I have talked before about the importance of animals in our lives, the fact that they appear in our lives at various times to help guide us, teach us, and help us along our way. The other night I couldn’t sleep and I kept thinking about the animals. I wanted to research what was going through my mind, so I sat down and reviewed what animals had been in my life at various times. After I had compiled the list I greatly enjoyed reading the totem information for each animal, realizing that yes, those animals were in my life for a reason. My grandparents had bought most of the animals for us, but my other grandparents also ran the chicken farm. I put the list in order of how much I enjoyed the various animals and how much I was drawn to them. (The information was obtained from www.linsdomain.com and www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm )
The animals of my life:
Horse
I grew up with fond memories of the horses in my life, how much I enjoyed being around them, riding them, and the power they had. There was Fannie Marie Lee, the beautiful, faithful, caring buckskin mare who took care of us young kids learning to ride. Then my little stud colt who had to be put down because he couldn't walk after cutting his leg, but I spent all my spare time with him because he was mine, given to me by my grandfather as a gift. I remember how much I loved that little colt. Then there was the paint horse my grandmother bought me. No one liked riding her because she was so wild, but I didn't have that problem with her and we went for rides every day. I have wanted to have another horse for many years now, but perhaps it isn’t time, so I’ll wait for the time when the horse returns.
Pounding hooves, tossing mane,
Take me swiftly on my life's journey.
Loyal friend, carry me to a place of safety.
Lift me over the obstacles of my path.
Horses are symbols of freedom, travel and power. This totem brings new journeys. It will teach you to ride in new directions and discover your own freedom and power. Guide to overcoming obstacles. The Horse is the symbol of Wind. Horse people are usually friendly and adventurous. If a horse has shown up in your life, you must ask yourself: "Am I feeling constricted? Do you need to move on or allow others to move on?" Horse will teach you how to ride into new directions to awaken and discover your own freedom and power.
Bear
The stories of bears in the woods, and in the barn during winter were told often as I grew up in Louisiana. One time I remembered walking home from the pond at night while others were still at the pond working on something. To this day I have no idea if the bear was real or just my imagination, but I remember as I walked through the woods that I saw a large object behind me. I started going faster and so did it. As I looked back, right before I started running, I realized I was looking at a bear. I ran through the woods, cleared a gate without opening it and flew across the yard into the back door, only to knock over the fishing poles and step onto a three-pronged hook. Of course I’m screaming for my grandmother, who runs for the gun, looks outside where the dogs are barking and then returns to check on me and calm me down. The other bear story you can read about in the Blog some where.
Deep in slumber, dreams unending,
Wise old bear, patient, strong,
Send me dreams of transformation.
Grant me intuition along
With introspection of my life,
Inner listening, no more strife.
The bear represents Caution, Healing, and Leadership. The power of the Bear totem is the power of introspection. The answers to all our questions lie within us. Each of us has the capacity to quiet the mind, enter the silence and know. Just as the bear hibernates during the winter, people with a Bear totem will be quieter during the winter months. But they must awaken in the spring and seek whatever opportunities are around them. When you have a Bear totem, you are being guided to a leadership role. You must be fearless in defending your beliefs. The Bear also encourages you to exercise your abilities as a natural healer. Bears are associated with trees which are natural antennas, linking the heavens and the Earth. Bear also has links to the seven color rays of the Universal Light as well as Lunar ties, linking the subconscious and the unconscious mind. It is associated with the Goddess Artemis.
Goat
As a teenager, living with my mother, just after her divorce and now living with her young boyfriend, I was given a small goat that I had to hand raise. She followed me around every where and would cry when I would leave. That little goat became my best friend in a time that I had no strength or security, only questions. We played together all the time until the day the next door neighbor shot her because she crawled under our fence and into his garden. I’ll never forget that experience of watching someone shoot something only because I feel now that he wanted to hurt something as bad as he was feeling hurt inside.
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. 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.
