet had no words to describe such animals and because they thought that the weird four-leggeds the armored and bearded strangers sat astride looked more like elk than anything else, they called them Medicine Elk.

The horse soon became a sacred and prized possession of the Native American people, just as it had been to the tribes of Europe and Asia.

For many Native American tribes, to see a vision of a great, white horse is to have seen the symbol of Death coming to take you to the land of the Grandparents. The association of a white horse with such an ethereal and holy task seems to have assumed the status of a universal image.

The Mohammedans have their Al Borak, a milk-white steed whose single stride can propel him as far as the farthest range of human vision. Slavic legends tell of Prince Slugobyl, who enlists the aid of theInvisible Knight and his horse Magu (magus, wizard), a magical, white horse with a golden mane.

Kwan-yin in China and Kuannan in Japan materialize as white horses. The Hindu god Vishnu's final manifestation will occur when he reappears on a white horse with a drawn sword to restore the order of righteousness. The Book of Revelation says that Christ shall return riding upon a white horse and leading armies of righteousness seated upon white horses, In the Chinese zodiac, those horn in the year of the horse are regarded as popular and attractive to the opposite sex, hut inclined to be impatient.

If you have cherished the horse as your totem animal for many years, you have learned to appreciate your spirit helper's strength and intense desire to accomplish more things at a time than may seem possible. In addition to being able to infuse your physical body with energy and endurance, this animal guide also has the ability to transport you to ever-higher levels of awareness.

Don't be reluctant to ride your winged steed to explore worlds and dimensions beyond the ordinary. You need not fear becoming lost in other realities whenyou have such a trustworthy spiritual ally at your side.


The Snow Goose
December 22 to January 20
Goose animal totem
Far more than a quaint symbol for children's nursery stories, Mother Goose was the great mother who laid the Golden Egg that hatched Ra, the sun god, into the world. In other even earlier versions of creation, Mother Goose laid the egg from which the entire planet emerged. For the Hindu, the goose represents Brahma and the principle of creation. In traditional depictions even today, Mother Goose always wears the pointed hat of the Egyptian ruler, the Witch, the wise woman, and she is never without her wand.

In the Middle Ages, the Jews believed anyone who killed a goose during Tevat and Shevat, the tenth and eleventh lunar months of the Hebrew calendar (mid-December through mid-February), placed himself at great risk unless he ate at least a part of the fowl he had slaughtered. Geese were associated with witchcraft, and it was said that at some specific time during those two months, demons would attack anyone who killed a goose. Since no one knew for certain the precise moment, geese were avoided for the entire period.

From the shamanistic perspective, the fairy tale that tells of Jack climbing the beanstalk to the giant's kingdom in the sky to steal the goose that laid the golden eggs is a symbolic representation of the Shaman who rises to the dimension of the Grandparents to earn the golden treasure of awareness.

For the Chinese, the goose symbolizes traditional values and fidelity, and a pair of geese is a welcome wedding present. In Christian tradition, the goose is the animal totem of three saints, Werburga, Brigid, and Martin.

If you've always been attracted to the goose as your totem animal, you are quite likely a person who cherishes the traditional values of your ancestral heritage You are probably attracted to activities that center around your home, your community and your school or church. A solid family life is especially important to you As a spirit helper, you may always rely on the goose for inspiration, guidance, and stability. You will gain strength from this ally as you spend time in the Silence.

From the other site...

