Bear Medicine is about healing. It is about digging and searching for our personal spiritual truth and then integrating it. It is about knowing when we need to take time off and hibernate in order to integrate what we have learned. Bear teaches the art of introspection, of entering the cave (the Womb of the Great Mother), being silent and learning to KNOW. It is in this silence that we are able to tap into the wisdom of the Ancestors and find the pathways that lead to our spiritual goals. Bear teaches about attuning to the Earth Mother. Many mystics, visionaries and shamans carry Bear Medicine. Bear hibernates in the Winter (the dark, fallow times of our lives) and comes out reborn in the Spring.
People who carry Bear Medicine are often healers. They know how to go within and seek out wisdom from the Collective. They understand not only the importance of digging through spiritual teachings to find their personal truth, but also the necessity of taking time out to integrate that truth.
(By Mehitabel)
Found in parks and reserves of North America, favouring the open prairies. It is a large, horned ruminant with a mantle of thick fur over the forequarters. The males weigh up to 1000kg and the females up to 600kg. The average life span is 20 years but they may survive 40 years in captivity , Once one of the most abundant hoofed animals living in the New World. It has been estimated that even in the year 1800, there were probably more than 60 million bison roaming the prairies of North America, feeding entirely on grasses and gradually migrating from north to south as winter approached
The slaughter of the bison (or buffalo as it was incorrectly called) continued unabated. The railways now employed special hunters to do their killing for them. One of them 'Buffalo Bill' Cody boasted that he was able to kill hundreds of bison each day. In 1800 there were about 60 million bison roaming the plains. By the year 1889 there were just 541 bison left alive in the whole of North America! Man had succeeded in wiping out nearly 60 million bison in under ninety years. The species was only saved from extinction by an act of Congress and since then, careful conservation measures and protection have helped the bison to make a slow, but steady recovery. Even so, there are only about 50,000 bison alive today.
Bison Habits
Bison feed mainly on grass. They can cover up to 3km during a day's grazing. They are ruminants and tend to spend the day grazing and the night ruminating. Where grazing is good, and during the migrations, hundreds of bison may form large herds, but normally they live in smaller groups of about 50. Bison have poor eyesight but good hearing and sense of smell, so they group together in herds, as a means of defence against wolves. This way there is a better chance of danger being detected earlier, and large numbers help to confuse predators. If attacked, bison will either run, or if this is not possible, surround their young, forming a defensive circle, with the bulls on the outside and the females and young in the middle.
Breeding
Mature bulls live alone or in small groups, but during the mating season (July to September) they join herds of females and immature males to fight over females which are ready to mate. Each mature female can calve once every two years. Males fighting over a female will first bellow at each other and stamp their feet. If neither backs down, they charge each other, butting heads until one of them retreats. The victor mates with a female, and stands guard over her for several days to prevent other males from mating with her. The calf, when born weighs about 30kg, and is able to stand and run within a few hours.
As a power animal, buffalo indicates that you will always have what you need, that deep wthin your soul you know that you are provided for. It indicates generosity to others, a relaxed and confident approach to projects, acceptance of strangers and making them welcome, and avoiding prejudgement. Buffalo may be askd for help at the start of a project, when confidence is lacking, when faith in abundance of life has failed, when bills mount up, when you forget to give thanks for life and are caught up in the needs of survival, when feeling sorry for oneself. Buffalo’s power may be accessed by making a daily affirmation for 7 days to thank the powers of nature for their gifts. Stand, holding the hands palms up and fists closed for a few moments, then slowly open that hands as you breathe, feeling the life force in your hands and feeling the wonder of this position of surrender and acceptance.
The term ‘Black Panther’ is quite often used in connection with large black cats - however there is no one distinct species of wild cat called a Black Panther. Over the years it has become used as a common name which can be applied to any large black coated cat. When you see a picture of a Black Panther it is most likely that you are looking at either a leopard or possibly a jaguar with Melanistic colouration. My own totem is a black leopard. Melanistic means that there is an excess of black pigment, that colours skin and hair. In many cases the usual markings of the animal can be faintly seen through the dark fur, especially at certain angles in bright sunlight. Melanism occurs because of a mutation or abnormality of one of the cat’s genes which is associated with coat colouration and markings. Melanism is hereditary, but is not necessarily passed directly from one generation to the next - it is therefore common to see ‘mixed’ litters with one black cub along side normally coloured brothers and sisters.
