Animal Totems

Porcupine - Wolf

Porcupine Medicine:
Innocence, Trust, Playfulness

Porcupine sat silently, looking at a hollow log.
She wondered if it was a playhouse that nature had created just for her.
Porcupine envisioned all the things she could do with the log.
She could climb on top and make the log roll from side to side.
She could go inside and see if there were any juicy worms for her dinner.
She could also scratch her back on the rough outer bark if she wanted to.
Just as Porcupine was pondering what to do next, she saw Bear approaching.
Bear was big and black and looking for honey.
“Oh, another playmate to share my log,” she thought.
“Hello, Bear,” she cooed. “Do you want to play and share my log with me?”
Gruff old Bear snorted, “Porcupine, don’t you know that I’m too old to play?
You’re in my way. I’m looking for honey. Go away!”
“Why Bear, you’re never too old to play,” she replied.
“If you forget what it was like to be a cub, you’ll always be as impatient
and gruff as you are now.”
Bear began to think about what Porcupine had said.
Maybe she was right. All the other creatures had run away from Bear in fright.
Even the other Bears had turned up their noses when he growled at them.
This little Porcupine certainly trusting him not to eat her.
She even offered to be his friend.
The old Bear looked at Porcupine and began to feel something move inside him.
He started to remember the games he had played as a cub.
Joy started to live in him again.
"Little Porcupine, you have reminded me that in becoming strong and
seeking answers, I got caught in trying to be an intellectual.
I became afraid of what others would think if I dropped my mask of gruffness.
I was afraid they wouldn't take me seriously anymore.
You have taught me that in being a fuddy-duddy,
I was causing others not to care for me. Thank you.
I'd love to play with this old log."
And so it was that Bear became childlike again and learned the
innocence of Porcupine.
If you were to observe Porcupine, you would immediately notice its quills.
These quills are used only when trust has been broken between Porcupine
and another creature.
Much like Otter, Porcupine is a gentle, loving creature, and nonaggressive.
When fear is not present, it is possible to feed a Porcupine by hand and
never get stuck by its quills.
Through understanding the basic nature of this animal,
you may come to understand your own need for trust and faith,
and for becoming like a child again.
In today’s society, this is a needed reminder to honor the wonder of life
and the appreciation of each new day as an adventure of discovery.

Rabbit Medicine:
Fear, Fertility

The Rabbit is associated with the goddess Hecate.
A long time ago, no one really knows how long ago it was, Rabbit was a brave
and fearless warrior.
Rabbit was befriended by Eye Walker, a witch.
The witch and Rabbit spent much time together sharing and talking.
The two were very close.
One day Eye Walker and Rabbit were walking along and they sat down on
the trail to rest.
Rabbit said, "I'm thirsty!' Eye Walker picked up a leaf, blew on it, and
then handed Rabbit a gourd of water.
Rabbit drank the water but didn't say anything.
Then Rabbit said, "I'm hungry."
Eye Walker picked up a stone and blew on it and changed it to a turnip.
She gave the turnip to Rabbit to eat.
Rabbit tasted it and then ate the turnip with relish.
But still Rabbit didn't say anything.
The two continued along the trail, which led into the moun­tains.
Near the top, Rabbit tripped and fell and rolled almost to the bottom.
Rabbit was in very sad condition when Eye Walker got to him.
She used a magic salve on Rabbit to heal his great pain and mend his
broken bones. Rabbit didn't say anything.
Several days later Eye Walker went searching for her friend.
She searched high and low but Rabbit was nowhere to be found.
Finally, Eye Walker gave up. She met Rabbit quite by accident one day.
"Rabbit, why are you hiding and avoiding me?" the witch asked.
"Because I am afraid of you. I am afraid of magic," answered Rabbit,
cowering. "Leave me alone!"
"I see," said Eye Walker. "I have used my magical powers on your behalf
and now you turn on me and refuse my friendship."
"I want nothing more to do with you or your powers, Rabbit countered.
Rabbit did not even see the tears his words were bringing to
Eye Walker's eyes.
"I hope we never meet andthat I never see you again," Rabbit continued.
"Rabbit," Eye Walker said, "We once were great friends and companions,
but no more.
It is within my power to destroy you, but because of the past and the
medicines we have shared together I will not do this.
But from this day forward I lay a curse on you and your tribe.
From now on, you will call your fears and your fears will come to you.
Be on your way, for the sweet medicines that bound us together as friends
are broken."
Now Rabbit is the Fear Caller.
He goes out and shouts, "Eagle, I am so afraid of you."
If Eagle doesn't hear him, Rabbit calls louder,
"Eagle, stay away from me!" Eagle, now hearing Rabbit, comes and eats him.
Rabbit calls bobcats, wolves, coyotes, and even snakes until they come.
As this story shows, Rabbit medicine people are so afraid of tragedy,
illness, disaster, and "being taken," that they call those very fears
to them to teach them lessons.
The keynote here is:
what you resist will persist! What you fear most is what you will become.

