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.
Monday, November 17, 2008
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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