Although a strong and competent hunter the leopard is not without threat from other carnivores - because of this the leopard commonly caches its prey high in the boughs of trees away from packs of scavenging hyenas and opportunist lions. It is here that the leopard demonstrates its huge strength - its powerful limb and neck muscles enabling it to carry a fully grown male antelope or even young giraffe, often weighing up to three times its own body weight, high into the tree tops. Direct competition from other large cats such as the lion in Africa and tiger in tropical Asia is common although this is largely overcome by the leopards ability to hunt on a wider prey base than either of its two larger rivals. In Asia the leopard is also advantaged over the tiger by its ability to exist in areas without a plentiful water supply. In some areas where its habitat is close to that of humans the leopard has been known to hunt close to houses, preying on domestic animals, livestock and rodents.
Although no other wild cat has such a wide spread range and diverse prey base as the leopard, it is still under threat in many regions. Once common in all parts of Africa apart from the deserts of the Sahara, it has now gone from most parts of northern Africa, apart from a few widespread areas of the Atlas mountains and is scarce in the extreme west of the continent. Subspecies of the leopard once common in the middle east, P.p.nimr and P.p.jarvisi are now all but extinct, as is the Persian leopard (P.p.saxicolor). In south east Asia and India its numbers have dwindled mainly due to hunting for its prized fur and through loss of natural habit due to the spread of the human population. The Korean Leopard (P.p.orientalis), also known as the Amur Leopard are extremely rare in the wild, suffering extensively from habitat loss.
Although the leopard has had greater survival success across the African/Asian range compared with the Cheetah and Lion, who now only exist in single locations within this extended range, the leopard, especially in the Middle East and South West Asia is under extreme threat. The leopard is listed in CITES Appendix 1.
The next section comes directly from http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/blackpantotem.html
As a power animal, mysticism surrounds the Black Panther, and for centuries two-leggeds have observed these graceful predators as they prowl the jungles of their domain and slip, black as midnight vapor, between tree limbs and vines.
Black Panther, with his penetrating yellow-green gaze, evokes the sense that he is capable of looking into the ~future,~ hence this beautiful cat is closely linked to Seers and Prophets.
***For the two-legged who journeys beside Black Panther, this may either take the form of one who can literally see into the ~future,~ or this gift of insight is manifested as a keen insight into the reasoning, action and motive of Others.
Because these souls possess the gift to see to the motives of another, the "future" consequences of that individual`s motives and actions are clearly visible to the Panther individual, and they can appear almost prophetic when warning another of the ramifications that may befall should their current motives remain ulterior, selfish or evasive.
For those Black Panther souls who literally do "see the future," this can be quite a challenging aspect of their Earthwalk, for with this special ~gift~ also comes the responsibility of discerning when and how much of this knowledge is meant to be shared. Equally, as the ~future~ is continuously being shaped by our present thoughts, decisions, and actions, the future is ever-changing and hence, any future seen or perceived is only one of many alternate ~future realities.~ Yet more often than not, the visions of the future received are meant purely as guide posts and/or warnings, hence it is still down to the individual to create his/her own future.***
Reclaiming Power
One look at the Black Panther and it is obvious that these Big Cats are a study in controlled strength and will.
With thickly corded muscles, long, sharp teeth and claws capable of shredding and ripping prey that may weigh up to 1200 pounds, these magnificent creatures embody the essence of Power. All of this is contained within a frame that averages 7 to 8 feet in length (from tip of nose to tip of tail), and weighs in anywhere between 75 and 160 pounds (depending upon the species of Black Panther and whether it is male or female).
***As Black Panther often pads beside one with great inner strength, there is often evidence of personal Power within the human counterpart. The interesting thing with this particular keyword, and how it manifests for the two-legged who is blessed with this Totem, is in watching the unfolding of that Power, for it is a characteristic that is developed over many years. This is partially attributed to the fact that such inherent personal power possesses equal potential for either great good, or great destruction.
In those who walk with Black Panther, personal charisma will be quite high and there will be the ability to influence the thoughts and actions of ~Others.~ For this reason, this Totem carries a heavy responsibility, and may take several lifetimes to perfect. Many dictators throughout history have had Black Panther as one of their Personal Totems, and misused the tremendous potential of these Spirit Animals. Equally, many reformationists have also had this Totem walking beside them and reclaimed the True Power of Black Panther (Mahatma Ghandi is one such example).
