.*Spirit Guides*

A Spirit Guide is one who helps you through the trials of life and helps you learn the lessons that these trials teach.  Ones Spirit Guide represents different aspects of oneself.  Spirit Guides can be someone from your past or someone who owes you a sort of karmic debt.  They can also be spirits sent to help you in times of need.  A Spirit Guide may be with you your whole life, or it may not.  You may have many or only one.  This will depend on the lessons you need to learn and the trials you face in life.

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1. *Wisdom of the Animals*

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"I'm your Spirit Animal"

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*It is important for you to be aware that the portraiture given of each Spirit Animal is a "generality".  A Spirit Animal's appearance is a special event and it comes as a unique personal teacher to help guide and protect you. Spirit Animals do not appear to bring you just one simple message. They come in order to awaken you to a new spiritual awareness and to reveal to you the purpose of your spiritual journey.  See them as individuals and understand them for their animal nature.  Look not only at their “Animal Totem” meaning, but study them to discover their habits and behavior in order to understand how they survive within their environment.  Learn how they respond to the challenges they face in their lives in order to be able to better respond to the challenges in yours. Your Spirit Animal has come to introduce you to a new way of "Being". 

If you are unable to find your Animal Spirit Guide listed below, or if you have received guidance or protection from a Spirit orTotem that you would like to relate, please write to us.

animaltotems@spiritwalkministry.com

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Land Animal Spirits

Bird Animal Spirits

Water Animal Spirits

Reptile Animal Spirits

Buzzing Bugs & Crawling Critters

Mythical (?) Animal Spirits

Gone (?) 

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   Land Animal Spirits 

Land Spirit Animals are connected with being intuitive, aware, and cognizant. These animals represent being grounded mentally and physically.

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Aardvark  (Anteater) -- Ability to find lost objects, connection to the insect world, can smell out trouble before seeing it, slow-moving old biddy, cannot help sticking its nose where others don't want it

Antechinus -- Sacrificing health for children. Jealousy. Violence. Relationship troubles. Abuse and assault. Destruction and creation. Death and birth. Placing too much importance on sex.

Antelope -- Strong survival skills and mental adaptability.  Ability to leap over obstacles. Jumpy and easily startled. Knowing when a situation does not smell right, benefits of aroma therapy

Ape  (general) -- Effective use of the voice, willing and able to communicate, communication through gesture and expression.  Imagination and extended childhood. Problem-solving, wisdom, survival, inspiration. Loyalty, leadership, compassion, intelligence, dignity, strength, responsibility, nurturing, connectivity. Nobility and honor. Temperance, understanding and compassion. Symbolizes the need to take action. 

Armadillo -- Carrying personal protection. Understanding boundaries and respecting boundaries of others. Knowing bad spirits and bad situations. Assists others in finding their soul song

Baboon -- Four baboons stand in the Hall of Judgment, listening to the appeals of the departed; the baboon is a counselor and mediator of the Egyptian gods who assists in the judgment of souls bound for the underworld. (The baboon is sacred to the God of Wisdom “Thoth”.)  The baboon was connected to the profession of the scribes and to divine measurement. (The baboon was also admired in Egypt for its sexual lustiness and baboon feces were an ingredient in ancient aphrodisiacs) As an animal totem the baboon represents appeals to judgment, defense of the family, old world traditions and values and hierarchical domination through vocal assailment.

Badger -- A keeper of stories with Earth knowledge and wisdom.  It is a call to persevere and see things through to completion. Associated with having the courage to face danger and fight regardless of size and strength of the other. The badger as a familiar will help you to fight for your rights. Shape shifting quality: the badger is small, but can still defend itself against larger animals by backing itself into a hole or corner so the back of its body is protected. The badger is self interested and does not relate well to others.  A remorseless attacker, when encountering a badger do not be surprised at the seeming cruelty and viciousness of its attack and its lack of concern for its victim feelings afterwards, that is just its nature.

Bandicoot -- (The Gentle Shadow) Earth Magic. Sand Knowledge. Sand Magic. Coastal Desert Knowledge. Secrets of the Scrubland. The Quiet Existence. Releasing ties with kin. Grounded Aggression.

Bat -- An unjustly maligned and demonized creature of the night. The bat is a symbol of initiation into mystical practices, of shamanic experience and of embracing the magic of the night.  Able to observe unseen, it is a finder of hidden messages and an augury of  divination.  Rhythmically maneuverable in flight, it is a ritual dancer of the sacred geometry. .(Like the oceans, bats are affected by the Moon. Hanging upside down, the Moon always appears at their feet. When the Moon sets, this appears on the bat's left side. As a result bats are naturally orientated to go to the left when they fly out of their cave.)

• Flying Fox -- (A species of fruit bat found chiefly on the islands of the Malay-Indonesia archipelago.)  Fruit and flower magic. Nutrition. Diet. Health and fitness. Creating nature. Wind and air magic. Celebrating the night. Community. Socialising. Social structure. Know your community role. Fitting in. Belonging. Finding your place.

Bear -- The Bear was one of the first animals to be revered by humans, the Primal Mother as represented by the Goddess Artemis.  Many Native American cultures believe that the Great Spirit lives through the bear and that it is a creature of the dreams of shamans and mystics.  (Often seen in the "Cave in the Dream Life”)   The bear is highly protective of its charges and the most dangerous animal in the woods is a bear mother protecting her cubs.  Hibernating during the winter months the bear knows instinctively the times to be quiet and the times to be active.  Bear medicine teaches us introspection that aides in the understanding of  life's lessons and in the discovery that we have the answers to all questions within us.  Do not be too quick to anger nor too sure of your own power for that may lead to a lack of caution. Understand that you sometimes need to be alone in order to reflect on life's journey.  Native American Totem Animal for "Virgo"

• Black Bear -- Distinctly American, growing up quickly, shy and secretive, enjoying the mountain solitude
• Brown Bear -- Can smell out what they seek, will eat whatever is put in front of them, fairness, curiosity, leadership
• Grizzly Bear -- A healer. Stability, tenacity,introspection. Maturity and leadership. Raw power and the necessity of self-control. Often a life
• Polar Bear -- Dream guide of shamans and mystics.  Powerful and wise, intelligent and fearless, expert swimmer through emotional waters, the most aggressive of all bears     
• Sprit Bear -- (The white "Spirit" or "Kermode" Bear is a genetic variation of the black bear that roams throughout British Columbia.  It is "NOT" a Polar Bear)     The "Spirit Bear" is a symbol of hope

Bearcat -- Solitude, defense of personal space, ability to see in darkness, communicate by alternate means

Bighorn Sheep -- New beginnings, creativity, energy and endurance, defend your territory

Bilby -- The lessons of “love” and “fear” and the courage to learn these lessons.  Living in temporary homes for as long as there is opportunity there and moving on.  Sitting down to rest instead of lying down to sleep.

Bison  (American Buffalo)  --  Totem of Prayer and Abundance. The symbol of sacred life and prosperity. The Buffalo Spirit calls you to seek a deep connection to Mother Earth.  Buffalo Spirit will bestow you with strength of character and a free, independent spirit.  It summons you to walk the sacred path and be grounded to Earth. The Buffalo brings the gift of life to others by sacrificing its own. (Meat for food and hides for clothing and shelter.) The Spirit of the Buffalo teaches that true prosperity comes only when you are grateful for what you have. You will achieve nothing without the help of the Great Spirit and you must be humble enough to ask for this help and then be grateful for the help you are given.  (see also: 'Buffalo')   

• White Buffalo (White Bison)  -- Feminine courage, knowledge, prophecy. need to care for the tribe, the White Buffalo is a rare and sacred animal

Black Panther -- The Black Panther is endowed with great magic and its power is the Moon.  A very ancient and powerful spirit guide who holds the secrets of unseen worlds. They represent the power of the night and come to welcome the darkness and rouse the light within it. They possess acute sensitivity and their unblinking eyes stare through the body to see into the soul. The panther represents hidden emotions, silent thought and sensuality in embracing sexuality. They hold the teachings of quick decisive action and following your passion.  The panther brings guardian energy to those for whom it comes.

Boar -- Power animal of warriors. Represents male virtues of bravery, nobility and fierceness in battle. Can help to balance out male energy and ground the more virtuous aspects of the masculine nature 

Bobcat -- Has spiritual force residing within them. Solitary in nature they will often carry the burden. Manifestation of power and control

Buffalo  (see also: 'Bison/American Buffalo')

• Water (Swamp) Buffalo -- Ferocious in the wild, placid and easily led in domesticity. Large groups in youth and later solitary old men. Will come running when their children cry.  (Nature scientists want to see the wild water buffalo exterminated for being a supposed threat to the eco-system) Trying to let go of burden. Personal crosses. Being a burden to others. Being hunted. Feeling unwelcome. Being out of place. Knowing when you don't belong. Wetland energy.
• European Buffalo/Winsent -- Possessing great strength. Living in harmony with all creatures. Connecting with the past and its meaning to life now.

Bull -- Nourishment through its slaughter or sacrifice. Insight into the past. The ability to stand your ground.  Element of the Sun/Fatherhood, chief god of the 'Minoans' ,  symbol of the Egyptian god (Osiris)

Camel  -- The ability to remain positive in times of having little to go on. The appearance of a camel can signify hard times ahead, but you have reservoirs of internal energy that you can tap. Camel acts as a connection to desert energy and magic. Deserts often have pools of energy, or oases of energy located across them. Finding these places in the desert can take time and skill, but camel has a natural dowsing instinct for finding such energy places in the ground. You may suffer from uunusual sleep habits, rarely sleeping through the night and need a nap to compensate, but keep going and complete the journey.

Caribou  (Reindeer) -- Protection of the traveler. Mobile and can adapt to new surroundings. Prefers to keep moving and have freedom. Ability to go long distances in the dark.  Retaining personal power within groups. Connection to home while wandering over long distances,  protection, ability to go long periods in the dark

Cat  (general) -- The Great Teacher of Magic and Mystery; the cat lives totally in the moment with a deep psychic and spiritual awareness. Independent and unpredictable, agile of body and mind, a free thinker that meets challenges by perceiving the unseen. (One cannot own a cat; the cat will give and receive love only on its own terms) At home in the dark of the night it is a valuable ally when encountering the supernatural and facing your primal fears.  As the cat’s energy field flows opposite that of humans it has the healing ability to neutralize your negative energies.  (The healing energy cannot be taken from the cat, it is only given as a gift.) The cat teaches that the physical and spiritual worlds are not separate, but one.  In ancient Egypt cats stood guard at the temple gates and throughout history cats have been seen as the protectors of the pathways to the sacred mysteries.  (The Egyptian goddess 'Bastet' takes the form of a cat. The Norse goddess 'Freyja' rides a chariot pulled by two cats)  Note the colors and characteristics of your cat for that shall be mirrored in your life and will help you to understand the mysteries that your cat will reveal.  (The cat's karmic sacrifice is being the victim of “kick the cat".)  Cat Spirit often brings the warning of being the recipient of misdirected anger.  {Please see: "*All Creatures Great and Small"}

*Cats in the home often serve the role of healer and will sit near anyone in the household who needs healing, speeding the recovery period. A cat's purring can help reduce his owner's stress or anxieties. Cat purring can ease discomforts such as stomach pain, and also help boost immune systems. It is also important to pay attention to the health of your cat. Cats will often take on the symptoms of ailments being suffered by their humans. When this happens, appreciate their talents as diagnosticians, so take heed. Get your cat to the vet AND make an appointment for yourself to have a health checkup.

• Black Cat --  The classic familiar of traditional witches who, it was said, could shape-shift into a cat nine times. Intuitive dreams, ritual magick
• Calico Cat -- Patterns of color, ladies choice, guide to the realm of the feminine mysteries} 
• Maine Coon Cat -- A breed of naturals, slow developer, likes to tag along, shakes off a soaking, "Snowshoe"
• Manx Cat -- Intelligent and playful, often exhibits bizarre behavior, a late bloomer, “Stumpy”
• Siamese Cat  -- Talker, affectionate but demanding, the royal family of the cat world, "the story is in the eyes"
• White Cat -- A reminder that frequent sunburns may lead to skin cancer and can indicate hearing problems; there may be a need to check for these conditions. (Legend says that a white cat is a sign of good luck in the day, but its appearance at night may be a harbinger of ill. Another legend says that a white cat sitting on the doorstep just before a wedding is a sign of a happy marriage.)
• Feral Cat -- A feral cat as a totem can indicate the wild nature of your personality. A feral cat messenger could be signaling caution, reminding you to be wary of anyone who tries to come near you who you don't know very well.  Colonial living, tribal hunting and gathering, communal responsibility, "it takes a village..."0

Cheetah -- Swiftness, agility, keen sight. Intense focus for short periods of time.  Learn to rest when under stress and  respond quickly to opportunities. Keep your eyes on the prize and fulfill your goals with speed and focus.  The magic of the cheetah will accelerate time.

