~Native American Zodiac ~
The ClubHouse: Archives: ~Native American Zodiac ~
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:38 pm   The Penguin The penguin is an amazing animal with unusual characteristics. If you ever see one in the wild it will be hard to forget. Highly specialized for their flightless aquatic existence their binocular vision is poor. Some penguins have no binocular vision at all. A sideways stare acts as a method of focusing on threatening objects. They see better in water than on land and their sense of smell is weak. These unique animals exude an air of properness and good manners. Gathering in groups they walk bolt upright forming several lines denoting a sense of order and purpose. They waddle with determination and focus. Those with this medicine have the same inherent abilities. If this medicine isn't fully developed call upon the penguin to help you refine and perfect these skills. Both male and female penguins bow to one another before entering or leaving the nest. The bow is a behavior demonstrated most often in pairs. Penguins may also walk about the area while bowing. Bowing is considered to be both a form of appeasement and a tool for maintaining socialÊ bonds. Penguin medicine people are either well mannered and polite or need to learn these abilities. This bird teaches respect to all who cross its path. The penguins striking black and white attire suggests formality. The Emperor penguin, the largest of this aquatic bird, dressed in a tuxedo looks as if its ready for a dinner party. Those with this totem are careful about their appearance and enjoy life styles related to high society. They are social and feel at ease in any type of situation. This gives them leadership qualities and denotes an air of self confidence. Penguins are master acrobats.While swimming their movements are graceful and fluid. They twist and turn in a variety of ways then shoot high out of the water landing solidly on their feet. When traveling long distances on ice the penguin toboggans on its stomach using its fins to push it along. They have been recorded at speeds up to 25 miles an hour. The penguin teaches us how to connect with our inner rhythm, honor our body and move with agility. Because of their association with water astral projection and out of body experiences are keynote. Their movements both in water and on land indicate an ability to glide easily from one dimension to another. Penguins have the ability to consciously go out of body. They teach those with this medicine how to embrace and understand all realms of life. Individuals with penguin totems are vivid dreamers and often receive messages through the dreamtime or in a meditative state. The colors of the penguin are also symbolic. The color black represents the hidden or the unknown and the color white reflects the light or awakened consciousness. The merging of the hidden with the known produces a balanced state of being. Penguin teaches you how to blend, merge and balance the dark with the light. Penguin is a powerful totem to have and helps you change your reality, move between the worlds and awaken full consciousness. If this master bird appears in your life get ready for a life altering course of mystery, intrigue and transformation. Once you have explored uncharted waters there will be no turning back. |
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:40 pm   The Tiger Tigers are magnificent animals that hold an air of independence and confidence. Solitary animals, males and females come together only during the mating season. The cubs stay with the mother into their second year partly because they are born blind. To compensate for this their inner sight is fully operational. This is symbolic for those with this medicine. Children born into this medicine are natural clairvoyants and prophets. Mysticism and mythology surround this animal.The Chinese believe that the tigers head often carries the chinese "mark of wang," or king, on its forehead. This is can be seen within the patterns of its fur. One vertical line with three horizontal ones passing through it. Because of this Tiger is one of the 12 signs of Chinese astrology. Muscular, powerful and agile the tiger can travel great distances in search of food. The distance they cover depends on how much prey there is to eat. The less prey the further their territory extends. Walking on their toes with the back part of the foot raised tigers stalk their prey or lie and wait and then spring unexpectedly on them. Tigers are nocturnal hunters and hold the teachings of focus, patience and surprise. Tigers are also known for their healing properties. Their body parts are sought for use in traditional Chinese medicine and exotic herbal remedies. Their orange gold coloring symbolizes vitality and regeneration.Those with this medicine heal quickly. The tigers sight, smell and hearing is excellent. They have round pupils and yellow irises, except for the blue eyes of the white tiger. Due to a retinal adaptation that reflects light back to the retina, the night vision of the tiger is six times better than that of humans. Tiger teaches us how to see into the world of the extraordinary. Those with this medicine have a strong sensitivity to touch and make excellent body workers. Creating sacred space where others cannot enter, spending time alone in order to gather the energy required to move tirelessly throughout life is advantageous for those with this totem. When tiger appears get ready for adventure, challenge and change. The power, passion and vitality of tiger will activate the same components within yourself. |
