~ Beyond a Dream ~
This blog is dedicated to our dog hero D.J. who crossed over on November 21, 2008. The Ojibway believe that when we cross over, our pets are the very first to greet us! Until then D.J. be happy and at peace 'Beyond a Dream.'
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Friday, November 21, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
80. ~ Vulture ~
Vultures are relatives of eagle, hawks and falcons. The turkey vulture has a small bald-red-head. It has large legs and feet. The middle toe is very long. Their wings are long and their wingspan is great. Vultures are capable of soaring to great heights. Their plumage is very dense. They do not kill their own food. They feed on prey that is already dead. They sit and watch the approach of death while anticipating their next dinner. These large birds are able to perform elaborate aerial acrobatics. They often fly in groups. To some people they are called 'peace eagles'. Vultures can see eight times better than humans. Their unique digestive system is a thousand times higher in resistance to botulism. They will make a hiss noise by forcing air through their bill, abut they do not have a true voice of their own. The turkey vulture or buzzard has a long tail. They are graceful when in flight. They will dry out their wings in the sunlight by spreading and stretching them out wide. They especially prefer to do this in the morning sunlight. When a vulture soars, they do so for hours without ever having to flap their wings. They are one with the wind. They are Earth Mothers's greatest housekeepers, and they're very good at it. Vultures do not display the bold courage of eagles and falcons.
Medicine:
There may be an important three month journey ahead for you. It may be a physical, spiritual, mental or emotional one. Vultures also tell us that sacrifice and suffering are a natural part of life, but that it is always only a temporary condition. Vulture medicine teaches you can stomach much more during tough times than you believe is possible. They teach us to keep our spirits up. They tell us our time is soon to come, but for now we must be one with the winds of change for a while longer. Vulture medicine teaches us to use our sense of smell, eye sight and our body language to communicate with. Vultures teach us that actions can and do speak louder than words. The message of the vulture is to make the best we can out of a bad situation. It also teaches you may be or go into a career that most people could not tolerate.
Vultures are relatives of eagle, hawks and falcons. The turkey vulture has a small bald-red-head. It has large legs and feet. The middle toe is very long. Their wings are long and their wingspan is great. Vultures are capable of soaring to great heights. Their plumage is very dense. They do not kill their own food. They feed on prey that is already dead. They sit and watch the approach of death while anticipating their next dinner. These large birds are able to perform elaborate aerial acrobatics. They often fly in groups. To some people they are called 'peace eagles'. Vultures can see eight times better than humans. Their unique digestive system is a thousand times higher in resistance to botulism. They will make a hiss noise by forcing air through their bill, abut they do not have a true voice of their own. The turkey vulture or buzzard has a long tail. They are graceful when in flight. They will dry out their wings in the sunlight by spreading and stretching them out wide. They especially prefer to do this in the morning sunlight. When a vulture soars, they do so for hours without ever having to flap their wings. They are one with the wind. They are Earth Mothers's greatest housekeepers, and they're very good at it. Vultures do not display the bold courage of eagles and falcons.
Medicine:
There may be an important three month journey ahead for you. It may be a physical, spiritual, mental or emotional one. Vultures also tell us that sacrifice and suffering are a natural part of life, but that it is always only a temporary condition. Vulture medicine teaches you can stomach much more during tough times than you believe is possible. They teach us to keep our spirits up. They tell us our time is soon to come, but for now we must be one with the winds of change for a while longer. Vulture medicine teaches us to use our sense of smell, eye sight and our body language to communicate with. Vultures teach us that actions can and do speak louder than words. The message of the vulture is to make the best we can out of a bad situation. It also teaches you may be or go into a career that most people could not tolerate.
79. ~ Wolf ~
Wolves can eat up to ten pounds of meat at one time. They can also go days without food. March is their mating season. Cubs are born deaf, blind and helpless. They usually live in family packs. A lone wolf will mark its unoccupied area with its scent and then attract a mate to start a new pack. Wolves travel and work in small packs. The wolf pack's code is survival. Wolves will disrupt the herd by working as a team to take down the weakest link. Wolves are experts at working in a group. They know cooperation equals making a living. In general, this animal rarely encounters humans. Wolf language is very complex. They use barks, gestures, and growls. Lesser members cringe or will lie on their backs in a sign of their submission. Despite this behaviour there is little friction. The arctic wolf is part of the grey wolf family. Other families are part of the timber wolf. A standard life span is eight to sixteen years. Their call is a 'choir of howls.' Typically they can weigh up to one hundred and seventy-five pounds. The two dominant wolves in the breeding pair are known as the alpha male and the alpha female. There are three main species of wolves. A wolf will howl when it becomes separated, or to warn other members, and also for bonding purposes.
Medicine:
To Indians the wolf is a brother. Therefore it is said, when there are no more wolves, they will be no more Indians. Wolves teach us to be loyal and to always cooperative with one's family. They teach us that traditions should be honoured. The wolf teaches us to protect the things which are true and sacred to us. They tell us we must guard our home and family. The medicine of the wolf tells us to know our path and to follow it. They remind us of fidelity. They teach us to avoid flirting with another's mate. Wolves are great teachers. They teach us to maintain a loving side to our nature. They teach us to be respectful. Wolves teach us to share responsiblilities. They tell us to have a true fee spirit. They say we should go out of our way to avoid fights. They remind us that body language speaks volumes. Wolf medicine says to trust our sense of intuition. They teach us the importance of listening and to only howl when it is truly necessary. The medicine of wolf says remember to walk in harmony and in discipline with our brothers and sisters.
Wolves can eat up to ten pounds of meat at one time. They can also go days without food. March is their mating season. Cubs are born deaf, blind and helpless. They usually live in family packs. A lone wolf will mark its unoccupied area with its scent and then attract a mate to start a new pack. Wolves travel and work in small packs. The wolf pack's code is survival. Wolves will disrupt the herd by working as a team to take down the weakest link. Wolves are experts at working in a group. They know cooperation equals making a living. In general, this animal rarely encounters humans. Wolf language is very complex. They use barks, gestures, and growls. Lesser members cringe or will lie on their backs in a sign of their submission. Despite this behaviour there is little friction. The arctic wolf is part of the grey wolf family. Other families are part of the timber wolf. A standard life span is eight to sixteen years. Their call is a 'choir of howls.' Typically they can weigh up to one hundred and seventy-five pounds. The two dominant wolves in the breeding pair are known as the alpha male and the alpha female. There are three main species of wolves. A wolf will howl when it becomes separated, or to warn other members, and also for bonding purposes.
Medicine:
To Indians the wolf is a brother. Therefore it is said, when there are no more wolves, they will be no more Indians. Wolves teach us to be loyal and to always cooperative with one's family. They teach us that traditions should be honoured. The wolf teaches us to protect the things which are true and sacred to us. They tell us we must guard our home and family. The medicine of the wolf tells us to know our path and to follow it. They remind us of fidelity. They teach us to avoid flirting with another's mate. Wolves are great teachers. They teach us to maintain a loving side to our nature. They teach us to be respectful. Wolves teach us to share responsiblilities. They tell us to have a true fee spirit. They say we should go out of our way to avoid fights. They remind us that body language speaks volumes. Wolf medicine says to trust our sense of intuition. They teach us the importance of listening and to only howl when it is truly necessary. The medicine of wolf says remember to walk in harmony and in discipline with our brothers and sisters.
78. ~ Turtle/Tortoise ~
Turtles can grow to be fifty to four hundred pounds. They are relatively solitary reptiles. They might live to be forty to sixty years of age. Water species can grow to be more than six feet in length. Hatching time takes two to three months. A turtle's shell is thinner than a tortoise. Their head cannot be retracted into their shell. Humans are the turtle's biggest foe. Turtles basically eat whatever they can catch. They can swim long distances under water, but they must surface in order to breathe. Some species can go up to five hours without having to surface. Water is also their mating ground. Out of the forty to a hundred eggs they lay, few of them survive. Turtles date back one hundred to two hundred million years. To Native Americans they have long represented Turtle Island in tribal legends. Turtles can survive the cruelest conditions. Tortoises live on land, and turtles live in the water. To Native Americans they also represent one's female energy. The turtle's shell is called a carapace. Some species have thirteen sections etched sections on their shell. There are thirteen moons in a calendar year. Turtle's have acute hearing. The turtle is a favourite food for the raccoon. The legs of a turtle are attached within their ribs. They have no teeth, but they do have a strong, horny kind of bill. I remember as a young girl getting wet and muddy as I clammered around the banks of the pond behind our house, searching for turtle eggs like I was on an Easter hunt. I remember gently squeezing them, and learning that they would dent, but not break if you were careful. They remind me of small plastic golf balls. The Iroquois told stories that when Mother Earth cracks it means the turtle is stretching.
Medicine:
A turtle is a symbol of stability and sensible thinking. Turtles represent slow and steady workers. Turtles teach us it is time to be dependable. They teach us not to be overly stubborn. The turtle teaches us about great sacrifice, about being willing to give. The medicine of a turtle is a gift of great wisdom and sound advice. They represent longevity and abundance. They tell us it is time to nurture, protect, and to slow down. Too much, too soon, upsets one's balance. The medicine of the turtle tells us to be sure to get enough vitamin D, and take time out four our self. It asks if you are moving too fast. It says to awaken our physical and spiritual senses. Turtle medicine is extremely healing! Turtle rattles are used in several native ceremonies. Turtles help us to balance heavenly and earthly things. Turtle medicine reminds us to look after Earth Mother as she is our Keeper. If we look after her, she will take good care of our future generations, just as she did for our ancestors. Turtle medicine teaches us to learn to adapt to our surroundings, and to follow our inner instincts and intuitions.
Turtles can grow to be fifty to four hundred pounds. They are relatively solitary reptiles. They might live to be forty to sixty years of age. Water species can grow to be more than six feet in length. Hatching time takes two to three months. A turtle's shell is thinner than a tortoise. Their head cannot be retracted into their shell. Humans are the turtle's biggest foe. Turtles basically eat whatever they can catch. They can swim long distances under water, but they must surface in order to breathe. Some species can go up to five hours without having to surface. Water is also their mating ground. Out of the forty to a hundred eggs they lay, few of them survive. Turtles date back one hundred to two hundred million years. To Native Americans they have long represented Turtle Island in tribal legends. Turtles can survive the cruelest conditions. Tortoises live on land, and turtles live in the water. To Native Americans they also represent one's female energy. The turtle's shell is called a carapace. Some species have thirteen sections etched sections on their shell. There are thirteen moons in a calendar year. Turtle's have acute hearing. The turtle is a favourite food for the raccoon. The legs of a turtle are attached within their ribs. They have no teeth, but they do have a strong, horny kind of bill. I remember as a young girl getting wet and muddy as I clammered around the banks of the pond behind our house, searching for turtle eggs like I was on an Easter hunt. I remember gently squeezing them, and learning that they would dent, but not break if you were careful. They remind me of small plastic golf balls. The Iroquois told stories that when Mother Earth cracks it means the turtle is stretching.
Medicine:
A turtle is a symbol of stability and sensible thinking. Turtles represent slow and steady workers. Turtles teach us it is time to be dependable. They teach us not to be overly stubborn. The turtle teaches us about great sacrifice, about being willing to give. The medicine of a turtle is a gift of great wisdom and sound advice. They represent longevity and abundance. They tell us it is time to nurture, protect, and to slow down. Too much, too soon, upsets one's balance. The medicine of the turtle tells us to be sure to get enough vitamin D, and take time out four our self. It asks if you are moving too fast. It says to awaken our physical and spiritual senses. Turtle medicine is extremely healing! Turtle rattles are used in several native ceremonies. Turtles help us to balance heavenly and earthly things. Turtle medicine reminds us to look after Earth Mother as she is our Keeper. If we look after her, she will take good care of our future generations, just as she did for our ancestors. Turtle medicine teaches us to learn to adapt to our surroundings, and to follow our inner instincts and intuitions.
77. ~ Turkey ~
Turkeys have a bare head. The neck wattled and bill area of a male is surmounted with a conical fleshy caruncle. This may sometimes be erect or sometimes elongated and looking like a pendulous growth. The bill itself is rather short, curved and very strong. They have a tail which is long, broad and rounded. Turkeys can erect their tail and spread it out like a giant fan. Wild turkeys roost on trees. The feed on a variety of grain, seed, fruits, grass, insects and even on lizards and small frogs. The great taste of turkey makes this bird a prized-eating-poultry. The young hens or the older gobbler makes for the best eating. The males are called Tom Turkeys or Gobblers. A domestic turkey might weigh twice what a wild turkey does. Many domestic ones become so plump they are unable to fly, or at least very far. Female turkeys may incubate eighteen or more eggs at a time. These females are called hens and their babies are poults or chicks. One Indian name for them is 'firkee.' When a turkey is frightened, it sounds a "turk, turk, turk, noise. When turkeys walk, they make a short, jerky movement. Native peoples refer to turkeys as 'earth eagles' and they consider them special animals.
Medicine:
Turkey medicine teaches us to be proud of who we are, and that under the right circumstance it is okay to 'strut our stuff!' Turkeys teach us to sacrifice and give for the benefit of others. Turkey medicine teaches us to study 'crow' medicine as well because turkeys are afraid of crows. Turkeys remind us to gather with our family, especially during the holiday season. Turkeys teach us we can learn from both our elders and the youngsters around us. The turkey says to use good taste in our dealings with others. Turkey medicine to Native Americans is the spirit of freely giving to others.
Turkeys have a bare head. The neck wattled and bill area of a male is surmounted with a conical fleshy caruncle. This may sometimes be erect or sometimes elongated and looking like a pendulous growth. The bill itself is rather short, curved and very strong. They have a tail which is long, broad and rounded. Turkeys can erect their tail and spread it out like a giant fan. Wild turkeys roost on trees. The feed on a variety of grain, seed, fruits, grass, insects and even on lizards and small frogs. The great taste of turkey makes this bird a prized-eating-poultry. The young hens or the older gobbler makes for the best eating. The males are called Tom Turkeys or Gobblers. A domestic turkey might weigh twice what a wild turkey does. Many domestic ones become so plump they are unable to fly, or at least very far. Female turkeys may incubate eighteen or more eggs at a time. These females are called hens and their babies are poults or chicks. One Indian name for them is 'firkee.' When a turkey is frightened, it sounds a "turk, turk, turk, noise. When turkeys walk, they make a short, jerky movement. Native peoples refer to turkeys as 'earth eagles' and they consider them special animals.
Medicine:
Turkey medicine teaches us to be proud of who we are, and that under the right circumstance it is okay to 'strut our stuff!' Turkeys teach us to sacrifice and give for the benefit of others. Turkey medicine teaches us to study 'crow' medicine as well because turkeys are afraid of crows. Turkeys remind us to gather with our family, especially during the holiday season. Turkeys teach us we can learn from both our elders and the youngsters around us. The turkey says to use good taste in our dealings with others. Turkey medicine to Native Americans is the spirit of freely giving to others.
76. ~ Toad ~
The shape of a toad resembles that of a frog, but they are generally thicker and more awkward. They have short hind legs so they don't hop as much as they crawl. The texture of their skin is warty. These warts can produce a milky substance. It has been reported they can live to be forty years old - hence the phrase "an old toad!" They mainly eat insects and slugs. You can locate them in shadey spots. Adult toads live more on land then in the water. Toads will lay long jelly chains of eggs in a pond or lake. Their babies are called tadpoles, and soon after their birth they lose their tail and gills. Toads aren't very pretty to look at. Many toads smell bad. The being said, the toad's greatest feature is its beautiful big eyes. During the winter the toads live in a dormant state. The male toads have a darker throat. When raining, the males will make a trilling call. Male and females have an inflatable sac in their throat which produces strange sounds. Toads are amphibians, meaning they can live in and out of the water.
Medicine:
Toads teach us to see people from the inside out. To be aware of one's inner beauty and to not get bogged down by outer appearances. Toads teach us that beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. The toad tells us we may have a chain of events to go through before we achieve our ultimate goal. Toad medicine predicts we may experience an ugly and awkward moment, or dreaded situtation. Therefore, the toad teaches us to keep our eye's open, and to keep moving forward with caution in order to avoid a slimy situation.