This is not to suggest that these individuals should be meek and mild (for they have been gifted this great power and strength for a reason), yet it can be channeled and directed in such a manner to bring honesty and insight to others. Yet if you do not wish to know the ~truth~ of what a Black Panther soul feels or believes, do not ask, for they will always "tell it like it is."
When the higher vibration of this personal magnetism has been attained and expressed through diligence, conscious decision not to misuse its brilliant gift and shared to benefit Others, then the Black Panther Soul truly shines as he/she inherits and reclaims their Power.***
Energy Awareness
Every thing about Black Panther has been geared toward a heightened awareness of his/her surroundings, and Nature has equipped this big cat well in the art and skill of survival.
With ears capable of capturing the smallest of movement, eyes that can penetrate through the dark blanket of night, and a powerful sense of smell, Black Panther is able to locate and track prey with a skill matched by few predators in the wild.
Yet there also seems to be an intuitive understanding of when the best time is to strike, as often these beautiful creatures will await just the perfect moment and seize the opportunity with a lethal pounce.
***The two-legged with Black Panther as a companion spirit will have a heightened sense of awareness. Sometimes this will manifest purely as a physical acuity and these individuals may possess an extraordinary sense of hearing, sight or smell. If one of these senses are damaged, then another physical sense will compensate, and thus for one who may have sustained a hearing loss, their eyesight or sense of smell rapidly acclimates and counterbalances for just such a sensory "deficit."
Yet this heightened awareness may also manifest in the form of sensitivity to non-physical stimuli, or pure energy.
In Earth Medicine, we recognize that there is a Universal energy that flows through all things that dwell above, upon or within the Earth, a powerful Medicine that is the basic building block of all life, hence the term Earth Medicine. Yet this energy source, though it flows through physical life, is spiritual energy and emits a powerful vibration that is felt keenly by some, including a large portion of Black Panther souls.
Again, this is an ability that, although present at the moment of entry onto the physical plane, takes years for the individual to nurture, hone and perfect. Yet as the ability to tune into energy develops, the two-legged who has Black Panther as their companion spirit, will be able to sense the feelings, energies and intent of other individuals. This heightened awareness is not only limited to those persons whom the Black Panther soul is in immediate physical proximity, they are also excellent at long distance energy sensing and can immediately "tune in" on the condition of one with whom they are communicating, regardless of any physical distance.
Because of this ability to read another`s ~energy~ so precisely, it is imperative that the soul beside whom Black Panther walks, governs this ability closely. When operating from Personality Center, this ability can be used toward selfish ends or as a means of intimidating Others. Yet it is when the Black Panther soul utilizes the ability to tune into and send energy from the center of Compassion and assistance to his/her fellow human, that this ability unfolds as it was intended, as gifted by the Divine.***
Shapeshifting/Transformation
There are some animals/birds/insects & finned ones that possess the Medicine of ~Shapeshifting,~ that is to say they have been granted the ability to shift their physical form from their original form, to that of a two-legged, to another creature and then back to their original form again. These creature beings are granted this inheritance from the Great Mystery from actions performed back when all tribes were ONE (tribes here meaning different species, e.g. humans, snakes, wolves, etc.), and is a Gift that must be given due respect and adherence else this Medicine will be taken from that creature being. Hence all shapeshifters have a great responsibility attached to this particular Medicine.
The Black Panther is one such Shapeshifter, and the responsibility unique to these animal spirits, is that of piercing the veil of darkness that dwells in the heart and mind of an unintegrated Soul. These creatures teach us that there is nothing in that darkness to be feared, for the Light of acknowledgment will disperse the blackness and illuminate the Way through the jungle of unresolved issues, pain and old "programming"
***The early life experiences of one with whom Black Panther walks will never be "easy," as these souls will seem to attract and/or elicit strong reactions both within themselves and from "Others." Early on this may tend to give the Panther soul a sense of isolation from their fellow two-leggeds as they struggle to find their own identity, for the way in which they view and approach life often attracts attention and leaves them feeling as a stranger in a strange land.
There is no doubt that these individuals will tend to engender either
powerful, deep loyalties and great affection from those who know them, or there will be an equally strong aversion from Others that may result in verbal and/or physical attacks against the Black Panther Soul. Perhaps part of the reason behind such ardent and dichotomous reactions, lies within the inherent Power and Awareness of these individuals.