Raven Medicine:
Magick, Shapeshifting, Healing

Throughout time, Raven has carried the medicine of magic.
This has been true in many cultures across the planet.
It is sacred, in the medicine ways, to honor Raven as the bringer of magick.
If the magick is bad medicine,
the carrier may be honored out of fear rather than respect.
Those who fear Raven
may do so because they have been dabbling in areas which they had no knowledge,
and a spell may have backfired on them.
Rather than analysing the dark side of sorcery,
realize that you will fear Raven only if you need to learn
about your inner fears or self created demons. Raven magick is a powerful medicine that can give you
the courage to enter the darkness of the void,
which is the home of all that is not yet in form.
The void is called the Great Mystery.
Great Mystery existed before all things came into being.
Great Spirit lives inside the void and
emerged from the Great Mystery.
Raven is a messenger of the void. If Raven appears in your life,
you are about to experience a change in consciousness.
This may involve walking inside the Great Mystery
on another path at the edge of time.
It would portend a signal brought by Raven that says
"You have earned the right to see
and experience a little more of life's magick."
Raven's color is the color of the void,
the black hole in space that holds
all the energy of the creative force. In Native teachings the color black means many things,
but it does not mean evil.
Black can mean the seeking of answers, the void,
or the road of the spiritual or nonphysical.
The blue-black Raven contains an iridescence that
speaks of the magick of darkness,
and a changeability of form and shape that
brings an awakening in the process. Raven is the guardian of ceremonial magick
andin absentiahealing.
In any healing circle,
Raven is present.
Raven guides the magick of healing and
the change in consciousness that will bring about
a new state of wellness from the Void of Great Mystery
and the field of plenty. Raven is the messenger that carries all energy
flows of ceremonial magick between the ceremony itself
and the intended destination.
For instance,
if a ceremony is being performed to send energy to a disaster area
where people need courage and strength,
Raven would be the courier for that energy flow.
The intention could be to allow the people of the
devestated area to feel the concern and support of the
participants of the ceremony. If you have chosen Raven, magick is in the air.
Do not try to figure it out; you cannot.
It is the power of the unknown at work,
and something special is about to happen.
The deeper the mystery however,
is how you will respond to the sparkling synchronicity of this alchemical moment.
Will you recognize it and use it to further enhance your growth?
Can you accept it as a gift from the Great Spirit?
Or will you limit the power of the Great Mystery
by explaining it away? It may be time to call Raven as a courier to carry an intention,
some healing energy, a thought or a message.
Raven is the patron of smoke signals
or spirit messages represented by smoke.
So if you want to send a message to the Blue Road of Spirit,
or in order to contact the Ancients,
call Raven.
Or, who knows, the Ancients may be calling to you. Remember, this magick moment came from the void of darkness,
and the challenge is to bring it to light.
In doing so you will have honored the magician within.