Chimpanzee -- Intelligence, language and inventive problem solving. Understanding the complexity of society. Connection to the forest spirits. Patrolling boundaries and fighting with neighbors.  A nasty temper.

Chinchilla -- Effective communication, exploring, sitting high up to observe the world below, a warning to eliminate toxins from the body. The chinchilla is a harbinger, pay attention to the advice it brings.  Though they hold a variety of messages, one thing is for sure,  if they come into your life there is bound to be something out of balance that needs correcting right away.

Chipmunk -- The messenger of many realms.  Curious and inquisitive they explore everything that comes into their lives; there is no detail that goes unnoticed.  They do what they want to do in their own time and will not tolerate being told what to do.  Running about; first in one direction and circling back to where they started from. The chipmunk is content to live under your porch or near stone foundations for warmth and protection from the elements. Chipmunks are nut gatherers, creating a stash for cold winter days. When the chipmunk visits this may indicate it is time to tighten your spending habits, allotting more funds into your savings account. If you have a chipmunk or family of chipmunks living in your yard you are likely to be blessed with abundance. A chipmunk sighting can also signify a need for planning for the future. Joy from singing when gathered together in a chorus.  Learn to carry your nutrition with you, keep new projects secret and always have more than one exit.  Don't get over-excited or you will forget what you set out to do.

Coatimundi (Pizotes) -- Sociable and gregarious.  Maternally inclined females and males with behavioral problems around children. Groups of single mothers. The men only come around for one thing.

Cougar -- A lesson in the wise use of leadership power and knowing in leadership the responsibility of truth.  A quest for confidence and strength by finding the best in yourself. Can be quick to anger and slow to forgive.  A totem to invoke when protection is needed. 

Cow -- Connection to the Great Mother and to the goddess of fertility, (Isis).  The cow is symbolic of the maternal instinct to nurture and care for others by performing both a duty (milk) and a sacrifice (meat).  The cow is representative of the Elements of the Moon .

Coyote  (“The Trickster”) -- A mixture of wise sage and foolish prankster. Coyote brings lessons that are crucial to growth and change; yet the lesson is contained within a grand joke that Coyote plays. His lessons are taught through the humor and wisdom found within each trick he plays; for those Coyote comes to teach are often the most unwilling to learn.  Playful and mischievous, yet capable of deep contemplation and introspection. Coyote understands that all things are sacred and nothing is sacred, teaching us that only when all illusions have fallen away will we connect with the source.  Do not be discouraged and give up. Coyote is very adaptable so keep going and keep the faith. Coyote will be a mate for life.

Cuscus -- A sense of calm instead of lethargy. Slow, purposeful steps lead to a long, safe and meaningful journey.

Deer -- Understanding emotions, understanding the physical and the spiritual, the connection of heart and soul. The power of gently inspiring others by touching them without pushing them to change. (When a large herd of deer move during the day they will be in sight of each other, yet spread out. As night falls the deer will form into single file, nose to tail and move together by following the white tail that is in front of them.) Trust your instincts to lead you, yet know when it is time to follow.  Native American Totem Animal for "Gemini"  

Most people know, from popular literature, of the importance of the bison or buffalo to the daily existence Native American peoples, but the more common and useful animal was the deer. While the buffalo provided meat and heavy robes to help sustain life they were mainly limited to the tribal lands of the Plains Indians. The more universally found deer provided a cornucopia of items to the hunter.  Besides the good meat and strong skins an amazing number tools came from the deer. The lower leg bone, for example, has been called by some “Nature’s Swiss Army Knife”. The thick and sturdy bone can be used for an almost unlimited number of tools. These include knife handles, hide scraping tools, hairpins, fishhooks, games, flutes, decorations and sewing needles. The deer in fact provides an entire sewing kit with bone awl and sewing needles and sinew for thread. The deer was, to the ancient peoples, a true gift from the Creator.

• Stag -- Lord of the forest, masculine power of regeneration, giver of bounty, beauty and mystical signs, fights when cornered but prefers to run away

Dog  (general) -- Faithful, inner loyalty to a fault, unconditional love,  fast friend, able to smell out trouble, guardian of the underworld,  protector of the Goddess, serving humanity as a "conscript".  A study of the breed and its purpose will help to define the energy it represents.

Difficulties exist when looking to the domestic dog as an Animal Totem.  Most have been bred to produce some accented appearance or behavior, thus creating a genetically muddled animal. Many of these dogs are mentally and spiritually "confused" about their identity, as they may be trapped somewhere between their original nature and their artificially bred persona. Be aware that often times these animals may feel "lost" and be looking to you for guidance. When a sheep dog has been bred, generation after generation, to herd sheep and it finds itself living in a city apartment, it may feel misplaced and without a purpose.  It may want and need your help to find a job it can do to give its life meaning.  {Please see:"All Creatures Great and Small"}

• Feral Dog  (also known as "primitive" or *"pariah" dog)  A Feral Dog is a dog that has returned to the wild and with each successive generation has reverted from the domesticated state to a DNA structure resembling that of its primitive ancestors.  The feral dog is returning to its original genetic code after having been  selectively and anomalously bred in captivity.  This animal is considered to be a genetic "throwback", that the nature sciences do not recognize it as a species and they are calling for its extermination as a supposed "threat" to the ecosystem.   However this animal is "labeled", it exists in the wild and it is a part of both the natural and spiritual environs.  It is reawakening to its original nature and returning home to the environment from which it was taken.  Its Spirit Animal message imparts a releasing of the conditioned ego and a return to the primal id.
•  Aboriginal Dog -- (Dingo, Aso, Singing Dog, Wild Dog, Bush Dog)  Duality, intuition, living in balance and harmony within all realms of existence, adapting a behavior to harmonize with the reality in which you live, a master at shape shifting and being invisible, ability to remain unique and maintain individualism, finding the truth and understanding the persecution that this truth may bring, connection to the full Moon, a reborn soul.  While feral dogs are by definition pariah dogs, "pariah" type aboriginal dogs are not necessarily feral.  This designation is used by scientists, breeders, and historians to refer to wild dog populations which have not been domesticated, as well as recognized dog species with pariah dog heritage

Donkey (Ass) -- Stubbornness, refusing to move when you know it isn’t right , saying "no" to others, ignoring others opinions.  Sacred animal of the goddess Vesta

Echidna -- An ancient creature with a unique and well developed brain, detecting subtle electrical impulses originating from the Earth, ability to communicate with the spirit

Elephant -- Long life, doesn’t listen to insults, learns much by watching, strong but peaceful, acute awareness, ability to remember long lost friends, unbelievably great swimmer, resolve to overcome obstacles

Elk -- Keeper of the Forest. Pride, beauty, ageless wisdom, stamina, strength and nobility. Elk have tremendous stamina and can run for a very long time. They are  unpredictable, passive one moment and aggressive the next. Elk can sense danger the moment it arrives and can teach us how to become more observant of subtle energies. Elk never graze at night. An attacked herd will bolt in all directions so as to confuse a predator. The art of survival is part of its teachings. If Elk medicine is fully developed a strong self image is expressed.

Ermine -- The judicial office is invested with ermine. The Ermine is acutely sensitive as to its own cleanliness and it becomes paralyzed and powerless at the slightest touch of defilement upon its snow-white fur.  A like sensibility should belong to him who comes to exercise the august functions of a judge.  In Native American tradition, the addition of ermine skin to a war bonnet was the highest honor, signifying not only bravery in battle, but being gentle at home, a friend and a brother.

Ferret -- Highly focused and with sharp intuition. Very skillful tunnel hunters linking them to the underworld where the secrets of creation are kept.  Happy and playful, curious and gentle, opportunists that will steal anything they can drag away and hide it in a safe place to be used at a later date.  

Fox  -- The Fox is seen as a sacred animal  throughout the world.  The fox is the cunning and stealthy messenger of the gods and the magical guide to the world between time and space often shape shifting on the journey,(sometimes into human form).  The fox lives in the "In-between Time" on the edge of dusk and dawn and can guide the way into the Spiritual Realm.  There are many species of fox, but they all share the cleverness and cunning from which comes the expression, "sly as a fox."  For the fox learning to be invisible is an important skill in life. The fox shows how to develop the arts of camouflage, invisibility, and shape shifting.  The fox teaches how to be unpredictable by mastering the ability of blending unseen into the surroundings.  A creature of the night it is imbued with supernatural powers and is a totem of healing of body, mind and spirit.

• Arctic Fox -- Benefits coming from a different colored wardrobe for each season. (An arctic fox will sometimes tease a polar bear by darting in to nip at its heels in hopes of distracting it from its prey.)  Playing a dangerous game.
• Fennec Fox -- Amazing what you can hear when you take the time to listen, retaining fluids
• Gray Fox -- Represents shape shifting, being invisible and the female magick of camouflage. Gray Fox’s power cycle is dawn, dusk and at night.  A long positive history of magick.  A symbol of good luck
• Red Fox -- Associated with the female in folktales and legends. Sexual energy and the freeing of the creative force. For a woman it is a sign to bring home and children back into focus. A winter spirit.

Gazelle -- Speed, agility, beauty, grace, vertical movement, ability to maneuver. Awareness and skill discovering and exploring the unknown.

Giraffe -- The gift of foresight.  Seeing over the crowd to what the future holds on the horizon. Having your feet firmly planted on the ground but your head in the air.  A link to the higher and lower worlds. Silently reflect on what you hear and what you say.

Gnu (Wildebeest) -- The ability to know when to act and when to retreat, shape shifting, altering perceived realities, using body language in a variety of ways

Goat -- Awareness of new heights and the willingness to work to get to the top, a knack for getting off on the wrong foot with people, always getting into complicated predicaments, insecure and a need to be loved, pessimistic and anxious, prone to laziness and day dreaming

Gopher -- Understands the necessity for being prepared. Gopher knows what lies beneath the surface of any situation and can show us how to uncover hidden truths.

Gorilla -- Powerful, compassionate and wise, inner sadness, an emotional self, taking care of one another, represents those who keep peace through aggression, working with the deaf 

Groundhog  (Woodchuck) -- Connection to seasonal changes and  understanding the power of cycles, the ability to hibernate (sleep) during hard times, the ability to go underground when trouble arises

Guinea Pig -- Gentleness, humane treatment of others, responsibility

Hamster -- Bringing like minded together, a time to explore new possibilities, a time for communal spirituality

Hare -- (see under: 'Rabbit')

Hedgehog -- Symbol of the Wisdom of the Female Elder. Basically gentle and non-aggressive the hedgehog shows how to be gentle, yet protective at the same time.  A natural affinity to earth allows them to hear its voice clearly and teaches the need to pay close attention to what you hear.  The hedgehog knows the secrets that lie beneath the surface and can teach how to uncover hidden knowledge and wisdom.  Avoid all things that lead to chaos and protect and defend the truth.

Hippopotamus -- Amphibious, an innate ability to know what lies beneath the surface of any situation, speaks and sees truth and demands that others do the same

Horse  -- Symbol of freedom and of the wind.  No other animal has given Man the freedom of mobility like the horse. The horse gives the promise of speed and adventure. The horse is the symbol of true power and this power should not be used in a negative manner.  Powerful and rebellious, hot blooded and hot headed, horse spirit has power within that is sometimes hard to control.  Needing love and intimacy yet also feeling trapped by it.  Leaving home early yet having a hard time belonging elsewhere. Very self-interested yet its work benefits others. The horse shows many contradictions in character.

• Brumby (Australian Wild Horse) -- Spiritual journeys. Guiding and guardianship. Overcoming obstacles. Endurance. Stamina. Energy. Healing and guiding others. A powerful ally. Possible danger. Wildness. The wild spirit.

• Pony  (Miniature Horse) -- Magical wish granters. Discovering the power to make wishes come true.

Hyena -- Knows the secrets of the wild. Hyena has discernment, knowing “what smells right” and what doesn’t. Communication is important to the hyena and it teaches the need to choose words carefully. The hyena knows its power for success lies within the group.  A lack of seriousness and a vicious nature. One who waits for the leftovers instead of being the aggressor in a situation.  Laughing at the absurdity of life.

Jackal  -- Mates sharing joint responsibility for protecting the home and raising the children.  The important role of "family" in raising children. (Jackal pups will remain with the parents to help raise the next litter.)  Reputation denotes a predatory nature but you may have misjudged them and misjudged other people and things as well.

Jackrabbit -- (see under: 'Rabbit')

Jaguar -- Embodies aggressiveness and power and the ability to do a variety of tasks at the same time. Symbolizes one often drawn to other solitary creatures.  Jaguar's medicine includes seeing the roads within chaos and understanding the patterns of chaos, moving without fear in the darkness, moving in unknown places, shape shifting, psychic vision, facilitating soul work, empowering oneself, reclaiming power. 

