AVIA VENEFICA: “Native American Animal Symbols Of The Zodiac”

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Native American Animal Signs Otter

OTTER:  Jan 20 — Feb 18

A little quirky, and unorthodox, the Otter is a hard one to figure sometimes.  Perceived as unconventional, the Otter methods aren’t the first ones chosen to get the job done.  This is a big mistake on the part of others — because although unconventional, the Otter’s methods are usually quite effective.  Yes, the Otter has unusual way of looking at things, but he/she is equipped with a brilliant imagination and intelligence, allowing him/her an edge over every one else.  Often very perceptive and intuitive, the Otter makes a very good friend, and can be very attentive.  In a nurturing environment the Otter is sensitive, sympathetic, courageous, and honest.  Left to his/her own devices, the Otter can be unscrupulous, lewd, rebellious, and isolated.


wolf

WOLF:  Feb 19 — Mar 20

Deeply emotional, and wholly passionate, the Wolf is the lover of the zodiac in both the physical and philosophical sense of the word.  The Wolf understands that all we need is love, and is fully capable of providing it.  Juxtaposed with his/her fierce independence — this Native American animal symbol is a bit of a contradiction in terms.  Needing his/her freedom, yet still being quite gentle and compassionate — we get the picture of the “lone wolf” with this sign.  In a nurturing environment the Wolf is intensely passionate, generous, deeply affectionate, and gentle.  Left to his/her own devices the Wolf can become impractical, recalcitrant, obsessive, and vindictive.


Native American Animal Symbol Falcon

FALCON:  Mar 21 — Apr 19

A natural born leader, the Falcon can always be looked upon for clear judgment in sticky situations.  Furthermore, the characteristics for this Native American animal symbol never wastes time, rather he/she strikes while the iron is hot, and takes action in what must be done.  Ever persistent, and always taking the initiative, the Falcon is a gem of a personality to have for projects or team sports.  The Falcon can be a little on the conceited side — but he/she is usually right in his/her opinions — so a little arrogance is understood.  In a supportive environmental the Falcon “soars” in his/her ability to maintain passion and fire in relationships, and always remaining compassionate.  Left to his/her own devices, the Falcon can be vain, rude, intolerant, impatient, and over-sensitive.


beaver

BEAVER:  Apr 20 — May 20

Take charge, adapt, overcome — this is the Beaver motto. Mostly business, the Beaver is gets the job at hand done with maximum efficiency and aplomb.  Strategic, and cunning the Beaver is a force to be reckoned with in matters of business and combat.  One might also think twice about engaging the Beaver in a match of wits — as his/her mental acuity is razor sharp.  The Beaver has everything going for him/her—however tendencies toward “my way or the highway” get them in trouble.  Yes, they are usually right, but the bearer of this Native American symbol may need to work on tact.  In a nurturing environment the Beaver can be compassionate, generous, helpful, and loyal.  Left to his/her own devices the Beaver can be nervous, cowardly, possessive, arrogant, and over-demanding.



Native American Animal Symbol Stag and Deer

DEER:  May 21 — Jun 20

This Native American animal symbol is the muse of the zodiac.  The Deer is inspiring lively and quick-witted.  With a tailor-made humor, the Deer has a tendency to get a laugh out of anyone.  Excellent ability for vocalizing, the Deer is a consummate conversationalist.  This combined with his/her natural intelligence make the Deer a must-have guest at dinner parties.  Always aware of his/her surroundings, and even more aware of his/her appearance, the Deer can be a bit self-involved.  However, the Deer’s narcissism is overlooked because of his/her congeniality and affability.  In a supportive environment the Deer’s natural liveliness and sparkly personality radiate even more.  He/she is an inspiring force in any nurturing relationship.  Left to his/her own devices the Deer can be selfish, moody, impatient, lazy, and two-faced.


