Power Animals A Quick Reference

Wolf: loyalty, perseverance, success

Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or
pathfinders. The 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. Wolves are probably the most
misunderstood of wild animals. Tales of cold-bloodedness abound, in
spite of 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.
The Wolfalso has an excellent hearing sensititvity. Its hunting
depends strongly upon its sense of smell and hearing.This would be a
reminder to us with this totem to listen to their own inner thoughts
and words. The Wolf has a capacity of making quick and firm emotional
attachments. Learning to trust your own imsights and to secure your
attachments accordingly is part of what Wolf medicine teaches.
It will guard you as it teaches you –sometimes strongly, sometimes
gently – but always with Love.When wolf shows up it is time to breathe
new life into your rituals. Find a new path, take a new journey, take
control of your life. You are the governer of your life. You create it
and direct it. Do so with harmony and freedom.
Wolf's medicine includes facing the end of one's cycle with dignity
and courage, death and rebirth, Spirit teaching, guidance in dreams and
meditations, instinct linked with intelligence, social and family
values, outwitting enemies, ability to pass unseen, steadfastness,
skill in protection of self and family, taking advantage of change.
Originally posted by Soaring Bird

The Deer

Can be a signal to pay attention to your inner thoughts and
perceptions, as they are probably more accurate than you think.

It can indicate that there will be opportunities to stimulate gentle
new growth increasingly over the next few years.
The antlers grow behind the eyes, again hinting at the symbolism of
heightened perception.

Again this can be a reminder for us to move gently back to the
traditional family unit and roles. It may indicate, if the deer has
shown up in your life, that you have gotten too far away from the role
that would be most beneficial for you at this time.

Anyone who has a deer as a Totem will find increasing ability to
detect subtle movements and appearances. They will begin to hear what
may not be said directly.
When deer show up in your life it is time to be gentle with
yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be
awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle enticing lure of new
adventures. Ask yourself important questions. Are you trying to force
things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of
yourself? When the deer shows up there is an opportunity to express gentle
love that will open new doors to adventure for you.

The Fox

indicates the need to develop or the awakening of camouflage, invisibility, and shapeshifting. It can teach these skills to those whose life it enters.
The Fox has a long history of magic and cunning associated with it. Because it is a creature of the night, it is often imbued with supernatural power. It is often most visible at times of dawn and dusk, the “Between Times” when the magical world and the world in which we live intersects. It lives at the edge of forests and open land – the border areas. Because it is an animal of the “Between Times and Places” it can be a guide to enter Faerie Realm. Its appearance at such times can often signal that the Faerie Realm is about to open for the individual.

The coat of the Fox serves as a camouflage, and most foxes have variations of colour within them. This fascillitates their ability to stay camouflaged and remain relatively unseen. Practising and using camouflage is something everyone with a Fox Totem should learn to do. Working to blend in with the surroundings, to come and go unnoticed, moving silently about without revealing your intentions is all part of what foxes teach.

Much of this is reflected in learning to control the aura, the energy field around your body. You can adjust its frequency and intensity so that you harmonize more with others. You can focus on changing its appearance so that you blend in.

The brush or tail has always been considered the most sacred part of the fox, although this is not necessarily true. It does hold great significance for one with a Fox totem. When it runs, the fox tail is always in a horizontal position out from the body. This acts as a rudder. The horizontal position is the feminine form. Thus the fox tail is a symbol of directly guiding the feminine creative forces. It is especially bemeficial to the fox when making abrupt sharp turns. If the focus stays on the creative energies, any sharp turn in the individuals life will be accomplished with ease.

The Fox has the ability to run up trees if it is necessary. This reflects an ability to move into new dimensions and call upon new resources instictively.
Those with Fox Totems have an excellent ability to hear what is not being said, as well as any whispering that may be going on. This ability is also tied to clairaudience, the ability to hear spirit.
The Fox has excellent visionary skills. Because of this, it is not unusual for those with Fox Totems to develop the ability to see spirit, actually see these beings of “Between Places”, the faeries and elves. This will happen if the Fox has come to you.