The Goat
Their are many different breeds of goat. The many breeds may be roughly grouped: Swiss goats; the eastern, or Nubian, withÊ long, drooping ears; and the wool goat-- Angora. While it is usually easy to distinguish goats from sheep, certain hair breeds of the latter are only distinguishable from goats by the direction of the tail, upward in goats, downward in sheep.
The mountain goat is noted for its surefootedness on high rocky ledges. It has excellent climbing abilities due to its highly flexible skeletal abilities. Because the goat is associated with the astrological sign of Capricorn those with this totem would benefit by studying the characteristics of this sign for a deeper understanding of themselves. The goat can also link you to past lives associated with Greece because it shows up prominently in Greek mythology. Studying greek mythology can be helpful for those with this medicine.
Goat teaches us how to create a solid foundation on which to stand and helps us develop confidence as we move towards new heights and aspirations. If the mountain goat appears to us we should examine our present foundation and make sure it is serving us appropriately. It can also indicate a need to let go of the "security of our insecurity" and undertake new endeavors pertinent to our growth.
Domesticated goats showed up in the East, perhaps during prehistoric times. It was used as a source of milk, cheese, mohair, and meat. Its skin has been valued as a source for leather. In China, Great Britain, Europe, and North America, the goat is primarily a milk producer. Goat flesh is edible and is much prized in the Mediterranean countries, particularly in Spain, Italy, the south of France, and Greece. The Angora and Cashmere breeds are famous for their fine wool or mohair.
Goats hold the energy of abundant nourishment. They show us how to sustain ourselves and remind us that we must develop independence and strength. They take care of our basic needs and teach us how to master survival skills. Because goats are attuned to natures energies they are able to maneuver difficult terrain and go where other animals cannot. For those with this medicine the goat serves as a guide into the uncharted and unexplored aspects of ones true self.


The Otter
January 20 to February 18
The Otter
There are two kinds of Otter, the river and sea. Delightful creatures to watch in the wild otters have a strong curiosity exploring every nook and cranny they can find just to see what's there. Their curiosity reminds usÊ that everything is interesting if looked at from different angles.Ê They know how to float on the currents of life enjoying the beauty that it holds. Their relaxed attitude reminds us to laugh with life and not take things to seriously. They offer us the gift ofÊ laughter, trust and playfulness.
Otters are agile and fast in the water. They are often seen floating on their backs with their paws extended out of the water,Ê sliding on their bellies playfully, or performing acrobatic maneuvers. Water has long been associated with the emotional energies in man. Otters glide through the emotional ups and downs of life with ease and can teach us how to do the same. They represent the creative, nurturing energies that live within us and show us how to honor them.
Otters are excellent parents and care for their young longer than most other marine mammals. They enjoy the company of other otters and are rarely seen alone. Those with this medicine benefit by living on or close to the water and find comfort in group interactions.
The otter is very talkative. When frightened their calls take on an erie piercing sound similar to a baby screaming. They have few natural enemies and are not afraid of humans. During the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, otters were one of the few creatures that would allow humans to hold them without putting up a fight. As the oil was wiped from their bodies the otter would lie very still in the arms of the one caring for it, unafraid and trusting.
When otter appears in your life it is asking you to let go of worry and pain, lighten up and enjoy what life has to offer. Trust your inner knowing , develop trust for others and embrace the world with excitement and enthusiasm. Life is what we make it. The otter shows us how to create a joyful future. All we need to do is follow its lead.
Eagle animal totem
Among ancient Mediterranean people, the eagle was associated with the sun god, fire, and lightning. Zeus, the father of the classical gods, took the form of an eagle when he carried his young lover Ganymede to Mt. Olympus.

For the Romans, the eagle became a symbol of the sovereignty of its emperors, and the image was carried before the Empire's legions as they set about conquering the known world.

The eagle became a popular symbol of power among the Germanic people because the great bird was representative of Wodan, the ruler of the gods. As with the Romans before them with their Caesars, the eagle's mastery of the heavens came to symbolize the sovereignty of the German kaisers.

Because the eagle could appear to fly so close to the sun, the Medicine priests of all the tribes regarded the large bird as a very special messenger of the Great Mystery.

In India, the Vedic tradition also portrays the eagle as a messenger of divinity and as the bearer of soma, the favorite drink of the Vedic gods, from indra.

An old Aztec folktale tells of the ciuapipiltin, spirits of women who died in childbirth, who returned to earth to snare the children of living mothers. These entities could appear in the form of ghostly women or as an eagle, swooping down from the sky.

Psalms 103:5, "so that thy youth is renewed like an eagle's"; and Isaiah 40:31, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles," both allude to the old Hebrew belief that the eagle had the ability to plunge into the sea and regenerate itself every ten years.

Over the years in Christian iconography, the eagle has represented a special messenger from Heaven, the spirit of prophecy, a prayer rising swiftly to God, and even the Ascension of Christ. St. John the Evangelist is identified with the eagle.