Dog
I miss little Roadie, and the adventures we were having, but I know he is happy in his new home with a family to play with and a yard. I couldn’t keep him confined to the explorer while we searched for our place. I will always remember the love and affection he gave, try to remember the lessons he taught me about love, and remember and laugh at our adventures together. There have been other dogs in my life, mostly as a child.
Goddess-company, we trail the truth.
Understand our night cries!
We guide and protect her children.
Heed our warnings!
We sing to the Moon to show you the way
To ancient Moon magics!
We stand at the gates between the worlds.
Follow us!
The dog symbolizes Faithfulness and Protection. The Dog is a symbol of the small becoming the great. People with this totem have great spirit and a great ability to love. It takes a lot to break a dog spirit. People with a Dog totem are usually helping others or serving humanity in some way. Dog medicine embodies the loving gentleness of best friend and the fierce energy of protector. You will have a deep understanding and compassion of human shortcomings. Study the quality of the breed of dog that has entered your life: is it a hunter, a protector, a companion, playful? Each of these qualities will give you insight into the qualities needed for your own life. A Dog totem is a great spirit booster.
Duck
After I moved in with my grandmother at age 15, she began to assist with my fascination with ducks, by helping me build the pens, buy the ducks, and teaching me to care for them. I have many memories, full of laughter, surrounding those years of ducks and fun with my grandmother. I miss her a lot, but I know she is here with me now. When I had the ducks I had just left my mother because of her young boyfriend, so perhaps the need for emotional comfort and protection was needed and I agree, the ducks helped provide that for me then. It was a difficult time for me back then.
Ducks represent Emotional Comfort and Protection. Ducks are connected to feminine energies, the astral plane and emotions through their connection with water. Ducks remind us to drink deeply from the waters of life. Find comfort in your element and with those of like mind and spirit. Ducks teach you how to maneuver through the waters of life with grace and comfort. Psychologist and therapists often have Ducks as a totem,assisting them to help others move through emotional tangles.
Monkey
I was introduced to monkeys as a teenager, once in Miami at the Monkey Jungle, where a small monkey befriended me and sat on my shoulder as we walked through this large area of monkeys of all kinds. There were some areas where you and the monkeys were together, some areas where you were the one caged and the monkeys free in large areas, but this little spider monkey found me and just sat on my shoulder all the way through until we got to the exit, when suddenly everyone realized that I had a monkey on my shoulder and I was walking out the door with him. The guards, my parents, everyone jumped into action. Yes, I had to leave the little monkey there. But my other experiences with monkeys were when I met M.A. Gleason in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. He holds a special place in my heart because he showed me about being gay and accepting myself. He had many monkeys and Mike, the chimp. I spent time with all of them.
Help me to see truth in all situations
With my spiritual eyes.
Teach me to hear Otherworld messages
With my spiritual ears.
Bring to me food for the soul from the gods
That my spiritual body may be nourished.
Monkeys represent Dark and Light. The Monkey represents the dark side of the human psyche, but also holds the key to right living. See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil. The ability to see both the dark and the light may unexpectedly enrich and strengthen. The Monkey totem is creative and imaginative. It can lead you into a deeper study of the origins of the human species and the examination of ancient wisdom. Its agile mentality provides you with inspiration and insight when you most need it.
Cat
In college I had CB, short for Charlie Brown. He was something, but always showed his displeasure be urinating on something of mine when he wasn’t allowed to be in a certain room with me. Later I had Diva Kitty. She traveled many roads with me and even had Uncle Jorge for many years to help take care of her in Dallas. I remember the first time she came home with me. She just started running around the room on the back of the furniture in a large circle. It was so funny. She used the running track for years. One day I had cooked some soup and had been trying to teach her not to jump on the kitchen counters. I had put the soup in a bowl and she decided to jump on the counter, landing straight into the bowl of hot soup. Needless to say, but she didn’t stay long. I didn’t have to teach her about being on the counters again, she never jumped up on them after that.