Native American Animal Symbol Woodpecker

WOODPECKER:  Jun 21 — Jul 21

Woodpeckers are usually the most nurturing of all the Native American animal symbols.  The consummate listener, totally empathic and understanding, the Woodpecker is the one to have on your side when you need support.  Of course, they make wonderful parents, and equally wonderful friends and partners.  Another proverbial feather in the Woodpeckers cap is the tendency to be naturally frugal, resourceful, and organized.  In a nurturing environment the Woodpecker is of course caring, devoted, and very romantic.  Left to his/her own devices the Woodpecker can be possessive, angry, jealous, and spiteful.


Native American Animal Symbol Salmon

SALMON:  Jul 22 — Aug 21

Electric, focused, intuitive, and wholly creative, the Salmon is a real live-wire.  His/her energy is palpable.  A natural motivator, the Salmon’s confidence and enthusiasm is easily infectious.  Soon, everybody is on board with the Salmon — even if the idea seems too hair-brained to work.  Generous, intelligent, and intuitive, it’s no wonder why the Salmon has no shortage of friends.  This Native American animal symbol expresses a need for purpose and goals, and has no trouble finding volunteers for his/her personal crusades.  In a supportive environment, the Salmon is stable, calm, sensual, and giving.  Left to his/her own devices, those that bear this Native American animal symbol can be egotistical, vulgar, and intolerant of others.


Native American Animal Symbol Bear

BEAR:  Aug 22 — Sep 21

Pragmatic, and methodical the Bear is the one to call when a steady hand is needed.  The Bear’s practicality and level-headedness makes him/her an excellent business partner.  Usually the voice of reason in most scenarios, the Bear is a good balance for Owls.  The Bear is also gifted with an enormous heart, and a penchant for generosity.  However, one might not know it as the Bear tends to be very modest, and a bit shy.  In a loving environment this Native American animal symbol showers love and generosity in return.  Further, the Bear has a capacity for patience and temperance, which makes him/her excellent teachers and mentors.  Left to his/her own devices the bear can be skeptical, sloth, small-minded and reclusive.


Native American Animal Symbol Raven

RAVEN:  Sep 22 — Oct 22

Highly enthusiastic, and a natural entrepreneur, the Crow is quite a charmer.  But he/she doesn’t have to work at being charming — it comes easily.  Everyone recognizes the Crow’s easy energy, and everyone turns to the Crow for his/her ideas and opinions.  This is because the Crow is both idealistic and diplomatic and is quite ingenious.  In nurturing environments this Native American animal symbol is easy-going, can be romantic, and soft-spoken.  Further, the crow can be quite patient, and intuitive in relationships.  Left to his/her own devices, the Crow can be demanding, inconsistent, vindictive, and abrasive.

Native American Animal Symbol Snake

SNAKE:  Oct 23 — Nov 22

Most shamans are born under this Native American animal symbol.  The Snake is a natural in all matters of spirit.  Easily attuned to the ethereal realm the Snake makes an excellent spiritual leader.  Also respected for his/her healing capacities, the Snake also excels in medical professions.  The Snake’s preoccupation with matters intangible often lead others to view them as mysterious, and sometimes frightening.  True, the Snake can be secretive, and a bit dark — he/she is also quite sensitive, and caring.  In a supportive relationship the cool Snake can be passionate, inspiring, humorous, and helpful.  Left to his/her own devices, the Snake can be despondent, violent, and prone to abnormal mood swings.


Native American Animal Symbol Owl

OWL:  Nov 23 — Dec 21

Changeable and mutable as the wind, the Owl is a tough one to pin down.  Warm, natural, with an easy-going nature, the Owl is friend to the world.  The bearer of this Native American animal symbol is notorious for engaging in life at full speed, and whole-hearted loves adventure.  This can be to his/her detriment as the Owl can be reckless, careless, and thoughtless.  Owls make great artists, teachers, and conservationists.  However, due to his/her adaptability and versatility — the Owl would likely excel in any occupation.  In a supportive, nurturing environment the Owl is sensitive, enthusiastic, and an attentive listener.  Left to his/her own devices, the Owl can be excessive, overindulgent, bitter, and belligerent.