In the old days, eagle feathers were used whenever possible on Native American war bonnets, rattles, shields, pipes, baskets, prayer sticks, and all kinds of ceremonial costumes. The very style in which the feathers were clipped, colored, and arranged on a chief's or warrior's clothing would reveal his rank in the tribe and the deeds that he had accomplished to earn that rank.

Today, of course, with the eagle on the endangered species list, pseudo-eagle feathers are created from crow, chicken, and turkey feathers.And speaking of turkeys, if Ben Franklin had had his way, the turkey would be the official fowl of the United States, rather than the bald eagle. Franklin considered the eagle to be little more than a scavenger, while in his opinion, the turkey was an honest, decent bird.

The origin of placing such high esteem on eagle feathers was told in an old Native American folktale that recounts how all the birds met one day to decide once and for all which could fly the highest. Some flew up very swiftlybut soon became tired, but the eagle flew beyond them all and was about to claim the victory when the crafty gray linnet suddenly emerged from its hiding place on the eagle's hack and, fresh and rested, succeeded in flying the highest.

When the birds came back to alight on the Earth Mother, the great council of fowls still voted to award the prize to the eagle, for not only had it flown closer to the sun than the other birds, it had done so with the linnet on its back. Hence, from that day forward, the feathers of the eagle were esteemed the most honorable adornment for the warrior, as it is not only the bravest bird, but it is also endowed with strength to soar the highest.

If the eagle has appeared to you in your dreams or visions and revealed itself as your totem animal, you may expect to receive renewed strength of body, mind, and spirit. At the same time, you will find your meditations becoming more profound and your visions more prophetic in content. If you maintain a harmonious and balanced lifestyle, you will feel a stronger connection with the Great Mystery than ever before in your spiritual pilgrimage on earth.

Just as the eagle can soar high above the earth and rise above its companions and its competitors, you must guard against the powerful eagle vibrations causing you to withdraw from your family and friends and grow aloof from your community. If you listen carefully to your spirit helper, it will instruct you in the sacred responsibility of sharing your prophetic insights with others and show you how to become the most effective kind of spiritual teacher.


The Cougar
February 19 to March 20
The Cougar
The cougar also known as the mountain lion and the puma is very illusive and hard to find in the wild.Ê Because of its illusive quality it is often noted as an animal that is independent, shy and withdrawn.Ê The same characteristics are often found in people with this medicine.
The adult males weigh around one hundred seventy five pounds and are one of the fastest known animals, although it does tire quickly. This is partly due to the cougars sporadic energy. When it pounces on its prey it moves with short strong bursts of energy.
Cougar is associated with leadership and teaches decisiveness in the use of personal power.They are powerful and agile and can leap over forty feet. They kill their prey with their bite of their claws.Ê When it attacks it does not hesitate. When threatened it goes for the most vulnerable place.
Those with cougar medicine should pay attention to how their speech and their actions affect others. Make sure you are not speaking too sharply or holding on to something too tightly. Cougar is a difficult totem to have because it continually places you in a position to be a target for the problems of others. Its power, strength and assertiveness are often misunderstood. You would be wise to listen to cougar and let it teach you how to balance intention, power and strength in everything you do.
Cougars are very territorial. The mother will stay with her cubs for a year and teach them to hunt, first by bringing them a kill and then bringing her prey back alive so that they can kill it. Cougars brings the power of balanced leadership.Ê In the way cougar teachers her young, in the balance that she has with her environment and in her quiet power, she shows this gift. Cougar medicine people make excellent teachers, leaders and facilitators.
The other side of cougar is its illusive quality. It can appear without being noticed and quietly take control of a situation. Sometimes this can lead to conflict with others over territory.
Those with cougar medicine have past life connections relating to power and leadership.When the cougar selects you as its student be prepared for the ride of your life. It can shred you into little pieces (dissolve karma and identity) then put you back together again with a pure heart and purpose. True leadership through gentle assertiveness is what cougar teaches those with this totem.

From another site...