Falcon
If the Falcon has come into your life as a totem you may want to explore past – life connections. Falconry was practised in China as long ago as 2000BC.
The Falcon is one of the few birds that can actually hover in their flying. For those with a Falcon as a totem, this is very significant. It allows the movement to be performed with great speed and precision.
The Falcon is often a symbol for recognizing opportunities and acting upon them at only the correct moment. They also teach us to know when to act but to fully commit to our actions for the greatest success.
It is not unusual for the individuals with |The Falcon as totems to want to always sit or be placed in a position where they have a wide vision of everything around them.
The Falcon will teach you how to use your mental faculties more effectively and more patiently to capture what you need and desire.

[Thanks to Soaring Bird for the above..

The Rhinoceros
The rhinoceros is a survivor of the age of giant mammals and are basically solitary creatures. They are descendants of ancient times and bring with them the energy of comfort in ones own solitude. They teach us how to quiet a busy mind and relax within ourselves. Rhinoceros prefer their own company and know how to create and enjoy their personal space. This in itself is a powerful teaching for those that hold this medicine.

The rhinoceros is characterized by one or two horns on the snout. Its most distinguishing feature may well be the cause of its extinction. Their horns are prized by traditional Eastern cultures. They have been carved into daggers and ground into powder thought to have healing powers. They have also been used as aphrodisiacs. Their horns, composed of a mass of keratin, a fibrous protein found in hair are used for digging up roots and other edibles. Their poor eyesight compensated by their acute hearing and sense of smell teaches those with this medicine how to sniff beneath the surface and use discrimination in all the choices they make.

This amazing animal holds the energy of spiritual idealism. In part this is due to their peaceful and timid nature. Although the rhinoceros has a reputation for being dangerous, especially the black rhino, it is generally quite passive and only becomes aggressive when threatened. It is often seen going out of its way to avoid trouble.

Spiritual idealism can be a blessing or a curse depending on how it is applied in ones life. If a persons ideals are so high that the achievement of that ideal is unattainable depression can set in. Those with this medicine should remember to stay grounded in their pursuit of spiritual growth by taking things one step at a time. Patience and perseverance are the cornerstones of this medicine.

The Rhinoceros holds the secrets of survival. It is a guardian of ancient wisdom and reminds us to tread gently on earth and respect all life. In this way spiritual idealism is attained and peace on earth is established. When you call upon the rhinoceros these ideals await your discovery.

The Squirrel

Gathering, Activity, Preparedness
The gathering power of Squirrel is a great gift.
It teaches us balance within the circle of gathering and giving out.
They remind us that in our quest for our goals,
it is vital to make time for play and socializing.
Squirrel teaches us to conserve our energy for times of need.
If your totem is Squirrel or Squirrel has recently entered your life,
lighten your load of things that are unnecessary –
things that you have gathered in the past and may be cluttering your life –
thoughts, worries, and stresses.
Squirrel is also the totem of action.
Ask yourself are you too active, not active enough, afraid of enough,
hung up on accumulating and collecting.
Squirrel people tend to be a little erratic – trying to do many things at once.
Take the time to stop and listen to your inner self – and don’t forget to play!

Spider
Creativity, Written Language, and Weaving Our Own Fate.


With a bump in the night, a howl from the woods and a terrible scream our haunted houses are not complete without a touch of cobwebs. Nothing seems more alien from humans then spiders. With their eight eyes, eight legs, and ability to live almost anywhere (especially my basement) spider has been a target of horror movies and night time fears. Spiders, with so many multiples of eight, are linked to fate and density. They can spend a day weaving their web and if it doesn't work untie it and let it float away. Spider can teach us to weave our lives, but we always have the ability to re-weave what we don't like. Spider in Native American myth and lore wrote the alphabet teaching the people to use words and writing. Spider can help you with your poses and poems creating new ways of expressing yourself. Creativity is always available when spider comes into your life. So save an eight-legged friend today and let Spider create something wonderful in your life.