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:42 pm   The Lion The lion holds a variety of energies and is never what it appears to be. Their is great myth and lore surrounding it. The Egyptians linked it to power and wealth. When Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt, each tribe was gathered under its own banner, a lion was depicted on one of them. Today, mankind associates the lion with fearlessness because of its mighty roar. mankind associates the lion with Unlike other cats the lion lives in groups called prides. They live together in harmony and seldom fight amongst each other. The exception to this rule is related to the female. The male lion is passionate and extremely jealous of the lionesses. If challenged it will act aggressively. Lions make their homes on the Savannah's of Africa. The coarse grasses and scattered trees of the Savannah's offer it little protection from the outside world and make it a prime target for hunters. Lions are often spotted lying around not doing much at all. They seem to be saying don't bother me "I am busy relaxing." This is one reason why the energy of fearlessness has been associated with this beautiful creature. Lions can teach us the art of fearlessness if we allow ourselves to relax long enough to learn from it. Those with this totem will find that their life lessons will involve dealing with groups and community in some way. They will also need to pay attention to the particular role they play within that group and work with others cooperatively. Lion people have the ability to be balanced leaders but need to keep jealous tendencies under control. Within the pride the females are the best hunters. Lions as a general rule are clumsy hunters by themselves but they have learned to develop excellent cooperative hunting techniques for their survival. The females do most of the hunting as well as the rearing of the cubs. The male lion does very little work and is recognized by the beautiful man that frames its face. This gives it a regal appearance and is why it is known as The King of Cats. Both male and female lions are excellent parents caring for the young with gentleness and patience. Lions do not fight for the sake of fighting. They avoid confrontation and will leave the scene of danger whenever possible and can guide those with this totem out of unpleasant situations. |
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:44 pm   The Frog There are numerous species of frogs found all over the world.Their bodies are designed for jumping and their sharp eyes help them capture their prey, mostly insects. Because the frogs eyes bulge out from the sides of the head they are able to see in nearly all directions. This provides them with excellent depth perception. Frogs have a well developed sense of hearing. Behind each eye is a large disked membrane, an external eardrum that picks up sound waves and transmits them to the inner ear and then to the brain. This coupled with their exceptional sight give them both clairsentient and clairvoyant abilities. The frog produces sound similar to the way humans do by forcing air from the lungs over the vocal cords. Their variety of complex calls from ribbets to croaks associates it with language. Those with this totem have the potential to take command of the spoken word and are often bilingual. Tree frogs are strong jumpers and despite their toes being only half webbed they are also strong swimmers. One of the most interesting characteristics of the tree frog is the changing of its colors from bright red, green, orange, to aqua. Color change is brought about through the stimuli of light and moisture which create physiological change and result in contraction or expansion of the pigment cells in the skin. These bright colors appear on flanks, groin, surface of the thighs and the belly and serve in species recognition or in confusing predators. One species native to South America has brightly colored eyespots on its rump. When approached by a predator, the frog lowers its head, elevates its rump thus confronting the predator with a seemingly much larger head. The study of color and its affects on a persons psyche is helpful. With the exception of a few species, most frogs do not care for their young. They mate and then abandon their eggs. Because of this lessons associated with survival are common in frog medicine people. Scientists believe that the health of frog populations reflect the health of the eco system as a whole. Because frogs are found in water and on land they hold the magic of both. Water has long been associated with emotional cleansing. Mud the combination of earth and water is used in healing therapies to rid the body of toxins. Because those with this medicine are extremely sensitive the use of mud baths is advised. The frog is a totem of metamorphosis. Most frogs undergo a two stage life cycle. Eggs hatch into tadpoles which grow and eventually become adults. This signifies the awakening of ones creativity. When frog leaps into a persons life it is an invitation to jump into their creative power. To do this it is helpful to know which stage of life you are presently in. By studying the characteristics of the frog the discovery of your present life cycle is known. |
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 12:48 pm   Turtles are VERY sacred to the Native American... Turtles represent Mother Earth The Turtle The turtle is a creature of the water. Because of its great age and its slow metabolism the turtle is associated with longevity. Turtle medicine can teach new perceptions about time and our relationship to it. It can also help us grow old gracefully and in harmony with our environment. When the pace of life becomes too hectic the turtle shows us how to slow down and go with the flow. Turtles have amazing survival skills and strategies. They sense vibrations in the water through their skin and shell. Turtle totems hold the mystery of awakening the senses on both the physical and spiritual levels and can stimulate clairaudience. Turtles carry their homes on their back. The shell is actually the backbone and ribs of the turtle and serves as home and shelter for it. Those with this medicine should remember not to acquire more possessions then they actually need. The burden of responsibility can become a heavy weight for you to carry. When turtle is flipped on its back it uses its strong neck to right itself. This can be a reminder to use your own head and inner knowledge to right yourself when your world gets topsy-turvy. All turtles must come ashore to lay their eggs and they are usually buried. When the eggs hatch they make their way to the water. The link between water and land especially for the purpose of reproduction has great significance. When turtle shows up in your life, it is time to get connected to your most primal essence. Go within your shell and come out when your ideas are ready to be expressed. The turtle cannot separate itself from its shell and we cannot separate ourselves from what we do to the earth. The way to heaven is through the earth and both are interconnected. |
Whoami | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 01:23 pm   How cool Moondance! Thank you so much! I'm copying these all down to send to my family. One more. How about the horse? I know, I'm pretty demanding. I bet you had no idea what you were getting yourself into by offering these up? |