As long as the one beside whom Black Panther journeys, operates from integration and Higher Intent, and the individuals with whom Panther interacts are also functioning from self-acknowledgment and conscious awareness, Black Panther’s penetrating gaze and direct approach will not be felt as a threat or seen as intimidation. Yet for one who is operating from selfishness, evasion or deceit, the force of Panther soul`s insight may be seen as a direct threat and, if motivated thus by fear of what Black Panther soul has borne ~witness~ to, those individuals will often either completely disappear from sight, or they will attempt an all-out attack on the Panther individual.
Yet the reverse may also be true, and it may be the Black Panther soul that is abusing his/her Power and Awareness to manipulate, control or intimidate Others. When this is the case (such as it often is when the Soul who has Black Panther for his/her Power Totem is still in the ~infant~ or ~young soul~ stage and has not had many journeys yet around the Sacred Hoop), these individuals can be very power motivated and may consciously use their tremendous insight to manipulate or intimidate Others. Of course the karmic retribution for such actions is quite high, and thus this is a tendency that is eventually outgrown with subsequent reincarnations and journeys along the Red Road of Physical Life.
At some stage, it is imperative that Black Panther individual acknowledge their own Power (part of the process of reclaiming this gift), learn to discern when they may be tempted to "misuse" it for selfish or harmful ends, and conquer such baser tendencies that the full beauty of their gifts may be
expressed. This is the highest expression of Transformation, for as Black Panther soul fully embraces his/her lineage of Power, Awareness and
Prophecy and utilizes these Divine inheritances for the ~Good of All,~
he/she shapeshifts into the culmination of all that the ~Great Mystery~ had intended for that special, individual and Eternal Spark.***
Deer Medicine is about beauty and gentleness. Deer teaches us to not see things as black and white/good and evil, but to accept all as part of the whole. This is represented in the spots that are on the Fawns when they are little. Deer teaches us about using gentleness when dealing with others, about loving them just the way they are. If Deer comes to you, whether in this reality, other realities or dreamtime, it may signal a time when you need to use more gentleness in your dealings with others, more acceptance (perhaps even of yourself) and you may need to take some time out for beauty. Get out in nature and feel the Mother's love for all Her creation.
(By Mehitabel)
The Iberian lynx is close to extinction. Historically found in Spain and Portugal, it is now found in only two breeding populations in Spain and is considered by IUCN to be 'critically endangered' - the only big cat species to be so listed. It is the world's most endangered cat species. In 1988, the estimated population was 1,100, but the most recent survey (2002-04) reveals a dramatic drop in numbers: it estimates that there are only 100 left in the wild. Europe is home to two species of lynx - the Iberian and the Eurasian. Iberian lynxes are about half the length of their Eurasian counterparts and are dark yellow or brown in colour and heavily spotted. They have long legs, very short tails and distinctive black ear tufts.
Up to 90 per cent of the Iberian lynx's diet is rabbit.
The Iberian lynx lives in scrub and Mediterranean forest habitats. These have been affected by road and dam development and changes in agricultural practices, all of which have led to habitats becoming smaller and more isolated - hence the more isolated and vulnerable Iberian lynx populations. There are now only two breeding populations in the wild. Isolation makes them very vulnerable in terms of genetic viability, disease and catastrophic events such as road mortality
As a power animal, This beautiful big cat appears to have an "all-knowing" smile, as if it is the holder of some secret knowledge. The quality attributed to Lynx is "secrets". Lynx is associated with a particular type of clairvoyance which concerns a deeper truth about what people are hiding. Native Americans observed the value of true listening. They saw that Lynx has the gift of a powerful silence and knew that Lynx symbolised the secret hidden knowledge. Lynx can guide you to find that silence, to watch and listen, so you can access hidden truths in your eveyday life and your sub-conscious. Lynx helps you to pay attention to the pictures in your mind, they could be guiding you to something you'd forgotten. Lynx may lead you to the advice you need to help you to find something you have lost. This may involve divinatory systems and / or the consulting of a clairvoyant or shaman This beautiful big cat appears to have an "all-knowing" smile, as if it is the holder of some secret knowledge. The quality attributed to Lynx is "secrets". Lynx is associated with a particular type of clairvoyance which concerns a deeper truth about what people are hiding. Native Americans observed the value of true listening. They saw that Lynx has the gift of a powerful silence and knew that Lynx symbolised the secret hidden knowledge. Lynx can guide you to find that silence, to watch and listen, so you can access hidden truths in your eveyday life and your sub-conscious. Lynx helps you to pay attention to the pictures in your mind, they could be guiding you to something you'd forgotten. Lynx may lead you to the advice you need to help you to find something you have lost. This may involve divinatory systems and / or the consulting of a clairvoyant or shaman This beautiful big cat appears to have an "all-knowing" smile, as if it is the holder of some secret knowledge. The quality attributed to Lynx is "secrets". Lynx is associated with a particular type of clairvoyance which concerns a deeper truth about what people are hiding. Native Americans observed the value of true listening. They saw that Lynx has the gift of a powerful silence and knew that Lynx symbolised the secret hidden knowledge. Lynx can guide you to find that silence, to watch and listen, so you can access hidden truths in your everyday life and your sub-conscious. Lynx helps you to pay attention to the pictures in your mind, they could be guiding you to something you'd forgotten. Lynx may lead you to the advice you need to help you to find something you have lost. This may involve divinatory systems and / or the consulting of a clairvoyant or shaman.
