Tarot for the 21st Century!
Totem Animals
This page will be devoted to discussions and information regarding our animal totems--what they are, how they are, how we recognize them, what they mean to us, and together we will study and share our information.
I will begin with my two favorite books on this subject. The first, which I consider to be my bible, is Animal Speak, by Ted Andrews. I refer to this book whenever a bird, animal, insect, or any other living creature crosses my path in some way. That can be in person, in a dream, in a photograph---any time something catches your attention, there is a reason. Another book I use is Animal Spirit Guides, by Steven D. Farmer. If you want to understand your guides, these books are an important point of information.
I will start with the turkey vulture, or buzzard, as it is commonly known. This bird, in Greek mythology was a symbol of heaven and earth, spirit and matter, good and evil. Many see this as an ugly, gross bird that feeds upon the dead, but actually, the vulture cleans the earth. It disposes of what may be considered dangerous to our lives and health. This bird tells you that there may be a time coming when you will be noticed not by how you appear, but for what you can do. If a turkey vulture comes into your life, you may begin to see auras and colors around people and things. If you cannot, this bird may teach you how to see those colors.
Many times, when you look up into the sky and think you are watching a large hawk flying high overhead, it is actually a turkey vulture, searching for an area in life that needs to be cleaned. It has a powerful sense of smell, so if you see a buzzard, maybe something in your life doesn't smell quite right. It may also be telling you to watch what you are eating. The food you eat may have an effect on you emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally.
Regardless of it's appearance and eating habits, this bird keeps itself very clean. It cleanses the bacteria from it's feet by urinating on them. Every morning, it faces the sun and spreads it's wings to cleanse itself of any bacteria that may remain. It has no head feathers for this reason--to prevent bacteria from growing.
This may also be telling you to take care of your feet. If you are having problems, take the time to soak your feet. You may also need to be out in the sun more often, and to soak up some of the sun's rays. Having a sharp eyesight and sense of smell, this bird can also be telling you to be more aware of your surroundings and what is happening around you. Listen carefully for what you may not have heard. Watch for what you may not have noticed. Both may be essentual to your well being.
So, don't look at this vulture as a nasty, dirty, gross bird, but look at why it is hear on earth, and all the good it does. Study it's habits and reason for being into consideration to where it fits into your life. Learn from the message it is bringing into your life.
Comment
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Comment by Joanne Matthew on April 22, 2012 at 7:19am -
The Butterfly:
The butterfly represents transformation and shapeshifting. When butterfly shows up in your life, examine what stage you are in, what you need to become, and how to accomplish your transformation to reach your goal. To Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy, and color. Study the colors of the butterfly that has come into your life. Butterflies are also believed to be connected to the Faerie Realm. They appear to dance as they go from flower to flower. They remind us to dance, to experience a sense of joy, happiness, and sweetness in our lives. Butterflies have taste receptacles on their front legs and are able to taste the flowers as they walk upon them. Taste the sweetness in life. Get up and move. If you can move, you can dance. The butterfly comes to remind you to not take everything so seriously. Lighten up and enjoy life.
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Comment by Joanne Matthew on February 15, 2012 at 3:39pm
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Cardinal
When the bright red cardinal comes into your life, it may be flagging you down to let you know that someone needs your love and attention. The cardinal has many other meanings, as well. Perhaps you need more color in your life, or your home. It could be telling you to be more creative, or that you need to stand out in a crowd. It can also have religious implications, maybe a past life connection with the Catholic Church, or the priesthood, or reviving any traditional religious beliefs.
The loud, clear whistle might be telling you to listen carefully and pay attention to what you may not be hearing.
Cardinals eat weeds and seeds, and they could be telling you to carefully watch your diet and whether what you are eating is good or detrimental to your health. The cardinal is a 12 month resident and usually lays four eggs that hatch in 12 days. This might imply that you are entering a 12-month cycle in your life.
Cardinals are commonly seen, but do not assume that they are not sending you a message. If they seem to appear everywhere you go, and everywhere you look, whether in person, photos, or other ways, including dreams, pay attention to their color and habits, and learn from this beautiful, colorful bird.
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Comment by Joanne Matthew on January 31, 2012 at 5:54am
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Bobcat:
If the bobcat is your spirit guide, you are quiet, and tend to be a good listener. You need to learn to live alone, but not be lonely. Trust your instincts if things do not seem right to you. You are vigilant, alert, and relaxed, all at the same time. Your friends often share secrets with you. You usually know when to speak, and when to share, and should always be cautious of how much you share.
The sharp eyes of a bobcat lead them to be psychic, allowing you to see through the darkness and the unseen. Their tufted ears lead them to be clairaudient, allowing you to hear what is not being said. Their sensitive whiskers give them a form of psychometry, and allow you to hold an object against your face and be able to pick up impressions from that object. Sometimes all of this can make you overwhelmingly sensitive. When this is the case, it is better for you to retreat, but remember that you should not remain isolated for extended periods of time. Learn to see through the darkness, both literally, and metaphorically.
If the bobcat has shown up in your life, learn to trust your senses. Learn to recognize when something does not look or sound right. Perhaps you are being too solitary. Do you need to look for new opportunities? An excellent tarot card for bobcat meditation is the Hermit. Know when to be alone, and know when to be social.
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Comment by Joanne Matthew on January 19, 2012 at 8:50am
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The Dog As Your Power Animal:
Many of us have pets—mostly being cats and dogs. What does it mean if your power animal is a dog? Remember that power animals and animal spirit guides come and go throughout our lives, but if, at this point in your day or life, your power animal is a dog, it can mean several things. For one, you are very loyal to your friends, community, and work. You may often volunteer your service simply in the spirit of helping, and never looking for rewards. You love unconditionally, even when facing negativity or disappointment. When someone is in need, you respond quickly, always working hard for the benefit of others. This, in itself, is your reward.
There are times when you may be feeling lonely, tired, unchallenged, and want to give up. Call on your dog guides to give you the power of their knowledge and you will soon be thriving again.
© 2013 Created by Dax Carlisle.
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