Cougar animal totem
Depending upon where you live in the United States, the great, tawny mountain lion is called a cougar, panther, or puma. While the cougar once ranged throughout most of North America, the animal's kingdom
is now largely restricted to the southwest.

According to an old story, which may be apocryphal, the cougar was christened a "mountain lion" when early European traders believed the tawny pelts the tribesmen were swapping to be the hides of female
lions, such as the ones that they had seen in Africa. When they asked the native hunters why they brought in only female pelts for trade, the whimsical tribesmen, seeking to play a joke on the naive white men, said that the male lions were so fierce that they lived all by themselves far up in the mountains.

To the tribes of North America, the cougar is the master of the hunt, the creature whose prowess in bringing down game is unsurpassed. Its method of quietly watching and slowly stalking its prey provided a model of caution and subtlety for the hunter. As one chant in honor of the cougar says it, Now I am come up out of the ground/I am ruler of the season.

Considered the Elder Brother by many North American tribes, the cougar was imbued with many mystical qualities. Its eyes became globes of fire at night. Its scream in the darkness could paralyze a deer or an unwary human. Its wisdom and Medicine would be shared with those spiritual seekers who approached it with the proper reverence and purity of heart.

According to the Native American zodiac, those born from February 19 to March 20 are under the sign of the cougar. Cougar people are described as sensitive, easily hurt by disapproval or rejection, and highly mystical in nature.

If you have the cougar as a totem animal, you are likely the kind of individual who enjoys exploring the mystical side of life. While you may be thoroughly domestic in one part of your nature, you know that you also harbor within a wild, primitive aspect that could be unleashed at inopportune moments. There
is a part of you that could relish running off and getting lost in the wilderness. There is a hidden element within your psyche that dreams of racing through the forest in the dark, of dancing around a campfire, of living in a much simpler time. Your cougar guide will help you attain a balance between the ancient
memories of a faraway and long ago time for which a part of you yearns and the here and now in which the present you must successfully adapt and flourish.

Your cougar totem can bring out a certain aggressive streak within you, but your spirit voyages can assure you that you become a hunter of dreams and visions, rather than a hunter of another entity's blood and lifeforce. Rather than striking out in anger and revenge, you will learn to speak out in peace and love.

The Information I gathered are from 2 of my favorite sites...

http://www.members.fortunecity.com/wolfhawkslady/

http://www.sayahda.com

Moondance

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 06:45 pm Click here to edit this post
Native American Totems are also used for talisman or just for prayer ... if there is an animal you have always been drawn to and it is not listed above ... let me know and I can get information about it... there is a reason in which you are drawn to it:)

Urgrace

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 08:35 pm Click here to edit this post

Whoami

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 09:04 pm Click here to edit this post
Moondance, I love wolves. There is just such a beauty about them. I am definelty drawn to them.

My b'day is Feb 6. I didn't see a wolf listed anywhere above!

Moondance

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 09:13 pm Click here to edit this post
The Wolf

Wolf animal totem
For many traditional people,. Wolf is the sage, the Grand Teacher. In the Wolf Lodge Journal, Ghost Wolf reminds us that the Old Ones have told stories about the beginning time when it was Wolf who taught humans the ways of living in harmony:

"It was Wolf who taught us how to form community upon this Earth, for Wolves have an intuitive knowledge of order ... and they possess the ability to survive change intact. Wolf medicine is very ancient and born of living experience. Wolf will look deep into your heart and share the greatest of knowledge, but will demand full participation and absolute sincerity. Wolf...will rekindle old memories within your soul... Wolf medicine can make you whole."

One of the most popular of all clan and totem animals among Native Americans, the wolf was also the sacred totem of many European clans during the Middle Ages. Pick up the telephone book from any major city in North America or Europe and count the number of names under Wolf, Wolfberg, Wolfe, Wolfenbarger, Wolfgang, Wolfman, Wolfsen, Wolfstein, and so on.

According to Norse mythology, Fenrir, the great wolf of the North, will be set free on doomsday to swallow the sun. Just as many Viking warriors, berserkrs, wore a bear-shirt into battle to demonstrate their ferocity, so did many don the wolf-coat to warn the enemy that they might change into wolves before their eyes and become even more vicious in their attack.