The shape of a toad resembles that of a frog, but they are generally thicker and more awkward. They have short hind legs so they don't hop as much as they crawl. The texture of their skin is warty. These warts can produce a milky substance. It has been reported they can live to be forty years old - hence the phrase "an old toad!" They mainly eat insects and slugs. You can locate them in shadey spots. Adult toads live more on land then in the water. Toads will lay long jelly chains of eggs in a pond or lake. Their babies are called tadpoles, and soon after their birth they lose their tail and gills. Toads aren't very pretty to look at. Many toads smell bad. The being said, the toad's greatest feature is its beautiful big eyes. During the winter the toads live in a dormant state. The male toads have a darker throat. When raining, the males will make a trilling call. Male and females have an inflatable sac in their throat which produces strange sounds. Toads are amphibians, meaning they can live in and out of the water.
Medicine:
Toads teach us to see people from the inside out. To be aware of one's inner beauty and to not get bogged down by outer appearances. Toads teach us that beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. The toad tells us we may have a chain of events to go through before we achieve our ultimate goal. Toad medicine predicts we may experience an ugly and awkward moment, or dreaded situtation. Therefore, the toad teaches us to keep our eye's open, and to keep moving forward with caution in order to avoid a slimy situation.
75. ~ Swan ~
Swans have a bill about as long as their head and of equal breadth. The nostrils are placed about mid way up the bill. They have a long neck with twenty-three vertebrae. Swans have fully webbed front toes, but the hind toe does not have any membrane. The keel of the breastbone is very large. They chiefly feed on vegetables, fish-spawn, roots, and the seeds of aquatic plants. Their average size is five feet in length and they weigh roughly thirty pounds. They can be located on ponds, lakes and rivers. The swan is the most beautiful, and graceful of all creatures. The trumpet swan has fluffy white feathers and a long, elegant, arched neck. Swans have very short legs. They are extraordinary graceful swimmers. They seeming glide across the surface of the water like Barbara Ann Scott ( a Canadian Olympic Gold ice skater). One cannot help but appreciate this waterfowl. These large beauties are a little piece of heaven here on earth. Swans are very powerful birds, and live a long life of up to eighty or ninety years'. Swans have an extra sensitive bill. Their wingspan is between seven and eight feet. The male is called a cob, and a female is called a pen. Baby swans are called cygnets.
Medicine:
Swans teach us to be sensitive! Swan medicine encourages us to gracefully engage in life. They tell us to exhibit a gracious presence. They teach us to love with unabashed feelings. They tell us to be of long commitment to our life partners. Swans say, remember to be spiritually strong and empathetic when we or others are swimming the waters of bereavement. I believe that swans can sense when a human has lost the life of a beloved one. They remind us to move on in our life, but in the same breath to seek out and hold on to our wonderful memories and the wonder of the world around us. Swan medicine teaches us to give warmth to those who are encountering cold waters of life. (I have personally encountered an amazing experience with two Canadian swans which I named Melody and Harmony. These two swans swim together, watching over all of those who visit and lay to rest at a cemetery.
Swans have a bill about as long as their head and of equal breadth. The nostrils are placed about mid way up the bill. They have a long neck with twenty-three vertebrae. Swans have fully webbed front toes, but the hind toe does not have any membrane. The keel of the breastbone is very large. They chiefly feed on vegetables, fish-spawn, roots, and the seeds of aquatic plants. Their average size is five feet in length and they weigh roughly thirty pounds. They can be located on ponds, lakes and rivers. The swan is the most beautiful, and graceful of all creatures. The trumpet swan has fluffy white feathers and a long, elegant, arched neck. Swans have very short legs. They are extraordinary graceful swimmers. They seeming glide across the surface of the water like Barbara Ann Scott ( a Canadian Olympic Gold ice skater). One cannot help but appreciate this waterfowl. These large beauties are a little piece of heaven here on earth. Swans are very powerful birds, and live a long life of up to eighty or ninety years'. Swans have an extra sensitive bill. Their wingspan is between seven and eight feet. The male is called a cob, and a female is called a pen. Baby swans are called cygnets.
Medicine:
Swans teach us to be sensitive! Swan medicine encourages us to gracefully engage in life. They tell us to exhibit a gracious presence. They teach us to love with unabashed feelings. They tell us to be of long commitment to our life partners. Swans say, remember to be spiritually strong and empathetic when we or others are swimming the waters of bereavement. I believe that swans can sense when a human has lost the life of a beloved one. They remind us to move on in our life, but in the same breath to seek out and hold on to our wonderful memories and the wonder of the world around us. Swan medicine teaches us to give warmth to those who are encountering cold waters of life. (I have personally encountered an amazing experience with two Canadian swans which I named Melody and Harmony. These two swans swim together, watching over all of those who visit and lay to rest at a cemetery.
74. ~ Swallow ~
Swallows eat insects and they can catch them in midair. They have great powers of flight. They can soar quickly to great heights or skim the ground or the surface of the water. They have a short bill. Their wings, when expanded are very long, pointed and sickle, or scissor-shaped. Their plumage is quite glossy and almost waxy looking. They are the birds of summer passage. They have three toes pointing forward and one toe back. They make a nest out of mud. They build their nest very close to each other. They will attach their nest to rocks, rafters of buildings, or a wall of a house. When they fly, they can turn like an experienced jet pilot. Their wingspan is about eleven to thirteen inches (29 - 32 cm). The barn swallow has a chestnut underpart, especially the males. Swallows have a twitter and clicking sound. The ones with the longest and best tail feathers are highly sought after by the females. Swallows are about six to seven inches (15 - 19 cm) in length. An unmated male can become so jealous it will attack and kill the babies of another's family. Female swallows lay an average of five eggs. The males decide where the nest will be located, and they will reuse these locations and nests. The barn swallow is an attractive bird which lives to be four to eleven years of age. They are friendly and outgoing birds. The barn swallow is constantly on the go! Flying here and there. They are controversial birds, because they are liked by some and disliked by others. Personally, I like them!
Medicine:
Swallow medicine teaches us that not everyone we meet is going to approve of us. Swallows teach us to steer clear of jealousy, because the consequences are moderate to extremely damaging to everyone involved. Swallow medicine teaches us to be protective, but not to be overly protective. They teach us to take comfort in the familiar and to not always be searching for something new, or somewhere new to live. They remind us that the reason we return home each night is to be close to our families and that making time for them should be a great priority!
Swallows eat insects and they can catch them in midair. They have great powers of flight. They can soar quickly to great heights or skim the ground or the surface of the water. They have a short bill. Their wings, when expanded are very long, pointed and sickle, or scissor-shaped. Their plumage is quite glossy and almost waxy looking. They are the birds of summer passage. They have three toes pointing forward and one toe back. They make a nest out of mud. They build their nest very close to each other. They will attach their nest to rocks, rafters of buildings, or a wall of a house. When they fly, they can turn like an experienced jet pilot. Their wingspan is about eleven to thirteen inches (29 - 32 cm). The barn swallow has a chestnut underpart, especially the males. Swallows have a twitter and clicking sound. The ones with the longest and best tail feathers are highly sought after by the females. Swallows are about six to seven inches (15 - 19 cm) in length. An unmated male can become so jealous it will attack and kill the babies of another's family. Female swallows lay an average of five eggs. The males decide where the nest will be located, and they will reuse these locations and nests. The barn swallow is an attractive bird which lives to be four to eleven years of age. They are friendly and outgoing birds. The barn swallow is constantly on the go! Flying here and there. They are controversial birds, because they are liked by some and disliked by others. Personally, I like them!
Medicine:
Swallow medicine teaches us that not everyone we meet is going to approve of us. Swallows teach us to steer clear of jealousy, because the consequences are moderate to extremely damaging to everyone involved. Swallow medicine teaches us to be protective, but not to be overly protective. They teach us to take comfort in the familiar and to not always be searching for something new, or somewhere new to live. They remind us that the reason we return home each night is to be close to our families and that making time for them should be a great priority!
73. ~ Squirrel ~
Their teeth grow nonstop! They have several homes at one time. Their front paws have small thumbs for gripping better. Its nose and memory is a big help in locating and relocating their food source. These are busy creatures. They can weigh up to twenty-eigh ounces. They spend a great deal of time on the ground. Squirrels live to be three or four years' old. Their long hind legs are very muscular. Their fronts legs enable them to leap and scamper around quickly. The hind feet of a squirrel are double jointed. Their bushy tail helps them to keep their balance. Squirrels can communicate by chattering and tapping their front feet. They always plan ahead, and they are very sociable. Squirresl have an erractic running pattern. There are more than three hundred and sixty-five species (one for every day of the year). Their mating season is during the winter and their tiny new born babies will only weigh one ounce at birth.
Medicine:
Squirrel medicine reminds us to walk the road of balanced preparation. Squirrels tell us to avoid concern of not having enough by being prepared for the not so distant future. They teach us to squirrel away our assets, but also not to hoard what we can afford to share with others. They tell us to be productive and to use our time wisely. Squirrels teach us to be good organizers and the importance of sensibly prioritizing. The squirrel teaches us to gather our thoughts and how to express our ideas by putting them into action. Squirrels teach us how to save and ration. They tell us it is time to get out and network like nuts! The medicine of squirrels warns about complacency. Or, they may be asking if our behaviour is overly erratic at this time. Yes, we should be hard working, but we should also maintain a healthy balance between working and having fun. The squirrel tells us, if you have to scratch out a living then try finding something you truly love to do! Squirrels teach us to be consistant! Squirrel medicine may also be asking us, is it time to look for a new place to live? Now you see that the medicine of the squirrel is always teaching us to prepare wisely in all areas of our lives.
Their teeth grow nonstop! They have several homes at one time. Their front paws have small thumbs for gripping better. Its nose and memory is a big help in locating and relocating their food source. These are busy creatures. They can weigh up to twenty-eigh ounces. They spend a great deal of time on the ground. Squirrels live to be three or four years' old. Their long hind legs are very muscular. Their fronts legs enable them to leap and scamper around quickly. The hind feet of a squirrel are double jointed. Their bushy tail helps them to keep their balance. Squirrels can communicate by chattering and tapping their front feet. They always plan ahead, and they are very sociable. Squirresl have an erractic running pattern. There are more than three hundred and sixty-five species (one for every day of the year). Their mating season is during the winter and their tiny new born babies will only weigh one ounce at birth.
Medicine:
Squirrel medicine reminds us to walk the road of balanced preparation. Squirrels tell us to avoid concern of not having enough by being prepared for the not so distant future. They teach us to squirrel away our assets, but also not to hoard what we can afford to share with others. They tell us to be productive and to use our time wisely. Squirrels teach us to be good organizers and the importance of sensibly prioritizing. The squirrel teaches us to gather our thoughts and how to express our ideas by putting them into action. Squirrels teach us how to save and ration. They tell us it is time to get out and network like nuts! The medicine of squirrels warns about complacency. Or, they may be asking if our behaviour is overly erratic at this time. Yes, we should be hard working, but we should also maintain a healthy balance between working and having fun. The squirrel tells us, if you have to scratch out a living then try finding something you truly love to do! Squirrels teach us to be consistant! Squirrel medicine may also be asking us, is it time to look for a new place to live? Now you see that the medicine of the squirrel is always teaching us to prepare wisely in all areas of our lives.
72. ~ Spider ~
There are more than thirty to thirty-five thousand species of spiders. They have multiple sets of eyes. All spiders can make silk which can stretch nearly two hundred times its length. They produce six or seven kinds of silk. Each type of spider has its own unique style of weaving a web. Most spiders carry their own brand of venom which is used on their enemies and not intentionally on humans. Female spiders sometimes devour the males. Certain cultures vow certain spiders' taste like nutty peanut butter. Daddy-longlegs is one of the most familiar species. Spiders generally have eight legs. When they weave their webs, they will walk on the dry strands so that they don't get caught. Did you know a jumping spider can jump forty times their body length? They also have the best eye sight. This species does not weave a web to catch its food. Some spiders live underwater their entire life. They can even walk on water. Spiders eat more insects than bats, and birds added together. It's also worth mentioning that tobacco is very harmful to tarantulas. Tarantulas are also easily injured if they are dropped. Therefore, it is best only to observe them and not try and interact with them. Goliath tarantulas will shoot hairs, even at people. These are definitely not something you should keep as pets.
Medicine:
Spider medicine reminds us that life is very intricate and each us of is as unique as a snowflake! The spider teaches that we each operate at our own level of insight. They teach that we must weave together our understanding. The medicine of spider says hang on when we only have but a thread of hope left. Spiders tell us to keep trying and do not quit! The spider teaches us to live in the present and to not dwell upon the past or worry about what the future might hold. By doing this, we will avoid confusion. Spider medicine is telling us to trust the Great Spirit will catch us in his invisible beautiful web if ever we might fall. Spider medicine teaches, the most wonderful things we do in our lives are often the ones which others may fail to see.
There are more than thirty to thirty-five thousand species of spiders. They have multiple sets of eyes. All spiders can make silk which can stretch nearly two hundred times its length. They produce six or seven kinds of silk. Each type of spider has its own unique style of weaving a web. Most spiders carry their own brand of venom which is used on their enemies and not intentionally on humans. Female spiders sometimes devour the males. Certain cultures vow certain spiders' taste like nutty peanut butter. Daddy-longlegs is one of the most familiar species. Spiders generally have eight legs. When they weave their webs, they will walk on the dry strands so that they don't get caught. Did you know a jumping spider can jump forty times their body length? They also have the best eye sight. This species does not weave a web to catch its food. Some spiders live underwater their entire life. They can even walk on water. Spiders eat more insects than bats, and birds added together. It's also worth mentioning that tobacco is very harmful to tarantulas. Tarantulas are also easily injured if they are dropped. Therefore, it is best only to observe them and not try and interact with them. Goliath tarantulas will shoot hairs, even at people. These are definitely not something you should keep as pets.
Medicine:
Spider medicine reminds us that life is very intricate and each us of is as unique as a snowflake! The spider teaches that we each operate at our own level of insight. They teach that we must weave together our understanding. The medicine of spider says hang on when we only have but a thread of hope left. Spiders tell us to keep trying and do not quit! The spider teaches us to live in the present and to not dwell upon the past or worry about what the future might hold. By doing this, we will avoid confusion. Spider medicine is telling us to trust the Great Spirit will catch us in his invisible beautiful web if ever we might fall. Spider medicine teaches, the most wonderful things we do in our lives are often the ones which others may fail to see.
71. ~ Sparrow ~
Sparrows are the overlooked surviving birds found around the world. It does not stand out in typical beauty, or for its singing ability. However, its habits are most interesting and its lively chirp is pleasantly pleasing. The female is of more subtle colouring than the male. The sparrow 'strongly' opposes a stranger entering its nest. Sparrows are spiritual birds, they are mentioned several times throughout the Bible. Sparrows are small medium sized birds. They average seven inches (18 cm) in length. They lay an average of five eggs. Most sparrows have neutral coloured feathers with distinctive markings on their head area. It takes a very experienced eye to tell them all apart. The males are typically the songsters. The song of the white sparrow is "Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada!" Each of the twenty-six species belongs to one of three main family groups. Rare photos and sightings of a 'pure' white sparrow periodically surface around the globe. Some experts report that the pure white sparrow (not an albino) appears only every hundred and fifty years. The sparrow is noted for being a quiet, gentle and humble creature.
Medicine:
Sparrow medicine teaches us to be quiet, gentle and humble survivors. Sparrow medicine tell us no matter what, we must not forget our self value, our self worth! The sparrow teaches us that each and everyone of us has a special purpose. It reminds us that even when it feels that we might have been overlooked by all others, we can still take comfort knowing the Great Spirit, the Creator is always watching over us. Those with the sparrow as their totem have the gift of learning what others rarely have a chance to glimpse. A sparrow teaches us to remain humble, and to deeply respect the simple things in life - never taking anything or anyone for granted. Should you be invited into the home of one with sparrow as their totem, show honour and respect as this is a rare thing indeed! Sparrow medicine reminds us to accept ourselves and to fully embrace our self dignity. The sparrow sings to protect our privacy, but also to not lose trust in ourselves or others in the process. The sparrow tells us that 'everyone' is deserving of living their dreams! The greatest message of all the sparrow can teach us, is this - Never, ever, lose sight of your faith! Carry it closest to you, in your heart pocket!