Kangaroo -- Kangaroo comes into your life to tell you that even though situations look grim, or support may be sparse, you possess all the qualities to be a warrior and fight for what is necessary in order to nourish you. Protection of the young, creating a safe environment, leaping from bad situations, kangaroo only moves forward and never backwards   (According to Aboriginal historians, when Captain Cook first encountered native Australians he was extremely excited about the local flora and fauna.  Cook kept asking “what’s this?” and “what’s that?”, but the local people couldn’t understand what he was talking about.  Cook kept pointing at one animal and asking what it was. The people just kept saying,“kangaroo”.   In the local dialect, “kangaroo” meant “we don’t understand”.)

• Grey Kangaroo -- (Urban Warrior ) Fertility. Simplicity. Plant Wisdom. Herb Wisdom. Urban Connection to Native Wisdom. Pasture, Meadows, Plains, Plateaus. Symbiosis and pro-biotics. Urban Warrior. Family and hierarchy. Co-operation. Warrior Energy. Tight Focus. Assessing Obstacles Instinctively. Giving Away Thought. Motherhood. The Multi-Tasking Mother.
• Red Kangaroo -- (Desert Warrior)  Responsibility. Desert Wisdom. Endurance. Movement. Avoidance of Excess. Swiftness. Instinctive Movement. Pride. Family and Hierarchy. Tight Focus. Assessing Obstacles Instinctively. Postponing Childbirth. The Multi-Tasking Mother
• Tree Kangaroo -- The Big Picture Motherhood  looking down on others, seeing the 'big picture,' observation, energy work and Reiki, breath-work, communicating lightly (through whispering or quiet words), multi-tasking at your own pace, learning from little (a word or shape, instead of having something explained in detail), power in the spirit-world.

Kinkajous -- Curious and with a love to explore things, fascinated by the mysteries of life and often find themselves in unusual situations, if treated gently they will return the favor. ( Some cultures believe that the kinkajou is able to predict upcoming earth changes because of its ability to hear sound waves and to feel subtle vibrations moving through the Earth's crust)

Koala -- Climb over obstacles, value slow movement, ability to hold on, empathy for others

Lemming -- Examining life’s lessons, shy, quiet, being misunderstood

Lemur -- “Spirits of the Night”  (latin:“lemures”)  Ability to access the knowledge of the forests, seeing the unseen, remaining above the fray, ability to navigate through the forest, ability to grasp concepts above the din of life

Leopard -- Aggressiveness, stealth and power, the ability to stalk, the ability to communicate with other dimensions, cunning and successful. Benefit by imitating the leopard in its movements. Any form of dance, tai chi or rhythmic practice would be beneficial. Because the leopard is a strong and powerful leaper it can show us how to leap over obstacles efficiently and gracefully. They are masters at negotiating their environment and will continually serve to encourage that master ship in those who hold this totem.

• Snow Leopard -- The power of silence, learning to use power wisely and effectively, stalk your dreams

Lion -- Symbol of the Sun, the female as the hunter and the power of  “Diana the Huntress”,  life lessons involving living in groups and working cooperatively, respecting the position of others in the group, learning to let go of anger and jealousy, avoiding confrontation and fighting only when necessary, good parenting skills, caring for the young with patience and gentleness, the women doing all the work while the men lay around looking majestic

Llama -- The Llama carries the weight of the world upon its shoulders. Intelligent and curious it adapts and perseveres in all situations. If treated unfairly it can become stubborn and willful. When a Llama appears it is a symbol of secure footing and a message to climb slowly and carefully; do not rush into things and risk falling. The Llama brings the energies of hard work, responsibility and endurance. It calls for perseverance when the going gets tough and teaches lessons involving service and sacrifice. The message of the Llama is a reminder that it takes effort and hard work to accomplish your dreams.  Llamas show how to develop patience, persistence and balanced action. (Llamas do not have a heat cycle and can breed at any time of the year. Those who do not want unexpected pregnancies should take extra birth control precautions.)

Lynx -- Seer of the unseen. Understanding spiritual mystery. Master of iinvisibility. Knowledge vs. Superstition. Perception and protection on all levels. Seduction and Eye Contact. Manipulation of time & space in Otherworlds. Knower of secrets, if Lynx makes its presence known you are misinformed about something, use discernment and trust your instincts

Marmoset -- Cooperative care of home and family, sharing, suppression of sexual urgings

Meerkat -- Maternal nurturing, caretaking, watchfulness, ability to live communally, sacrifice for the good of the group

Mink -- Bold, ferocious and virtually untamable.  Ingenuity and gracefulness, solitary and silent, slaughtered and used by others to merely enhance their appearance

Mole -- Solitary guardian of the lower regions, sensitivity to touch and vibrations, knowledge of roots and other hidden bounties, [see: 'Vole'] ("Grandmother Mole has no physical eyes, but sees with spiritual eyes")

• Marsupial Mole -- Diving below the surface and seeking sand wisdom in the heart of the desert. Using your senses wisely. Believing what you feel and not what you see. Confirmation of your beliefs. Let go of doubt, it is doing nothing for you.

Moonrat -- Symbolizes one of whom little is known and who shines in the reflected light of others. (A Moonlight Maiden)

Mongoose -- Harmless looking yet brave fighter, the only animal that would risk life and limb for a loved one and will defend them at great cost, the mongoose can build up immunity to other's venom

Monkey  (general) -- Perseverance, focus and fluid movement, stability and sure footedness to maintain balance, "expect the unexpected".  A master at shape shifting realities it prompts us to explore all aspects of who we are and who we choose to become. By learning from the monkey and applying its skills of power, grace and observation, foundations are created that give birth to our choices. Eventually these choices will manifest in our lives so if monkey is your totem be careful of what you choose.

Moose -- Finding that which has been hidden and acknowledging the truths that have been denied by the soul.  Majestic and graceful yet can be big and lumbering.  Moving wisely and easily yet can move obtusely and blunder in.  Slow to temper, stands up for what they believe in. The primal energies associated with autumn.

Mountain Goat -- Surefootedness, releasing the feelings of guilt, understanding nature energies and spirit beings, seeking new heights

Mountain Lion -- Balancing the mind/body/spirit, lessons of quietness and stealth, learning to be a fair leader and to not to abuse your power, learning to use your power to respond to any situation

Mouse --  A wise animal that quietly gets on with its business and accomplishes its purpose without attracting too much attention. Often you will not know the mouse is even there until you come upon one of its "hidden stashes" of food and supplies.  The mouse teaches how to pay attention to the little details which may get overlooked in the eagerness to see the big picture.  The mouse is a reminder not to overlook the obvious.  Mouse medicine can be both a great strength and a great weakness for while it is good to pay attention to the details it may be bad to over-analyze every little thing. For a mouse, everything must be in order which is a reminder that even the smallest of creatures is still a vital part of the universe.  The mouse is an often frightened creature and it carries the lesson of trying to release the fears that hold one back.  Become aware of the whole picture and learn how to attain the great things by working on the little things. Examine life’s lessons and be aware of the double meaning in all things.

Mule -- (Jackass) [Offspring of a horse and a donkey, (Latin: mulus - the infertile offspring of any two creatures of different species)]  Often it can be stubborn and will rely on its own intelligence, less likely to panic than others, a helpful work companion, a good jumper, bookish, unlike any other

Muskox -- Understanding of how to survive in harsh climates, able to withstand coldness in others and provide warmth and comfort, defense of the vulnerable

Muskrat -- Cunning and stealthy, vicious fighter, unprovoked attack, everyone's dinner, lodge meetings, recycling, home maintenance and neighborhood improvement

Numbat -- The unconscious undergrowth. Energy from daylight. Scrutiny. The social introvert. Beauty in the arid. Caring and being cared for. Threat. Scrub wisdom.

Ocelot -- Regeneration through solitude, connection with physical and spiritual worlds, ability to be in two places at once, clear vision, connection to the unseen, at home in the trees and in the water

Okapi   (Forest Giraffe) -- Shy disposition and solitary lifestyle, understanding the present reality and the immediate future, black and white / spirit and form, life lessons relating to polarity

Opossum -- (see: 'Possum')

Orangutan -- Gentleness, connection to the forest spirits, ingenuity in dealing with problems, solitary and secretive, prefers to drink from a cup and sleep in a fine bed, the color red, “The Old Man of the Forest"

Oryx (Gemsbok) -– Keeping a cool head. Preferring a foster family to your own. Ability to get through dry spells and know where and when relief will come  [In many cultures, the horns of the oryx are sought after as charms; in medieval Europe they were sold as unicorn horns.]

Otter -- Playful, joyful nature, likes games of all sorts, bring laughter wherever they go, letting go of the need to control, surrender to fate . Native American Totem Animal for "Aquarius"

Ox  -- Hard working and persistent, able to learn and absorb new information, tranquil but impulsive when angry, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense, feet firmly planted on the ground, seeing things as only bad or good

Panda -- Eastern hemisphere connection, understands moving at a careful and slow pace.  A solitary lifestyle and happiest when living by themselves. (Relationships can be acquired and maintained but only if a partner respects the need for privacy and sacred space) Being forced to rely on your own intuition for guidance.  (Although the panda feeds on bamboo its digestive system is that of a carnivore and so the animal is unable to digest cellulose, which is the main constituent of bamboo.) Problems with the digestive system and may indicate a need to adopt a personally designed diet that provides more nutrition.  Staring down an opponent in confrontations.  Problems with adapting and issues related to fertility.

• Red Panda -- Being happiest when the people and community around you is content, introverted but still involved in community ventures, the value of gentleness, tree wisdom, tree related divination., the power of touch, rejuvenation when alone, providing wisdom to a community while remaining apart from it. Studying the healing properties of plants and herbs, play more and worry lessplants and herbs, play more and worry less

Panther -- (see: 'Black Panther')

Pig -- They are highly intelligent and know intuitively how to respond to a situation.  Pig spirits demand punctuality and dependability, especially at feeding times.  Having a need to be in charge of their personal space as any alteration in their routine will upset them.  They have a love of companionship with a need to trust. The pig is a universal symbol of wealth and prosperity and a warning to avoid the illusive trappings of the material plane.  Among the ancient people of Britain pigs were important and powerful,  providing sustenance and knowledge to people. Since pigs were incredibly fertile, people thought that they were from the Gods.  In addition, ancient people told stories of how Pigs guided people to hidden knowledge such as the healing waters of Bath, England. Pigs know how to have fun. In the mornings, they root around snorting and grunting to each other while the little piglets run around and play.  Later in the day, all the pigs pile next to each other and nap, stretching out in their cool wallow, and snoring in the warm sun. Pigs enjoy themselves and the day. You should learn how to do the same. When the pig appears in your life pay attention to its movement.  If it is charging towards you, its time to stop procrastinating and take action in some area of your life.  If a pig waddles slowly towards you its time to stop, reflect and listen to the sound of your inner knowing.

• Sow -- Symbol of the Crone Goddess, (see: "*EarthMother "), keeper of Earth magick, the wisdom of ancestral mythology, totem of the Sacred Mother  

Platypus -- Ability to balance and ground energy currents as they move through the body, inner sight, searching for the deeper meaning of each situation

Porcupine -- Knows humility, inner innocence, appears scared and defensive, private nature, renewed sense of wonder, create your own path and allow others their path

Possum  (Opossum) --  An actor who is versatile in the art of deception and a master at non-confrontational problem solving.  Possum has teeth and claws but it rarely uses them preferring to use a cunning strategy for getting out of distasteful or dangerous situations. ("Have a back-up plan") The possum employs a strategic plan of refusing to argue or fight and uses appearances to its advantage and has the ability to project a certain appearance for its own benefit.  ("When all else fails; play dead" )  To see a possum indicates that something may not be what it appears to be. You need to dig deep and look for the hidden meaning of situations. Possums are born blind and must learn to rely on their other senses to guide them. Possums act as a guide to discovering unseen talents and hidden wisdom and the possum is skilled at uncovering truth as well as lies.  Possum has a short life because so many seek to do it harm.  

• Brushtail Possum -- The Healer; will come to aid the spirit of those who are ill, especially the young
• Flying Possum (Glider) -- Soaring through life. Comfort. Letting others in. Being helped and helping others. Tree magic, worship and healing. Marshall your focus. Know your destination. Sharing your problems and praises. A little dog with a big bark  
• Ringtail Possum -- Sociable creature, shared parenting, marking your territory, you believe your own *bullshit
• Virginia Opossum  -- The Guardian; will give its life to protect those on a spiritual quest

Prairie Dog -- Knowing what is below the surface, communal living and knowing your place within that community, the need for companionship and affectionate touching, a need to eat a lot of vegetables

Puma  (America's Forgotten Cat) --  Driven from eastern North America by a campaign of genocidal hunting; the Puma is an animal spirit representation for the "Trail of Tears",  ability to maneuver and change direction quickly, a solitary creature that likes its own territory, powerful and graceful it moves like a house cat, a screamer rather than a roarer  (Pumas 'communicate' with each other by leaving faeces, urine and scratches on logs or in the dirt or snow) 

Quoll -- Action, Lightning-fast reflexes in all worlds. Speed. A call to action. Action. Do it! Maintaining your health and hygiene. Take the opportunity. Risk-taking. Spiritual, physical and emotional opportunity. Be a predator. Stress.