Ask for lynx’s help when you have doubts about a person, when you fail to listen, when you are learning the mystery traditions. Contact its power by practising silence and observation, by listening, by spiritual studies.
(By Mehitabel)
A cat of many names, the Puma is also known as the Cougar, Panther or Mountain Lion. In general the size and coloration of the cat varies greatly across its range, which stretches from the south west of Canada down the western states of North America and throughout most western parts of the South American continent. In the north of its range and in higher mountainous regions the pumas coat is generally longer to provide additional protection against the extremes in temperature - the colour of the fur varies from slate grey, through yellow buff to light reddish brown. In appearance the puma has a small, broad head with small rounded ears, a powerful body with long hind legs and tail, which is tipped with black.
The puma hunts alone, by day or night and will cache its food, if large enough, in dense undergrowth, returning to it over several days. Comparable in size to the leopard, the puma is big enough to tackle larger prey such as domestic cattle and horses, for which it has earned a bad reputation with livestock farmers, as well as wild deer, sheep, rodents, rabbits, hare and beaver. In hunting the puma uses the strength of its powerful hind legs to lunge at its prey with single running jumps that can reach in excess of 40 feet
Although numbers have been greatly reduced by hunting and trapping the puma, in general, is not endangered. However one sub-species, the Florida Panther (P.c.coryi), only to be found in and around the state of Florida, has become endangered and as few as 50 or so of these cats now survive in the wild. Once found throughout the south-eastern United States, the range of the Florida Panther reduced drastically during the early part of this century and today the existing population is unlikely to survive for much more than 30 years without intervention. Although protected areas have been established, problems relating to the close proximity of human habitation are hampering conservation efforts - road-kills along the major highways, hostility of private land owners to the panthers and eating of prey contaminated with pollutants and pesticides all serve to aggravate an already critical situation.
The major problem confronting the Florida panther is one common to all small and fragmented populations of wild cat, that of lack of breeding success, due mainly to abnormalities associated with in-breeding. The State government is working to help save the cat by the erection of fences and under-passes along the major state highways has been carried out partly in a effort to reduce the incidences of road fatalities. To help in strengthening future generations a captive breeding program has been implemented with a number of young panthers being removed from the wild - these will be used to supplement the wild population in future years.
The message that comes from Mountain Lion is all about the ways in which we use our power in leadership. The graceful pounce of a Mountain Lion is a perfect balance of physical strength and intention. If you feel drawn to the Mountain Lion medicine, it may be a sign that you need to "walk your talk", or be guided by your own intuitions, which may be to the benefit of those around you. The quality of a true leader is that they do not insist that others follow them. Simply by sticking to their convictions and leading themselves where their hearts take them, is enough to show others the way to go. Truth is the first responsibility of leadership, and the shadow wisdom with this medicine is not to fall into the trap of believing that only your own values and ideas are of any worth.
Ask for puma’s help when you need to be assertive, when you are asked to lead but feel uncertain, when feeling overwhelmed, when lacking self-confidence. Access its power by growling, by practising moving with stealth, by sitting quietly and sensing the sounds and scents of nature.
(By Mehitabel)
This article comes from a BBC report an summarises the terrible plight of the wild horse and is worth presenting in its entirety.