Sparrows are the overlooked surviving birds found around the world. It does not stand out in typical beauty, or for its singing ability. However, its habits are most interesting and its lively chirp is pleasantly pleasing. The female is of more subtle colouring than the male. The sparrow 'strongly' opposes a stranger entering its nest. Sparrows are spiritual birds, they are mentioned several times throughout the Bible. Sparrows are small medium sized birds. They average seven inches (18 cm) in length. They lay an average of five eggs. Most sparrows have neutral coloured feathers with distinctive markings on their head area. It takes a very experienced eye to tell them all apart. The males are typically the songsters. The song of the white sparrow is "Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada!" Each of the twenty-six species belongs to one of three main family groups. Rare photos and sightings of a 'pure' white sparrow periodically surface around the globe. Some experts report that the pure white sparrow (not an albino) appears only every hundred and fifty years. The sparrow is noted for being a quiet, gentle and humble creature.
Medicine:
Sparrow medicine teaches us to be quiet, gentle and humble survivors. Sparrow medicine tell us no matter what, we must not forget our self value, our self worth! The sparrow teaches us that each and everyone of us has a special purpose. It reminds us that even when it feels that we might have been overlooked by all others, we can still take comfort knowing the Great Spirit, the Creator is always watching over us. Those with the sparrow as their totem have the gift of learning what others rarely have a chance to glimpse. A sparrow teaches us to remain humble, and to deeply respect the simple things in life - never taking anything or anyone for granted. Should you be invited into the home of one with sparrow as their totem, show honour and respect as this is a rare thing indeed! Sparrow medicine reminds us to accept ourselves and to fully embrace our self dignity. The sparrow sings to protect our privacy, but also to not lose trust in ourselves or others in the process. The sparrow tells us that 'everyone' is deserving of living their dreams! The greatest message of all the sparrow can teach us, is this - Never, ever, lose sight of your faith! Carry it closest to you, in your heart pocket!
70. ~ Snake ~
There are actually about twenty-five hundred species of snakes in the world. Too many to choose from to speak specifically about. However, when a boa constrictor is threatened it will hiss so loudly they can be heard up to one hundred feet away. When snakes wake up for a few hours in the middle of the day, they uncoil their body by first lifting up their head which rests on its coils. A snake has no eyelids, so they sleep with their eyes open, unable to ever close them. This is why they always seem to be looking right at you. The have average eyesight, but some species see very well at night. They have no ear openings. Their body picks up vibrations from the ground and this serves as its ears. Each side of the snake's lower jaw moves separately enabling it to swallow prey which is larger than its own mouth size. Their teeth are small and hooked. The snake's forked tongue is harmless. It serves as a feeler and a smeller. The tongue itself can't smell. However, it is used to draw odorous objects into its mouth to make contact with smell-sensitive organs found there. Snakes eat insects, worms, frogs, mice, rats, birds, and rabbits. They will only dine on live meals. They shed their skins' one to several times a year. Depending on the species, they will birth twelve to ninety-nine babies at one time. These are cold-blooded creatures.
Medicine:
Snake medicine teaches us to let go of the old and move onto the new! They tell us we need to 'quietly' push our minds and bodies out of the past and into the future. They teach us that sometimes we need to shake things up, even if it makes us feel extremely uncomfortable. This is a necessary action in order for us to become comfortable in our own skin again. Snakes can deliver a direct message from Spirit. They can bring the message of healing. They remind us to be forgiving. They represent a time of inner insight. Snake medicine reminds us of resurrection and widsom. They tell us to move quickly and silently. The medicine of the snake teaches us to control our temper. Snake medicine also conveys that certain conditions around us are going to be 'growing' through some uncomfortable but necessary changes in the near future. They tells us by having patience during this process will make this much easier.
There are actually about twenty-five hundred species of snakes in the world. Too many to choose from to speak specifically about. However, when a boa constrictor is threatened it will hiss so loudly they can be heard up to one hundred feet away. When snakes wake up for a few hours in the middle of the day, they uncoil their body by first lifting up their head which rests on its coils. A snake has no eyelids, so they sleep with their eyes open, unable to ever close them. This is why they always seem to be looking right at you. The have average eyesight, but some species see very well at night. They have no ear openings. Their body picks up vibrations from the ground and this serves as its ears. Each side of the snake's lower jaw moves separately enabling it to swallow prey which is larger than its own mouth size. Their teeth are small and hooked. The snake's forked tongue is harmless. It serves as a feeler and a smeller. The tongue itself can't smell. However, it is used to draw odorous objects into its mouth to make contact with smell-sensitive organs found there. Snakes eat insects, worms, frogs, mice, rats, birds, and rabbits. They will only dine on live meals. They shed their skins' one to several times a year. Depending on the species, they will birth twelve to ninety-nine babies at one time. These are cold-blooded creatures.
Medicine:
Snake medicine teaches us to let go of the old and move onto the new! They tell us we need to 'quietly' push our minds and bodies out of the past and into the future. They teach us that sometimes we need to shake things up, even if it makes us feel extremely uncomfortable. This is a necessary action in order for us to become comfortable in our own skin again. Snakes can deliver a direct message from Spirit. They can bring the message of healing. They remind us to be forgiving. They represent a time of inner insight. Snake medicine reminds us of resurrection and widsom. They tell us to move quickly and silently. The medicine of the snake teaches us to control our temper. Snake medicine also conveys that certain conditions around us are going to be 'growing' through some uncomfortable but necessary changes in the near future. They tells us by having patience during this process will make this much easier.
69. ~ Skunk ~
Sometimes this creature is known as a polecat!. French-Canadian trappers used to call them 'enfant du diable' meaning "child of the devil." There are a few of these species that do not climb trees. The skunk is famous for giving off its unpleasant smell when frightened or attacked. It can spray this offensive odor from its anal glands for up to twelve feet. Generally it aims for the eyes of its enemy. First it will send a warning by turning its rear end toward the foe and lift ist tail, sometimes dancing with its front feet. If this fails to scare off the problem it will hiss, spread its hind legs apart and hit its target squarely. This little soldier has enough ammunition for about seven or eight repeated rounds. Their mating season is between February and March. During its mating season it will spray anyone and anything. Its colouring is known widely. It has a complete black jacket with a wide white stripe from the back of the head to the tip of the tail. They often have roommates of fox and raccoons. They will search for food around dusk. Apparently, the great horned owl is the only enemy immune to its perfume. Did you know that a member of the skunk family will never intentionally spray another of its clan? Skunks can also tolerate ten times as much snake venom as another animal of the same size. A skunk has a wide range when it comes to its appetite. This little fellow fears few! Baby skunks will chirp like a baby sparrow. Remember to remain motionless if you accidentally encounter a skunk. Most times, they will just pass you by or simply take a different path. Be greatful if they do!
Medicine:
Skunk medicine encourages you to know what your unique gift is, and to utilize it. Skunks say don't hide your talent, no matter how unusual it might seem to be. The skunk asks us are others giving us the respect we deserve? Is there someone we want or need to keep our distance from? The skunk teaches us to expect to gain respect and to not be overlooked. The skunk will bow to no one! It teaches us how to have more confidence in ourselves. The medicine of a skunk says it is a time for others to recognize and honour you. It may also be suggesting to add more fragrance to our environment. Try aroma therapy! Learn to balance your approaching and your repelling abilities. Whether you realize it or not, people are going to notice you. Therefore, ask yourself what you wish you reputation to be.
Sometimes this creature is known as a polecat!. French-Canadian trappers used to call them 'enfant du diable' meaning "child of the devil." There are a few of these species that do not climb trees. The skunk is famous for giving off its unpleasant smell when frightened or attacked. It can spray this offensive odor from its anal glands for up to twelve feet. Generally it aims for the eyes of its enemy. First it will send a warning by turning its rear end toward the foe and lift ist tail, sometimes dancing with its front feet. If this fails to scare off the problem it will hiss, spread its hind legs apart and hit its target squarely. This little soldier has enough ammunition for about seven or eight repeated rounds. Their mating season is between February and March. During its mating season it will spray anyone and anything. Its colouring is known widely. It has a complete black jacket with a wide white stripe from the back of the head to the tip of the tail. They often have roommates of fox and raccoons. They will search for food around dusk. Apparently, the great horned owl is the only enemy immune to its perfume. Did you know that a member of the skunk family will never intentionally spray another of its clan? Skunks can also tolerate ten times as much snake venom as another animal of the same size. A skunk has a wide range when it comes to its appetite. This little fellow fears few! Baby skunks will chirp like a baby sparrow. Remember to remain motionless if you accidentally encounter a skunk. Most times, they will just pass you by or simply take a different path. Be greatful if they do!
Medicine:
Skunk medicine encourages you to know what your unique gift is, and to utilize it. Skunks say don't hide your talent, no matter how unusual it might seem to be. The skunk asks us are others giving us the respect we deserve? Is there someone we want or need to keep our distance from? The skunk teaches us to expect to gain respect and to not be overlooked. The skunk will bow to no one! It teaches us how to have more confidence in ourselves. The medicine of a skunk says it is a time for others to recognize and honour you. It may also be suggesting to add more fragrance to our environment. Try aroma therapy! Learn to balance your approaching and your repelling abilities. Whether you realize it or not, people are going to notice you. Therefore, ask yourself what you wish you reputation to be.
68. ~ Sheep ~
Most, but not all sheep have fleece! Sheep is an animal raised for wool and mutton. They differ from goats in having the outline of their face more arched and conves. They have a sac or pit between the toes of each foot, lined with hair and a fatty matter. Their bodies are covered in very fine wool. They are basically defeseless creatures. They are able to stand shortly after being born. Sheep have a horizontal split in their upper lip to help pick leaves off plants. Baby sheep are called lambs. Young females are ewes, young males are ram lambs, and older males are rams. A year-old sheep is known as a hogget, while a young two year old is called a two-tooth. There are more than nine hundred types of sheep. Sheep make a bleating sound. One pound of their wool makes ten miles of yarn. Sheep have poor eye sight, but great hearing. Sheep by nature are selective grazing animals. Wet sheep smeel like wet wool. Sheep require a great deal of exercise. Generally, most sheep have fleece. They say baa! Sheep aren't known for their smartness. They also tend to be over eaters. The sheep family is not a brave bunch. Generally, a sheep's tail hangs down, while a goat's tail will turn upward. Sheep need their hooves trimmed much less than goats. They prefer grass and clover to eat. Sheep can become stressed when separated from their flock. The lambs will stay close to their mother's side. A Jacob shhep can have four or more horns. The stories and lessons of sheep can also be found in the Bible.
Medicine:
Sheep medicine teaches us it is okay to walk away from a fight. Those with sheep medicine may be extremely close to their mother. A lamb reminds us of our innocense and of those close to us. Sheep teach us we are all vulnerable sometimes. The sheep tells us to be sincere toward others. Sheep medicine ssays sacrificing ourselves to a point is okay. However, do not comprise yourself to the point of separating whom you are, for what you think you need to be. The sheep teaches us that having gentle ways is an appreciated and valued gift. "Those who treat the world good naturedly, we be treated the same!"
Most, but not all sheep have fleece! Sheep is an animal raised for wool and mutton. They differ from goats in having the outline of their face more arched and conves. They have a sac or pit between the toes of each foot, lined with hair and a fatty matter. Their bodies are covered in very fine wool. They are basically defeseless creatures. They are able to stand shortly after being born. Sheep have a horizontal split in their upper lip to help pick leaves off plants. Baby sheep are called lambs. Young females are ewes, young males are ram lambs, and older males are rams. A year-old sheep is known as a hogget, while a young two year old is called a two-tooth. There are more than nine hundred types of sheep. Sheep make a bleating sound. One pound of their wool makes ten miles of yarn. Sheep have poor eye sight, but great hearing. Sheep by nature are selective grazing animals. Wet sheep smeel like wet wool. Sheep require a great deal of exercise. Generally, most sheep have fleece. They say baa! Sheep aren't known for their smartness. They also tend to be over eaters. The sheep family is not a brave bunch. Generally, a sheep's tail hangs down, while a goat's tail will turn upward. Sheep need their hooves trimmed much less than goats. They prefer grass and clover to eat. Sheep can become stressed when separated from their flock. The lambs will stay close to their mother's side. A Jacob shhep can have four or more horns. The stories and lessons of sheep can also be found in the Bible.
Medicine:
Sheep medicine teaches us it is okay to walk away from a fight. Those with sheep medicine may be extremely close to their mother. A lamb reminds us of our innocense and of those close to us. Sheep teach us we are all vulnerable sometimes. The sheep tells us to be sincere toward others. Sheep medicine ssays sacrificing ourselves to a point is okay. However, do not comprise yourself to the point of separating whom you are, for what you think you need to be. The sheep teaches us that having gentle ways is an appreciated and valued gift. "Those who treat the world good naturedly, we be treated the same!"
67. ~ Seagulls ~
Not all seagulls see the sea. Some live inland! Seagulls can be found at the seashore, around lakes, and sea-cliffs. They can drink both fresh and salt water. The seagull is the state bird of Utah. There are approximately fifty species. A seagull has a wingspan of more than thirty inches, and some of them have orange webbed feet. I have seen several with only one foot, due to an accident or a fight for survival. They build nests of grass, seaweed and sticks. They can live up to forty or more years in captivity and about a dozen in the wild. The herring gull seems to be most popular of the bunch. Seagulls have long been honoured by the Mormons for saving their crops. In Salt Lake City, the Mormons have erected a giant golden seagull monument. Seagulls have a noisy call and can always be heard around feeding times at least two to three times daily, while they head to the water to dine. Seagulls will drop when they are scared. So, sometimes you will witness an entire flock drop at the same time. Also, seagulls do not fly at night. It is to be noted that seagulls will congregate in one place bringing all members together before they head to the shoreline to eat. Seagulls use the same nest site for a great many years. They are approximately 61 cm in length. When attacking, they will draw their body up, turn out their wrists, and lower their bill. They will aggressively attack anything, or anyone while their babies are nesting. I can testify, this is an experience you won't soon forget. Seagulls are famous for keeping the beaches and shorelines clean by eating up garbage on a daily basis.
Medicine:
Seagull medicine teaches us to be great environmentalists. They remind us to say grace, eat together as a family and be thankful for whatever we have to eat. Seagull medicine reminds us to get our much needed rest each night and to not be picky about where we sleep as long as it is a quiet, private place where others will not bother us.
Not all seagulls see the sea. Some live inland! Seagulls can be found at the seashore, around lakes, and sea-cliffs. They can drink both fresh and salt water. The seagull is the state bird of Utah. There are approximately fifty species. A seagull has a wingspan of more than thirty inches, and some of them have orange webbed feet. I have seen several with only one foot, due to an accident or a fight for survival. They build nests of grass, seaweed and sticks. They can live up to forty or more years in captivity and about a dozen in the wild. The herring gull seems to be most popular of the bunch. Seagulls have long been honoured by the Mormons for saving their crops. In Salt Lake City, the Mormons have erected a giant golden seagull monument. Seagulls have a noisy call and can always be heard around feeding times at least two to three times daily, while they head to the water to dine. Seagulls will drop when they are scared. So, sometimes you will witness an entire flock drop at the same time. Also, seagulls do not fly at night. It is to be noted that seagulls will congregate in one place bringing all members together before they head to the shoreline to eat. Seagulls use the same nest site for a great many years. They are approximately 61 cm in length. When attacking, they will draw their body up, turn out their wrists, and lower their bill. They will aggressively attack anything, or anyone while their babies are nesting. I can testify, this is an experience you won't soon forget. Seagulls are famous for keeping the beaches and shorelines clean by eating up garbage on a daily basis.
Medicine:
Seagull medicine teaches us to be great environmentalists. They remind us to say grace, eat together as a family and be thankful for whatever we have to eat. Seagull medicine reminds us to get our much needed rest each night and to not be picky about where we sleep as long as it is a quiet, private place where others will not bother us.
66. ~ Robin ~
When English people first came to live in America, they saw a bird that reminded them of the red-breasted robin that live in England. So, they called this bird a robin too. The red-breasted bird they saw however, really belongs to the thrush family. A robin sleeps in a tree by settling on a branch and tightening the cords in its legs. By doing this, it pulls its toes together and clamps them around the branch. Then, it bows its head and closes it eyes. When he awakes early in the morning, he unlocks his toes and lifts his body up. In cold weather, he ruffles his feathers up to make a little blanket of air which keeps the cold out. Then, he may even tuck his head beneath his wing. Robins are noted for their blue eggs and to many, they are the first sign of spring. They love to eat dew worms after a rain. They have an orange-red breast. They make a cheery trill sound. Robins battle for their territory by holding a song contest. The best singer wins! When they are first born, they are blind and featherless. Robins usually lay three to six eggs in their cup-shaped nest. They won't ust the same nest repeatedly.