A quick reading of history would indicate that in order to found a city, an empire, or a country; it is a prerequisite to have a wolf somewhere in the family tree. Romulus and Remus, the legendary twin founders of Rome, were suckled by a she-wolf. Tu Kueh, fabled founder of the Turkish nation, later married the divine she-wolf who suckled and reared him.

Siegfried, one of the mightiest of the Teutonic heroes, who conquered dragons, the heart of the Queen of the Valkyries, and a number of warrior opponents, had been nursed by a she-wolf after his mother died in childbirth.

Wolf Moondance, a Shaman of the Osage people, says that the parenting instinct is very strong in wolves. They arenatural mothers and fathers. When you are in need, when you are in danger or feeling separated and abandoned, you can transmit psychic energy and pull to you to the energy of the She-Wolf. You can allow the feeling of that desire to draw you to the principle of the mother embracing the child."

In the Christian tradition, the wolf in the emblem for St.Francis of Assisi, St. Edmund of East Anglia, and St. Wolfgang.

If the wolf has been designated as your totem animal through dreams or vision quest, be assured that you have a spirit helper that will always back you up, regardless of the consequences. This totem guide is known for its extraordinary powers of endurance, and it will willingly grant those strengths to you Wolf is the Great Parent, the Great Teacher, the Great Friend, and your spirit helper will expect you to carry on its traditions and to fulfill your own responsibilities to your family, your community, your friends, and those less fortunate than you who need your help. Wolf will tolerate no shirking of duty, so while you have a fierce guardian on twenty-four hour notice,you also have an example of trust and nobility to respect and emulate.

When a lone wolf is spotted in the wilderness it embodies the energy of freedom. When seen in a pack it embodies a sense of community. If wolf appears to you alone or in a pack it is asking you to acquire the same within your own life. In spite of their negative press wolves are actually friendly, social and highly intelligent. The wolf's senses are highly developed. Their intelligence is marked with excellent hearing, sense of smell and strong feeling. They are determined as well as cunning and use these skills for the benefit of the pack. The howl of the wolf is primal and penetrating. They howl to find other pack members or to let wolves from outside of the pack know their territory boundaries. If you hear a wolf howl it might be telling you to stand your ground and defend your boundaries.

Wolf teaches you to have a balance between the needs your family has of you and the needs you have for yourself. They are totally loyal to the pack but do not give up their identity to the pack. If wolf appears in your life you are being asked to look at where you are being too dependent and where you may be too independent. In both family and community there needs to be a balance.

Wolves convey much with their bodies. If they are angry, they may stick their ears straight up and bare their teeth. A wolf who is suspicious pulls its ears back and squints. Fear is often shown by flattening the ears against the head. A wolf who wants to play dances and bows playfully. Their body language is symbolic for those with this medicine. Man also uses body language to convey messages. The study of this art can increase perception in those with this totem.

Wolves hunt in packs, relying on endurance to run down weak and older animals. They have been known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit. They are the epitome of stamina and strength. With an extremely well developed societal organization, they act together to hunt and raise their young. They do not fight unnecessarily and often go out of their way to avoid fighting. Sometimes a growl, a glance, a posture is all that is necessary to determine dominance. Wolf teaches those with this medicine to know who you are and to develop strength and confidence in what you do.

Phrf

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 09:15 pm Click here to edit this post
Moon

You are too cool...:)

I am an Otter here, thats cool cause I always liked them and the water. Which makes sense since I am Aquarian.
I am absolutly crazy about polar bears. I have them all over the house. (Just ask Buttercup).