Kstme | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 01:24 pm   Absolutely amazing Moondance! You come up with some of the most fascinating information! TheKid is definitely a frog and I know I'm a moose (not listed I see, but that's okay ) I think my dh is possibly a bear. |
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 01:34 pm   The Horse The horse symbolizes freedom and the power that comes with being free. They pulled the wagon trains across the prairies opening up new frontiers to be explored. Horses helped turn the Lakota and other Native tribes into the powerful mounted warriors and nomads that they became, although taming the horse wasn't easy, as their spirit for freedom was a fire that burned within them. Those with this medicine can be fiercely independent and have little tolerance for anything or anyone that limits their free expression. This characteristic can create challenges in relationships of all kinds, especially co-dependent ones. Those with this totem are teachers to their partners, friends and family showing them how to stand solid within themselves. Individuals who choose to be involved with aÊ horse person do so because the need for self empowerment is strong. They seek the horse and the power it holds rather than the horse seeking them. Because horse medicine people hold the energy of power their leadership and teaching skills are usually in demand. Intuitive and wise they make excellent therapists. They enjoy helping others but often feel as if there is no one to lead or teach them. If people become too dependent they will respond like a bucking bronco. Personal relationships often lack emotional or mental nourishment especially in the earlier years of life. To compensate for this they are forced to go within and strengthen their bond with spirit. This bond provides them with the nourishment needed to evolve their soul while staying grounded in the earth experience. Horses give their riders the safety of speed and the promise of adventure. Natives tribes used the horse to run, fight, send messages, hunt and move their villages quickly. The horse carried people and their belongings into new uncharted territory and the challenges that it held. If horse has come to you, you are being offered a gift of safe movement. Is there somewhere that you want or need to go? Horse can help you get there, whether the place is physical or spiritual. Is their a new venture you want to undertake? Call on horse to help you create it. Are there challenges in front of you that you dot want to deal with? If so, the horse asks you to awaken your inner power and move forward with courage. Before this continent became so populated, it was well suited to the Mustang. They had adapted themselves to live in harsh environments on diets that wouldn't sustain most horses. However, their need for freedom made them unsuited to a country whose people seem compelled to control and dominate everything. Because of this the mustang is just about gone. When the horse, either wild or domestic, appears in your life the following questions should be asked. Are you pushing boundaries that are going to cause severe repercussions? Are you trying in your need to be free, to not play by the rules? If so, this may not be a bad thing, but learn the lesson of mustang, there can be a high price to pay for freedom. |
Moondance | Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 01:36 pm   The Moose The moose is one of the most ancient and unique of the power totems. The adult male can stand 7 feet tall and weigh 1200 pounds. Male moose bellow loudly during mating and can be heard over 6 miles away. When they hear a moose cow answer they run to her prepared to battle anything in their path. The moose is courageous and determined and will make its presence known when it chooses to. On the other hand, the moose has an uncanny ability to camouflage itself, in spite of its great size and power. It can move silently through its territory and never be seen. These contradictions help it survive in the wild. It holds the teachings of invisibility and the power of presence. Shapeshifing abilities are tied to mythology and incorporate the teachings of shamanism and magic. For those with this totem the refinement of these skills is enhanced through these studies. When you see a moose in the wild the energy it embodies is awesome. The massive antlers that crownÊ its head grow larger then any other antlered animal. Ancient myth refers to these antlers as "The Crown of Courage." These antennae are linked to the crown chakra in man. As the antlers grow the crown chakra opens and expands giving those with this medicine a direct channel to universal knowledge. Contradicting and majestic the moose can appear awkward as well as graceful. Its highly developed sense of smell and hearing is complimented by its excellent depth perception. Its appearance of ungainliness is misleading and deceptive and it is this deception, which enables it to survive so well. Moose calves are born with their eyes open. Individuals who carry this medicine are born with their inner eyes already open and can see things with exceptional clarity. Psychic awakenings later in life are uncommon. The moment of birth is the moment of awakening for moose medicine people. The most difficult lessons in life are during their childhood. Their courage coupled with their direct connection to universal knowledge gives them the tools necessary to strengthen their self esteem and discover their place in society. A powerful totem to have moose will uncover the depth of who you are and align you with your inherent wisdom. |
Solidsnake | Friday, February 01, 2002 - 07:40 am   Thank you. |
Ocean_Islands | Friday, February 01, 2002 - 11:22 pm   I love this thread. I am a deer. And you are a dear too, Moondance! |
Moondance | Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 02:21 pm   OI |
Firebird05 | Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 02:37 pm   I'm a raven. Thanks moondance I always wanted to be a bird. I think being able to fly would be great |
Magikearth | Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 06:24 pm   Moondance, I love this thread sooo much! Thank you soooo much for starting it! |
Moondance | Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 06:29 pm   You are sooo welcome... BTW you have one of my favorite handles ... MotherEarth is MagicEarth! |
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