Medicine:
Robin medicine says, win by using our gifts, and by avoiding aggressive physical conflict. Robins teach us to have hope in our heart. Robin medicine says not to be shy about showing off our talents. They tell us now is our time to be noticed for the good things we do. The robin teaches us that everyone needs and deserves to be recognized. They teach us to put a little spring in our step. The robin tells us to learn something new and avoid doing the same old thing, the same old way. The medicine of the robin reminds us to open our eyes and to sing forth with cheer a new song of hope! The message of the robin may also be to go ahead and enter that contest you have been thinking about.
When English people first came to live in America, they saw a bird that reminded them of the red-breasted robin that live in England. So, they called this bird a robin too. The red-breasted bird they saw however, really belongs to the thrush family. A robin sleeps in a tree by settling on a branch and tightening the cords in its legs. By doing this, it pulls its toes together and clamps them around the branch. Then, it bows its head and closes it eyes. When he awakes early in the morning, he unlocks his toes and lifts his body up. In cold weather, he ruffles his feathers up to make a little blanket of air which keeps the cold out. Then, he may even tuck his head beneath his wing. Robins are noted for their blue eggs and to many, they are the first sign of spring. They love to eat dew worms after a rain. They have an orange-red breast. They make a cheery trill sound. Robins battle for their territory by holding a song contest. The best singer wins! When they are first born, they are blind and featherless. Robins usually lay three to six eggs in their cup-shaped nest. They won't ust the same nest repeatedly.
Medicine:
Robin medicine says, win by using our gifts, and by avoiding aggressive physical conflict. Robins teach us to have hope in our heart. Robin medicine says not to be shy about showing off our talents. They tell us now is our time to be noticed for the good things we do. The robin teaches us that everyone needs and deserves to be recognized. They teach us to put a little spring in our step. The robin tells us to learn something new and avoid doing the same old thing, the same old way. The medicine of the robin reminds us to open our eyes and to sing forth with cheer a new song of hope! The message of the robin may also be to go ahead and enter that contest you have been thinking about.
65. ~ Roadrunner ~
The roadrunner doesn't really say "beep-beep!" Roadrunners can run up to fifteen miles per hour. They eat tarantulas, snakes, scorpions, lizards, and rodents, basically all of the things that scare the bejeebers out of humans. They can jump up and catch a tobacco bird (hummingbird) for a light snack. The roadrunner is extremely entertaining to observe. Someone told me a story about watching this miniature rooster attacking its own reflection. Now that's entertainment! They will also hold their head down and their tail straighout while they are running. Their tail is loosely hinged and acts like a rudder. They are capable of stopping on a dime. They are about twenty-four inches long. Their footprint is their 'signature' because it makes a perfect 'x'. Roadrunners have yellow eyes. It has large poke-a-dots of white on its longtail feathers and is often referred to as the 'dessert clown'. They make a cooing sound, which drops in pitch six to eight times while luring their mate. They also can make a clacking noise along with about fifteen other interesting calls from barking to whir sounds. The roadrunner has many nicknames, one of which is the "war-bird." The roadrunner is the official state bird for New Mexico.
Medicine:
Roadrunner medicine teach us to overcome our greatest fears, by behaving bravely no matter what faces us. They remind us that timing is everything. The roadrunner teaches us to avoid procrastination and avoid hesitation when a good opportunity presents itself. Roadrunner medicine teaches when we come to a crossroads on our journey, we muck think quickly on our feet and learn to choose the best direction. Also, we must avoid basing our decisions on what others would have us do. The medicine of the roadrunner teaches us to walk the 'good red road'.
The roadrunner doesn't really say "beep-beep!" Roadrunners can run up to fifteen miles per hour. They eat tarantulas, snakes, scorpions, lizards, and rodents, basically all of the things that scare the bejeebers out of humans. They can jump up and catch a tobacco bird (hummingbird) for a light snack. The roadrunner is extremely entertaining to observe. Someone told me a story about watching this miniature rooster attacking its own reflection. Now that's entertainment! They will also hold their head down and their tail straighout while they are running. Their tail is loosely hinged and acts like a rudder. They are capable of stopping on a dime. They are about twenty-four inches long. Their footprint is their 'signature' because it makes a perfect 'x'. Roadrunners have yellow eyes. It has large poke-a-dots of white on its longtail feathers and is often referred to as the 'dessert clown'. They make a cooing sound, which drops in pitch six to eight times while luring their mate. They also can make a clacking noise along with about fifteen other interesting calls from barking to whir sounds. The roadrunner has many nicknames, one of which is the "war-bird." The roadrunner is the official state bird for New Mexico.
Medicine:
Roadrunner medicine teach us to overcome our greatest fears, by behaving bravely no matter what faces us. They remind us that timing is everything. The roadrunner teaches us to avoid procrastination and avoid hesitation when a good opportunity presents itself. Roadrunner medicine teaches when we come to a crossroads on our journey, we muck think quickly on our feet and learn to choose the best direction. Also, we must avoid basing our decisions on what others would have us do. The medicine of the roadrunner teaches us to walk the 'good red road'.
64. ~ Raven ~
The raven has an average wingspan of three and a half, to four feet. You can often hear the swish sound their wing's make. The raven is three to four times larger than the crow. The end of a raven's tail is arrow-shaped or v-shaped. Their main call is a deep gronk, gronk, sound. Ravens aren't much for the city life. Ravens don't like crowds. Generally, they are more private than crows. Ravens recycle, by reusing their nest. Ravens are more intelligent than those of the crow family, and have a broader vocabulary. Ravens seem to consider themselves better than a crow, so I suppose this indicates they have a big ego. Ravens are more cautious than crows. Ravens have tufts of hair around the bill area that some refer to as a moustache. They also have shaggy throat feathers which could remind one of a beard. In flight, ravens have a wider space between their wingtips. Ravens are not birds that flock! They are more individual then the group oriented crow family. Ravens like the hawk or eagle, soar rather than flapping their wings a lot. Ravens are all crows, but all crows are 'not' raven members. The bill of a raven is more powerful and is more curved than the flat crow bill. Ravens jump-back more when on the ground. Hand-raised ravens prefer the indoors more than a crow does. Ravens prefer to perch lower than the crow who loves the high tree tops. Ravens are know to fly wing-to-wing with their mates. Also, female ravens will fly below the male.
Medicine:
Raven medicine teaches us to spread our fingers and reach out to others. They teach us to learn to speak to others on deep subjects of broad interests. The raven encourages us to have big disccusions and not shy away from them. Raven medicine reminds us we don't need a big audience to deliver a meaningful message. They teach us to practice repeating useful meditations. Raven medicine tells us to speak wisdom without having a big ego, and to choose our words cautiously. The raven says to step-back and consider what we say, before we say it. Ravens are the authors, poets, and the songwriters of the world.
The raven has an average wingspan of three and a half, to four feet. You can often hear the swish sound their wing's make. The raven is three to four times larger than the crow. The end of a raven's tail is arrow-shaped or v-shaped. Their main call is a deep gronk, gronk, sound. Ravens aren't much for the city life. Ravens don't like crowds. Generally, they are more private than crows. Ravens recycle, by reusing their nest. Ravens are more intelligent than those of the crow family, and have a broader vocabulary. Ravens seem to consider themselves better than a crow, so I suppose this indicates they have a big ego. Ravens are more cautious than crows. Ravens have tufts of hair around the bill area that some refer to as a moustache. They also have shaggy throat feathers which could remind one of a beard. In flight, ravens have a wider space between their wingtips. Ravens are not birds that flock! They are more individual then the group oriented crow family. Ravens like the hawk or eagle, soar rather than flapping their wings a lot. Ravens are all crows, but all crows are 'not' raven members. The bill of a raven is more powerful and is more curved than the flat crow bill. Ravens jump-back more when on the ground. Hand-raised ravens prefer the indoors more than a crow does. Ravens prefer to perch lower than the crow who loves the high tree tops. Ravens are know to fly wing-to-wing with their mates. Also, female ravens will fly below the male.
Medicine:
Raven medicine teaches us to spread our fingers and reach out to others. They teach us to learn to speak to others on deep subjects of broad interests. The raven encourages us to have big disccusions and not shy away from them. Raven medicine reminds us we don't need a big audience to deliver a meaningful message. They teach us to practice repeating useful meditations. Raven medicine tells us to speak wisdom without having a big ego, and to choose our words cautiously. The raven says to step-back and consider what we say, before we say it. Ravens are the authors, poets, and the songwriters of the world.
63. ~ Raccoon ~
One who washes! A fighter! A nocturnal creature! A female raccoon will only mate with one male raccoon. The same is 'not' true for the males. The babies are called kits. Raccoons are often found near water sources, like rivers, lakes, ponds, and shorelines. It eats a wide variety of things, from turtle to fruit appeal to their appetite. Yes, they have a big appetite, but they waste very little. They are clever, curious and cute. However, make no mistake these are 'not' cuddly creatures. They are very independent and solitary animals. They can weigh up to fifty pounds. They are born to climb! They can turn handles and open doors with their very adaptable skinny fingers. These animals are extremely inquisitive. They examine and scrutinize everthing carefully. Their black eye mask should tell you they are thieves. They are swimmers and love the water. When their hands are wet, this helps them to feel objects they hold much better. This four-legged Zorro is an expert at disguise and hiding things. Raccoons are ferocious and full of courageous strategies. They have a tail with five to seven rings of black fur. They make a wailing sound of "waho-o-o-o!"
Medicine:
Raccoon medicine teaches to make stategic plans. They teach to examine your life more closely. They remind us 'not' to take everthing at face value. Raccoon medicine teaches to disguise your intentions, and at the same time learn to understand the motives of others. They suggest it may be a time for spiritual cleansing. They teach us to fight for our rights, yet to be adaptable. The raccoon says to guard your secrets, but also be sociable. The raccoon tells us a time of mystery will soon be upon you. Raccoon asks, who is behind your mask? What secret are you hiding? Do you like what you are seeking and finding out? Are you satisfied with your world? Raccoon medicine teaches to guard against all unnecessary fighting, and to take a more peaceful approach.
One who washes! A fighter! A nocturnal creature! A female raccoon will only mate with one male raccoon. The same is 'not' true for the males. The babies are called kits. Raccoons are often found near water sources, like rivers, lakes, ponds, and shorelines. It eats a wide variety of things, from turtle to fruit appeal to their appetite. Yes, they have a big appetite, but they waste very little. They are clever, curious and cute. However, make no mistake these are 'not' cuddly creatures. They are very independent and solitary animals. They can weigh up to fifty pounds. They are born to climb! They can turn handles and open doors with their very adaptable skinny fingers. These animals are extremely inquisitive. They examine and scrutinize everthing carefully. Their black eye mask should tell you they are thieves. They are swimmers and love the water. When their hands are wet, this helps them to feel objects they hold much better. This four-legged Zorro is an expert at disguise and hiding things. Raccoons are ferocious and full of courageous strategies. They have a tail with five to seven rings of black fur. They make a wailing sound of "waho-o-o-o!"
Medicine:
Raccoon medicine teaches to make stategic plans. They teach to examine your life more closely. They remind us 'not' to take everthing at face value. Raccoon medicine teaches to disguise your intentions, and at the same time learn to understand the motives of others. They suggest it may be a time for spiritual cleansing. They teach us to fight for our rights, yet to be adaptable. The raccoon says to guard your secrets, but also be sociable. The raccoon tells us a time of mystery will soon be upon you. Raccoon asks, who is behind your mask? What secret are you hiding? Do you like what you are seeking and finding out? Are you satisfied with your world? Raccoon medicine teaches to guard against all unnecessary fighting, and to take a more peaceful approach.
62. ~ Rabbit ~
Rabbits weigh approximately four pounds. They have a live span of about nine years. There are more than fifty types of rabbits and hares. They mostly eat clover, grasses and herbs. The bunny burrows or rabbit warrens often go ten feet below the ground and have multiple entrances. These warrens are passage ways and living quarters and of course include many nesting chambers. Rabbits have a very keen sense of hearing and have a very fertile reproduction ability. They are a hopping menu for many other wildlife creatures. Perhaps, this is why a doe (female) will mate again within only hours of giving birth. The dominate 'does' of the warren will fight to possess the best nesting chamber. Their underground colony home can be quite large and sprawling. Two to eight babies will be born at one time. Two to five litters per year is the norm. Many people don't realize that rabbits are nocturnal animals. Bunnies rarely stray too far from their burrows. Just like Thumper (a Walt Disney character) a rabbit really does send out a warning by thumping both its hind feet rapidly on the ground before hopping and rushing off to safety. Rabbits basically eat twice a day, once in the morning and one in the evening. These cottontail creatures have the softest fur. And, did you know that bunny rabbits can swim?
Medicine:
Rabbit medicine symbolizes gentleness, pleasure, giveaway, and being prolific! Rabbits teach us to listen carefully to what you hear. They teach us to mature quickly. They remind us to give quality time to one's family. They also represent speed in your spiritual journey. Rabbit medicine means 'a leap of faith'! When a rabbit hops into your life, watch closely for a twenty-eight-day cycle or project to appear. Rabbits tell us to plan cautiously for our future. They teach us if we are in doubt to pause and wait patiently. Rabbit medicine asks us if we need to double back or take the focus off ourselves. They tells us there will be a very fertile time within the next twenty-eight days. The rabbit tells us to be of service to others. Rabbits ask us -when you cross over, what will others remember you for? Are you sharing your love with others? Rabbits tell us it is a season of innocence, but not to point of becoming a victim. Rabbit medicine teaches us to listen to what our dreams are telling us. The rabbit says - remember to not allow your fear to paralyze your joy of jumping in or out of something. Sometimes the rabbit is simply saying that "you can't believe your ears!"
Rabbits weigh approximately four pounds. They have a live span of about nine years. There are more than fifty types of rabbits and hares. They mostly eat clover, grasses and herbs. The bunny burrows or rabbit warrens often go ten feet below the ground and have multiple entrances. These warrens are passage ways and living quarters and of course include many nesting chambers. Rabbits have a very keen sense of hearing and have a very fertile reproduction ability. They are a hopping menu for many other wildlife creatures. Perhaps, this is why a doe (female) will mate again within only hours of giving birth. The dominate 'does' of the warren will fight to possess the best nesting chamber. Their underground colony home can be quite large and sprawling. Two to eight babies will be born at one time. Two to five litters per year is the norm. Many people don't realize that rabbits are nocturnal animals. Bunnies rarely stray too far from their burrows. Just like Thumper (a Walt Disney character) a rabbit really does send out a warning by thumping both its hind feet rapidly on the ground before hopping and rushing off to safety. Rabbits basically eat twice a day, once in the morning and one in the evening. These cottontail creatures have the softest fur. And, did you know that bunny rabbits can swim?
Medicine:
Rabbit medicine symbolizes gentleness, pleasure, giveaway, and being prolific! Rabbits teach us to listen carefully to what you hear. They teach us to mature quickly. They remind us to give quality time to one's family. They also represent speed in your spiritual journey. Rabbit medicine means 'a leap of faith'! When a rabbit hops into your life, watch closely for a twenty-eight-day cycle or project to appear. Rabbits tell us to plan cautiously for our future. They teach us if we are in doubt to pause and wait patiently. Rabbit medicine asks us if we need to double back or take the focus off ourselves. They tells us there will be a very fertile time within the next twenty-eight days. The rabbit tells us to be of service to others. Rabbits ask us -when you cross over, what will others remember you for? Are you sharing your love with others? Rabbits tell us it is a season of innocence, but not to point of becoming a victim. Rabbit medicine teaches us to listen to what our dreams are telling us. The rabbit says - remember to not allow your fear to paralyze your joy of jumping in or out of something. Sometimes the rabbit is simply saying that "you can't believe your ears!"