Hawks:

The wisdom they teach:

Clear-sightedness
Being observant
Far-memory
Messages from spirit
Guardianship
Recalling past lives
Courage
Wisdom
Illumination
Seeing the larger picture
Creativity
Truth
Experience
Wise use of opportunities
Overcoming problems



Power, Magic, Messenger

Hawk is the messenger, the protector and
the visionaries of the Air.
It holds the key to higher levels of consciousness.
This totem awakens vision and
inspires a creative life purpose.


A Hawk totem is filled with responsibility
because Hawk people seek the overall view.
They are aware of omens and spirit messages.

A Red-Tailed Hawk Totem is special.
It has direct ties to the Kundalini, the seat of primal life force.
It is associated with the base chakra .
If you have this Totem, you be aware of and work toward fulfilling your soul's purpose.
It reflects a greater intensity of energy within your life:
physical, emotional, mental and spiritual forces will all be strong within you.
The Red-Tail Hawk is a permanent totem -- it will always be with you.

It is associated with the number "14" with the Tarot card Temperance.
This card represents the teaching of higher expressions of psychic ability and vision.

Blue Jay
If you have a Blue Jay totem, you must learn to use your personal power properly. Be careful not to become a bully. The word “jay” comes from the Latin word “Gaea” which is Mother Earth. A Blue Jay totem links you directly with the power of the Earth itself. It can link the heavens and the Earth and give you access to universal energies and power.

If Blue Jay is your totem, you may have tremendous abilities and potential, but you must learn not to be scattered and neglect to develop your abilities to their fullest. Blue Jay people can become dabblers – a little bit of knowledge about many things but master of none. Develop your gifts and you will have unlimited potential.


The blue jay is fearless, it has no fear. It will prey on hawks and owls and is known as a nest robber. Most who have blue jays as totems are strongly gifted naturally. If the blue jay has flown into your life, observe if you need to balance fear or your power. Is there something you fear, or are you becoming too reckless? Are you misusing your power or are you giving your power away?

The Dragonfly

No bird or insect has the flight maneuverability of the Dragonfly. They can twist, turn, change directions in an instant, hover, move up or down, and even fly backwards. The power that dragonfly brings to the tapestry of life is skill. They are experts at what they do and do it relentlessly.

Dragonflies spectacular colors sparkle with iridescence in the sunlight. These colors take time to develop reflecting the idea that with maturity our own true colors come forth.

As newly hatched nymphs, dragonflies live on the bottom of ponds and streams. As they mature and go through metamorphosis they move to the realm of air. Since water represents the emotional body and air represents the mental, those with this medicine will often find themselves trying to maintain balance between their thoughts and emotions.

Children with dragonfly medicine are often very emotional. They feel things deeply and respond to situations with great passion. As they reach adulthood, and through experience, they learn how to balance their emotions with greater mental clarity and control. This gives them the compassionate quality necessary for any type of work relating to healing or counseling.

Dragonfly has the ability to reflect and refract light and colors and is often associated with magic and mysticism. Just as light can bend and shift and be adapted in a variety of ways, so can the archetypal forces associated with dragonfly. It conveys the message that life is never what it appears to be.

By helping a person see through illusion dragonfly awakens ones true vision. Flying at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour they can spot movement forty feet away. Flying into and around things from different angles, they challenge rigid awareness and prompt the energy of change for anyone who holds this medicine.

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.

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 cat 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.


In myth and lore, the cat predominates. In ancient Egypt they held a position of special privilege. The Goddess Bast was often depicted either as a cat or with a cats head. In Scandinavian lore, the cat was associated with the Goddess of fertility, Freyja. In the Hindu tradition Shashti, the Goddess of childbirth, is depicted riding upon a cat.
A Witches pet cat was usually regarded as her familiar – a spirit in the form of a cat. It was often believed that witches could take the form of cats.
Anytime a cat becomes predominant, look for magick and mystery to come alive.

