...ANIMAL SPIRITS...
BUFFALO:
The buffalo or bison is considered by many tribes to be a symbol of adundance for it was
the meat of the buffalo that fed the people, the hides that provided clothing and shelter, the bones and sinew provided tools of survival. The Lakota's trace the origin of the sacred pipe to the appearance of the white buffalo calf woman who promised abundance for the tribe as they honored, by prayer, the Great Spirit and
all of their relations, meaning the other creations of nature. "Buffalo Medicine" means to
bring a special honor, reverence or appreciation for all of the things that the Earth provides for her children.
EAGLE:
Eagle-----Courage, Spirit, and Bravery..
Eagles have long been associated with the highest pursuits. In 1969 a voice rang out to
the world, "The eagle has landed." What better symbology for a landing on the moon than the "eagle". From the time that the Persians and Romans carried eagles into battle, these majestic birds have symbolized courage,strength and bravery. As aerial hunters, eagles are the undisputed masters of the skies. Many tribes have identified the eagle as the one closest to the Creator. The wings of the eagle are an engineering marvel with feathers that can act as little winglets to reduce turbulence, increase lift, and prevent stalling at low speeds. With a grasp much stronger than a human hand, the
eagles talons have legendary power. It uses its powerful back talon to kill small prey
instantaneously while its front three grasp its prey securely. Eagle feathers, revered by
Native American Healers as having powerful medicine, are regulated by a "feather
bank", insuring that eagles are not killed for their powerful medicine. Eagle Medicine is
the power of the Great Spirit. It is the spirit of tenacity. People with Eagle Medicine
often have "high ideals", and need space to spread their wings. It is no accident that
men in many tribes adorned themselves with eagle feathers given for acts of courage and
bravery, and that a healer gingerly wraps his eagle feather in his medicine bundle after
a ceremony.
WOLF:
Teaching, A Guide to the Sacred...Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family while maintaining individualism. In the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many aboriginal tribes to be the home of the "Ancients." It seems to be through this connection that Wolf has come to be associated with ancient teachings. Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of the wild animals. Tales of cold bloodedness abound, in spite of the their friendly, social and intelligent traits. They are truly free spirits even though their packs are highly organized. They seem to go out of their way to avoid a fight. One is rarely necessary when a shift in posture, a growl, or a glance gets the point across quite readily.
Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates
well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements. They often find new
solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates
with a family structure.
BEAR:
Gentle Strength and Dreaming...The brown bear, common to areas of the Southwestern US can grow from 4 to 5 feet and weigh as much as 400 lbs. Although they have great strength, their gentelness makes the bear's behavior almost "human like". They are relatively good natured, but don't plan on making them mad. They have a serious side! Bears hibernate in the winter, which may explain their association with
"dreaming the Great Spirit" orretrospection. The symbolism of the bears cave being like
returning to the womb of Mother Earth also suggests a strong feminine aspect, one of
nurturing and protection. Bear cubs, born in the early spring can spend as many as 7 years with the mother bear before reaching maturity. People with "Brown Bear Medicine" are considered by many as self sufficient, and would rather stand on their own 2 feet than rely on others. They are often considered "dreamers". Many have developed the skill of visualizing new things, but as a result can get caught up in the "dreaming" making little progress in "waking" reality.
HORSE:
The horse has been pictured as an animal with supernatural power in many cultures. In
the Native American tradition, Shamans fly other realms on mythical horses. Before horses were introduced by the Spanish, the life of the plains tribes was much more earth bound, having to carry all of their belongings from place to place. With the arrival of the horse, they were free to move and travel great distances with these beasts of burden. People with Horse Medicine often carry the burdens of other people. They are strong and able to "bare up" under the strain of difficult circumstances.
COUGAR...POWER, SWIFTNESS & BALANCE:
By watching the swift movements of the cougar, one is keenly aware that no movement is
wasted, no footing unplanned, in their quest for the item they desire. The cougar never
wastes anything, but the grace of this hunter provides the young with nourishment and
security. Cougars mark their home range, which differs from a true territory because
the home ranges often overlap. The juveniles may establish a home range of from six to
ten miles away. Within that area, the cat maintains a small resting range for its
exclusive use while sharing the remaining hunting area with its neighbor. The cougar
scrapes together a pile of leaves along well-traveled trails and marks them with urine.
Any wandering lion respects the "No Tresspassing" sign and turns away to avoid conflict.
Someone with "Mountain lion or Cougar Medicine" is likely to be very sure of his or her goals or purpose. They often prefer solitude, and have little regret in taking the easiest prey.