61. ~ Quail ~
Quails, sometimes called bobwhites, do not sleep in trees. They live in the woods, and scratch for beetles and grasshoppers. They all sleep together on the ground. At night they crouch together in a circle with their heads facing out and their tails toward the inside. If a fox should sneak up on them while they are sleeping, all of them suddenly explode into the air with a great whirr of wings. Each quail goes off in a different direction. By doing this, most of them can usually escape unharmed. When the danger is over, they reunite and go back to sleep. They have a short tail, and longer wings. They have a wonderful coloured outfit of feathers. Their nest is in the ground, where they will lay seven to twelve eggs. The quail live in groups named bevies. The males have black stripes, while the female has sandy stripes down each side of their head. It has a cheery bob-bob whistle. Quail will have more than one mate during the breeding season. The bobwhites call out once for food, twice for parental purposes, six times for mating, and eleven times to warn of enemies. They shake and scratch their heads, a funny thing to witness. They are lunch for the fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and the certain species of hawk. Native Americans consider them sacred and spiritual. They also respect them because of their amazing speed on the ground.
Medicine:
Quial medicine teaches us to use good taste. Quail teaches us to explode into action, this is not the time to shake and scratch your head in wonder. Know that your own family will cover your back without question when quail appears to you. Remember to do the same for them. What 'name' do you want people to know you as? What 'name' has changed your life the most? These are some of the questions of quail medicine.
Quails, sometimes called bobwhites, do not sleep in trees. They live in the woods, and scratch for beetles and grasshoppers. They all sleep together on the ground. At night they crouch together in a circle with their heads facing out and their tails toward the inside. If a fox should sneak up on them while they are sleeping, all of them suddenly explode into the air with a great whirr of wings. Each quail goes off in a different direction. By doing this, most of them can usually escape unharmed. When the danger is over, they reunite and go back to sleep. They have a short tail, and longer wings. They have a wonderful coloured outfit of feathers. Their nest is in the ground, where they will lay seven to twelve eggs. The quail live in groups named bevies. The males have black stripes, while the female has sandy stripes down each side of their head. It has a cheery bob-bob whistle. Quail will have more than one mate during the breeding season. The bobwhites call out once for food, twice for parental purposes, six times for mating, and eleven times to warn of enemies. They shake and scratch their heads, a funny thing to witness. They are lunch for the fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and the certain species of hawk. Native Americans consider them sacred and spiritual. They also respect them because of their amazing speed on the ground.
Medicine:
Quial medicine teaches us to use good taste. Quail teaches us to explode into action, this is not the time to shake and scratch your head in wonder. Know that your own family will cover your back without question when quail appears to you. Remember to do the same for them. What 'name' do you want people to know you as? What 'name' has changed your life the most? These are some of the questions of quail medicine.
Monday, November 17, 2008
60. ~ Prairie Dog ~
Prairie dogs and ground hogs are two completely different animals. They prairie dog is much smaller in size. They live to be five years old and weigh about two to three pounds. They have black-tipped tails, and cute short ears. They live in underground burrows. Baby prairie dogs are born hairless. An average litter is four. The badger is a big enemy of the prairie dog. There are about seven species of prairie dogs. The balck-tailed species is now off the endangered list. They are tan coloured with a white underbelly. They live in a complex under- ground tunnel system, which is designed with many different chambers. They have about a dozen ways to call and communicate. The babies are called yearlings. Prairie dogs are only active during daylight hours. Due to the fact, they have numerous enemies they will live on flat lands with little vegetation. Prairie dogs are members of the squirrel family. Their homes are often called prairie towns, as they live in colonies. Generally, females will out number the males by five to two. When prairie dogs meet, the kiss by touching noses and front teeth. They live mainly on grasses. They stand or sit with their paws together. They are adorable looking.
Medicine:
Prairie dogs remind us to greet others warmly and not to be standoffish. They teach us to be great organizers and to offer help to our own communities. They teach us to pray for things we need and not simply for the things we want. They remind us to become landscapers around our neighbourhoods. Prairie dog medicine teaches us that sometimes we must dig deep to truly get to know someone's true personality and nature. They teach us that when we learn of news we should quickly spread and share it with others, especially if it can help them.
Prairie dogs and ground hogs are two completely different animals. They prairie dog is much smaller in size. They live to be five years old and weigh about two to three pounds. They have black-tipped tails, and cute short ears. They live in underground burrows. Baby prairie dogs are born hairless. An average litter is four. The badger is a big enemy of the prairie dog. There are about seven species of prairie dogs. The balck-tailed species is now off the endangered list. They are tan coloured with a white underbelly. They live in a complex under- ground tunnel system, which is designed with many different chambers. They have about a dozen ways to call and communicate. The babies are called yearlings. Prairie dogs are only active during daylight hours. Due to the fact, they have numerous enemies they will live on flat lands with little vegetation. Prairie dogs are members of the squirrel family. Their homes are often called prairie towns, as they live in colonies. Generally, females will out number the males by five to two. When prairie dogs meet, the kiss by touching noses and front teeth. They live mainly on grasses. They stand or sit with their paws together. They are adorable looking.
Medicine:
Prairie dogs remind us to greet others warmly and not to be standoffish. They teach us to be great organizers and to offer help to our own communities. They teach us to pray for things we need and not simply for the things we want. They remind us to become landscapers around our neighbourhoods. Prairie dog medicine teaches us that sometimes we must dig deep to truly get to know someone's true personality and nature. They teach us that when we learn of news we should quickly spread and share it with others, especially if it can help them.
59. ~ Porcupine ~
If the porcupine loses its quills or they become broken they can replace them. Porcupines are known for the quills on their back and tail. They primarily feed on twigs, leaves, pine needles, mistletoe, and on the inner bark of some trees. They are basically night creatures. There are one or two babies born at a time which like many other animals are born in late spring. Porcupines make a grunting noise. They have short rounded ears, four toes and somewhat of a thumb on each foot. Their legs are short and strong, and they are experts at climbing. A porcupine's quills are filled with air. When it is feeling alarmed or sensing danger, it will hide its face between its fore-paws. Then a porcupine lowers its head and shoulders, points their back end at their enemy thrashing its tail side to side while erecting its quills. The porcupine will target the enemy's head and face area and then let fly its quills. The quills have sharp barbs making them hard to remove. Porcupines have an excellent sense of smell. Babies are called "porcupettes." The Latin name means "a quill pig." Between one and four babies are born to mother porcupines. They live about five to seven years, and weigh up to thirty-five pounds (16 kg). Porcupines walk very slowly. Those trained in handling porcupines claim that when a porcupine is held by its tail, they are harmless.
Medicine:
Porcupine medicine is painfully clear, it means to be careful in all areas of one's life. Ask yourself what are you trying to hide your face from? Why are you feeling vulnerable? Porcupines remind us that even though someone looks tough on the outside, they maybe just the opposite on the inside. They tell us to take our time in our decision making unless we are being faced with an absolute urgent situation. Porcupine medicine teaches that if we just take time to turn our thinking around we often find a better solution.
If the porcupine loses its quills or they become broken they can replace them. Porcupines are known for the quills on their back and tail. They primarily feed on twigs, leaves, pine needles, mistletoe, and on the inner bark of some trees. They are basically night creatures. There are one or two babies born at a time which like many other animals are born in late spring. Porcupines make a grunting noise. They have short rounded ears, four toes and somewhat of a thumb on each foot. Their legs are short and strong, and they are experts at climbing. A porcupine's quills are filled with air. When it is feeling alarmed or sensing danger, it will hide its face between its fore-paws. Then a porcupine lowers its head and shoulders, points their back end at their enemy thrashing its tail side to side while erecting its quills. The porcupine will target the enemy's head and face area and then let fly its quills. The quills have sharp barbs making them hard to remove. Porcupines have an excellent sense of smell. Babies are called "porcupettes." The Latin name means "a quill pig." Between one and four babies are born to mother porcupines. They live about five to seven years, and weigh up to thirty-five pounds (16 kg). Porcupines walk very slowly. Those trained in handling porcupines claim that when a porcupine is held by its tail, they are harmless.
Medicine:
Porcupine medicine is painfully clear, it means to be careful in all areas of one's life. Ask yourself what are you trying to hide your face from? Why are you feeling vulnerable? Porcupines remind us that even though someone looks tough on the outside, they maybe just the opposite on the inside. They tell us to take our time in our decision making unless we are being faced with an absolute urgent situation. Porcupine medicine teaches that if we just take time to turn our thinking around we often find a better solution.
58. ~ Pig ~
Pigs have four toes on each hoof. They appear to tiptoe because they only use two toes to walk on. The family names are; a group is a herd, a father is a boar, a mother is a sow, or a hog. They are descendants of the wild swine. A virgin female is a gilt, after weaning gilts are called shoats. The castrated male adult is a stag. A young castrated male is a barrow, and you thought they were just pigs! Farrowing means to give birth to pigs. The babies are called piglets, which are born in a litter. Baby piglets are called shoats, farrow, or sucklings. They are usually born ten to twelve piglets at a time, but sometimes there can be as many as thirty. Pigs roll in the mud to cool off their bodies because they have no sweat glands. Pigs can smell so well that some are even used by law enforcement to sniff out drugs. They live to be about fifteen years' old. Pigs are the fourth smartest animals and they are extremely insistent on keeping their eating and living quarters clean. These are thick-skinned mammals, and for those humans who understand them, they make a good pet. There are even miniature pigs! These are so cute. You'll just have to research them for yourself. A pig can scream at one hundred and fifteen decibels, which is two decibels above a jet engine plane. Pigs are highly trainable. Pigs do not shed. The boars have two rows of nipples, but unlike the sow, the boar's nipples are useless. They have 15,000 taste buds. Pigs eat an average of a ton of food per year. Their nose is called a snoot. Some pigs have curly tails. Pigs will squeal and squirm before being slaughtered.
Medicine:
Pig medicine teaches us not to believe everything we hear. The pig teaches us to learn about people and things for ourselves, before forming an opinion. Pigs teach us to live in a clean environment. Pig medicine reminds us to be on our toes, to poke around for the true facts, and to squeal loudly about injustices.
Pigs have four toes on each hoof. They appear to tiptoe because they only use two toes to walk on. The family names are; a group is a herd, a father is a boar, a mother is a sow, or a hog. They are descendants of the wild swine. A virgin female is a gilt, after weaning gilts are called shoats. The castrated male adult is a stag. A young castrated male is a barrow, and you thought they were just pigs! Farrowing means to give birth to pigs. The babies are called piglets, which are born in a litter. Baby piglets are called shoats, farrow, or sucklings. They are usually born ten to twelve piglets at a time, but sometimes there can be as many as thirty. Pigs roll in the mud to cool off their bodies because they have no sweat glands. Pigs can smell so well that some are even used by law enforcement to sniff out drugs. They live to be about fifteen years' old. Pigs are the fourth smartest animals and they are extremely insistent on keeping their eating and living quarters clean. These are thick-skinned mammals, and for those humans who understand them, they make a good pet. There are even miniature pigs! These are so cute. You'll just have to research them for yourself. A pig can scream at one hundred and fifteen decibels, which is two decibels above a jet engine plane. Pigs are highly trainable. Pigs do not shed. The boars have two rows of nipples, but unlike the sow, the boar's nipples are useless. They have 15,000 taste buds. Pigs eat an average of a ton of food per year. Their nose is called a snoot. Some pigs have curly tails. Pigs will squeal and squirm before being slaughtered.
Medicine:
Pig medicine teaches us not to believe everything we hear. The pig teaches us to learn about people and things for ourselves, before forming an opinion. Pigs teach us to live in a clean environment. Pig medicine reminds us to be on our toes, to poke around for the true facts, and to squeal loudly about injustices.
57. ~ Pelican ~
Pelicans have a long, large, flattened bill. The top half of the bill curves over the tip of the bottom half of the bill. Beneath the lower mandible is a great pouch of naked skin. They have a short tongue, moderate length wings and a rounded tail. Pelicans are found around rivers, lakes and seas. Their main menu consists of fish. These are large birds with powerful wings, but they don't fly very far. They fish by hovering over the water, then suddenly plunging when the fish appears. They can be found in large flocks. Pelicans don't store their catch in their pouch, but they do carry food in it for their babies. Pelicans are very buoyant. The Turtle Island species are white and brown pelicans. They prefer to nest in bushes and reeds. Pelicans are lighter than they appear. A vertebra in their neck doesn't allow the pelican to raise their face upward. Pelicans can live about twenty-five years. They weigh between six and nine pounds. They can have a wingspan of up to eight feet. They have totipalmate feet (the webbing of all four toes even the back one) allowing them to incubate eggs with their feet.
Medicine:
Pelican medicine means to plan ahead and be ready to scoop up any chances and opportunities available. It's about being at the right place at the right time. Pelican medicine reminds us not to let life weigh us down. It teaches us to call on our friends in our time of need. The pelican teaches to learn what you have that you can offer to others. They teach us to share responsibilities.The pelican says to ask you, who in your circle of family of friends can use your help? Be willing and able to lend a hand. The pelican reminds us that it may be hard to get things off the ground, but know that you are going to soon see a smoother outcome after a few sacrifices have been made. Pelican medicine tells us to seek out comfort near the healing power of water. The pelican teaches us to not be ashamed!
Pelicans have a long, large, flattened bill. The top half of the bill curves over the tip of the bottom half of the bill. Beneath the lower mandible is a great pouch of naked skin. They have a short tongue, moderate length wings and a rounded tail. Pelicans are found around rivers, lakes and seas. Their main menu consists of fish. These are large birds with powerful wings, but they don't fly very far. They fish by hovering over the water, then suddenly plunging when the fish appears. They can be found in large flocks. Pelicans don't store their catch in their pouch, but they do carry food in it for their babies. Pelicans are very buoyant. The Turtle Island species are white and brown pelicans. They prefer to nest in bushes and reeds. Pelicans are lighter than they appear. A vertebra in their neck doesn't allow the pelican to raise their face upward. Pelicans can live about twenty-five years. They weigh between six and nine pounds. They can have a wingspan of up to eight feet. They have totipalmate feet (the webbing of all four toes even the back one) allowing them to incubate eggs with their feet.
Medicine:
Pelican medicine means to plan ahead and be ready to scoop up any chances and opportunities available. It's about being at the right place at the right time. Pelican medicine reminds us not to let life weigh us down. It teaches us to call on our friends in our time of need. The pelican teaches to learn what you have that you can offer to others. They teach us to share responsibilities.The pelican says to ask you, who in your circle of family of friends can use your help? Be willing and able to lend a hand. The pelican reminds us that it may be hard to get things off the ground, but know that you are going to soon see a smoother outcome after a few sacrifices have been made. Pelican medicine tells us to seek out comfort near the healing power of water. The pelican teaches us to not be ashamed!
56. ~ Owl ~
Owls are the keepers of darkness! This is a bird of wisdom and healing. To some it is a bad omen. To the Ojibway, the owl means a death. It is believed that the owl can see the parts of your life you prefer to keep hidden. Owlets have a high death rate due to the fact they must leave the nest so soon after they are born. Owls live near ponds and creeks. It can find its prey with its sharp hearing before it ever sees it. Some owls will pretend to be injured by trailing their wing along the ground to lure the enemy away from its owlets or eggs. Most female owls are larger than the males, weighing one third heavier. The females also have longer claws. The males will battle each other in midair especially during the mating season. Owls can have a wingspan of sixty to sixty-five inches, or thirty seven to forty-one inches depending on the particular species. The male owls will hold up their wings in a v-shape while in their courtship flight. The tawny owl can be found in wooded areas and near cemeteries. Owls are known as the silent fliers. They have dual symbolism. Some see them as a positive messenger and others see them as a negative messenger. Owls generally have one ear larger than the other. An owl will swallow its meal whole, usually head first. There are well more than one hundred species of owls. Owls cannot move their eyes, so this is why it turns its entire head.
Medicine;
Owl medicine is associated with clairvoyance, vision and hearing. Owl medicine implies one is able to uncover what others are trying to hide. The medicine of owls may also indicate it is time for a good neck massage. Some people belief the medicine of the owl allows you to see into the soul of another. When an owl shows up it indicates one needs to keep quiet, and say nothing. Never use owl feathers unless you are trained in doing so. The medicine of the owl is used to connect to spirits who have crossed over. The medicine of the owl tells us to learn to use our voice for a new purpose. It tells us to be courageous and playful. It implies it is a time of passion and inspiration. The medicine of the owl is about timing and skill. The medicine of the owl says the ancient ones are with you. Owls are the carrier of dreams. They teach us to use our intuition! The medicine of the owl speaks of magic and feminine attributes. The owl tells me you are staying awake at night. It tells me you sense troubles. Owls indicate one part of your life dies away, leaving you to heal and to gain greater wisdom.