Rabbit:

fear, timidity, nervousness, humility

Rabbit's medicine includes moving through fear, living by one's own wits, receiving hidden teachings and intuitive messages, quick thinking, strengthening intuition, and paradox. Rabbit also represents humility, because he is quiet and soft and not self-asserting. Rabbit reminds us not to be afraid. Fearful thoughts reproduce (like rabbits) and bring the very thing we fear. Rabbit people are so afraid of tragedy, illness, and disaster, that they call those very fears to them to teach them lessons. If you see Rabbit or in any way feel attracted to him, it may be telling you to wait for the forces of the universe to start moving again, to stop worrying and to get rid of your fears. It always indicates a need to re-evaluate the process you are undergoing, to rid yourself of any negative feelings or barriers, and to be more humble.

Turtle
Keyword summary: completion, protection.

Turtles have been and are held sacred in many traditions. In the Far East the turtle shell is seen as a symbol of heaven while the squarer underside is symbolic of mother earth. And through other traditions such as Native American turtle is a symbol of mother earth and our ability to find happiness on mother earth.

The turtle is a slow moving creature on land and is never in a rush. All you need to do is find the pace that is appropriate. Like the knight of pentacles in a Tarot deck turtle energy is steady, earthy and always accomplishes what they set out to do. If you align with the energy of turtle you are assured completion. It teaches to go with the flow and be happy with the pace that your life is taking. Do not try to push it faster than is natural or you may reach your destination too early and feel you missed something along the way. Turtle teaches to try and enjoy the journey as much as the final achievement. To focus too much on the end of something means you will often find yourself dreaming of the future, which will leave you ungrounded and unhappy. So have around you the symbol of turtle when you wish to remain grounded and take joy in what you have been given.

Also because of their great shells turtle symbolise our ability to protect ourselves. When you have done a certain amount of personal development and thinking you come to realise that everything is connected. And we start to see ourselves reflected in the actions of others. But sometimes some people have their own history and their own anger and it is just best to get out of their way. That is where the shell of turtle may come in handy. You don’t have to take responsibility on for everyone. Sometimes just leave them to get on with it. And if they get too close use turtle energy to give them a little snap so they know you are there.

The Chipmunk

Chipmunk, like squirrel, embodies the quality of trust. They have little fear of people and are often found in rural areas, city parks and in the wild. Chipmunks are very curious and take the time to explore everything that comes across their path. They are inquisitive, fearless and playful. They do what they want to do in their own time frame. They are quite vocal often drawing attention to themselves. Chipmunk medicine people will not tolerate being told what to do or when to do it. They make good leaders and spokespersons.

When a chipmunk is twelve weeks old they have the ability to be on their own. The symbolism of the number twelve or the combined numbers of one and two should be studied by those with this totem. Cycles occur regularly in a persons life and those with chipmunk medicine will often find that changes will occur in their life approximately every twelve weeks or twelve months. Knowing this gives you forewarning and the opportunity for preparedness.

By watching the chipmunks behavior much can be learned. They appear to scamper to and fro always in a hurry to get somewhere. Starting in one direction, circling around and arriving back where they started from. There is no detail that goes unnoticed by the chipmunk as they circle around and see beyond the obvious. Chipmunk teaches the art of observation and appropriate movement.

Chipmunks have an air of independence and certainty about them. Their inquisitive nature leads them into unexplored territory and their detailed mind leaves no stone unturned. If chipmunk is your totem pay attention to how your energy is being used. Are you thoughts constructive or destructive? Are your fears keeping you from playing and enjoying life? Are you in charge of your life or have you given you authority over to another?

Chipmunk is the messenger of many realms. If this is your totem you are on your way to self discovery.