Skunk Medicine:
Reputation, Respect

Skunk medicine! Go ahead and laugh.
This furry little animal has a reputation that contains
a great deal of power.
Due to its distinctive behavior, humans give this tiny,
smelly creature a wide berth. The key word here is respect.
Unlike other predatory animals, Skunk does not threaten your
life but threatens your senses.
You know this to be true if you have ever been in the
vicinity of its spray.
In observing the habit patterns of Skunk, it is easy to notice the
playfulness and nonchalance of its natural behavior.
The "I-dare-you" attitude of this four-legged creature commands you,
as the observer, to respect its space by mere reputation alone.
Skunk is teaching you that by walking your talk and by respecting yourself,
you will create a position of strength and honored reputation.
The carriage of your body relates to others what you believe about yourself.
There is no need to bully, aggravate, torment, or overpower other
beings when your sense of "self" is intact.
As with Skunk, the resonant field of energy around your body is
relayed through the senses.
Self-esteem permeates the body's energy, and is instantly recognized on
an extrasensory level by others.
Learn to assert, without ego, what you are. Respect follows.
Your self-respectful attitude will repel those who are not of like mind,
and yet will attract those who choose the same pathway.
As the odor of Skunk attracts others of its kind, it repels those who
will not respect its space.
Skunk medicine people have the ability to attract others, and they
are very charismatic.
At the same time, the other side of their natural power is to repel
those who seek to take energy from them without recycling the gifts
they have taken.
Skunk medicine people also know how to use the energy flows that
will attract a lover.
Some people call this sexual magic, as it is akin to the musk scent
that animals excrete to attract a mate.
It can be dangerous to leak sexual energy if you are not looking for a mate.
It puts you into a games condition that may feed your ego but not
how others feel about you.
If you are attracting others who have an interest in you,
you are in a sense saying, "'I'm available."
This can cause hard feelings when the truth comes out.
It also leaks energy that you could have used in a more constructive way.
In Skunk medicine, it is good to learn how to handle energy flows.
Modern psychologists call this body language.
In tribal teachings, this is your personal medicine which you are
showing to others. Use your medicine well, and know that you are
known by your reputation. How you use your energy will attract either
honor or disgrace. You may want to examine what energy you are putting out
that creates your present situation.

Snake Medicine:
Transmutation, New Beginnings, Creativity, Initiation

Many believe that Snake medicine people to be very rare.
In some cultures, to have Snake medicine means that the
initiate has probably been bitten numerous times by poisonous snakes
and survived.
The power of Snake medicine is creative.
It is being able to shed the old and create the new, just as the
snake sheds its old skin and emerges as a whole new creature.
As the snake crawls away, it leaves its old "life/skin" behind,
never looking back and thus creating a new beginning.
This medicine can serve as a powerful methaphor for those
wishing to break free.

Spider Medicine:
Web Weaver

Spider is the weaver connecting the knowledge of the past with
the possibilities of the future.
Notice that the shape of the body loosely resembles the sign for infinity.
Also notice that the center of the web is always small (you), and the
web ever expanding (your possibilities).
Spider cautions us not to get locked into the illusion that has made
you what you think you are.
Our behavior, and our belief systems, and our view of ourselves is locked
into an illusion of who we truly are that was created for us by others;
usually starting as a small child.
As we grow, our life becomes a reflection of those illusions, and
those of us who do not follow that pattern are "rebels" or "black sheep"
or other terms that imply non-conformity.
We are locked into that illusion because it has become our "comfort zone",
and it is our fears of the unknown and untested which keep us in that zone.
It is far easier to live in the hell we know, than to stick our mental
and emotional toes out into the world and chance discovering that there
is another way which may be better for us.
Spider is telling us that the possibilities for each of us is only limited
by our own view of ourselves.
Notice that the web constantly grows, outward, still connected to that
small center space.
It is always reaching, always expanding, never satisfied with the status quo.
When something of value get caught in the web,
it is taken back to that small center and utilized; never wasted.
It may be stored for later use, but it is never wasted.
The next time you come upon spider weaving its web, stop to really look.
Notice the beauty and symmetry and balance; the careful and intricate design.
Spider is telling you to have the courage to reach out and create your own
tomorrows; to break out of the illusion that has you locked in a time-step,
and discover who and what you truly are.