Owls are the keepers of darkness! This is a bird of wisdom and healing. To some it is a bad omen. To the Ojibway, the owl means a death. It is believed that the owl can see the parts of your life you prefer to keep hidden. Owlets have a high death rate due to the fact they must leave the nest so soon after they are born. Owls live near ponds and creeks. It can find its prey with its sharp hearing before it ever sees it. Some owls will pretend to be injured by trailing their wing along the ground to lure the enemy away from its owlets or eggs. Most female owls are larger than the males, weighing one third heavier. The females also have longer claws. The males will battle each other in midair especially during the mating season. Owls can have a wingspan of sixty to sixty-five inches, or thirty seven to forty-one inches depending on the particular species. The male owls will hold up their wings in a v-shape while in their courtship flight. The tawny owl can be found in wooded areas and near cemeteries. Owls are known as the silent fliers. They have dual symbolism. Some see them as a positive messenger and others see them as a negative messenger. Owls generally have one ear larger than the other. An owl will swallow its meal whole, usually head first. There are well more than one hundred species of owls. Owls cannot move their eyes, so this is why it turns its entire head.
Medicine;
Owl medicine is associated with clairvoyance, vision and hearing. Owl medicine implies one is able to uncover what others are trying to hide. The medicine of owls may also indicate it is time for a good neck massage. Some people belief the medicine of the owl allows you to see into the soul of another. When an owl shows up it indicates one needs to keep quiet, and say nothing. Never use owl feathers unless you are trained in doing so. The medicine of the owl is used to connect to spirits who have crossed over. The medicine of the owl tells us to learn to use our voice for a new purpose. It tells us to be courageous and playful. It implies it is a time of passion and inspiration. The medicine of the owl is about timing and skill. The medicine of the owl says the ancient ones are with you. Owls are the carrier of dreams. They teach us to use our intuition! The medicine of the owl speaks of magic and feminine attributes. The owl tells me you are staying awake at night. It tells me you sense troubles. Owls indicate one part of your life dies away, leaving you to heal and to gain greater wisdom.
55. ~ Otter ~
These creatures are known to the Inuit as "amikuk." Otters bob up and down all day in the water like a cork. Sometimes it appears that the rougher the waters are the better the otter enjoys it. Otters have a full dark brown/black fur coat. Sea otters are the largest of the otter family. A mother otter will swim on her back carrying her baby stretched lengthwise on top of her, while securing the baby with her hands and arms. Otters are right at home in the water and when they wish to collect their meals they simply expel the air from their lungs to swim underwater. They are able to dive more than three hundred feet. The otter's lungs act like a balloon, so in order to dive she must release the air to hunt for her and her baby. Otters can weigh eight to eight-four pounds. Their head is rounded with tiny ears and white whiskers. Older otters can be seen with a silvery coloured head. The have a life span of approximately twenty years. They have the reputation of having the finest mammal fur. They are group oriented creatures. These groups are called rafts, as an otter spends a great deal of the time on its back to eat, sleep, and relax. Have you heard the expression the ties that bind? Well, the otter will tie and wrap their bodies so they don't drift away. It is also a perfect way for a momma otter to rock her pups to sleep. Otters have webbed feet. They are constantly grooming. Otters are playful and they love to slide around on their stomachs.
Medicine:
Otter medicine teaches us to balance work, play and rest. An otter reminds us to listen to our inner child. The otter teaches us we can get along with most people if we truly try. Otter medicine reminds us to spend one-on-one time with each of our children. Its medicine reminds us not to play favourites with family members. The otter teaches us to enjoy and make the most of each moment.
These creatures are known to the Inuit as "amikuk." Otters bob up and down all day in the water like a cork. Sometimes it appears that the rougher the waters are the better the otter enjoys it. Otters have a full dark brown/black fur coat. Sea otters are the largest of the otter family. A mother otter will swim on her back carrying her baby stretched lengthwise on top of her, while securing the baby with her hands and arms. Otters are right at home in the water and when they wish to collect their meals they simply expel the air from their lungs to swim underwater. They are able to dive more than three hundred feet. The otter's lungs act like a balloon, so in order to dive she must release the air to hunt for her and her baby. Otters can weigh eight to eight-four pounds. Their head is rounded with tiny ears and white whiskers. Older otters can be seen with a silvery coloured head. The have a life span of approximately twenty years. They have the reputation of having the finest mammal fur. They are group oriented creatures. These groups are called rafts, as an otter spends a great deal of the time on its back to eat, sleep, and relax. Have you heard the expression the ties that bind? Well, the otter will tie and wrap their bodies so they don't drift away. It is also a perfect way for a momma otter to rock her pups to sleep. Otters have webbed feet. They are constantly grooming. Otters are playful and they love to slide around on their stomachs.
Medicine:
Otter medicine teaches us to balance work, play and rest. An otter reminds us to listen to our inner child. The otter teaches us we can get along with most people if we truly try. Otter medicine reminds us to spend one-on-one time with each of our children. Its medicine reminds us not to play favourites with family members. The otter teaches us to enjoy and make the most of each moment.
54. ~ Oriole ~
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore oriole is one of my favourite birds. I used to add swizzle sticks to my tobacco bird (hummingbird) feeder. Then I would watch the momma and poppa take turns drinking. Orioles lay four to five eggs. They grow to be eight inches in length. The males are vibrant orange with black heads, wings, throats, and tail. The paler orange female has dark brown markings. The wings of the oriole have white streaking on them. They have a very sharp pointed bill. These orioles don't reuse their nest, but they do return to the ssame area each year to nest. They have a wingspan of nine to twelve inches 923- 30 cm). The egg of an oriole is the shape of a chicken egg. The eggs are off-white with tan scribble lines on them. Orioles love grape jelly. They also love raisins, orange pieces, suet, and several other fruits. They have a low "hew-li" sound. Orioles are sociable birds. During the mating season, the male will bow to his lady bird while raising his wings and spreading his tail.
Medicine:
Oriole medicine is very simple. It teaches us how to take turns and how to share. The oriole tells us we always have divine support and guidance around us. The oriole teaches us to show steady support to our partner. By doing so, we in return will learn how others also watch over us. The medicine of the oriole has another message. It reminds men to be gentlemen, and women to behave like ladies. Lastly, the oriole's message is to be polite and remember to use our manners.
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore oriole is one of my favourite birds. I used to add swizzle sticks to my tobacco bird (hummingbird) feeder. Then I would watch the momma and poppa take turns drinking. Orioles lay four to five eggs. They grow to be eight inches in length. The males are vibrant orange with black heads, wings, throats, and tail. The paler orange female has dark brown markings. The wings of the oriole have white streaking on them. They have a very sharp pointed bill. These orioles don't reuse their nest, but they do return to the ssame area each year to nest. They have a wingspan of nine to twelve inches 923- 30 cm). The egg of an oriole is the shape of a chicken egg. The eggs are off-white with tan scribble lines on them. Orioles love grape jelly. They also love raisins, orange pieces, suet, and several other fruits. They have a low "hew-li" sound. Orioles are sociable birds. During the mating season, the male will bow to his lady bird while raising his wings and spreading his tail.
Medicine:
Oriole medicine is very simple. It teaches us how to take turns and how to share. The oriole tells us we always have divine support and guidance around us. The oriole teaches us to show steady support to our partner. By doing so, we in return will learn how others also watch over us. The medicine of the oriole has another message. It reminds men to be gentlemen, and women to behave like ladies. Lastly, the oriole's message is to be polite and remember to use our manners.
53. ~ Opossum ~
Many people simply call it a possum. There are more than sixty species of the opossum. The females may have up to eighteen babies. They are cousins of the koala and the kangaroo. Mother opossums have a pouch outside of her abdomen. The opeing is a slit that is found lengthwise on her underbelly. If you discover a dead female be certain to look in her pouch for surviving babies, which live there until they reach two to three months of age. From three to five months old, the mommas' will carry the babies on her back. Possums are cute with their little black eyes, pointed noses of soft pink, and their grey-black fur coat. Howerver, when they are frightened they will hiss, growl, show their fifty little sharp teeth and then resort to playing dead if all else fails. Opossums can weigh between six and twelve pounds. They have a ten inch tail and a body length of up to sixteen inches. They resemble the house cat in size. They will live to be four or five years' old. A mother opossum has thirteen nipples. Possums don't dig holes. They do prefer to stay in one place for only two to three days. They are very slow walking creatures. Possums do 'not' jump, and they do 'not' hang by their tails. They have lived on Mother Earth as far back as the dinosaur. The Algonquin Indian name for this creature is 'apasum,' meaning white-face! Adult possums prefer to live on their own.
Medicine:
Opossum medicine teaches us to have a strategy. They teach us to be on the alert for someone trying to deceive us. Perhaps we are deceiving ourselves. Possum medicine say sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. The medicine of an opossum warns of being lured into a bad situation. The possum always asks us to look inside ourselves and bring out into the open anything we may be hiding or covering up. Opossum medicine teaches to watch for the number thirteen when this animal strolls into our life.
Many people simply call it a possum. There are more than sixty species of the opossum. The females may have up to eighteen babies. They are cousins of the koala and the kangaroo. Mother opossums have a pouch outside of her abdomen. The opeing is a slit that is found lengthwise on her underbelly. If you discover a dead female be certain to look in her pouch for surviving babies, which live there until they reach two to three months of age. From three to five months old, the mommas' will carry the babies on her back. Possums are cute with their little black eyes, pointed noses of soft pink, and their grey-black fur coat. Howerver, when they are frightened they will hiss, growl, show their fifty little sharp teeth and then resort to playing dead if all else fails. Opossums can weigh between six and twelve pounds. They have a ten inch tail and a body length of up to sixteen inches. They resemble the house cat in size. They will live to be four or five years' old. A mother opossum has thirteen nipples. Possums don't dig holes. They do prefer to stay in one place for only two to three days. They are very slow walking creatures. Possums do 'not' jump, and they do 'not' hang by their tails. They have lived on Mother Earth as far back as the dinosaur. The Algonquin Indian name for this creature is 'apasum,' meaning white-face! Adult possums prefer to live on their own.
Medicine:
Opossum medicine teaches us to have a strategy. They teach us to be on the alert for someone trying to deceive us. Perhaps we are deceiving ourselves. Possum medicine say sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. The medicine of an opossum warns of being lured into a bad situation. The possum always asks us to look inside ourselves and bring out into the open anything we may be hiding or covering up. Opossum medicine teaches to watch for the number thirteen when this animal strolls into our life.
52. ~ Mouse/Rat ~
The mouse and the rat are 'not' one in the same! Rats can cause fires by chewing on wires. They can spread bubonic plague. However, mice and rats are creatures of habit. They repeat the same path of travel. Mice and rats re-travel their routes constantly so they can observe the slightest change to their area. The rat is a much bigger rodent than the mouse. Rats have a longer, thicker tail. A mouse weighs one to two ounces. A rat can weigh up to a pound. Mice are five to eight inches in length. Rats can be ten to twelve inches in length. Both have long whiskers they use for sensing. They are nocturnal animals. Mice nibble their food. Mice droppings can cause salmonella poisoning. Rats live to be twelve to eighteen months old. Rats live in packs of up to sixty or more. Mice and rats are highly adaptable. Neither rats nor mice bite unless they are protecting their babies or themselves. They are very timid, and they are easily frightened. They both produce a litter of eight to twelve babies. 'Fancy' rats or mice are comparable to a pure breed of dogs. For some people these creatures seem to make great pets.
Medicine:
White rats give us the message of successfully overcoming difficult times. Two white rats mean someone will be there to see us through. Black rats mean bad luck. This medicine reminds us to retrace our steps, because there seems to be something we are missing or not seeing. Mouse medicine reminds us to be careful we don't overlook the smallest gestures extended to us. The mouse and the rat tell us not to be so timid, but on the other hand we should be cautious, but not overly cautious. The trick in their medicine is to find the right balance. Lastly, people with these totems are generally very quiet people who prefer to work behind the scenes. They enjoy involvement with things where the smallest details make huge differences.
The mouse and the rat are 'not' one in the same! Rats can cause fires by chewing on wires. They can spread bubonic plague. However, mice and rats are creatures of habit. They repeat the same path of travel. Mice and rats re-travel their routes constantly so they can observe the slightest change to their area. The rat is a much bigger rodent than the mouse. Rats have a longer, thicker tail. A mouse weighs one to two ounces. A rat can weigh up to a pound. Mice are five to eight inches in length. Rats can be ten to twelve inches in length. Both have long whiskers they use for sensing. They are nocturnal animals. Mice nibble their food. Mice droppings can cause salmonella poisoning. Rats live to be twelve to eighteen months old. Rats live in packs of up to sixty or more. Mice and rats are highly adaptable. Neither rats nor mice bite unless they are protecting their babies or themselves. They are very timid, and they are easily frightened. They both produce a litter of eight to twelve babies. 'Fancy' rats or mice are comparable to a pure breed of dogs. For some people these creatures seem to make great pets.
Medicine:
White rats give us the message of successfully overcoming difficult times. Two white rats mean someone will be there to see us through. Black rats mean bad luck. This medicine reminds us to retrace our steps, because there seems to be something we are missing or not seeing. Mouse medicine reminds us to be careful we don't overlook the smallest gestures extended to us. The mouse and the rat tell us not to be so timid, but on the other hand we should be cautious, but not overly cautious. The trick in their medicine is to find the right balance. Lastly, people with these totems are generally very quiet people who prefer to work behind the scenes. They enjoy involvement with things where the smallest details make huge differences.
51. ~ Moose ~
The moose can live to be twelve or more years' old. They are the largest animals in the deer family. It has a hump of muscle on its back. A moose is an extremely powerful swimmer. They are dark brown in colour. The bell-shaped thing under their neck is properly called a dewlap. The male bulls have especially large, long heads. A bull moose can weigh more than eighteen hundred pounds. The females are called cows. The babies are called calves. Calves are initially born with a light-coloured coat. A moose is about equal in size to a horse. Bulls grow a new rack of antlers each year. These antlers grow to be large, flat, branched objects. A moose is active during the day time. They can run thirty-five mph (55 km/h), and swim six mph (10 km/h). The moose can be extremely dangerous especially when protecting their babies. If you see a moose with the hairs standing up on its hump, its ears laid back, licking its lips, and walking slowly toward you; back off immediately - it isn't approaching you because it wants to make friends. Immediately seek protection behind a solid object such as a tree, a car, anything that will put a barrier between you and it!
Medicine:
Moose medicine teaches us not get hung up on our surroundings. They teach us not to worry about how others might see us. They teach us we are bigger than this, and we are quite capable of taking care of our own. Moose medicine teaches us to remember this message and always carry this medicine in our heart. Moose medicine reminds us to be sincere and avoid getting a big head. The medicine of the moose suggests that you generally mind your own business, but when others provoke you, you will be a force to be reckoned with.
The moose can live to be twelve or more years' old. They are the largest animals in the deer family. It has a hump of muscle on its back. A moose is an extremely powerful swimmer. They are dark brown in colour. The bell-shaped thing under their neck is properly called a dewlap. The male bulls have especially large, long heads. A bull moose can weigh more than eighteen hundred pounds. The females are called cows. The babies are called calves. Calves are initially born with a light-coloured coat. A moose is about equal in size to a horse. Bulls grow a new rack of antlers each year. These antlers grow to be large, flat, branched objects. A moose is active during the day time. They can run thirty-five mph (55 km/h), and swim six mph (10 km/h). The moose can be extremely dangerous especially when protecting their babies. If you see a moose with the hairs standing up on its hump, its ears laid back, licking its lips, and walking slowly toward you; back off immediately - it isn't approaching you because it wants to make friends. Immediately seek protection behind a solid object such as a tree, a car, anything that will put a barrier between you and it!
Medicine:
Moose medicine teaches us not get hung up on our surroundings. They teach us not to worry about how others might see us. They teach us we are bigger than this, and we are quite capable of taking care of our own. Moose medicine teaches us to remember this message and always carry this medicine in our heart. Moose medicine reminds us to be sincere and avoid getting a big head. The medicine of the moose suggests that you generally mind your own business, but when others provoke you, you will be a force to be reckoned with.