Rabbit -- Receiving hidden teachings and intuitive messages.  Active around dawn and dusk, (the time of the fairies and fauns), they are guides into the mystical shadow world.  (Rabbit is interpreted in different ways in different cultures. In China, it is one of the astrological animals and linked to good fortune and the moon. To the Mayans, Rabbit was the scribe who kept the lunar calendar. In Native American tradition, Rabbit is known as the "Fear Caller", due to it projecting its fear of those wishing to eat it, and thereby attracting the predators it fears.)  Rabbit is known for its ability to procreate and fearful thoughts will procreate (manifest) into what you fear.  Movement by leaps, living by one’s own wits, not getting boxed into a corner.  Take advantage of opportunities that may present themselves only for a brief moment.  Examine the foods you eat and perhaps eat more of a vegetarian diet.  (The Rabbit is a spirit animal that is extremely open to one on one communication and when approached as an equal it will show great wisdom and guidance.)

• Hare -- Guile, living by one's wits, changing with the seasons, hidden teachings, intuitive messages
• Jackrabbit -- Plan for an escape exit, quick-witted, peaceful, pay attention to your surroundings, learn to "freeze" when you want to avoid detection

• Snowshoe Hare -- The ultimate planner and evader. You will never catch them off guard, or in a lie, or generally in any position they don't plan on being seen in. They will think of every possible bad outcome of every situation and plan for it. Superb tricksters with tireless planning they can see mischievous results just as they will see beneficial results. If mischief will get them what they desire, then they will resort to trickery.

Raccoon -- Understanding the magical nature of masks. Teaching how to wear masks for many reasons as the need arises.  (You can achieve altered states through the use of a mask and you can become something else behind a mask.) Because of its masked face the raccoon holds the energies of disguise, magic, and secrecy.  (When the raccoon appears the many faces of self will be revealed.)   Borrower of skills and items; but not a thief; what it borrows it will return or it will exchange something it sees as being of equal worth, materially or spiritually.  Strong and muscular the raccoon can hold its ground in most all situations and is a powerful ally.  It holds the gift of transformation.  Being curious it leaves no stone unturned.  (Curiosity can open doorways into new territory, but curiosity applied without caution can lead to trouble.)  Raccoons are often seen washing their hands and food in water before eating. (An act of ritual cleansing and purification.)  Often a mischief maker and often a bully. Eating more fruit and vegetables may be beneficial to your health.

Ram -- The Life Force, new beginnings and new opportunities, curiosity and imagination, moving forward on the spiritual path

Rat -- Can adapt to anything, quick witted and hard working, scavenging when needed, pronounced drive for success, cunning and shrewd, prudence and foresight, ability to live unseen, abundant reproduction, symbol of fertility and wealth, can also be restless and nervous and there is a need to be careful of these traits   

Reindeer -- (see: 'Caribou')

Rhinoceros -- The energy of spiritual idealism, the secrets of survival, guardian of ancient wisdom

Russian Desman -- Well equipped for the aquatic life. A gregarious night person who enjoys “sniffing out” and sharing the pleasures of life.

Sheep -- Comfort and warmth within the group, yet a group that often needs the protection of others.  It may be a warning not to become complacent about this protection as those who protect you may have designs of their own upon you.  A symbol of innocence, purity, and birth.  New beginnings in a guarded peace.

Shrew -- Vicious and vindictive, will stop at nothing to get what they want, nagging, venomous bite, considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians (Horus) and the ancient Chinese who believed it should not be killed as it was a portent of wealth

Skunk -- The most misunderstood of all wild animals.  A powerful totem with mystical and magical associations.  (The stripe running from the head to the tail of the skunk is linked to the creative life force within and the skunk symbolizes the creative energy to manifest desired results.)  Fearless, but very peaceful. (It will give warning by raising its tail and stomping its feet before responding to a confrontation.) Learn to recognize a warning.  (The use of fragrances will elicit dynamic responses in those the skunk encounters.)  Skunk's lesson is to balance the ability to draw and repel people. Respectful and worthy of respect the skunk is a guide to learning to be carefully judgmental and respond to threats with only necessary force. When fear is overcome the skunk can be a loving companion. When skunk appears as a totem you are going to have opportunities to bring out new respect and self esteem. It indicates lessons and times associated with increased sensuality physically, sexually, psychically, and spiritually. Examine your self-image. Remember that people are going to notice you. How they see you can be controlled by you.

Sloth -- Wisdom associated with moving slowly and the positive side of laziness.  Being at one with the tree spirits and learning from seeing the world upside down.  Ability to see all that is above, below and around them symbolizing a link to the realm of psychic visions. Good swimmers in their own emotional waters and can stay underwater, (immersed in their emotions), if threatened.  Rebellious when their independence is threatened and relationships can be challenged when personal space is taken away.  A weakened ability to ward off illness and strengthening of the immune system can benefit the overall health.

Solenodon -- Symbolizes a shrewish behavior and one who uses a poisonous mouth to climb to the top

Springbok --  Exuberance, sprinting,  joy of life, social structure, proper use of wetlands

Squirrel  -- The power of gathering and preparing for the future.  Conserving energy and resources without being cluttered with things accumulated from the past (worries and fears).  Preparing for disasters and knowing what is needed to survive. Try not to be erratic and forgetful.  Do not be distracted by chatter, take time to stop and listen and don’t forget to take time to play.  Being at one with the trees.

• Flying Squirrel  -- Up all night and out all winter, solitary in good times and communal in bad times, keeps a full pantry, paratrooper

Stag -- (see: 'Deer')

Tapir -- Being at peace, seclusion and quietness, fierce when cornered

Tasmanian Devil -- Brutal honesty. Inability to forgive. Anger as therapy. Loudness. Catharsis. Telling others what you think of them. Standing up for yourself. Tactlessness.The scar bearer. Primal scream therapy. The wisdom of aggression.

Tenrec -- (Tenrecs have evolved into more distinct forms than any other family of animals)  Capable of passing oneself off as other than they are. Someone who may not be what they seem or someone you may have misjudged to be other than they are.

Tiger -- Being in the Now! Symbol of the New Moon, working its magick through the night, new adventures of passion and power, feminine energy and a mothering nature, strength through determination and inner power.  If the Tiger enters your life new adventures are almost certainly close by. New passion and power will stir inside of you. Your best work will happen in the night.

• White Tiger -- Seeker of personal truth, having the power and strength of conviction, living simultaneously in the realms of both shadow and light

The 5 Mystic Tigers
The red tiger is south, summer and fire
The black tiger is the symbol of north, winter and water
The blue tiger is east, spring and vegetation
The white tiger is west, autumn and all metals
The yellow tiger is ruler of the Earth and its energies

Vole -- Communal living, tremendous reproductive rate, small but destructive, understanding feelings, (see: 'Mole')

Wallaby - The Law-Keeper. The wisdom of structure. Authoritarianism. Stang and staff wisdom. Plant wisdom. Lessons in the mundane. Drumming. Water conservation. Introversion and quietude. Indigenous wisdom. Family and hierarchy. Warrior energy. Tight focus. Assessing obstacles instinctively

Warthog -- Likes living in dry climates and out on the open plains, preferring to move into the homes others have built rather than building their own.  Having a skin condition or other malady that might benefit from mud bath treatments.  

Waterbuck -- Using water as protection, non-territorial, connection to swamps, care for the aged

Water Buffalo -- (see: 'Buffalo') 

Weasel -- Imparts the ability to see beneath the surface of things to what the actual intent and meaning is. Weasels signify people who are willing to hear the divine word, but then do nothing with what they have heard. Learn to develop your sense of inner hearing and to pay attention to your inner voice.

Wildebeest -- (see: 'Gnu')

Wolf -- The Wolf 's Spirit represents the way of find the deepest levels of self, of inner knowing and intuition. The Great Teacher and Pathfinder for the human spirit it is the heart of the wilderness. The wolf howling at the Moon is the symbol of the night  It is the revealer of hidden secrets and talents. An extremely gregarious animal, enjoying the company of others, wolves mate for life. Wolf teaches how to find balance between the needs the family and that there doesn't need to be a separation between the solitary and social paths.  Wolf's teachings includes death and rebirth, facing death with dignity and courage, guidance in dreams and meditations, instinct linked with intelligence, social and family values, skill in protection of self and family, the outwitting of enemies, the ability to pass unseen and the taking advantage of change.  Native American Totem Animal for "Pisces"  

• Arctic Wolf -- The power of manifestation, resilience and determination, determination and stamina, resistance to change
• Gray Wolf  -- The Shape-Shifter, adaptation and regeneration, loyalty and guardianship, the growth of mysticism
• Red Wolf  -- Creation’s flame, compassion and innocence, a unique transformation, a forced change

Wolverine -- Revenge, understanding aggression, standing your ground, fierceness. Wolverine is seen as a trickster figure much like coyote or raven. He often shows attributes of rudeness, gluttony, or sexual impropriety. The difference being that he does not usually get the rewards of his tricks. 

Wombat -- Dig beneath the surface to acquire the resources needed for change, not easily intimidated, frolicsome and will play with what seems like inexhaustible energy

Woodchuck  -- (see: 'Groundhog')

Yak -- Ancient wisdom, higher being and understanding, self doubt, lack of emotional control

Zebra -- Indecisive, hidden aspects, confuses others, can be emotionally up or down and rarely in between 

Bird Animal Spirits

Bird Spirit Animals assist in matters of higher knowledge. They are symbols of strength, freedom and unity of fellow creatures.

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Albatross -- Stamina and endurance, ability to remain in emotional situations for extended periods of time, awkward yet effective beginnings and endings, seeing the benefits of extended parenting

Anhinga -- The advantages of keeping wet, not wildly flapping to get somewhere, patiently waiting for the opportunity to spear your quarry

Bee Eater -- Ability to see auras, use of color in healing, capture of moving objects, ability to dig to find answers

Blackbird -- Understanding energies of Mother Earth. Blackbirds are known for their hypnotic song, calling from the gateway between two worlds, which is said to awaken the psychic mind. The Blackbird teaches  how to use your voice for healing purposes.  A familiar of the goddess Rhiannon

• Red Wing Blackbird -- A slow learner who can adapt quickly to new situations. One who will do anything to be noticed. Red-Winged Blackbirds are directly connected to the Goddess and primal feminine energies
• Yellow Headed Blackbird -- Blackbirds with a yellow head oversee nature and nature spirits. The egg of yellow blackbird egg represents new life, bringing hope for the revitalization of the mistreated land.

Bluebird -- Modesty, confidence, happiness, plaintive song, movement to a new level of being 

Blue Jay -- Linking directly to the power of the Earth and access to universal energies.  (The word "jay comes from the Latin word “Gaea” for Mother Earth)  Aggressive and noisy, driving others from resources.  Hiding away more than needed to keep others from having it.  Deceiving others by mimicking their behavior.  (Negative characteristics often seen in humans, which makes them unpopular visitors.)   The blue jay is fearless when it comes to protecting its partner, young and territory. So too are those with this animal as their totem. They will defend their positions against adversaries who seem much more powerful than themselves. They keep the same mate for life, which is symbolic of endurance, patience and loyalty.

Bobwhite -- Social pairing, time to protect your secrets

Bowerbird -- Creating elaborate surroundings (bowers) to impress others.  Acquiring a dowry to attract a mate.  A need to make sensible and practical preparations for the future. Positive materialism

Bustard -- The biggest thing flying. A faith that Spirit and Mother Earth will provide what is needed. If you can get through the first year you will make it.

Butcher Bird  (Shrike) --  A predatory songbird, fearless and bold.  A ferocious killer that will impale its victims. Check out your surroundings, know the value of having a surplus

Buzzard -- (see: 'Vulture/Turkey Vulture')

Canary -- Beauty of voice, use of song in healing and enlightening, finding your soul’s song, ability to find joy in song during times in darkness, the importance of fresh air 

Caracara  (Mexican Eagle) -- Use available resources

Cardinal  (Redbird) -- Cardinal is a reminder that this is an opportunity to recognize the importance of discovering life’s purpose. The bright red color of the cardinal is symbolic.  The color red represents the blood or life force of the Mystic Christ.  (The Cardinal's name derives from the bright red robes of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church.) In yoga the color red represents the vital force of the kundalini  and the root chakra.  The Cardinal signifies that once on a spiritual path there is no turning back. The balancing of spiritual ideals and physical desires is necessary in order to achieve harmony so that life’s purpose may be revealed and you will be able to find your soul song.  Add “color” to life and remember that every song you sing is important.