Littlest lion, panther in miniature,
Help me in a my magical endeavors,
Teach me to see my path through dark places,
Help me to sift the necessary from the unnecessary
And to relax and enjoy life.
Strengthened my magic and carry it to its destination.
Cats symbolize Mystery, Magic and Independence. A cat totem encourages agility in both body and mind. You will be challenged with new ideas and places. The cat gives you clearer perception. This spirit helper is resourceful, strong and fearless. It will give you courage and confidence. Examine the colors, character and behaviors of your Cat. Everything about it will reflect in your own life. When a Cat becomes predominant in your life, magic and mystery come alive. Associated with the Norse Goddess of Fertility Freyja and the Hindu Goddess of Childbirth, Shasthi and of course, the Egyptian Goddess Bastet who takes the form of a cat.
Chicken
I remember my father’s parents operating a large chicken farm where eggs were raised and sold to markets. My other grandparents also had chickens. I was always afraid of the chicken and my family always laughed because I called them wickens. I miss my childhood, even though it was hard for me, it still held the idea that there was a family, extended through generations, that enjoyed being together. I eventually overcame my fear of the wickens and began to raise Bantams, those very small chickens, but had hopes of finding different kinds to raise. As usual, my grandmother Lee was there to help and guide, to encourage and lead the way. I laugh when I think about the chickens in my life.
Those with this medicine benefit by living in an environment where water is plentiful. The chicken has an exploratory inquisitive nature. They love to scratch around in lush vegetation uncovering every pebble, leaf or blade of grass always looking for a hidden treasure. Extremely attuned to what lies beneath the surface the chicken holds the teachings of observation, reflection and knowledge. Personal space is important to the chicken. It requires open space in which to roam. If confined they can become aggressive with a tendency to pick on each other. A low ranking hen may be cornered and cannibalized. Chickens have an uncanny ability to remove obstacles by pecking away tirelessly at anything that gets in their way. The skills of patience and determination seen in the chicken are often reflected in the personalities of those who hold this medicine. Although able to cooperate in groups chickens have a strong independent character and when the mood strikes they will demand their space, sometimes aggressively. Those with this medicine need occasional retreat and isolation from others. This need can come about unexpectedly at any time without warning.
Chicken medicine people are true teachers within the structure of relationships. They remind us not to become too needy of our partners, family or friends. They show us how to maintain a sense of independence in groups and ask us to take appropriate time for inner reflection. Those associated with chicken medicine people must respect that individuals need for personal space or feathers will ruffle! Known for their hardiness chickens will run quickly and frantically away from danger. When danger is close they take off with a loud explosion which startles their predator. They are mindful creatures that have extreme sensitivity. Chickens feel the vibrations of mother earth and all life forms that inhabit her. This indicates its empathic abilities. Because empaths literally absorb the energy of everything around them a high-strung nervous system can develop. If nervous energy isn't expressed in a balanced way sporadic unpredictable behavior can occur. Yoga or any other form of meditative movement can help those with this medicine acquire balance. Those with this medicine are natural born empaths. They "feel" their way through life. Their feelings are always right and they need to honor and abide by them in everything they think, do and say.
Pig
My grandfather Lee raised pigs and had one of the first automated pig barns in the country. I used to love to go with grandmother and grandfather to the pig barn, especially to see the little pigs. Later as we grew, my brother and I would try to ride the pigs. I used to sit on the fence and watch the pigs for hours as they rooted through the fields or cooled themselves in the mud. The old pig barn is now a tumbling shack full of useless items stored there over the years, but it has memories that will last a lifetime.