50. ~ Mockingbird ~
"Mimic of tongues" is what the mockingbird means in Latin! This bird has thirty-nine songs and up to fifty different calls. It is nine to twelve inches in length. They like to 'flash' their wingspan of fourteen inches. They tend to jerk their wings open intermittently. The mockingbird has a thin bill and is greyish-white in colour. Their underwing area is snow white. Both the male and the females are beautiful singers. Both genders look alike. They eat berries, seeds, ants, grasshoppers and beetles. The have been know to mimic sirens, dogs, and other noises. Usually the female lays four eggs about twice a year. Mockingbirds will sing all night long, and they especially love to sing under the light of grandmother moon. Mockingbirds as well as the roadrunner bird will actually attack their own reflection. Many people have witnessed this action on the windshield of their vehicle. Magpies will not hesitate to attack anyone or anything that sticks its nose too close to their nest. A female mockingbird chooses her mate for his singing qualifications. Harper Lee wrote the classic story many of us have read or at least heard the title of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Nelle Harper Lee, was born on April 28, 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. She had her book published in 1960, and since that time it has never been out of print. (What a wonderful accomplishment for any author to have). Her book, like the bird has been its own form of mimic, because it has been publish in ten different languages, and has sold more than thirty million copies. Harper Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Pulitzer Prize! Although they did know each other, Truman Capote never wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird!" It is reported that people have written, "there are two books we should all read before we die, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Bible!"
Medicine:
Mockingbird medicine teaches to be careful how we mimic other people. This bird brings the medicine of singing. The mockingbird tell us to sing no matter how our voice sounds. The mockingbird teaches that even a plain-looking person can be carrying a truly gifted voice. This bird reminds us 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' People with the mockingbird as their totem are constantly singing, day or night. These same people may be singing while they are doing something else and be completely oblivious to it, until someone happens to ask them, "what are you singing?" People with mockingbird medicine are gifted with the love of singing.
"Mimic of tongues" is what the mockingbird means in Latin! This bird has thirty-nine songs and up to fifty different calls. It is nine to twelve inches in length. They like to 'flash' their wingspan of fourteen inches. They tend to jerk their wings open intermittently. The mockingbird has a thin bill and is greyish-white in colour. Their underwing area is snow white. Both the male and the females are beautiful singers. Both genders look alike. They eat berries, seeds, ants, grasshoppers and beetles. The have been know to mimic sirens, dogs, and other noises. Usually the female lays four eggs about twice a year. Mockingbirds will sing all night long, and they especially love to sing under the light of grandmother moon. Mockingbirds as well as the roadrunner bird will actually attack their own reflection. Many people have witnessed this action on the windshield of their vehicle. Magpies will not hesitate to attack anyone or anything that sticks its nose too close to their nest. A female mockingbird chooses her mate for his singing qualifications. Harper Lee wrote the classic story many of us have read or at least heard the title of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Nelle Harper Lee, was born on April 28, 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. She had her book published in 1960, and since that time it has never been out of print. (What a wonderful accomplishment for any author to have). Her book, like the bird has been its own form of mimic, because it has been publish in ten different languages, and has sold more than thirty million copies. Harper Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Pulitzer Prize! Although they did know each other, Truman Capote never wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird!" It is reported that people have written, "there are two books we should all read before we die, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Bible!"
Medicine:
Mockingbird medicine teaches to be careful how we mimic other people. This bird brings the medicine of singing. The mockingbird tell us to sing no matter how our voice sounds. The mockingbird teaches that even a plain-looking person can be carrying a truly gifted voice. This bird reminds us 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' People with the mockingbird as their totem are constantly singing, day or night. These same people may be singing while they are doing something else and be completely oblivious to it, until someone happens to ask them, "what are you singing?" People with mockingbird medicine are gifted with the love of singing.
49. ~ Magpie ~
There are fifteen or sixteen species of magpies. They are members of the crow/jay family. Here I will speak on the black and white Holartice species. They are noisy and full of mischief. People believe they call "mag, mag, mag," and "pie, pie, pie." A parliament is the name of a group of magpies - interesting! Magpies mainly eat small insects, worms and slugs. They hunt during the day and night. They are a mid-sized bird, and easy to identify. They can be trained to mimic a human voice. They will ride on the backs of sheep and cattle while consuming the ticks they find. These birds are solid black with a white belly. Their winspan is twenty-four inches (60 cm). Their body length is up to twenty-four inches. Both the male and the female look alike. They are also known to some as the black-billed magpie. They live to be four to six years' old. Their nest is domed shaped with more than one entrance. They sleep with their bill tucked under their back feathers. Magpies will steal odd shining objects, such as a ring!
Medicine:
Magpie medicine reminds us that the 'true' path is a spiritual path and it is not one of material accumulation. It teaches we may come up with many reasons why we want something, but in reality we don't actually need it. The medicine of the magpie teaches that in the not so far future one is going to experience a profound spiritual awakening. Once this happens, you will no longer be concerned about your materialistic life style. You will be freed from it, and you will learn that in time you will not miss it. After this awakening takes place, one does not revert back to their old ways and belief system. (On a personal note, my mother has a Royal Doulton figurine in a solid creme colour. It is of an Indian maiden pleading with a magpie to return her gold ring. There is a legend/story that details this. However, as of yet, I have been unable to track it down. If any of you the readers know this legend, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks).
There are fifteen or sixteen species of magpies. They are members of the crow/jay family. Here I will speak on the black and white Holartice species. They are noisy and full of mischief. People believe they call "mag, mag, mag," and "pie, pie, pie." A parliament is the name of a group of magpies - interesting! Magpies mainly eat small insects, worms and slugs. They hunt during the day and night. They are a mid-sized bird, and easy to identify. They can be trained to mimic a human voice. They will ride on the backs of sheep and cattle while consuming the ticks they find. These birds are solid black with a white belly. Their winspan is twenty-four inches (60 cm). Their body length is up to twenty-four inches. Both the male and the female look alike. They are also known to some as the black-billed magpie. They live to be four to six years' old. Their nest is domed shaped with more than one entrance. They sleep with their bill tucked under their back feathers. Magpies will steal odd shining objects, such as a ring!
Medicine:
Magpie medicine reminds us that the 'true' path is a spiritual path and it is not one of material accumulation. It teaches we may come up with many reasons why we want something, but in reality we don't actually need it. The medicine of the magpie teaches that in the not so far future one is going to experience a profound spiritual awakening. Once this happens, you will no longer be concerned about your materialistic life style. You will be freed from it, and you will learn that in time you will not miss it. After this awakening takes place, one does not revert back to their old ways and belief system. (On a personal note, my mother has a Royal Doulton figurine in a solid creme colour. It is of an Indian maiden pleading with a magpie to return her gold ring. There is a legend/story that details this. However, as of yet, I have been unable to track it down. If any of you the readers know this legend, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Many thanks).
48. ~ Lynx ~
Canadian lynx love to eat show-shoe hares! They are known widely as the cats with the black tufted ears. Their fur is generally considered beautiful. The lynx has a wide face. Humans, coyote, wolves and cougars are their greatest enemies. It has a bobbed tail and long ears. They live to be about fifteen years old. They prefer to hunt alone at night. The lynx has large feet which come in handy in the cold climate, serving them like snowshoes. A lynx's shoe size is greater than a cougar's. They weigh about fifty pounds (28 kg). The lynxes by nature are curious cats. They prefer to dwell in mountainous, forested areas. Canadian lynxes are the second largest of four. Please note, a bobcat and a lynx are 'not' the same cats and they have many differences. The lynx is unfortunately on the long list of endangered animals. They are yellowish brown to grey and buff in colouring. The females birth two to three kittens per year. The lynx has a low growl, and a high yowl. Iberian lynxes are the most endangered cat species in the world. So sad!
Medicine:
Lynx medicine teaches us when to keep a low profile. Lynx medicine teaches us to be satisfied with what we have. Lynx medicine reminds us to be sure-footed in our dealings. The lynx tell us it's time to accomplish things on our own. Those with this totem, work well in night occupations where they can operate solo. The lynx tells us to stay out of the limelight and quietly climb to higher levels by working behind the scenes. Lynx medicine teaches us to have a strong belief in ourselves.
Canadian lynx love to eat show-shoe hares! They are known widely as the cats with the black tufted ears. Their fur is generally considered beautiful. The lynx has a wide face. Humans, coyote, wolves and cougars are their greatest enemies. It has a bobbed tail and long ears. They live to be about fifteen years old. They prefer to hunt alone at night. The lynx has large feet which come in handy in the cold climate, serving them like snowshoes. A lynx's shoe size is greater than a cougar's. They weigh about fifty pounds (28 kg). The lynxes by nature are curious cats. They prefer to dwell in mountainous, forested areas. Canadian lynxes are the second largest of four. Please note, a bobcat and a lynx are 'not' the same cats and they have many differences. The lynx is unfortunately on the long list of endangered animals. They are yellowish brown to grey and buff in colouring. The females birth two to three kittens per year. The lynx has a low growl, and a high yowl. Iberian lynxes are the most endangered cat species in the world. So sad!
Medicine:
Lynx medicine teaches us when to keep a low profile. Lynx medicine teaches us to be satisfied with what we have. Lynx medicine reminds us to be sure-footed in our dealings. The lynx tell us it's time to accomplish things on our own. Those with this totem, work well in night occupations where they can operate solo. The lynx tells us to stay out of the limelight and quietly climb to higher levels by working behind the scenes. Lynx medicine teaches us to have a strong belief in ourselves.
47. ~ Loon ~
The Ojibway believed the haunting call of the loon meant death. The Ojibway, call the loon "mang," the most handsome of birds. They have five species. Another name for the loon is "spirit of the wilderness." Loons are expert divers. Therefore, the diver is also another name they don. When loons land, they land on their chest area and slide to a stop. Their webbed feet are set far back on their body. This gives them strong thrusting ability, but it doesn't make them very smooth walkers. When a loon gets ready to take flight, they run along the water's surface where they can gain more speed than on land. The average loon weighs ten to twelve pounds. Their wingspan is four feet. The loon can fly seventy to eighty miles per hour. They mate for life and have a life span of thirty or more years. Loons are 'not' ducks. They are a whole different family of birds. They are close-cousin of the penquin family. There are the common loon, the red-throated, the yellow-billed, the arctic, and the pacific. Their winter coat is dark grey with white spotting. The summer coat of the common loon is clssic black and white. Their head is solid black. Their underwings and stomach are white. They have a white band below their neck and a beautiful checkered back. The babies ride and rest on the mother's back. Their four calls are the hoot, tremolos, the wail, and the yodel. In flight, the loon assumes a humped back position. They sleep away from land for safety reasons. Loons have an eerie, but beautiful voice. While communicating, if a loon doesn't understand something it will point its bull upward and swivel its head.
Medicine:
Loon medicine reminds us to think of our ancestors and all of our loved ones who have crossed over. By you answering the cry of the loon, you are paying your respects and showing honour to those who are no longer among us in this world.
The Ojibway believed the haunting call of the loon meant death. The Ojibway, call the loon "mang," the most handsome of birds. They have five species. Another name for the loon is "spirit of the wilderness." Loons are expert divers. Therefore, the diver is also another name they don. When loons land, they land on their chest area and slide to a stop. Their webbed feet are set far back on their body. This gives them strong thrusting ability, but it doesn't make them very smooth walkers. When a loon gets ready to take flight, they run along the water's surface where they can gain more speed than on land. The average loon weighs ten to twelve pounds. Their wingspan is four feet. The loon can fly seventy to eighty miles per hour. They mate for life and have a life span of thirty or more years. Loons are 'not' ducks. They are a whole different family of birds. They are close-cousin of the penquin family. There are the common loon, the red-throated, the yellow-billed, the arctic, and the pacific. Their winter coat is dark grey with white spotting. The summer coat of the common loon is clssic black and white. Their head is solid black. Their underwings and stomach are white. They have a white band below their neck and a beautiful checkered back. The babies ride and rest on the mother's back. Their four calls are the hoot, tremolos, the wail, and the yodel. In flight, the loon assumes a humped back position. They sleep away from land for safety reasons. Loons have an eerie, but beautiful voice. While communicating, if a loon doesn't understand something it will point its bull upward and swivel its head.
Medicine:
Loon medicine reminds us to think of our ancestors and all of our loved ones who have crossed over. By you answering the cry of the loon, you are paying your respects and showing honour to those who are no longer among us in this world.
46. ~ Lizard ~
Lizards and snakes strongly prefer to avoid human contact whenever possible. There are more than four thousand species of lizards. They live on land and some live in the water. They are able to detach their tails if necessary and they are quite capable of growing a replacement. They are sun worshipers! These creatures are extremely fast on four legs. Their tails are long and often used as a weapon of defense. Some species have spines or ruffs, particularly around the neck area. Lizards come equipped with acute hearing. They are geniuses at camouflage. These reptiles are cold-blooded creatures capable of feeling the vibrations of Mother Earth.
Medicine:
Lizard medicine teaches us to silently gain a new perspective. They teach us to use our intuition and psychic sense to alert us of our surroundings. The lizard tells us its it time to let go of something or someone. This medicine reminds us to pay sharp attention to our dreams and visions. Lizard medicine tells us to become adaptable and move quickly, and not be afraid of leaving attachments behind. Lizard medicine asks, what are you daydreaming about? It teaches us to be quiet and restful while searching for answers. Some Native Americans strongly associate the lizard with the dream time. The medicine of the lizard says to heed you own inner stirrings and do not allow yourself to be swayed by the thinking of others. Lizard medicine says your sensitivity is running high, so it reminds us to make objective observations. Lizard medicine may be asking many questions. Are you asleep in your life? Are you trying to wish awkward situations away? Are you being subtle in your perception of others? Do you need to read between the lines? Are you getting enough sunlight and vitamin D for your body? Mostly, lizard medicine says to remember that being still doesn't mean you aren't doing anything productive! Lastly, lizard medicine may be bringing you a regenerative message.
Lizards and snakes strongly prefer to avoid human contact whenever possible. There are more than four thousand species of lizards. They live on land and some live in the water. They are able to detach their tails if necessary and they are quite capable of growing a replacement. They are sun worshipers! These creatures are extremely fast on four legs. Their tails are long and often used as a weapon of defense. Some species have spines or ruffs, particularly around the neck area. Lizards come equipped with acute hearing. They are geniuses at camouflage. These reptiles are cold-blooded creatures capable of feeling the vibrations of Mother Earth.
Medicine:
Lizard medicine teaches us to silently gain a new perspective. They teach us to use our intuition and psychic sense to alert us of our surroundings. The lizard tells us its it time to let go of something or someone. This medicine reminds us to pay sharp attention to our dreams and visions. Lizard medicine tells us to become adaptable and move quickly, and not be afraid of leaving attachments behind. Lizard medicine asks, what are you daydreaming about? It teaches us to be quiet and restful while searching for answers. Some Native Americans strongly associate the lizard with the dream time. The medicine of the lizard says to heed you own inner stirrings and do not allow yourself to be swayed by the thinking of others. Lizard medicine says your sensitivity is running high, so it reminds us to make objective observations. Lizard medicine may be asking many questions. Are you asleep in your life? Are you trying to wish awkward situations away? Are you being subtle in your perception of others? Do you need to read between the lines? Are you getting enough sunlight and vitamin D for your body? Mostly, lizard medicine says to remember that being still doesn't mean you aren't doing anything productive! Lastly, lizard medicine may be bringing you a regenerative message.
45. ~ Kestrel ~
Once upon a time kestrels were called sparrow-hawks! They may have been called sparrow-hawks, but they are not hawks at all. The kestrel is the smallest of the falcon family. One of their favourite foods is the sparrow. The female has reddish wings and back. The male has a reddish back, a band of black at the tail, and bluish-grey wings. It is another beautiful bird. The males have a brighter blue head, and both genders have long white narrow patches on either side of their face. One each side of these patches are black stripes of equal length. The female has wings of rust colour. The kestrel has narrow wings and a long tail. The females have dark barring on their tail. They lay four to five eggs. Baby kestrels will poop on the walls of their nest by raising their tail. The females prefer to do their hunting out in open, perched upon fence posts and things. The male goes more for treed areas. The kestrel has a wingspan of twenty-four inches, and a body length of twelve inches. During mating season the female will take the company of up to three males, until she secures her preferred partner. Yet, the kestrel is not considered a particularly social bird.