Cassowary -- Jumping feet first into confrontations and knocking down the opposition.  Address your need of Sacred Space and how you treat the Sacred Space of others.

Catbird -- Language and communication, be careful what you say and to whom you say it, make it a point to mind your own business

Chickadee -- The bird of truth, pinpoints truth and knowledge, will show warriors where their enemy is vulnerable to attack

Chicken -- Fertility and sacrifice, pecking out the answers that escape others, protection of family and community. Known for their hardiness chickens will run quickly and frantically away from danger. When danger is close they take off with a loud explosion which startles their predator. They are mindful creatures that have extreme sensitivity.  Chickens feel the vibrations of mother earth and all life forms that inhabit her. This indicates its empathic abilities.  Because empaths literally absorb the energy of everything around them a high strung nervous system can develop.  If nervous energy isn't expressed in a balanced way sporadic unpredictable behavior can occur. Yoga or any other form of meditative movement can help those with this medicine acquire balance.

Cockatoo -- {see: Parrot}

Condor -- Soaring above limitations, imminent changes, knowledge concerning the dead, a new vision through death and rebirth

Cormorant -- Dive deeper for answers and solutions

Cowbird  -- Child abandonment, avoiding responsibilities, parasitic relationships, the need to resolve old issues

Crane -- Royalty, pride, balanced movement, inner meditation, the value of secretiveness, ancient symbol of justice, longevity and good fortune

• Brolga -- An inspired dancer.  A sacred dance that will carry you into other realms.  A love of the theater.
• White Crane -- Karmic justice, master of defensive maneuvers
• Whooping Crane -- Your actions may influence more than you think

Crow  -- The Keeper of the Universal Sacred Law. Nothing escapes the keen sight of the Crow and it instills the wisdom to see things beyond the limitations of one-dimensional thinking. Crow calls to see beyond cultural limitations and the accepted rules of right and wrong.  Crow is an omen of change and when experiencing something new watches closely to see what happens and then learns from it.  Learn to recognize potential danger and be watchful in vulnerable times. Watch what you believe and question your ideas about reality against a more universal standard. The crow is the spirit which represents the transcendence that will reveal the true path to life's mission. Crow merges both light and dark, both inner and outer and when in the darkness of emotional pain and turmoil the crow is the Carrier of Lost Souls into Light.  The Crow has a message for you!  Native American Totem Animal for "Libra"  (The Celtic Goddess 'Morrigan' will often appear in the guise of the crow.)

Dove -- Associated with many goddesses, (most notably the Greek goddess “Aphrodite”), it is considered the embodiment of the maternal instinct.  When the dove appears it is signaling a time to go within and to release emotional discord.  It assists in releasing the memories of past trauma.  The dove bestows healing on all levels so that when inner turmoil is released the possibility of peace and prosperity awaits.  A spirit messenger bringing communication between the realms of the conscious and the unconscious.

• Brown Dove -- Represents a subconscious thought that is less than clear. Somewhere between awareness and ignorance, leaning to the side of being unaware. Give attention to being clearer about what is needed.
• Mourning Dove -- Represents Spirit and communication with Spirit through all other creatures. When the mourning dove appears there will be messages and opportunities for growth. (Commonly thought of as a potential symbol of a coming death, but only if it is seen under extremely unusual circumstances.)
• White Dove -- Universal symbol of peace and hope for the future.

Duck -- Connection to the feminine and the astral plane, maneuvering through the emotional waters with grace and comfort, assisting others through emotional entanglements,  spirit helper of mystics and seers, comfortable with other ethnicities, (bold colored ducks hold the qualities of strength and perseverance, iridescent colored ducks call you to examine your emotions)

• Sea Duck -- Tailor made for a life at sea. A delayed maturity that many never reach. A snappy appearance. The marine corps of the bird world

Eagle -- A Sacred Messenger from Heaven and the Eye of the Sun. The eagle lives in the spirit realm and it carries prayers to the Creator and returns with a vision. The eagle possesses healing spiritual power and their magical feathers assist medicine men and women in connecting with Spirit for healing. Eagles will mate on the wind and they symbolize the power of creation when released from the confines of the Earthly realm with a lesson of staying grounded when soaring high. The eagle teaches that with limited vision we may not see the things that lie before us and how to look at life from a higher perspective. 

• Bald Eagle -- Swiftness, strength, courage, wisdom, ability to see hidden spiritual truths, rising above the material to see the spiritual, connection to spirit guides and teachers
• Golden Eagle -- Understands the cycles of the Sun, clear vision, sees from the highest places, spiritual power of the Sun
• Wedge-tailed Eagle -- The Persecuted King. Upperworld Messenger. Pride. Transcending the Ego. Flight of the Spirit.

Emu -- Fulfill your responsibilities while you explore your possibilities

Falcon -- Comes when you require higher vision and knowledge, being in a position to see everything, knowing when to fully commit and act, teaching how to ride the wind.  Accompanies the soul back to the soul world, soul healing.  The Falcon represents visionary power and leads you to your life purpose. The Falcon carries a message of transition and change. Native American Totem Animal for "Aries"

• Kite -- Graceful and buoyant, responding with grace and gentleness, mediumship and a connection to the underworld, learning how to breathe to open psychic awareness}
• Peregrine Falcon -- Nobody’s faster, know when to act and how to act, act upon opportunity, observing from on high, meditation and deep spiritual studies
• Kestrel -- Kestrel shows how to discover ones personal rhythm and act accordingly. As ones personal energy field is increased and broader vision is developed, one learns when to act and when not to.

Finch -- Entertaining singer, variety of activities and experiences, new activity coming, often stuck raising other's children  [see: ‘Cowbird’]

• Galápagos Finches  (Darwin's Finches) -- Can change "in the blink of an eye", inspiration for (r)evolutionary ideas.
• Goldfinch -- Awakening to nature spirits (fairies and elves), resolving family conflicts, at home in the rural or urban life, first marriage difficulties, wardrobe changes
• Junco -- Expression of Spirit, increased activity and opportunity, pay attention to how you express yourself

Flamingo -- Ability to cleanse and filter what emotionally nourishes and heals, understanding how to maintain balance

Flicker -- New rhythm of growth and healing power, love, balance

Frigatebird --  A seafarer that can’t swim, puffing up the chest to appear important, will defend its own turf but no other, a pirate and a thief

Frogmouth -- Seek out the secrets being held by the Elders. Learn the ancient stories. Often mistaken for a wise old owl.

Goose -- The symbol of the sacred circle and its migration announces the passage of the Great Circle of the Year.  Sacred bird in the temples of the Roman Goddess  Juno and it is the totem of the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans.  The goose reminds us of the stories we are drawn to that often reflect our life mission. The goose is a call to the vision quest, travel and new adventure and the celebration of victory with dance.  The goose never leaves one of its own kind behind. Geese annually migrate to warmer climates during the winter. Should a goose become injured during this trek, another goose will leave the migrating flock to stay with its fallen comrade. An individual whose outer personality is one of determination and resourcefulness, goose souls may become so single-minded in their drive to provide a safe nest for their mate and offspring that they may ultimately attain their beautiful and sturdy nest, only to turn around when it has been achieved to find there is no mate with whom to share it.  Native American Totem Animal for "Capricorn"

Grackle -- Grackles are very happy birds that look past the emotional turmoil and find joy in the smallest of things. Black is the color of the inner and the feminine and the purple and bronze coloring about the head especially usually indicates that emotions are coloring the thinking process. Situations are not always what they appear to be; particularly when dealing with emotions. Emotions that are not dealt with can even go on to produce physical congestion in the body. Grackles love to live in pine trees and the essence of pine can be used to help alleviate strong emotional states, particularly feelings of guilt. The grackle showing up is a sign that it is time to clear away emotional congestion and to deal with your emotions.

Grosbeak  -- Healing the family heart, when it comes to relationships the male and female sing  a different song

• Rose Breasted Grosbeak  -- Undergoing a time of pain and a reminder that the pain will pass. Healing through music and sound therapy

Grouse -- Sacred dancing & drumming in the Dance of the Sacred Spiral. Understanding the circular nature of time.  Guide to perceiving the order within the Sacred Geometry.   (see also: 'Water Animal Spirits/Nautilus')

• Prairie-Chicken -- Spirit dancer, shaman singer, attachment to the hereditary land.  (Pheasants will lay their eggs in prairie chicken nests. The pheasant eggs hatch first; causing the prairie chickens to leave the nest thinking that the young have hatched. In reality their eggs did not hatch and their young usually die.)  "Avoid taking on other’s responsibilities to the detriment of your own."

• Ruffed Grouse -- Quite trusting of others and friendly. But if that trust is broken, it will be very difficult to regain it. This leaves two states for people interacting with a grouse totem. They will either be a good friend or they will never be seen.

Gull -- Spiritual messengers, communication with deities, soar above your problems, watch how you behave and don't be a pest

• Herring Gull -- Always a complicated story, body language reveals the truth, prefers water to wine, gets what it wants by bullying
• Seagull -- The emotional side of the psyche and deep seated emotions that need to be healed, temper a carefree attitude with a responsible nature, first come first served

Hawk -- Messenger of the Great Spirit, the protector and the visionary, omens and spirit messages, seeing the larger picture, recalling past lives, a blessing from the Creator.  A messenger reminding you of the great responsibility of diligently working to fulfill your soul's purpose.

• Harrier -- Sky dancer, constantly changing sides, getting in on the ground floor,"ramblin' man"
• Nighthawk -- Patient, nocturnal vision, resting when others cannot
• Red-Shouldered Hawk -- Living in the old neighborhood, being mobbed, losing your home, joining with one enemy to challenge another
• Red-Tailed Hawk -- Primal life force, fulfilling your soul's purpose, mental and spiritual forces, the teaching of higher expressions of psychic ability and vision, lessons of awareness and insight. The Red-Tailed Hawk represents the Sun and the Great Horned Owl the Moon.

Heron -- Aggressive self determination and self reliance, balance and wisdom, non-traditional roles, enjoying your own company and not requiring or needing others, shamanic journeying,  the Holy Spear

• Bittern -- Heed promises made
• Egret -- Provides safe passage to the soul world, peace bringer, self-confidence, wading rather than swimming, symbol of the Audubon Society
• Great Blue Heron -- Assert your authority and strike while you can

Hoopoe -- Humility in the wearing of laurels and fame, cleansing oneself, using odor for defense, tunneling as a means of escape  (“Hoopoe”: from the Middle French word “duppe”.“One that is easily deceived or cheated”; "to deceive by underhanded means”. It suggests the unwariness of a person deluded.)

Hummingbird  -- The Aztecs of Mexico regarded the hummingbird as a warrior. Despite the hummingbird’s delicate appearance, it is a bold, quarrelsome Bird who will readily attack any intruder that strays into its territory. The hummingbird is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. The hummingbird is all about making the effort and going the distance. The hummingbird is tireless in its efforts to sustain itself over vast migratory paths. Its tiny body is designed for ultimate efficiency and it taps into massive energy stores to maintain its high pace.  This totem reminds us to explore the past and extract the sweetness from it.  It can help you find joy and sweetness in any situation. Grab joy as swiftly as you can.

Ibis -- Connected to the Egyptian gods / goddesses and the moon. The ibis symbolizes wisdom and the ability to work magick. A single-mindedness bordering on narrow-mindedness, getting rid of pests, perhaps a need to eat more shellfish

Jaeger (Skua Bird) -- A character who sticks up for their own kind and looks after their own. Upsetting others by bullying to get them to cough up what they have, often working in a pair.

Jay -- Understanding how to use power wisely, comfort within shadow self, link between the world of dark and world of light, Moon magic.  (The word “jay” comes from the Latin word “Gaea” for Mother Earth) 

• Gray Jay -- Thievery, Trickery, Quiet, Planning, Charm   (The Gray Jay only exists in North America, so its mythology is completely North American. It has been equated with the Algonquin crane spirit 'Wisakedjak', which gave rise to its name 'Whiskey Jack'. Wisakedjak was a trickster figure responsible for a great destroying flood and for creating the world with magic. He was a master thief and loves to play tricks on people. The Algonquin natives so hated his thieving that if they caught a Gray Jay, they would pluck it alive if they could catch it. To the Cree, while still a thief and trickster he is seen as a “psychopomp” type of divine figure. They love to pull pranks but it's done with such good humor that they are always forgiven for their transgressions.)
• Western Scrub Jay (California Jay and Long-Tailed Jay) --  Unusual yet functional family units, scrub wisdom and connection to scrub spirits, theft and appropriation, urban wisdom, growth in urban areas, material wealth, saving something for later, delayed gratification, adapting and learning, great intelligence.