Immortalised in ancient cave paintings, the horse has fascinated humans for thousands of years. Predictably, though, it is principally human activities that are placing the few remaining wild horses under increasing pressure.
Conservationists, alarmed at the prospects for the seven species of horse, ass and zebra that survive in the wild, are launching an action plan designed to safeguard their future. It summarises current knowledge on their biology, ecology and conservation status. The plan is entitled Equids: Zebras, Asses and Horses - Status Survey And Conservation Action Plan. It is the work of the equid specialist group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
The seven equid species are the African and Asiatic wild asses, the kiang (a wild ass from Tibet), Przewalski's horse, and three zebra species - Grevy's, mountain and plains zebras. Most are threatened, and are classified as endangered or vulnerable on IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. One species, Przewalski s horse, is classified as extinct in the wild on the Red List. It can breed with domestic horses and produce fertile offspring, but its possession of certain distinct chromosomes means it differs more from its domestic relatives than any two domestic horses do from each other. There are also differences in appearance: for example, Przewalski's horses shed their tail and mane hair annually, unlike domestic horses.
The first visual records of this species are more than 20,000 years old - cave paintings, engravings, and decorated tools from Italy, western France, and northern Spain.
Numbers of Przewalski's horse declined dramatically after 1945, and only small groups were reported in the next few years. Possible causes include hunting, military activities, and increasing land use pressure. The last confirmed sighting in the wild was in 1969, when a solitary stallion was seen by a Mongolian scientist in the Gobi desert. Today, Przewalski's horse survives thanks to captive breeding.
The only free-ranging populations are those re-introduced to Mongolia since 1992. That autumn the first recorded birth occurred of a Przewalski's horse in Mongolia since their extinction in the wild. The mountain zebra historically ranged from southern South Africa through Namibia and into western Angola. It is classified as endangered on the Red List: it is believed to have declined by at least 50% in 10 years (three generations). Two subspecies are known (Equus z. zebra and E. z. hartmannae).
Although it suffered through excessive hunting and loss of habitat to agriculture, numbers of Equus z. zebra are now gradually building up through conservation programmes.
Major threats to the zebras' survival include the risk of cross-breeding between the two subspecies, which could mean the loss of genetic diversity.
Other dangers include drought, and the relatively small numbers left in the wild, which means the loss of a single population could reduce global numbers by around 30%.
As a power animal http://www.shamanicjourney.com/article/5994/horse-pony-mustang-power-animal-symbol-of-true-power-love-loyalty-fre edom-and-mobility
The Horse turns up in near enough all mythology - whether in writing, folklore or reality. For example the eight legged horse of the Norse god Odin, Pegasus with the wings, Unicorns, the stallions of the Hindu sun god, the stallions of Apollo. A lot of legends depict Horse as being psychic and able to sense humans with magical powers. There is no other animal that has given man the freedom of mobility like the horse. Celtic tradition holds the horse goddess as having power over life - the cycle of birth - death - afterlife - and rebirth. Therefore having horse medicine provides the means to mentally prepare us with all these stages. Doing so helps us discover true spiritual power - that we are immortal souls using the body as a vehicle temporarily. In the Celtic tradition Horse is also associated with the power of the land itself.
When the horse came into native peoples lives and was domesticated the distance of journeys was shortened, travel and hunting was made easier. The horse enabled Natives to move their villages quickly, carrying them and their belongings to new territory and the challenges awaiting them there. They were given a new found freedom. Horses helped turn Native tribes into the powerful mounted warriors and nomads they became, although taming the horse wasn't easy, as their spirit for freedom was a fire burning within them. The People were able to discover places further afield, and not just stay close to home. Also, visiting far away clans strengthened communication and relationships. Therefore, horse is connected to sincere, meaningful relationships and valuing what our spiritual paths hold for us. This influences Native Americans customs to view Horse as the symbol of True Power, which comes when opening up to others with compassion and love, sharing their gifts with their communities. Power is an energy which can be used on many levels. It is our servant and should not be used in a negative fashion, abused, wasted or kept to ourselves. By sharing our power with others and showing them how to develop their power and make it flourish, speeds up our journey and makes it more joyful.
At the ego level power may be used for personal gain, with complete disregard of others needs. At worst it may be used at the cost of others. As there are misuses of power to be seen and found all around us, those on the spiritual path frequently have negative emotions toward it. But being powerless is not the answer here. One must learn to use power correctly. This is an important lesson to learn and horse is a powerful teacher.