Medicine:
Kestrel medicine teaches we can change our reputation if we are willing to try. The kestrel teaches us that patience brings wonderful changes. Kestrel medicine shows us that we need to be more observant and more attentive in our actions. The kestrel tells us to be vigilant in obtaining our goals. The beautiful kestrel teaches us to stay focused when and where it truly counts. Kestrel medicine shows us that sometimes we are just meant to sit tight, waiting for the perfect moment to present itself to us.
Once upon a time kestrels were called sparrow-hawks! They may have been called sparrow-hawks, but they are not hawks at all. The kestrel is the smallest of the falcon family. One of their favourite foods is the sparrow. The female has reddish wings and back. The male has a reddish back, a band of black at the tail, and bluish-grey wings. It is another beautiful bird. The males have a brighter blue head, and both genders have long white narrow patches on either side of their face. One each side of these patches are black stripes of equal length. The female has wings of rust colour. The kestrel has narrow wings and a long tail. The females have dark barring on their tail. They lay four to five eggs. Baby kestrels will poop on the walls of their nest by raising their tail. The females prefer to do their hunting out in open, perched upon fence posts and things. The male goes more for treed areas. The kestrel has a wingspan of twenty-four inches, and a body length of twelve inches. During mating season the female will take the company of up to three males, until she secures her preferred partner. Yet, the kestrel is not considered a particularly social bird.
Medicine:
Kestrel medicine teaches we can change our reputation if we are willing to try. The kestrel teaches us that patience brings wonderful changes. Kestrel medicine shows us that we need to be more observant and more attentive in our actions. The kestrel tells us to be vigilant in obtaining our goals. The beautiful kestrel teaches us to stay focused when and where it truly counts. Kestrel medicine shows us that sometimes we are just meant to sit tight, waiting for the perfect moment to present itself to us.
44. ~ Hummingbird ~
To the Indians of Turtle Island (North America) the hummingbird is known as the 'tobacco bird' or 'medicine bird.' Tobacco is one of the four sacred medicines used by most nations/tribes. This bird received its name because it is instrumental in the pollenation of the tobacco plant - hence the nickname of the 'tobacco bird.' This bird has extraordinary flying abilities. The tobacco bird has fewer feathers than any other bird. Each type of hummingbird has its own song. The breeding season is between March and July. There are more than three hundred species. These creatures can flap their wings at ninety beats per second. This motion produces a humming sound. Tobacco birds are truly professional hovers, and no other bird flies backwards. They have amazing endurance and fantastic speeds. The male will court the female by flying back and forth in an arc pattern. These wee birds weigh a tenth of an ounce and have a five-inch wingspan. A large tocacco bird is only four inches in length. Their call is a series of high-pitched squeaks and whistle noises. This medicine bird is very compatible with humans. It wears beautiful iridescent rainbow wings. It is one of the smallest birds on Earth Mother. Their long bills and tongues assist them in extracting nectar from flowers. It is amazing to most bird lovers how huge the appetite is of these little winged ones. They can eat fifty to sixty meals per day. These are little knights in colourful armor. They are unafraid of their predators. Medicine birds have even been seen chasing eagles! Hummingbirds are master architects. It is the female who constructs their very tiny nest. They will use the silk from spider webs to help construct their nests. Tobacco birds are small miracles at work.
Medicine:
Hummingbirds symbolize joy, good luck, hard work, and the accomplishing of the impossible. Hummingbird medicine teaches us to be fiercely original and independent. The medicine bird teaches to use flowers, fragrance, colour and herbs to heal us. This little bird tells us to act like a warrior and to fight for our loved ones. The tobacco bird reminds us to create sheer joy and give thanks in our home. They remind us to notice the little miracles that happen around us each day. Hummingbirds tell us to seek plenty of undisturbed sleep. The medicine of the tobacco bird shows us it is time to move with great speed using every maneuver in the book. The medicine of the hummingbird is to hum! My grandmother taught me 'only honest people hum to themselves'.
To the Indians of Turtle Island (North America) the hummingbird is known as the 'tobacco bird' or 'medicine bird.' Tobacco is one of the four sacred medicines used by most nations/tribes. This bird received its name because it is instrumental in the pollenation of the tobacco plant - hence the nickname of the 'tobacco bird.' This bird has extraordinary flying abilities. The tobacco bird has fewer feathers than any other bird. Each type of hummingbird has its own song. The breeding season is between March and July. There are more than three hundred species. These creatures can flap their wings at ninety beats per second. This motion produces a humming sound. Tobacco birds are truly professional hovers, and no other bird flies backwards. They have amazing endurance and fantastic speeds. The male will court the female by flying back and forth in an arc pattern. These wee birds weigh a tenth of an ounce and have a five-inch wingspan. A large tocacco bird is only four inches in length. Their call is a series of high-pitched squeaks and whistle noises. This medicine bird is very compatible with humans. It wears beautiful iridescent rainbow wings. It is one of the smallest birds on Earth Mother. Their long bills and tongues assist them in extracting nectar from flowers. It is amazing to most bird lovers how huge the appetite is of these little winged ones. They can eat fifty to sixty meals per day. These are little knights in colourful armor. They are unafraid of their predators. Medicine birds have even been seen chasing eagles! Hummingbirds are master architects. It is the female who constructs their very tiny nest. They will use the silk from spider webs to help construct their nests. Tobacco birds are small miracles at work.
Medicine:
Hummingbirds symbolize joy, good luck, hard work, and the accomplishing of the impossible. Hummingbird medicine teaches us to be fiercely original and independent. The medicine bird teaches to use flowers, fragrance, colour and herbs to heal us. This little bird tells us to act like a warrior and to fight for our loved ones. The tobacco bird reminds us to create sheer joy and give thanks in our home. They remind us to notice the little miracles that happen around us each day. Hummingbirds tell us to seek plenty of undisturbed sleep. The medicine of the tobacco bird shows us it is time to move with great speed using every maneuver in the book. The medicine of the hummingbird is to hum! My grandmother taught me 'only honest people hum to themselves'.
43. ~ Horse ~
The Cheyenne thought that mustangs with spots on their heads and chests were sacred and would prefer them when going into battle. A horse can stand, relax its muscles and go to sleep. When it is really tired, a horse may lie down and rest on its belly or its side. Horses have a long mane and a long tail. Their average weight is nine hundred to eleven hundred pounds (400 - 500 kg). Horses have a pecking order in the herd. Horses which are kept in warm stalls and warm barns require less food, as do those who go outdoors wearing blankets. A male horse is called a stallion. A female is a mare. A young male is called a colt. Young females are fillies. A foal is a baby horse not weaned from its mother. Horse will birth one to two foals at a time. The males have forty teeth, and the females have thirty-six. They have protruding eyes on either side of their long, large head which allows for them to see directly straight behind them. Their eyes are the largest of all mammals. Horse are measured in hands. One hand equals about four inches (10 cm). They have incredible strength, endurance and speed. They have excellent night vision, as well as a long, and flexible neck. They can close and open their nostrils at will. Gelding is the castration of a male horse. All horses are born with acute hearing, smelling and a 'sixth' sense. Horse groups are known as herds. The curved hooves of a horse require regular maintenance. The grooming of a horse is the key to the bonding between a horse and its owner. This grooming should be done daily. All horses dislike being boxed into small, confined spaces. They require a lot of room to run and roam freely. Horses highly value open spaces.
Medicine:
Horse medicine teaches to not take trust for granted. It takes a great deal of time to trust and properly bond in relationships. In return we surrender ourselves slowly but surely to another while cautiously letting down our guard. Horse medicine teaches us the value of devotion and friendship. Horses remind us to speak softly and to fight to stay calm in tough times. Horse medicine teaches us to run far away from betrayal. The question of horse medicine is this, are you being easily spooked by someone or something? Horses teach us we must learn to become one with our partner, as it is with the horse and its rider. Lastly, the medicine of the horse teaches that we must not try to saddle our problems upon someone else.
The Cheyenne thought that mustangs with spots on their heads and chests were sacred and would prefer them when going into battle. A horse can stand, relax its muscles and go to sleep. When it is really tired, a horse may lie down and rest on its belly or its side. Horses have a long mane and a long tail. Their average weight is nine hundred to eleven hundred pounds (400 - 500 kg). Horses have a pecking order in the herd. Horses which are kept in warm stalls and warm barns require less food, as do those who go outdoors wearing blankets. A male horse is called a stallion. A female is a mare. A young male is called a colt. Young females are fillies. A foal is a baby horse not weaned from its mother. Horse will birth one to two foals at a time. The males have forty teeth, and the females have thirty-six. They have protruding eyes on either side of their long, large head which allows for them to see directly straight behind them. Their eyes are the largest of all mammals. Horse are measured in hands. One hand equals about four inches (10 cm). They have incredible strength, endurance and speed. They have excellent night vision, as well as a long, and flexible neck. They can close and open their nostrils at will. Gelding is the castration of a male horse. All horses are born with acute hearing, smelling and a 'sixth' sense. Horse groups are known as herds. The curved hooves of a horse require regular maintenance. The grooming of a horse is the key to the bonding between a horse and its owner. This grooming should be done daily. All horses dislike being boxed into small, confined spaces. They require a lot of room to run and roam freely. Horses highly value open spaces.
Medicine:
Horse medicine teaches to not take trust for granted. It takes a great deal of time to trust and properly bond in relationships. In return we surrender ourselves slowly but surely to another while cautiously letting down our guard. Horse medicine teaches us the value of devotion and friendship. Horses remind us to speak softly and to fight to stay calm in tough times. Horse medicine teaches us to run far away from betrayal. The question of horse medicine is this, are you being easily spooked by someone or something? Horses teach us we must learn to become one with our partner, as it is with the horse and its rider. Lastly, the medicine of the horse teaches that we must not try to saddle our problems upon someone else.
42. ~ Heron ~
The great blue heron is a cousin to a bigger bird, the crane. It has a wonderful long neck and mingles well with the swan family. When it flies, a flat s-shape loop is the formation that appears because it folds its head back over its shoulder. It is also know as the 'great white heron.' They have long rounded wings. They live near water sources such as marshes, swamps, lakes, ponds, and seacoasts. They live to be fifteen to twenty years of age. The great blue is most active in the morning and at dusk. They are solitary birds and they prefer to hunt alone. The great blue heron has 'seven' different calls. There are also 'seven' different species of the heron. They eat fish, birds, snakes, frogs, crayfish, dragonflies, etc. Their enemies are raccoons, red-tailed hawks, bear, and sometimes eagles. The great blue will stand still while waiting for its dinner. They stand approximately four feet in height and they have a wingspan of about six feet. They like to nest high in the tree tops. Perhaps you have seen them resting on the crown of a cottonwood tree? To discourage an intruder invading their territory, they will throw up on them. The great blue is known to stand on one leg for long periods of time. Some conclude this is due to the design of the heron's brain allowing one half of its body to sleep, while the other half stays alert. Others believe they stand on one leg as a means of camouflage, but apparently no one truly understands why they do this!
Medicine:
Heron medicine teaches us the gift of emotional understanding. Their medicine reminds us to stick our neck out in personal issues, which we are passionate about. They teach us to be long in our patience. They tell us it is time to be still inside ourselves, until we regain our balance. Heron medicine reminds us to trust ourselves to be strong in self reliance and self determination. A great blue suggest we need approximately seven weeks to seven months to try and solve things on our own. The great blueteaches that although we may not appear to be in control of our personal affairs, we really are. It is just that we have our own unique way of handling things. The heron asks us to remember that only we know what is truly best for our own life. The heron teaches us to silently take assertive action. The medicine of the great blue heron indicates one is trying to make peace with a great 'blue' mystery in our life.
The great blue heron is a cousin to a bigger bird, the crane. It has a wonderful long neck and mingles well with the swan family. When it flies, a flat s-shape loop is the formation that appears because it folds its head back over its shoulder. It is also know as the 'great white heron.' They have long rounded wings. They live near water sources such as marshes, swamps, lakes, ponds, and seacoasts. They live to be fifteen to twenty years of age. The great blue is most active in the morning and at dusk. They are solitary birds and they prefer to hunt alone. The great blue heron has 'seven' different calls. There are also 'seven' different species of the heron. They eat fish, birds, snakes, frogs, crayfish, dragonflies, etc. Their enemies are raccoons, red-tailed hawks, bear, and sometimes eagles. The great blue will stand still while waiting for its dinner. They stand approximately four feet in height and they have a wingspan of about six feet. They like to nest high in the tree tops. Perhaps you have seen them resting on the crown of a cottonwood tree? To discourage an intruder invading their territory, they will throw up on them. The great blue is known to stand on one leg for long periods of time. Some conclude this is due to the design of the heron's brain allowing one half of its body to sleep, while the other half stays alert. Others believe they stand on one leg as a means of camouflage, but apparently no one truly understands why they do this!
Medicine:
Heron medicine teaches us the gift of emotional understanding. Their medicine reminds us to stick our neck out in personal issues, which we are passionate about. They teach us to be long in our patience. They tell us it is time to be still inside ourselves, until we regain our balance. Heron medicine reminds us to trust ourselves to be strong in self reliance and self determination. A great blue suggest we need approximately seven weeks to seven months to try and solve things on our own. The great blueteaches that although we may not appear to be in control of our personal affairs, we really are. It is just that we have our own unique way of handling things. The heron asks us to remember that only we know what is truly best for our own life. The heron teaches us to silently take assertive action. The medicine of the great blue heron indicates one is trying to make peace with a great 'blue' mystery in our life.
41. ~ Hawk ~
The red-tailed hawk is a magnificent bird, with a strong, hooked beak. It has large curved claws, rounded wings, and a long reddish fan of tail feathers. It has a raspy cry , and an eerie scream. Many of the movies we watch use the call of the red-tailed hawk when they film an eagle. This particular hawk is one and a half to two feet in length. Their wingspan is approximately four or more feet. They have a darkish band across the stomach area, and a contrasting white chest. The females are generally bigger in size. This beauty weighs one and a half to three or more pounds (45 - 65 cm). The females are two to four or more pounds. While in flight, a red-tailed hawk seldom flaps its wings. To witness them soaring the sky is an awesome experience. This bird can fly up to one hundred and twenty miles per hour (190 km/h). While walking upon the ground its movements are awkward and very slow. They are generally nonaggressive creatures. During their amazing aerial performances the red-tailed hawk mates with its partner. The females lay a clutch of one to three eggs around the month of April. To Native Americans this bird is 'sacred' as well as its red tail feathers. These feathers are protected under the Eagle Feather Law.
Medicine:
To the Ojibway (Chippewa) and other nations the red-tailed hawk is a "heavenly messenger!" Hawk medicine tells us to check our telephone, our email, and our mailbox for important messages. You should also pay close attention to what a friend or stranger has to say to you. Within their communication you will often find an answer or acquire wisdom you've been seeking. Hawk medicine teaches that we don't have to be great in all areas of our life, but we should identify our greatest talent and then strive to hone and perfect it, until it soars.
The red-tailed hawk is a magnificent bird, with a strong, hooked beak. It has large curved claws, rounded wings, and a long reddish fan of tail feathers. It has a raspy cry , and an eerie scream. Many of the movies we watch use the call of the red-tailed hawk when they film an eagle. This particular hawk is one and a half to two feet in length. Their wingspan is approximately four or more feet. They have a darkish band across the stomach area, and a contrasting white chest. The females are generally bigger in size. This beauty weighs one and a half to three or more pounds (45 - 65 cm). The females are two to four or more pounds. While in flight, a red-tailed hawk seldom flaps its wings. To witness them soaring the sky is an awesome experience. This bird can fly up to one hundred and twenty miles per hour (190 km/h). While walking upon the ground its movements are awkward and very slow. They are generally nonaggressive creatures. During their amazing aerial performances the red-tailed hawk mates with its partner. The females lay a clutch of one to three eggs around the month of April. To Native Americans this bird is 'sacred' as well as its red tail feathers. These feathers are protected under the Eagle Feather Law.
Medicine:
To the Ojibway (Chippewa) and other nations the red-tailed hawk is a "heavenly messenger!" Hawk medicine tells us to check our telephone, our email, and our mailbox for important messages. You should also pay close attention to what a friend or stranger has to say to you. Within their communication you will often find an answer or acquire wisdom you've been seeking. Hawk medicine teaches that we don't have to be great in all areas of our life, but we should identify our greatest talent and then strive to hone and perfect it, until it soars.
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