Squirrel Medicine:
The Gatherer, Organization,

Squirrel teaches you to plan ahead for the winter when the trees
are bare and the nuts have long since disappeared.
Squirrel medicine can come in many forms, as this furry creature is
very diverse in nature.
The erratic behavior of Squirrel has bested many a forlorn hunter,
and it thus stands to reason that there are benefits to being able to
circle a branch at lightning speed.
This erratic behavior of Squirrel can also get nerve-wracking if you are
dealing with persons who have Squirrel medicine.
Trying to calm them down enough to accomplish something may drive you nuts!
The gathering power of Squirrel medicine is a great gift.
It teaches you how to gather and store your energy for times of need.
It teaches you to reserve something for future use, whether it be a judgment,
an opinion, a savings account, candles, or extra food.
To put it in a nutshell, Squirrel is the Boy Scout of the animal kingdom,
always prepared.
In today's world of changing times and fortunes, it is the wise person
who prepares for the future.
Our prophesies have all spoken of the end of the millenium and the
changes to come.
Squirrel is a friendly medicine to have, in light of possible
future rainy days.
Its message is to be prepared, but not to go nuts with it.
Love yourself enough to gather the goods that will meet your needs in
times of scarcity, even if that time never comes.
Squirrel has another lesson which can aid you if you observe what is obvious,
and which can prepare you for anything.
It has to do with the safe place in which to put your gatherings.
This safe place is an untroubled heart and mind, and that which is
gathered to put in this place is wisdom and caring.
The energies gathered will set your mind and heart free,
so that you will know that all will be taken care of in its own time.
Apply this to your fears about the future and they will vanish.

Swan Medicine:
Grace, Beauty

Little Swan flew through the Dreamtime, looking for the future.
She rested for a moment in the coolness of the pond, looking for a
way to find the entry point to the future.
This was a moment of confusion for Swan, as she knew that she had
happened into the Dreamtime by accident.
This was her first flight alone and she was a bit concerned by
the Dreamtime landscape.
As Swan looked high above Sacred Mountain, she saw the biggest
swirling black hole she had ever seen.
Dragonfly came flying by, and Swan stopped him to ask about the black hole.
Dragonfly said, "Swan, that is the doorway to the other planes of
imagination. I have been guardian of the illusion for many, many moons.
If you want to enter there, you would have to ask permission and earn
the right."
Swan was not so sure that she wanted to enter the black hole.
She asked Dragonfly what was necessary for her to earn entry.
Dragonfly replied, "You must be willing to accept whatever the future
holds as it is presented, without trying to change Great Spirit's plan."
Swan looked at her ugly little duckling body and
then answered, "I will be happy to abide by Great Spirit's plan.
I won't fight the currents of the black hole.
I will surrender to the flow of the spiral and trust what I am shown."
Dragonfly was very happy with Swan's answer and began to spin the magic
to break the pond's illusion.
Suddenly, Swan was engulfed by a whirlpool in the center of the pond.
Swan reappeared many days later, but now she was graceful and white
and long-necked. Dragonfly was stunned!
"Swan, what happened to you!" he exclaimed.
Swan smiled and said, "Dragonfly, I learned to surrender my body to
the power of Great Spirit and was taken to where the future lives.
I saw many wonders high on Sacred Mountain and because of my faith
and my acceptance I have been changed.
I have learned to accept the state of grace."
Dragonfly was very happy for Swan.
Swan told Dragonfly many of the wonders beyond the illusion.
Through her healing and her acceptance of the state of grace,
she was given the right to enter the Dreamtime.
So it is that we learn to surrender to the grace of the rhythm
of the universe, and slip from our physical bodies into the Dreamtime.
Swan medicine teaches us to be at one with all planes of consciousness,
and to trust in Great Spirit's protection.

Turkey Medicine:
Give-Away, Gratitude

Turkey is known by the Native Americans as the Give-Away Eagle.
Those with Turkey medicine have truly risen above the ego, and are
willing to sacrifice self in order to help others.
The Turkey is the symbol of sacrifice.
It gives it's life so others may live.
Many saints and mystics have Turkey as a totem.
With a Turkey totem, you have transcended self.
You act and react on behalf of others.
This act is not a sense of moralism or guilt,
but a deep knowledge that all life is sacred.
What you do for others, you also do for yourself.
To have a Turkey totem is a true gift.
Its gift may be spiritual, material or intellectual.
Through giving to others will you reach your own goals.
The Turkey is linked to the third eye,
the seat of feminine energies within us, and the center
for higher vision.
Turkey is also the symbol of the Mother Earth and her abundant harvest.
All of Earth's blessings and the ability to use them to their
greatest advantage are part of Turkey's teachings.