If Horse enters your life, you will probably feel a power within you that is sometimes hard to control, a bit wild and fiery! You probably love to travel. People with Horse as power animal are fiercely independent and have little tolerance for anything or anyone that limits their free expression. They give us the safety of speed and the promise of adventure.
Horse symbolises the wind, loyalty, devotion, unconditional love, friendship and companionship. Horse has faith in his master. His medicine includes power, stamina, endurance, loyalty, freedom of mobility, control of the environment, awareness of power achieved with true compliance, interspecies communication, expanding one's own latent abilities, friendship and cooperation, astral travel, guardian of travellers, warns of possible danger, guide to overcoming obstacles. He is also your warrior spirit, giving safety in your physical and metaphysical journeys.
If a wild or domestic horse has 'galloped' into your life ask yourself whether you are feeling constricted? Do you need to move on? Do you need to allow others to move on? Are you pushing boundaries that may have unpleasant consequences? Carefully consider the course your actions may lead to. You are being presented with a gift of safe movement. Do you need to get somewhere physical or spiritual? Horse will assist you. Are you afraid of a situation in your life? Horse helps awaken your inner power and bravery to get through it. If Horse is your power animal, you are a teacher to your family, partner and friends demonstrating how to be strong within themselves. Those who pick a relationship with a 'horse' person, feel a desire for self empowerment. They are searching for the horse and the power it possesses. Rather than the horse searching for them.
Horse is there to teach us how to ride into new directions, to awaken and discover our own freedom and power.
Contact horse when your energy is low or when exploring shamanic and metaphysical work. Access its power by spending time with horses, by meditating on a white horse, by imitating a horse by trotting and whinnying and notice the sensations this creates.
(By Mehitabel)
Wolves are legendary because of their spine-tingling howl, which they use to communicate. A lone wolf howls to attract the attention of his pack, while communal howls may send territorial messages from one pack to another. Some howls are confrontational. Much like barking domestic dogs, wolves may simply begin howling because a nearby wolf has already begun.
Wolves are the largest members of the dog family. Adaptable gray wolves are by far the most common and were once found all over the Northern Hemisphere. But wolves and humans have a long adversarial history. Though they almost never attack humans, wolves are considered one of the animal world's most fearsome natural villains. They do attack domestic animals, and countless wolves have been shot, trapped, and poisoned because of this tendency.
Red wolves live in the southeastern United States, where they are endangered. These animals actually became extinct in the wild in 1980. Scientists established a breeding program with a small number of captive red wolves and have reintroduced the animal to North Carolina. Today, perhaps 100 red wolves survive in the wild.
The maned wolf, a distant relative of the more familiar gray and red wolves, lives in South America. Physically, this animal resembles a large, red fox more than its wolf relatives.
Wolves live and hunt in packs of around six to ten animals. They are known to roam large distances, perhaps 12 miles (20 kilometers) in a single day. These social animals cooperate on their preferred prey—large animals such as deer, elk, and moose. When they are successful, wolves do not eat in moderation. A single animal can consume 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of meat at a sitting. Wolves also eat smaller mammals, birds, fish, lizards, snakes, and fruit.
Wolfpacks are established according to a strict hierarchy, with a dominant male at the top and his mate not far behind. Usually this male and female are the only animals of the pack to breed. All of a pack's adults help to care for young pups by bringing them food and watching them while others hunt.
As a power animal from http://www.shamanicjourney.com/article/6004/wolf-power-animal-symbol-of-wildness-social-and-family-values
Native American and Celtic custom regard Wolf as the way of find the deepest levels of self, of inner knowing and intuition. This is symbolized by the image of the wolf howling at the moon. Native Americans have long regarded wolves as teachers or pathfinders. In astrology, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many aboriginal tribes to be the home of the Ancients.
Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of all wild animals. Stories of cold-bloodedness abound, in spite of their friendly, intelligent and social traits. The wolf, once a much feared and hated animal, has lately become much more appreciated. They now stand a better chance of survival, where they haven’t been hunted to extinction, or near extinction, in some countries. In the USA this culling of wolfs, who are a symbol of wildness, was down to the process of taming the wilderness. Especially where farms were trying to be founded. They were seen as the enemy, especially when they ate farm animals! Perhaps nowadays people are becoming more aware that keeping the harmony of nature and its inhabitants intact is necessary as wolf’s are being reintroduced back into the wilderness in the USA. Of course, farmers are protesting profusely. On a deeper level our emotions toward Wolf reflect our muddled feelings of ourselves as humans. Although we consider ourselves ‘civilized’ we are still animals with our own wild spirit. Wolf reminds us of this, often uneasily.
