15. ~ Caribou ~

Caribou, the red-nosed reindeer! Caribous live to be eight to ten years old. They eat reindeer moss (lichens). Caribou and cold weather areas go together. Caribous are actually larger than reindeer. The enemies of a caribou are wolves, bears, lynxes, and wolverines. The caribou breeds during the month of October. They have a terrific sense of smell. They can weigh bewteen 175 - 400 lbs. Their antlers grow to be up to four feet wide. These creatures are strong swimmers and they are always on the move. Some Indigenous and Native American nations have a belief that the caribou and the two-leggeds (humans) share a place in each other's heart. The hair of the caribou acts like a life jacket which helps to hold them up in the water. Caribous are herbivores (feed on grass and plants). The caribou travels in herds, always watching out for each other.

Medicine:

Caribous tell us it is time to get physically active. Take up walking, swimming or jogging, even if its cold outside. They teach us to give ourselves the gift of better health. The caribou says it's time to change your diet to more vegetables than meat for a while. Indians call caribou 'one that paws.' They teach us to learn to preserve our assets. They teach us to save up our pennies for a rainy season. Also, ask yourself if you are pacing your work load. Are you sharing responsibilities with others? The caribou teaches to stop trying to go it alone. Caribou medicine tells us that stress is a big inhibitor of our health problems. So consider joining the gym, or creating your own workout with others, even if it is in your own home. The caribou tells us to keep moving our bodies and to strive hard for healthy results. Basically, caribou medicine teaches to get up and get going, and to not wait unti it is too late.