Turtle Medicine:
Mother Earth

Turtle is the oldest symbol for the Earth.
It is the personification of goddess energy
and the eternal Earth itself.
If you have a Turtle totem,
you must be mindful of returning to the Earth what she has given you.
Honor the creative source within you.
Use water and earth energies to create a harmonious flow in your life.
Ask the Earth for assistance and her riches will pour forth.
If a Turtle totem shows up in your life,
slow down the pace of your life.
Bigger, stronger, faster are not always the best ways to reach your goals.
Turtle is fine teacher of the art of grounding.
When you learn to ground yourself to Earth's power and strength,
you place focus on your thoughts and actions
and use the Earth's limitless energies rather than your own to accomplish your will.
Turtle is the keeper of doors
and one of the ways into the Faerie Realm.

Weasel Medicine:
Stealth, Silent Observation

This totem is a difficult power totem to have.
It is a rare gift and great ability.
Weasel medicine can teach you to find out secrets
through the power of silent observation.
Most Weasel people are loners, graceful, solitary and silent.
They are very intelligent.
People do not see their power immediately and often underestimate them.
Weasel totem will awaken your innate ability for observation.
Trust your own instincts and you will avoid trouble and pursue your
goals to greatest success.
Use your Weasel medicine to observe what or who needs attention
and offer assistance in your quiet or discreet way.

Whale Medicine:
Ancestors, Keeper of Records

Legend says that the whale once walked upon the earth.
When the land masses began to sink and re-shape, all the knowledge
of the universe was locked into the memory banks of the whale and it
was sent into the sea.
If you carry whale medicine, you also carry the memories of much
knowledge that can be tapped into if you honor the teachings of whale.
Whale tells you to be sensitive to tone, and the vibrational
qualities in tones.
If you're alert, you can activate your built-in sonar to be conscious
of things and people moving in and around your personal space.
Do you just "know" when someone is near, or something is amiss?
Whale medicine is working.
As each family of whales has its own "song",
you too can find your soul song to recall those memories stored
deep in your super conscious mind.
Hum, whistle, sing, chant, use tones until you find that one level
of tone that is yours alone.
You will know. It will resonate deep in your soul seat.
Remember the sound, and use it as often as you can,
especially in meditation.
You will find knowledge you didn't know you had floating to the surface.
You are tapping into the memory banks of your soul.
Whale also speaks to us of creativity, and of the need to rely on our
own talents and abilities.
As with the buffalo, no part of the whale goes to waste.
Do not be guilty of wasting your own value, your own in-born strengths.
Use your own instincts and creative abilities to make the ordinary
things in your life magical.
Let your imagination soar.....but be careful to stay grounded and in
touch with reality.

Wolf Medicine:
Teacher, Loyalty, Protection, Family

Wolf is the pathfinder of new ideas who returns to the clan
to teach and share medicine.
Wolf takes one mate for life and is loyal like Dog.
If you were to keep company with Wolves, you would find an
enormous sense of family within the pack,
as well as a strong individualistic urge.
These qualities make Wolf very much like the human race.
As humans, we also have the ability to be a part of society
and yet still embody our individual dreams and ideas.
In the Great Star nation, Wolf is represented by the Dog Star, Sirius,
which legend tells us was the original home of our
teachers in ancient times.
Sirius was thought to be the home of the Gods by the ancient Egyptians,
and is still considered so by the Dogan tribe in Africa.
It stands to reason that Native American people would formulate
this same sonnection and adopt Wolf people as the clan teachers.
The senses of Wolf are very keen, and the moon is its power ally.
The moon is the symbol for Psychic energy, or the unconscious that
holds the secrets of knowledge and wisdom.
Baying at the moon may be an indication of Wolf's desire
to connect with new ideas which are just below the surface of consciousness.
Wolf medicine empowers the teacher within us all to come forth and aid the
children of Earth in understanding the Great Mystery and life
If Wolf has entered your life, you may be ableto share your personal
medicine with others.
Your intuitive side may also have an answer or teaching
for your personal use at this time.
As you feel Wolf coming alive inside you,
you may wish to share your knowledge by writing or lecturing on information
that will help others better understand their uniqueness or path in life.
It is sharing of great truths that the consciousness of humanity
will attain new heights.
Wolf could also be telling you to seek out lonely places that will
allow you to see your teacher within.
In the aloneness of a power place, devoid of other humans,
you may find the true you.
Look for teachings no matter where you are.
Wolf would not come to you unless you requested the appearance of the
tribe's greatest teacher.

Portions of these animal medicines where taken from the book,
'Discover of Power through the ways of Animals',
by Jamie Sams and David Carson.

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