The wolf, is a symbol of the night. This time can seem lonesome and scary to us. But it is also the time when through dreams, we may discover valuable things about ourselves. This is a lonely path. To truly come to understand yourself, you must be alone, undeterred by the beliefs, judgements and views of others. The wolf teaches us to learn about our inner self and to discover our inner power and strength. However, to achieve this, we must take risks and face our deepest fears. Wolf requires sincerity. Though demanding a lot of us, much is given in return; a spirit helper that is always there to help, giving us extraordinary powers of endurance. Learn to hear the voice within yourself, which in silence is as clear as the sound of the wolf howling in the night.
Wolf is also an extremely gregarious animal, enjoying the company of others. Wolves mate for life. The clan has a solid social structure, in which all adults participate in the upbringing of the young. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, with a strong sense of family whilst upholding individualism. Though their clans are highly organised, they are truly free spirits. They seem to go out of their way to avoid a fight. A shift in posture, a growl, or a glance gets the point across quite readily without violence. We are reminded not to waste resources and to learn how to avoid trouble and confrontations. People with Wolf as power animal have the ability to make quick and firm emotional attachments. Trust your insights about these attachments, wolf will be there to guide you. Take control of your life with Wolf’s assistance and do so with harmony and discipline.
We can truly use wolf as an example in our lives. We can understand that there doesn't need to be a hard separation between the solitary and social paths. Wolf teaches you to balance between the needs your family has of you and the needs you have for yourself. Wolves are totally loyal to the pack but do not give up their identity to the pack. If wolf has come into your life you are must look at where you are being too dependent and where you may be too independent.
Wolfs qualities, his medicine, are the ability to learn knew ideas and then teach them to others. Wolf is thought to be an independent explorer coming back to his pack to teach what he has discovered. We too in exploring the hidden paths of consciousness, may come across new truths to share with the rest of our clan, human beings. Wolf brings faithfulness, inner strength and intuition when he enters our lives, and also teaches us to live with ourselves.
If Wolf finds you, this may be an indication that you are a great teacher or thinker. Or if this is not so, perhaps you need to ponder whether there may be something you need to expand your mind about. Be receptive to new concepts/ideas. By doing so you can gain more wisdom. To increase your Wolf power, you can utilise your newly integrated wisdom and also share it with others. Wisdom is gained through experience, by walking the path. Another way to put it - practise what you preach.
When a lone wolf is spotted in the wilderness it embodies freedom. When seen in a pack it embodies a feel of community. If wolf appears to you alone or in a pack it is asking you to do the same within your own life.
The Wolf's senses are highly developed. They are extremely intelligent with excellent hearing, sense of smell and strong feeling. As well as being determined animals they are also cunning. A wolfs howl is primal and penetrating. The howl is used to locate clan members or to let wolves from outside of the pack know their territory boundaries. If you hear a wolf howl, this may be telling you to stand your ground and defend your boundaries.
Wolves express themselves a lot with body language. If angry, they may stick their ears straight up and show their teeth. A suspicious wolf pulls its ears back and squints. Fear is often indicated by flattening the ears against the head. A wolf wanting to play, dances and bows playfully. Their body language is symbolic to you. Humans also uses body language to send out messages. The study of this art can increase your perception of this power animal.
Wolves hunt in packs, depending on endurance to run down weak and older animals. They have been known to cover 35 miles a day in pursuit. Wolf is a symbol of stamina and strength, teaching you to know who you are, and to develop strength and confidence in what you do.
Wolf's medicine includes death and rebirth, facing death with dignity and courage, Spirit teaching, guidance in dreams and meditations, instinct linked with intelligence, social and family values, steadfastness, skill in protection of self and family, outwitting enemies, ability to pass unseen, taking advantage of change.
Ask for wolf’s help when you feel lost, when you need extra protection, when you find you are isolating yourself. Access its power by telling a story from your life with gestures and body movement, by showing family and friends you love them by words and gestures.