Kestrel -- (see: Falcon)

Killdeer --  A precocious little bird who runs into new  experiences with its eyes wide open. One who gets along with those who are different and takes advantage of the opportunities these encounters provide. When you approach an adult the killdeer it may suddenly develop a broken wing. It struggles in front of you, as if it can barely walk, let alone fly. One or both wings drag pitifully on the ground. Somehow, while struggling to keep its balance, the killdeer manages to stay one step ahead of you.  As you pursue it, the killdeer leads you farther and farther away from its downy killdeer babies crouching on the ground or half hidden under a tiny bush. When the killdeer feels that the young are safe from you, its broken wing heals suddenly, and the bird flies away, calling a loud "KILL-DEE" that sounds like a jeer.

Kingbird -- Love of open spaces, defense of environment, tenacity, fearlessness, balanced vision

Kingfisher -- Ability to express oneself in a clear and concise manner, past life connections relating to the misuse of the ego

• Kookaburra -- A disarming laugh that is used to deceive, diving headlong into situations, a need to live as close to water as possible

Kiwi -- Connection to the ancient wisdom of the Maori, ability to scratch out the truth, understanding earth changes

Lapwing -- Its name derives from its “wavering flight”.  The lapwing’s meaning is “disguise is the secret”.  The Greek proverb; “more deceitful than a lapwing” meant an “artful beggar” and this comes from the artful way in which the lapwing adapts its behavior to differing threats from differing predators combining illusion and discernment.  It knows how to work a situation to its best advantage.  Another interesting part of the “spiritual” myth of the lapwing is its connection to the goddess Ostara and the Easter Bunny. The myth goes that Ostara changed a lapwing into a hare to be her animal totem.  (In the spring, the lapwing nests on the ground and hares have been known to sit in these nests therefore looking like they are hatching eggs.)

Lark -- The mystery of sound, the power of voice, being awakened to your sacred song

Loon -- Awakening of the imagination, the ability to separate the real from the unreal in the search for the truth, a haunting call that speaks of your dreams and wishes, pay attention to your dreams.

Lyrebird  -- A timid, shy and solitary figure. Mixing a voice of its own with the voices of others.  Songs and stories of long ago.  Genetic memory stored in the DNA.  (Appears on the Australian 10 cent piece.)

Magpie  -- The Cunning Prophet. Occult knowledge, can open the door to the Spirit World, use of everyday ritual, jack of all trades and master of none, witch's familiar

• Australian Magpie -- Spiritual custodian of cultural rule and law. Home protection. Making new friends. Gossip. Attacking people behind their back. Paranoia. The beauty of song. Aggressive territoriality. Attack.

Malleefowl -- Parenting. Going to great lengths for your children / projects. Incubation. Going within. Patience. Caring for what you create. Nesting. Giving Your Creations Freedom. Knowing the inner earth. Trusting your instincts and intuition.

Martin -- Cooperation, peace seeker, team work and community action, accepting dinner invitations

Meadowlark -- Cheerful journey inward, sublimation, imagination, courageous, going inward for answers

Mockingbird -- Finding your sacred songs and learning your life's purpose, recognition of your innate abilities, overcoming fear, learning through experience, exposing those people and things that can hurt you,   ("To Kill A Mockingbird" is to take away the innocence of a child) 

Murre -- Dive deep for answers, cold weather activities, no fixed abode 

Mynah -- Prolific talker and mimic, ability to learn a new language, traveling with large groups, an aristocratic pet

Nightingale -- Soft tempered, good speaker, smooth movement and voice, keeper of the night

Nutcracker -- Cracking open the outer shell in order to find what is hidden inside. Life tied directly to diet, willing to travel long distances, stay at home dad, yearning for the pine forests

Nuthatch -- Grounding of faith and higher wisdom. You need to crack something open to get at the truth.

Oriole -- Ability to see how life is woven together, connection to tree spirits, ability to connect others to the fairy realm. Oriole is the symbol of approaching summer or sunshine, usually within a two-week period. An Oriole totem reflects this symbolism bringing sunshine (or positive changes) to your life and/or current projects.

Osprey -- The osprey is connected to all aspects of solar worship. Osprey teaches how to plunder our resources and the necessity to move outside of our comfort zones in order to do this. Osprey teaches us to take risks, and to not be frightened of grasping opportunities just because they seem like they're out of our reach. Keen sight in seeing through illusions, freedom of spirit, connection to the Moon, understanding weather especially lightning

Ostrich -- Learning how to use knowledge in a non-threatening way, become less visible, outrunning adversaries, avoidance and denial

Owl -- The owl is ruler of the night and seer of souls. The owl is honored as the keeper of spirits who had passed from one plane to another. Often myth indicates the owl accompanying a spirit to the underworld; winging it's newly freed soul from the physical world into the realm of spirit. Bringer of wisdom, revealer of secrets and omens, intuition and clairvoyance.  Brings clarity and illumination to dreams, (Moon magick). The “night eagle”, seeing and hearing that which others cannot.  Be aware of omens and portents for the owl brings the power to extract secrets from out of the darkness.  Native American Totem Animal for "Sagittarius". ('Lilith', who was the first wife of Adam in the Garden of Eden and in Christian lore was said to be the first witch, is often depicted as appearing in the form of a screech owl or with screech owls as familiars. The owl is also the familiar of goddess 'Athena')

• Barn Owl  -- Knowledge coming from intense scrutiny that is kept for information and not directly used. Connection to house spirits. Mediumship.
• Burrowing Owl -- Little bird with big ambitions, likes the daylight, stay grounded while working with spirits
• Great Horned Owl -- Messenger that announces new cycles often through clairvoyance. Can readily adapt to change. The Great Horned Owl represents the Moon and the Red-Tailed Hawk the Sun
• Screech Owl -- Creatures of the night who go about unseen. Bravery and ferociousness. Fiercely independent but works well with others. Differing regional accents. Totem animal of 'Lilith'
• Short-Eared Owl -- (Evening or Marsh Owl) -- Keeper of the flame and the light of inspiration. Keep your ear to the ground and be ready to take advantage of being in the right place at the right time.
• Snowy Owl -- Carries wisdom from the Elders and inspires through the written word.  Save your strength for the proper moment and be ready to act.
• Spotted Owl -- Threatening in appearance but not meaning to harm. Very sensitive to changes in temperature. Makes and receives a lot of calls. Use of voice for effect.

Oxpecker -- Riding through life, perching on other's ideas, flying straight and landing solidly

Oystercatcher -- Large, conspicuous, and noisy. A time to realize that portions of you are being suppressed.  (Christian legend says that the oystercatcher once hid Jesus in a time of danger and was rewarded by being given the mark of the cross on its back.)  A need to protect children from being taken.  A selfless act of concealment.

Parakeet  -- Ability to change direction suddenly, imitation, trust, assists with goals within the community

Parrot  -- Communication, flight, beauty, guidance in wisdom, thinks before speaking, mimic, color healing, mimicry, always look to the left.

• Budgerigar (Budgie) -- A nomad who flies off to wherever it feels like, female jealousy and fighting  (Translated roughly, from the Australian Aborigine word for "good to eat".)
• Cockatiel -- “Goddess of New Holland",  hissing when threatened or frightened, need to find out the source of fear and do away with it , needs games and toys or may go as "crazy as a loon”
• Cockatoo -- Rain Magic. Travel. Joy. Crying with Joy. Emotional Freedom. Spiritual Freedom. Finding Spiritual Truths. Your Inner Fire. Creativity. The Muse. Inner Beauty. Inner and Outer Wealth. Preserving What You Care For.
• Macaw -- Language, mockery, bringer of rain

Partridge  -- (From the myth of 'Perdix', one of the sacred children of 'Athene'. Perdix was thrown from a tower to the sea. He was saved by the Goddess and carried to heaven in the form of a bird. "Perdix was the partridge and Athene was the pear tree.")  A human spirit that has come to live on Earth as animal in order to serve the Goddess. ("The partridge gathers young she has not brought forth." ~ Book of Jeremiah)

Peacock -- Universal symbol of resurrection and watchfulness, ability to see the connection between the past the present and the future, the feathers of the peacock are the all seeing eyes of the goddess  'Hera'

Pelican -- Overcoming troubles, rising above emotional turmoil, recovering from loss, sharing abundance with others, forgiveness, letting go of your judgments

Penguin -- Lucid dreaming and the ability to alter the course of those dreams, out of body experiences and astral projection, leaping from the land (the conscious) into the water (the unconscious), the knowledge of the female within the male

• Fairy Penguin  (Little Blue Penguin) -- The littlest one in the family.  Know that you can overcome any limitation by adopting a resolute mindset.  Be careful crossing the street.

Pheasant -- Family, fertility, expansion of self-awareness, ego driven, understanding ritual 

Pigeon -- Return to the security of home, use of senses to navigate life in a balanced way

Plover -- A shore dweller that likes to vacation inland.  One who exhibits extremely flexible behavior when encountering difficulty and intruders that come into its life.  One who will seem to walk away from a threatening situation, but turns back at the first opportunity.  Taking long non-stop trips to get where you need to be.

Prairie-Chicken -- (see under 'Grouse')  

Puffin -- Graceful in the water, clumsy on land and in the air, out of water there is difficulty finding equilibrium in life, using body language to convey messages, throwing tantrums when upset

Quail -- Living close to the Earth, group nourishment and protection, see danger and find peaceful alternatives, courage in times of hardship. Quails have an intricate system of communication, and much of is revolves around avoiding danger. Quails have an uncanny sense of their surroundings, and are masters at eluding predators. They stay grounded, preferring the comfort of tall grasses over open skies. This reminds us to keep ourselves protected. When Quail comes to call, be smart, communicate your hesitation clearly and be mindful to stay out of harm's way.

Raven -- “The Keeper of Secrets”.  Guide to the unknown and the teacher of the mystic, the raven goes into the darkness to return with the light. Raven chooses its students according to their knowledge and stays only as long as needed to impart its lesson and return them to the light. Raven is the bearer of magic and mysticism. They mimic and use the calls of other species and can teach how to understand ‘animal language’.  The raven is a shape shifter and can assist in shifting consciousness into various dimensional realms. When the raven appears prophecy shall be fulfilled.  Morrigan the Celtic Warrior Goddess appears in battle in the guise of the raven and will not be driven quietly back into the darkness.*

• *From an anthropological standpoint the Raven is an interesting symbol in that it demonstrates the differences sometimes found between “tribal” groups and their interpretations of a spirit animal’s appearance. Within the traditions of North American folklore, the Raven is the creature who brought light into the World and its appearance is welcomed as a symbol of new life.  However, in British folklore, the Raven is seen as the harbinger of “The Black Plague” and a symbol of impending doom.  The British mythology comes out of the mistaken perception that the Raven appeared before the arrival of the plague and heralded the coming of death.  In actuality, the Raven appeared after the plague had already struck, as a natural scavenger, to feed upon the unburied corpses. This is a  misinterpretation arising from the transposition of the order of events in the early oral recounting of the story, but one should be forewarned that if you come from a background of North American mythology and you try to offer your Raven Spirit’s message to someone with a cultural reference from the British folklore, the mention of the Raven may cause them to mistakenly believe it foreshadows death looming on the horizon. 

Redbird -- (see: 'Cardinal')

Roadrunner -- Speed and agility, stimulate the mind, act quickly to avoid danger, understanding rapid change, always thinking how to get what it wants, proper use of running  

Robin -- Time of new growth, creative ideas, happiness, the wisdom of change, the throat chakra, divine sacrifice and rebirth    (In Medieval Europe the robin was often depicted attending the Christ child.) The Robin will reveal your true path at the time you are ready to move forward.

Rooster  -- Roosters are considered sacred symbols in Japan, calling Shinto followers to prayer with its morning crow at dawn. The Rooster is considered a time-keeper and is a sign of time passing in our lives. Hearing a Rooster's voice may indicate we need a wake-up call, and need to pay attention to some circumstances in our lives. A solar symbol, symbol of sexuality, vain, likes gifts and attention, rising to meet the Sun, drives off evil spirits of the darkness

Seagull -- (see under: 'Gull')

Shrike -- (see: 'Butcher Bird')

Snowbird -- Manners and etiquette, hopping and leaping, aloof but not stand-offish, small families, eating left-overs

Sparrow -- A common visitor, a love of old buildings, the triumph of common nobility, symbol of peasants and the common people.  If a Sparrow totem has entered your life, ask yourself if you know your own self-worth. The sparrow will show you that even a common little bird can triumph.

Spoonbill -- Sweeping obstacles out of ones way, shyness, wariness, silence, protection from communal living

Starling -- Ability to control mobs, imitation, adaptability, mental receptivity

Stork -- Creation, birth, new beginnings, unspoken communication, dance, protection of the young

Swallow -- Protection and warmth for the home, proper perspective, communal life, connection to thunderstorms, (little cousin to the Thunderbird  [see: Mythical Animal Spirits/Thunderbird])

Swan -- A time of new states of awareness, ancient songs of true beauty and eternal mystery, powerful and graceful, seeing and accepting the future and going with your feelings, life partnership

• Black Swan --  Love. Romance. Monogamy. Partnership. Equality. Compassion. Tenderness. Protecting your loved ones. Enjoying the presence of others. Folklore and fairytale. Love stories. Invoking happiness in yourself and others. Spiritual love and freedom. The joy and freedom in serving another.