Turkey

it is simlpy stated...the deep and abiding recognition of the scrifices of both self and others....in todays standers people think that more is better and the more you have the better off you are....that is not true in the true nature of the spirit....if you have turkey with you then you need to celebrate, your virtues are many and you have transended self, you act and react on the behalf of others...turkey reminds you that you understand that all life is scared and when you do for others with out self-righteousness or religious guilt then you do for goodness of all, and that includes yourself.

The robin..

redbreast is a bird of Spring, a time of new growth and new beginnings. It flies into our lives on the winds of change asking us to weed our personal gardens and plant new seeds for our future. Rebirth and renewal require changes in all areas of life that have become stagnant and outdated. The robin redbreast teaches us to how to make these changes with joy in our hearts. Its song is a happy one reminding us to let go of our personal drama and learn to laugh with life. If this medicine is underdeveloped those with this totem are continually challenged by the prospects of change. Difficulties arise and emotional discord can surface. Learning how to release our attachments to the old is one of the life lessons the redbreast helps us master.

This bird packs a powerful punch. It holds strong significance in ancient myth and lore. One legend had its origins in European mythology, in which the bird of Spring was associated with the New Year and represented divine sacrifice and the rebirth of the spirit.

In Medieval Europe the robin redbreast was often depicted attending the Christ child, an emblem of the Passion to come. It was told how, at that fateful hour, it was the tiny robin who flew to Jesus' Crown of Thorns, striving valiantly to pluck the spines away with his beak. Unfortunately the bird succeeded only in tearing his own breast on the thorns. Ever since then it was thought that all robins wore red feathers on their bosoms as a badge of honor. The robin redbreast is a bird of divine service. Those with this totem often have past life ties to the Christ energy. They make excellent priests and missionaries.

The red coloring of the robins chest is linked to the kundalini in man. This life force lives coiled up within the base of the spine. When sufficient spiritual growth has been attained it uncoils, rising up the spine to create heightened awareness. This process enhances psychic vision which leads us into enlightenment. Those with this medicine are dedicated spiritual seekers. Growth can be slow and arduous. With patience, compassion and proper focus spiritual ideals are achieved.

Robins lay powder blue eggs. This is the color associated with the throat chakra in man. It is also linked to heavenly inspiration. Because the throat chakra's main function is to express the will of God and the egg is symbolic of new life, this helpful little totem teaches us how to assert the creative will of God in all we do. It leads us into new beginnings without fear by restoring faith within our hearts.

Eagle
Amazing and majestic bird of prey, the eagle is often desired as a totem. It holds strong medicine. The eagle soars high in the sky, yet will swoop down to the ground in a swift motion to capture a mouse from the forest or fish from the water. Because of this the eagle is considered a strong connection between earth and sky energies. The eagle has keen sight to be able to see his prey on the ground. As a totem the eagle also represents keen insight. As a messenger the eagle offers visionary talents. If the eagle visits you likely have clairvoyant abilities that could be tapped. The eagle also represents spiritual growth. When you see an eagle soaring overhead it is likely that you are ready to progress to the next level spiritually.

Butterfly
Probably no animal or insect has come to represent the process of transformation and shape shifting more than that of the butterfly. For those with this totem, the process of metamorphosis should be studied closely.
When butterfly shows up, make note of the most important issues confronting you at the moment. This is probably why butterfly has shown up. What stage of change are you at in regard to them?
Butterflies appear to dance as they light upon flowers and such. They remind us not to take things so serious in our life. They awaken a sense of lightness and joy. Butterflies appear to dance as they light upon the flowers.
They can also be reminders to get up and move, for if you can move you can dance. Dance brings the sweetness of life back.
When butterflies come into your life look at how much or how little joy is within your life. Lighten up. Look for change. Transformation is inevitable, but butterfly will help teach you that growth and change does not have to be traumatic.

Dragon
Dragons were often the guardians of mystical treasures and hidden wisdom.

No bear and you have buttefly twice

i've bumped off a butterfly and will sort out a bear soon

Thats "Butterfly-i-cide!