The pig is a mammal of stout body, short legs and thick skin sparsely coated with short bristles. Contrary to popular belief the pig is a very clean animal. Although their pig pens appear to be pig sties their mess is always an organized one. They don't like things within their territory to be moved or misplaced and can be quite animate about this. A friend of mine has a pig as a pet. One day when she was cleaning its pen the pig repeatedly butted her. She finally got the message! Those with this medicine need to be in charge of their personal space and will not tolerate others rearranging it. Pigs have an uncanny intelligence and love the companionship of humans. Domestic pigs are easy to train and make excellent pets. Behavior problems can arise when a pig feels fear or distrust in any situation. Usually docile, they can become aggressive if they think their safety is being threatened. They have strong reasoning power and believe that the best defense is a good defense. Pig medicine people will not accept unjust acts of any kind. They can be overly trusting of others or have no trust at all depending on how developed the medicine is within the person. Learning to attain balance within these extremes is advised.
Domestic pigs demand punctuality and dependability especially at feeding times. A solid routine is important to this animal. Any thing that disturbs their routine creates deep emotional stress and can cause illness. A regular regimen of daily activities is beneficial for pig medicine people. Those with this totem usually have past life ties associated with undisciplined behavior. The pig teaches you how to remain focused and develop a solid secure foundation in your life. The pig is swift in its movement. They intuitively know how to respond in any situation. They are good swimmers and have great strength. Their listening skills are acute. They actually "feel" sound frequencies and respond accurately to the vibration that it holds. Clairsentient and clairaudient abilities are two of the pigs strongest attributes. Those with this totem are reminded to view things from a pigs perspective. When the pig appears in your life pay attention to its movement. If it is charging towards you, its time to stop procrastinating and take action in some area of your life. If a pig waddles slowly towards you its time to stop, reflect and listen to the sound of your inner knowing.
Cow
My grandparents raised cattle, Registered Herefords. We had to take care of them when we visited for the summers. But grandfather always told us not to play with the calves in the special pen. I never realized until older, that the special pen held bull calves that would be castrated and feed to supply meat for the family, only the cows were allowed to remain. As a child I would walk through the fields and watch the cows as they sat, grazed, and slumbered along. I was always afraid of the bull, but he never would do anything more than just walk up to you to get food. I miss the sounds, the smells, and the ideas surrounding the time of the cows for it was a time of long ago with memories of people I don’t recognize now.
In Hinduism, dating back from the Vedic period, the cow was associated with certain deities. Though oxen's and bulls were sacrificed and flesh consumed in ancient India, the slaughter of milk producing cows was prohibited. Killing a cow was equated to the sin of killing a Brahman, a member of the highest priestly caste. In ancient Egyptian religion the cow was linked to the goddess of fertility and love. It is strongly associated with motherhood and is a symbol of nourishment because it is able to furnish food for mankind. The counterpart of the cow, the bull, brought nourishment through slaughtering and is known as an animal symbolizing fertility through sacrifice.
The cow is a strong sturdy animal and knows how to hold its ground. Determined and steadfast the cow can weather storms easily bunching together in sheltered spots standing like stoic statues. Those with cow medicine need to remember to stand in their truth and not let other people influence their decisions. In this way they master any challenge efficiently. Cows are intelligent and incredibly observant. They respond to their instinctive knowing and have an uncanny ability to sense danger as well as opportunity. They teach those with this medicine how to develop their perception. If cow appears to us it is asking us to pay attention, observer and then respond accordingly. The cow is performing both a duty and a sacrifice for man. Not only do they give milk and all other dairy products for the consumption of the human race, but they willingly offer their very lives so that man may have meat to eat. It is believed that the cow decided to make the sacrifice of their own personal bodies in order to allow other animal life forms to be spared, at least to some extent. The reason the cow has chosen to sacrifice themselves is due to a karmic influence among the species. Today the cow practices compassion through sacrifice and in so doing advance spiritually as a species.
The big penetrating eyes of the cow have a way of looking right through us. Their hypnotic stare tears down our personal illusions and awakens love within us. Anyone who has looked into the eyes of the cow knows the compassion that radiates from them. The cow is a powerful totem and shows us how to nurture ourselves and honor others. Those with this totem are usually service oriented and put other peoples needs before their own. Sacrificing our personal desires for the common good of all is part of its medicine.