Swift -- Speed and agility, journeying in the "Great Quest", responding to opportunities as they arise

Swisher -- Living in the "Between Time" (dawn/dusk), awakening to the fairy realm

Tanager -- (A species of songbirds of the southern forests consisting of over 240 varieties which often cross over into other species.)  Traveling by night and catching meals on the fly. Riparian entertainment of a beautiful male song.  A convoluted family tree.

• Blue-Grey Tanager (Blue Jean) -- Restless, noisy and twittering away life.
• Hepatic Tanager -- One who no longer associates with their family or group. Now considered more related to the cardinal family.
• Scarlet Tanager -- A harsh message must be heard
• Summer Tanager -- (The only entirely red bird in North America.) Add color to your life and remember that everything you do is of importance.
• Western Tanager (Coffee Bird) -- Maintain a secure, food-filled home and the coffee tastes better too.
• Yellow-Winged Tanager -- Listen to a higher calling

Tern -- Enjoying all the comforts of Nature, refreshment on the fly, drinking of the local waters, screaming to get the point across 

Titmouse -- Fearless attitude, powerful voice, control of ego, not letting praise go to your head

Toucan -- Sharp tongued individual, a vast repertoire of sounds, a need to tone down speech, knowing what to  say and when to say it, either heard loud and clear or completely misunderstood

Towhee -- Makes noise until it gets attention, shabby, red-eyed, speaking with a southern accent

Turkey  (Wild Turkey) -- A symbol of sacrifice and a giver of life.  Native American peoples saw the turkey as a sacred bird because their great abundance provided a source of good meat.  It gives its life so others may live. The turkey symbolizes the harvest bounty and honoring of the Earth Mother. Wild turkeys were almost eliminated because they were taken for granted and the turkey teaches a need to remember that nothing is an endless resource and that all gifts that come from the Great Spirit must be honored.  

• Today's domestic turkeys are not the birds of the Native American peoples. While wild turkeys can fly for short distances, farm raised turkeys are bred to be so stout that they cannot fly. Domestic turkeys have been genetically altered to grow twice as fast and twice as large, as their ancestors.  Although this rapid growth poses a serious threat to the animal's health and welfare, the turkey industry continues pushing to grow bigger birds.  Respiratory ailments and influenza are responsible for almost half of the deaths of turkeys who don't make it to slaughter. Turkeys are debeaked by slicing off one third of the beak with a red hot blade when the bird is about five days old.  After 4 months, turkeys have reached the right size and are sent to the slaughterhouse.

Vulture -- Symbol of death and rebirth, new vision, new beginning, and purification of mind and body. The vulture  asks us to be patient with ourselves, and think things through. They encourage us to be quite sure of how we feel before we enter the arena of our plans and this symbolism is underscored by the magnificent level of patience the vulture exhibits. Being noticed more for what you do than how you look, soaring above the difficulties of life, associated with the sense of smell (aromatherapy).

• Black Vulture -- Time of transformation is approaching
• Turkey Vulture  (Buzzard) -- Getting the blame by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, vomiting when stressed, diarrhea when things get too hot to handle

Warbler -- Characteristic regional manner, a distinctive voice, pecks at its food, vagrancy

Wattlebird -- A shaman in disguise, drawn to the unusual, ventriloquist and mimic, speaking will either set you free or imprison you, stand your ground and speak the truth

Waxwing -- Gentleness and courtesy, polite and sociable, ability to see from all perspectives and change as needed, surefooted, foster parent, a diet of fruit, without a song to sing

Weaver Bird -- (The Weavers are named for their highly complex woven nests)  An innate talent as a street performer. Will come to a call from a long distance. Using artificial light to enhance the environment.

Willie Wagtail -- Extroversion. Cheerfulness and gregariousness. Anger and irritability. Friendliness. Curiosity. Socializing. Appealing to others. Effectively maintaining your space and home.

Woodpecker -- The drummer of the forest, shamans ride the drumbeats of the Woodpecker's rhythm into other dimension of space and time. Woodpecker holds the power of rhythm and discrimination, listen to your inner rhythms and heed what they tell you.  The woodpecker pecks away at deception and when you hear the woodpecker knocking, the truth will be revealed.  Native American Totem Animal for the Astrological Sign "Cancer"

• Sapsucker -- Digging for hidden nourishment in two different ways, intuition, rhythm, being resourceful without depleting

Wren -- The wren brings a message of going beyond the realm of the known and to pursue the adventure that awaits there. Resourcefulness and boldness. Medicine for the environment and for the healing of sibling relationships

• Fairy Wren -- Infidelity and promiscuity. Not staying loyal to people or projects. Assessing many different options. Canvassing. Unable to focus on one thing at a time. Carnality. Lust. Moving on.

Water Animal Spirits

Water Spirit Animals help us reveal and identify our hidden thoughts or actions.  The subconscious mind is associated with water. Water Spirit Animals are linked to Spirituality and the elements of the unknown. They can reveal hidden fears and deepest desires.

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Angel Fish -- Understanding beauty as popularity and protection, effective use of color, ability to live within diverse situations, connection to reefs

Abalone -- A rare prize, the need for fresh air, influenced by the stars

Barnacle -- Once attached it is difficult to remove, will slow you down and impede your progress, a group glued to its position, getting into a sticky situation

Barracuda -- Make your own way in life, follow your own path

Carp -- Youth, bravery, endurance, strength, self-defense, prosperity, often an immigrant in foreign waters

• Golden Carp -- Tenacity, radiant presence, perseverance, longevity, higher consciousness and spiritual understanding
• Koi -- "Living jewel". The Japanese recognized these fish not just for their beauty, but for their ability to transport the observer into other worldy states of perception. These altered states of perception ultimately lead to the attraction of higher energy and carries one into other worldly states of perception and its transports one to lands of fantasy

Catfish -- Need to separate out what benefits and discard what does not, a greater sensitivity to the spoken and written word, if in a bad place you should walk home

Chiton (Moccasin Shell) -- The armadillo of the sea, night life, knowing the usefulness of creating a vacuum, when uneasy crawl under a rock

Clam -- Ability to mine energy that lives within the Earth (bacterial symbiosis), digging deep to find mutually beneficial relationships, going within for answers  (“Happy as a clam”  The derivation of the saying comes from the fuller version of the phrase, now rarely heard, “As happy as a clam at high water'.  Hide tide is when clams are free from the attentions of predators; surely the happiest of times in the clam world.)  Getting around a lot more than others think you do. (A good food source of B-12 and Iron and a unique way of life for those who harvest them.)

Clown Fish -- Ability to hide within dangerous situations, use of beauty as camouflage, ability to move as your enemies move, transmutation of poison

Conch -- (In Buddhism the conch is a symbol which proclaims the truth of the dharma.  It stands for the fame of the Buddha's teaching, which spreads in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet.  Shells which spiral to the right in a clockwise direction are a rarity and are considered especially sacred.)   Calling together the religious

Cone Shell -- Finding solutions to illness. Toxic situations and toxic memories. Inability to escape the past. Confronting past issues to find relief. Being forced to reconnect. Finding your way back to spirit. Don't ignore what hurts you. Feeling pain to relieve pain.

Coral -- The right timing. Release. Knowing inner and outer rhythms. Creating your world and the world of others. A solid foundation. Primal structure and support. Trust in where life is taking you. Universal trust.

Crab -- Symbol of the Moon.  Emotional intensity and powerful intuition that ebb and flow with the tides. The appearance of the crab is a call to examine issues of sensitivity and to find an outlet for emotional release. The crab needs all of its senses to survive, using everything and unwilling to discard anything. They are able to resist changes and flourish in hostile environments. The lesson of being able to change focus and to walk and run sideways in order to confuse enemies.

Crayfish -- Moving forward in spite of fears, if in encountering danger or trouble by moving forward it can move back and out of trouble

Cuttlefish -- Master of disguise, attacking from ambush, sneaking up from behind

Dolphin  -- [Do not confuse with the 'Porpoise'] -- Inner sounds that can create outer manifestations.  Living in tune with the patterns and rhythm of nature. Using the power of breathing as an emotional release of anger and pain.  Swimming freely and going along with your  feelings,  [Contrary to its popular "Flipper" image, the dolphin can be aggressive and  violent.  Out of 48 harbor porpoises stranded on the Welsh coast in 2004, 28 animals were found to have died from attacks by bottlenose dolphins.]  

• Association with 'Tuna'  - "Danger of getting caught up in other’s troubles" 

Dugong -- (A large marine mammal that spends its life in the sea), Moving forward into a wide range of possibilities, achieving wisdom

Eel -- Great transformation through the electric and creative life force of the kundalini.  A shape shifter who is not easy to catch ("slippery as an eel"').  A connection to spirits of the rivers and lakes.  Finding new ways to adapt and defend yourself whenever you need a way to fight, in doing so  some eels will taser you.  (see also: 'Sea Eel /{Moray Eel}')       

Fish  (general) -- Swimming the currents of life, balance between mind and emotion, immersion in the Cosmic Sea, symbol of the womb and the primordial life force, the subconscious mind, that which cannot be seen but is certainly there

Flounder -- An incredible transformation. (Changing from a normal appearing fish at birth to a round, flat fish in adulthood)  Blending so well with the surroundings that they are hard to see, drifting along in the emotional waters

Goldfish -- Prosperity, beauty, harmony, balance of mind and emotion

Grunion -- Leaving your natural environment in order to express  your creativity.  (Grunion come out of the water completely on certain nights in order to lay their eggs on the beach.)

Hermit Crab -- Freedom loving, can live anywhere, rapid change, mobility, comfort in the darkness

Herring -- A streamlined look, a flashy appearance can draw unwanted attention, serving as cover for others, a shallow and rather oily individual, mouth always open, unpleasant smoke odor

Horseshoe Crab -- Living fossil, connection to early life on Earth, ability to maintain balance, proper use of armor

Jellyfish -- Acceptance and faith, sensitivity to water energy (emotions), understanding of the value of floating rather than swimming through trying emotional times, ability to become untangled from the webs of peril in life, what is needed will be provided, a nasty sting

Koi -- (see under 'Carp')

Lobster -- Concentration, coordination, ability to transcend the mind/ego, regeneration to restore what is lost, handiness

Manatee  (Sea Cow) -- Gentle and loving. Childlike and playful.  Power in the sadness of the eyes with a face only a mother could love.  Moving slowly and gracefully to get you there faster. Control of elements and thought, open to new experiences and new relationships. Using your appetites for Good. A need to watch for oncoming traffic.

Manta Ray -- Ability to swim slowly through emotional waters, positive use of size, understanding differences

Marlin -- Ability to shake off negative energy, freedom fighter, ability to pierce the shell of an enemy. grand entrances, tenacity

Minnow -- Power of group protection, connection to youth, understanding peer issues, issues related to size, maintaining the self within the group

Mussel -- Clumping together, metamorphosis, attachment, use of minerals

Nautilus -- Symbol of beauty and proportional perfection, sacred geometry, architecture, knowing when spaces are “alive” with energy or “dead” and empty. The study of fractal geometry.

Octopus -- Multifaceted, skilled in many things, proper use of smoke screens (ink) in evading enemies, destroying negative barriers

Oyster -- Precious, filter out life’s static, knows when it is time to close things to save on energy, sensitive to environment, protection.

Periwinkle -- Can survive in a tiny puddle, differing colors depending on the environment, migrating up and down with the flow of the tide

Piranha -- Service to the river and the life within it, savagery, tearing apart enemies, understanding the power of groups, ability to totally consume (use) what is given to you

Porpoise  -- [Do not confuse with the 'Dolphin'] -- Bearer of wisdom, the power of breath and sound, harbinger of good fortune, rarely going along with the group.  The Legend of the Porpoise says that if you pray to see your true gift revealed a Dream Porpoise will deliver it. 

Pufferfish -- Defense through inducing fear in ones enemy, changing size to deter, transmutation of poison, power to induce a death-like state

Remora (Suckerfish) -- Cannot live in calm waters, being unable to focus, stoic sufferer   (It is not a parasite, but it will attach itself to a host animal, such as a shark.  In Medieval lore it was called “Echeneis” and was said to attach itself to ships to slow them down.)

Salmon -- Determined, persistent, strength through desire, value of returning home, a transforming spiritual journey.  Native American Totem Animal for "Leo"

Sand Dollar -- Freely developing childhood, living partially hidden, “the money of the mermaids”

Scallop -- The scallop resembles the setting sun and symbolizes a Celtic death journey westwards towards the setting sun. In medieval Europe, the scallop was considered an embodiment of the spirit; further, the scallop shell itself was the badge of pilgrims.  It is an omen of fertility and a symbol of Aphrodite.