Native American Animal Symbol Goose

GOOSE:  Dec 22 — Jan 19

If you want something done — give it to the Goose.  Persevering, dogged, and ambitious to a fault, the Goose sets goals for accomplishment, and always obtains them.  The goose is determined to succeed at all cost — not for the approval of other — but those with this Native American animal symbol competes with his/her own internal foe.  Driven is the watchword for the Goose’s dominating personality trait — which makes them excellent in business and competitive sports.  When tempered with supportive, nurturing family and friends, the Goose excels in all things he/she attempts.  In a loving environment the Goose can be very passionate, humorous, gregarious, and even sensual.  However, lead to his/her own devises, the Goose may fall into obsessive or addictive behaviors that will inevitably be his/her demise.

 

 

 

~Special thanks to In5D.com — via Whats-Your-Sign.com

STEPHANIE LUCAS: “Power Animals, Totem Animals, & Animal Archetypes – Oh My!”

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We recently published a piece exploring the amazing realm of Power Animals, which brought on a few questions from readers about the difference between Power Animals and Power Totems and Animal Archetypes. It’s beautiful to see a resurgence of interest in indigenous teachings concerning the power of utilizing our animal counterparts to help guide us in connecting and realigning with our spiritual environment and oneness with Nature. So, let’s delve into these ‘differences.

What are Power Animals and How Do We ‘Run’ With Them?

You may be born with a Power Animal that you become conscious of or are guided to through a shamanic experience. They may change during your lifetime, as they are gifts of consciousness intended to guide and protect you along your journey – so they may be similar to you in traits or they may complement your aspects and assist you areas in which you need strength. Sometimes, Power Animals come to us in times of grief, pain, or in times of soul losses.

For example, if you suffer from a lack of interest or malaise, your Power Animal may return to you as a monkey to inspire curiosity and interest. If you have fallen prey to unforeseen dangers, it may be tiger that comes to assist. Under their protection it is believed that your natural instinctual self will feel safe enough to return to you and that Power Animal might then depart. Learn more about Discovering, Unleashing, and Nurturing Power Animals here.

Power Animals

Totem Animals Help Ones Self-Discovery

Totem Animals often represent ancestral lineages, lore, belief systems, and/or aspects of villages, clans, or families. Cultures around the world use totems as sources of strength – a medicine of sorts – that helps them draw and define the meaning and purpose of their soul and existence.

Many Native Americans belief that you have one Spirit Totem that will be with you for life acting as your primary guardian spirit, yet many may enter and leave your life as they are needed to aid your journey. If not through lineage, many people discover their Totem Animal simply because they have an inexplicable attraction to a particular creature or keep finding themselves in the company of a certain animal in both physical and dream realms. Intuition guides you to your totem…your Totem then guides you.

The Profound Pleasure of Animal Archetypes

According to Jungian psychology, archetypes are some of the highest developed elements of the collective unconscious that serve to interact and call upon the Divine glory of the universal web in a specific way. Many indigenous cultures consider Animal Archetypes as guides to universal organizing principles in which they ultimately orchestrate their world around. For example, to ‘shed’ old problems and reconnect with the earth, one might call on Serpent…yet, if one wants to ‘rediscover’ and enjoy the nectar of the universe – hummingbird might be called upon. Essentially, Animal Archetypes in generally may be how an entire culture chooses to define and manifest their world.

Power Animals

Use your Inner Shaman to Discover Your Power Animal or Take a fun quiz to see if they nailed your Power Animal – most importantly, use your totems and archetypes as well, just as the indigenous used them to engage with the natural world. Interact with them regularly, run wild, and unleash the beast…

 

 

 

 

 

 

©Universal Copyright 2015 is authorized here. Please distribute freely as long as both the author Stephanie Lucas and www.QuantumStones.com are included as the resource and this information is distributed on a non-commercial no charge basis.

STEPHANIE LUCAS: “Unleash Your Primal Spirit: Working with Power Animals”

power animals

I truly enjoy spending time with my power animal. My silent friend and I walk, run, play, and dance as we move as one in our instinctually common habitats – strengthening our connection. The relationship between you and your Power Animal is typically a symbiotic one of kinship and shared traits. A strong bond allows you to tap into their primal instincts and powers as you and the animal work as one, growing spiritually. The stronger the connection, the stronger your joined experiences will be amid both the physical and metaphysical realms.