Moondance

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 09:19 pm Click here to edit this post
I found Polar Bear! :)

The Polar Bear
Polar bears are outstanding hunters. They are the most aggressive and carnivorous of all bears. They hold the same characteristics as other bears although the polar does have specific traits inherent to it. Those with this totem should also read the information presented on bears in general for a deeper understanding of this powerful medicine.
The polar bear weighs up to 1600 pounds and can knock a 500 pound seal out of the water with one blow. They are incredibly strong and more adaptable than other bears. This adaptability compliments their excellent survival skills. Those with this medicine have karmic challenges associated with flexibility, change and stubbornness and should ask the polar for help in overcoming these obstacles.
The polar will observe a situation completely before they act. They know how to conserve their strength as well as their energy and use both at the most appropriate time for the best outcome. This is one of the lessons that it teaches. Those with this totem would benefit by learning the art of energy management.
Polar bears have no enemies in the animal kingdom. Their only enemy is the human hunter. They are intelligent and fearless. Because of this native tribes throughout history have recognized the polar as a desirable ally and spirit helper.
The white color associated with the polar bear is very significant.Ê It represents "purity of spirit." Since this bear is fearless and the energy of spirit only flows when fear is absent, the polar serves as a valuable ally in overcoming fear, both physical and mental.
The polar is known as the "Ice Man" in some native tribes because of its preferences for hunting on sea ice. The environment in which it appears to us is symbolic. If the polar were spotted walking on ice its message would be connected to the frozen emotions stored within oneself and the need for allowing those emotions to express themselves. If it is seen foraging for food, nourishment and replenishment of the body, mind and spirit would be its message. It is important to watch the polar bear to understand what it is trying to tell you. When it enters your life the awakening of your own true colors is at hand.

Phrf

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 09:27 pm Click here to edit this post
Wow Thank You Moondance

Solidsnake

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 10:46 pm Click here to edit this post
Tiger ?

Whoami

Wednesday, January 30, 2002 - 11:31 pm Click here to edit this post
Wow. Moon, you are the best. Thank you. My sister is crazy about penguins. And my other sister loves tigers (and lions) too. My mom loves frogs.

Awoooooooooooooo

Urgrace

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 01:01 am Click here to edit this post
Could there be a totem with penguins? You know they're my favs. What about turtles? Several people I know have collections.

Moondance

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 06:39 am Click here to edit this post
I knew you were going to ask about penguins Garce!!!... I have it... I also have tigers, lions, and the rest Oh my... I will post them this afternoon!:)

Twiggyish

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:07 am Click here to edit this post
I love otters and water, too. In fact, the other day, I was talking about always living near water. When we vacation, in the mountains, I look for running streams and waterfalls. It's not coincedence, that we live near a river and the ocean.

Willi

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:32 am Click here to edit this post
Thanks Moon.

I am drawn to the Wolf, Watson is really crazy for otters, and our daughter loves Polar Bears (besides cats) and our son is definitely a tiger person...This is all very interesting.

Thank you for taking the time to post all this great information!
:)

Urgrace

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 11:21 am Click here to edit this post
Our Moon is a star among the stars.

O

Jewels

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:32 pm Click here to edit this post
Very interesting Moon...I like it. I have always been drawn to the deer, partly because I grew up in the country where they were always around, but I also love to sit and watch them. Their senses are amazing.

Thanks for sharing this!

Kstme

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:03 am Click here to edit this post
Moon...again AMAZING! I think I have had my moose a very long time!

Thank you! Thank you!

Moondance

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:18 am Click here to edit this post
You are soooo welcome!:)

Mooses are great!

Whoami

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:38 am Click here to edit this post
Umm, I guess I lied about that "one more" thing. The thing is, I keep thinking of other critters my sisters like. My penguin loving sister also likes the elephant. Is there anything about why a person likes a certain mixture of animals? Also, is there the good old fashioned dog and cat?

Moondance

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:48 am Click here to edit this post
Who... what totem you are drawn to at one time or another depends on what you need... if your sister loves cats, then she can realate to that totem but suddenly feels drawn to another means there is a lesson in that totem for her:)