What Are Power Animals?

power animalsPower animal spirits are not perceivable by the traditional five senses, and some of the most well known are Bear, Buffalo, Owl, Eagle, Wolf, Snake, and Rabbit. Power animals are protectors and partners with whom accompany and protect you on daily and take otherworldly journeys. They know their way around and can get you into and out of your destination unharmed.

It is said that you have at least one power animal from birth, and you may actually have several. They may be present simultaneously or guide you individually as you progress along your path with each offering different types of guidance and protection in accordance with your journey. Many are most familiar with Native American Power Animals, but spirit animals animals entities exist in many cultures. Here is a great resource to discover your power animals and birth totem.

Power Animals – Connecting Your Spiritual and Physical Worlds

While not ‘teachers’ in the direct sense of other types of spiritual guides, you have much to learn from your Power Animal – mostly insights into your own character – your strengths, weaknesses, and how to better understand your mind, body, and spirit – all through understanding your animal’s habitual instincts.

Protection – Power Animals excel in journeying, and they will serve you in the physical realm as protectors when you mentally call upon them for assistance. To put things into perspective, you may want to call upon a totem like Bear or Wolf to shield you in dangerous situations, but smaller creatures like Snake or Rabbit could aid you with their hiding or movement abilities. Rely on instincts – know your animal!

Physical & Spiritual Realms – Beyond mere protection on the physical plane, your will likely have shared traits with your Power Animal or Totem. You may find that you prefer warm weather over cold or that you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder when it’s not your season. You may find certain activities and types work preferable. Think you’re not a cat person? Maybe your animal doesn’t care for them either! You may be able to eat very little for long periods as Snake does, or you may find comfort in running with a group like Buffalo or Wolf. Looking inside yourself and realizing your preferences in these realms can help you discover your spirit animal.

power animalsBonding with Power Animals – Welcome the Call of the Wild

The calling of the wild, primordial animal within you may be something you typically try to restrain. After all, many will assume that you are as nutty as a peanut butter cookie if you say you communicate with a Spirit Animal that guides and protects you. However, fostering the bond with your spirit animal is essential. If you don’t spend enough time with them and show appreciation for their insight and protections – just like stones and crystals disappear – your power animal can also abandon you!

Here are some tips Shamans and other spiritual guides recommend for connecting with your Power Animal.

  1. Keep the Identity of your Animal Mum: It can seem overwhelmingly tempting to share your power animal with others. However, knowing the identity of your totem can disclose your own strengths and weakness to others. This could open the door for others to tap into your realm with intent on causing psychic and physical harm to you.
  2. Communicate with Your Animal: Silently asks your friend for assistance when you are weak, afraid, or need counsel. Take time daily to acknowledge their presence when you awaken, to thank them before you sleep, and offer to ‘free’ them to a place of their pleasure while you rest if you feel so inclined.
  3. Learn About Your Power Animals: Get attuned with your animals’ habits – their food sleeping and mating patterns are essential for you to embrace and learn about to keep you totem happy. You’ll also learn more about your habits and how to be tuned into what your ‘gut’ tells you rather than what is the ‘norm.’
  4. Gratitude & Acknowledgment: Take time to honor your animal, whether it be with a photo on your sacred space/altar or through donating or volunteering to causes that preserve their species or habitat.
  5. Dance, Dance, Dance: If you are just now discovering your animal, dance with them right away – when the time of shyness and conscious predispositions may impede your dance. Animals love to play and dance, as it promotes the state of connecting with higher realms, the primordial instincts within us all, and it frees the spirit from the confines of the grounded realm. So, dance away!

Power Animals

Take a Spirit Animal Quiz and Learn More…

To get more information on Spirit Animal Totems click here, and you can also take a fun quiz on the topic and other great resources.

©Universal Copyright 2014 is authorized here. Please distribute freely as long as both the author Stephanie Lucas and www.QuantumStones.com are included as the resource and this information is distributed on a non-commercial no charge basis.