Moondance

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:50 am Click here to edit this post
The Elephant
Throughout history elephants have been prized for their power and strength. They are extremely intelligence and honored by many cultures. Elephants are the largest land animals and among the longest lived, with life spans of 60 years or more. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha chose the form of a white elephant as one of his many incarnations and the rare appearance of a white elephant is still heralded as a manifestation of the gods. The Hindu god Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, is depicted with the head of an elephant.
Despite their great weight elephants walk almost noiselessly. Their stride is exceptionally graceful and rhythmic. Their hearing, smell, taste and touch is acute. This compensates for their poor eyesight. Their eyes are small in relation to the enormous head, which can only turn slightly from side to side. This limited movement results in restricted side vision. Those with this medicine feel things deeply and respond to those feelings from a place of inner knowing. Because their peripheral vision is limited they have a tendency to look straight ahead and not always see what is around them. Learning to shift ones focus to encompass the whole is helpful.
Loyal and affectionate elephants are willing to risk their life for the sake of others in a family group. Wild elephants have been known to grieve and even shed tears over the death of a family member. They have excellent memories and when mistreated they often seek revenge.
Elephants have a total of four teeth, all molars. The first pair of molars is located toward the front of the mouth. When they wear down, they drop out and the two molars in the back shift forward. Two new molars emerge in the back of the mouth to replace those that have moved forward. Elephants replace back molars six times throughout their life. When the last set wear out, they are unable to chew and die of starvation.
Teeth have great symbolism. They are considered receivers and transmitters of energy linked by connecting paths throughout the astral body. Because the elephant is highly intelligent those with this totem make excellent researchers and alternative scientists. The complex study of numbers, energy meridians and the tie in between the physical brain, the teeth locations, and the major and minor head chakras is fascinating as well as beneficial.
Elephant tusks point backwards and are used as weapons and for digging edible roots. From a spiritual point of view this suggests an ability to uncover the secrets left behind you and bring them to the consciousness for evaluation and healing.
This beautiful creature hold the teachings of compassion, loyalty, strength, intelligence, discernment and power to name a few. If this is your medicine these virtues are a part of your natural character. By applying these gifts in your life soul evolution is achieved.

Moondance

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:53 am Click here to edit this post
The Cat
According to author Ted Andrews of Animal Speaks, cats wild or domestic have certain qualities in common. They are associated with myth and lore, magic and
mystery. Nine lives, curiosity, independence, cleverness, unpredictability and healing. Those with this medicine should also study its color, size and breed for a
deeper understanding.
Cats have more rods in the retinas of their eyes which enable them to see effectively in the dark. The dark is often associated with mankind's fears. Since the car is at home in the dark, it serves as a valuable ally into the world of the supernatural and the unknown and can help those with this totem move through their fears efficiently.
The energy field of a cat rotates is a counterclockwise direction, the opposite of a human energy field. Because of this, cats have the ability to absorb and neutralize energy that affects humans in a negative way. This is part of the healing medicine that the cat holds.
If something affects you in a negative way place a cat on your lap or find a cat to pet. Your energy field will immediately realign itself and inner balance will be restored.
Because of their x-ray vision, acute hearing and high intelligence they were used throughout history as guardians and protectors. In ancient Egypt cats guarded the temple gates and were used to ward off evil.
If cat appears in your life the blending of magic and mystery is at hand. A trustworthy teacher, the cat will guide you into the world of self discovery and transformation.

Moondance

Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 08:58 am Click here to edit this post
The Dog
Throughout history dogs have been known as protectors and guardians. Their acute hearing and keen sight forewarned their masters of impending danger. Dogs are known as mans best friend. They serve selflessly never asking for their service to be prasied. They hold the energies of unconditional love and teach us its true meaning.
The domesticated dog is a faithful companion to humans and has a strong willingness to serve. Their sense of spirit and the ability to love even when abused is incredible. The dog teaches those with this totem how to give and receive love unconditionally. It also carries the energy of forgiveness. People with dog medicine would do well in service oriented jobs.
Dogs are intelligent and sensitive. They are able to sniff out dangerous situations accurately and guide us into safety. Psychic gifts have long been are associated with the dog because of their ability to detect subtle energy frequencies often unknown to mankind. If dog suddenly appears in your life pay attention to your immediate surroundings and let the dog guide your footsteps.
Certain breeds of dog were designed for specific functions. The study of the breed and its purpose can help you define the energy associated with it. Since wolves and coyotes are its descendants these should be studied as well.
The behavior of a dog often reflects the personality of its owner. Through its observation and constant interaction with you it anticipates your next move, and serves as a mirror image of who you truly are. The dog is a great teacher for those who are willing to be loyal students. The choice is yours.