Scorpionfish -- Warning. Feeling cornered and cornering others. Finding yourself in a tight spot. Finding beauty threatening or harmful.

Sea Anemone -- The flower of the sea, but this rose has sharp thorns.  Appearing as one thing and being another, many sizes and many colors.  Unusual symbiotic relationships.  Do not make assumptions and be aware of hidden dangers

Sea Eel  -- Male sexuality, ability to watch unseen, escape when threatened, electricity, awakening of the Kundalini Energy, a great spiritual transformation, a life at sea

• *Moray Eel -- Observation, watching for opportunities, unusual partnerships and on-again-off-again relationships

Seadragon --  Placidity. Currents. Gentle movement.  Free-flowing. Gentle masculinity. Paternity. Going with the flow. Shelter. The protective ocean.  Reef magic. Dragon energy. The protective father. Using beauty and brightness as camouflage. Facade.

Seahorse -- Male, graceful, a code of chivalry, can deal with emotions, courtship dancing, the only species where the male has the babies

Seal -- Imagination is your playground.  Delving into the sub-conscious and swimming in the emotional sea.  At home in the emotional waters but needing to be grounded to express creativity.  Go with the flow to discover hidden mysteries.

Sea Lion -- Not having a social structure away from family and children.  Poorly defined boundaries.  Needing physical touch to feel comfortable with others.  Dominating with physical size and presence. Imaginative and creative, vivid dreams

Sea Slug -- Renewal through shedding ones outer skin, transmutation, protection through reputation, use of color to show how you feel

Sea Snail -- Perseverance in moving ahead, although stern and cold on the outside has a soft-hearted manner

Sea Snake -- Releases air bubbles (restrictions) when under water, camouflage, anonymity, keeper of family secrets, water magick 

Sea Turtle -- Representative of Mother Earth, ever returning to the Sea, bravery of the young, traveling long distances to return to home and family, dedication to duty, reverence for life's cycles, a long and dangerous journey to adulthood   [see also 'Reptile Animal Spirits'/Turtle]

Shark -- Survival by instinct and acting without judgment. Sharks have a bad reputation as being dangerous, fearless and unpredictable. They can ignite a feeling of fear and terror in many people.  If there is a situation that needs to ‘scared away’ the shark totem will help as the shark has the power to fend off negative elements.  Having no swim bladder the shark can never stop swimming or it would sink to the bottom, so staying busy and active is important.  The shark’s sensitivity to electromagnetic currents is a call to develop and refine sensory ability in order to bring a greater connection with the spiritual realm.  Studying aromatherapy would be beneficial to help develop “hunting prowess”.

Shrimp /Crawfish  -- Do not to hide from your fears;  try new things. They show us how to come out of our shells and serve as a reminder to come forth in spite of fears and to move forward.

• Mantis Shrimp -- Reconciliation of Opposites. Seeing What is Hidden. Seeing Situations From All Facets. Remaining Earthed in Water. 

Skate -- Use less mobility in your actions, be careful in planning new ventures

Sponge -- Absorption powers, effective movement of water and emotions, hermaphroditic characteristics

Squid -- Ability to read the moods of others, can read body language of those around them, uses light, color and form to communicate, blushes easily

Starfish -- Regeneration, Moon magick, tidal movement, do things in your own way and follow your star

• Crown-of-thorns Seastar  -- Being overwhelmed and overwhelming others. Ignorance. Closed-mindedness. Surviving on little. A lack of love. No support. Supporting yourself through the hard times. Taking and never giving back. Taking others for granted.

Stingray -- Grace and elegance, cleansing and cleanliness, power through persistent movement

Sturgeon -- Determination, teaching, leadership, knowledge, depth

Sunfish (Mola) -- Overwhelmed by freeloaders, clumsy, staggering, weight gain

Swordfish -- Vigorous, powerful fighters, ability to jump (breaching) to dislodge pests, loose associations

Trout -- Different appearances in different environments, cool clear emotional waters  

Tuna -- Physically altering to fit ones environment, fast mover, danger of accumulating toxins in the system;  

•  Association with 'dolphin"  "Going along with other groups for protection" 

Walrus -- A loner who likes to be an individual, has little respect for  others who are not of its own kind, using a fierce mask wisely, an opportunity to uncover something hidden

Whale  --  The whale’s lesson is to learn to listen to your inner voice and to be in touch with your own personal truths. Whale totem teaches how to awaken your inner creativity and how to create your personal song.  Go deep within yourself to awaken your inner knowledge associated with voice, the use of psychic and telepathic abilities and all aspects of the Cosmic Sea.  (The Record Keeper of Mother Earth)

• Beluga -- Extremely social, curious and playful touching, playing tag
• Blue Whale -- The biggest fellow there ever was yet seen as mouse like. Ability to communicate between cosmic realms and over vast distances. (If consuming dairy products use those made from organic whole milk and not low fat.)
• Gray Whale -- An elaborate courtship of playing coy and stringing several along. Being extremely protective of children. (Check children for lice and other parasites.) Always vacationing in the same place.
• Humpback -- A famous singer and songwriter, enjoys acrobatics, prefers a smaller family, works well in group projects, a blowhard
• Narwhal   (a.k.a. "Sea Unicorn" - A whale with a long spiral tusk that the medieval Europeans believed to be the horns from the unicorn. The tusks were used to make cups that were thought to negate any poison.) -- The ability to detect subtle changes in the environment in order to avoid becoming trapped, able to break the ice, able to poke holes in false fronts. The shape-shifting servant to the Sea Goddess. (Inuit: "The one that is good at curving itself to the sky")
• Orca  (Killer Whale) -- Creator of the Cosmos, breaking down the barriers of the human mind, obliterating the concept of good or evil, using the vibrational energy of song to heal, brings food and aid to a chief injured and helpless on the ice
• Sperm Whale  ("Moby Dick") -- The biggest brain and the deepest soul. Protection of the family group, easily approached and vulnerable when resting, warns with a loud slap. Going to extreme depths to find answers but only when you are mature enough. Slaughtered to oil the machinery of Man. Be warned that when you think you have overcome a foe it may end with you being the one taken you for a ride

Zebrafish -- Thriving in confined spaces, likes attention, the white mice of the fish world

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Reptile Animal Spirits

Reptile Spirit Animals are intuitive and fiercely independent. These Spirit Animals aid in our understanding of our internal realm in relationship to our external realm. Reptiles are never slaves to external conditions changing temperature with their surroundings.

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Adder -- Wisdom, cunning, fertility, can hide in the shortest of grasses when seeking prey or to defend itself from a larger animal

Alligator -- Maternal protection, connection to Mother Earth, revenge through patience,  understanding ancient knowledge, rough, stern, stealthy, basic survival, 'The Ancient One of the Swamp'

Axolotl -- Remaining unscarred. Regeneration, healing and health. Remaining firm in your beliefs, remaining unscarred despite trauma, associations with the Aztec God Xolotl, warning against sacrificing your youth. On the negative side; refusing to grow, and seeing change as a sign of weakness.

Chameleon -- Clairvoyance and aura sensitivity, sensitive to changes in the environment, the inconstancy of life, the Sun as a source of power

Cobra -- Soul guide, transmutation of the soul, past life memories, wisdom of the Goddess, freedom from religious persecution

Constrictors  (Anaconda / Boa / Python) -- Becoming the vine, swallowing whole, gorging and then abstaining, a constricting situation

Crocodile -- Primordial power, warns of danger, aggressively defensive, dark and brackish places

Frog -- The magic of both water and land, metamorphosis and transformation, jumping into your personal power, cleansing the negativity from your environment, exceptional sight giving both clairsentient and clairvoyant abilities, the discovery of the two-fold aspect of  life, watery beginnings and calling forth the rains, singer of songs of the ancient beginnings. Water magic. Working with emotions and dreams. Night magic. 

• Pacific Tree Frog -- Wears their heart on their sleeve. Every emotion and every thought will be plain for everyone to see. sixth sense connection to the greater populace. Needs to have lasting long term relationships with others.

• Tadpole -- Power of change, coming of age, the inner child

Gecko -- Having the ability to see through the transparency of life and get to the core of a situation (they have a transparent membrane over their eyes instead of an eyelid), naturally intuitive, seeing things from different angles, blending into the background and moving through life unseen, sticking with people and ideas, pay attention to where you are walking and don't get stuck going down the wrong path. A cute little creature, but one that has managed to achieve great things. Geckos can originate from one country and within the space of 10 years be found in many other locations around the world suggesting the work of a quiet achiever. It also has the feel of networking; sending out your eyes and your ears to gather in information. The Gecko can move on and up any smooth surface with ease. It could represent the ability to tackle any problem with ease. The gecko female is parthenogenic meaning that it can reproduce without a male so it could also represent versatility and the ability to work alone without need of assistance from others.

Gila Monster -- Preservation, survival, careful use of resources, do not over extend yourself

Goanna -- Journeying to seek desert wisdom. Visualization and visual dream working. Inner and outer strength; confidence and arrogance. Knowing how to protect yourself. Teaching others to protect themselves.

Iguana -- An ancient one who is little understood.  Patient, gentle, kind and understanding.  Living near water and fond of going swimming. Will die if confined.  "The benevolent dragon"

Komodo Dragon -- Ability to enter into long dream states.  An adept to Earth vibrations it stands a solid energy grounding position.  Great strength on land and in the water.  Can swim at great speed through the (cosmic) sea to reach distant realms. Can’t wait to grow up and lead a long life.

Lizard  (general) -- Relaxed, knows when to back off, hidden defenses, elusiveness, appears when we need to analyze our present reality and brings the message for immediate change in some area of our life, pay attention to your dreams and visions

• Frilled-Neck Lizard -- Hiding who you are. Knowing who you are. Using façade as a mechanism for growth. Doubt and self-confidence. Preserving the hidden self.

Newt -- Posturing defense, poisonous reaction, living between land and water, living between the waking and the dream state

Salamander -- A fiery element that roams between Earth and Water and those with it as their totem often lead a double life. The salamander signifies all things that are hidden and are often seen as the keepers of dreams. Their ability to live in water and on land can reflect dreaming to be lucid and connected to the Mysteries of the Earth.  It can cloak itself in the face of adversity and is a magical talisman that brings comfort in the darkness. The appearance of the salamander heralds that a time of transformation is coming from sources outside of the self.  The totem animal of Appalachia.  "when all else fails: crawl under a rock"

Slug -- Living in both the male and female, stretching oneself to incredible lengths, following trails already traveled, rainy nights

Snail -- Taking an irregular path, shutting oneself away when things get too hot, "Cupid’s archer"

Snake  (general) -- Universal symbol of the exploration of the mysteries of life.  Because the snake represents the unveiling of the sacred mysteries many repressive belief systems have linked snake to evil ideas. (The legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland is one example of these repressive systems using the snake as symbol of evil that had to be eradicated.)  The snake is a totem which appears as protection from religious persecution.  Throughout history the snake has been the subject of legends linking it to creation, fertility, transformation and sexuality. The snake is fire medicine, the medicine of transmutation and it is the symbol of transformation and healing. (The image of the snake is found on the "Caduceus", the symbol of medicine.)   The snake must shed its old skin in order to survive, symbolizing death and rebirth.  (The image of a snake swallowing its own tail is a symbol of eternity)  The shedding of the skin is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences, thus in shedding your skin, the snake symbolically guides you along the path of transformation.  Which is the true meaning of the meeting of the snake with Eve in the Garden of Eden*. Once she had eaten the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, Eve then transmuted the energy of wisdom in a symbolic shedding of her old skin, thus her newly discovered "nakedness". {*Some "Eden" scholars suggest that the snake depicted in the story was actually 'Lilith' , the first wife of Adam, who had rejected the domination of Adam and left Eden, but returned to awaken Eve to the power within her.}  The snake is cosmic consciousness, the ability to experience all things without resistance, and the knowledge that all things are equal in creation. It signals a great transition in life through new opportunities and changes. Native American Totem Animal for "Scorpio"  

• Copperhead -- Serious but not fatal, an encounter that will leave a scar, hiding in the leaves that fall 
• Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin -- At home in the water, aggressive action, will stand their ground, showing teeth to intimidate, shut your mouth quickly
• Garter Snake -- Different colored stripes are the messengers of jealousy and deceit, beware of dishonesty
• Rat Snake -- A time for movement and progress no matter what situation you are in. Be aware of danger when the air does not “taste” right.
• Rattlesnake -- Rebirth, renewal, transformation, primitive energy 
• Taipan -- Letting go of offensive tactics. Goddess energy. Initiation. Back off. Serpent energy. Strong reputation. Shyness and vulnerability. Scaring others away.

Toad -- Altered states of  consciousness, Earthly energy, courtship with sound, the need for self-examination and drawing upon your inner resources, camouflaging poison, changing luck, representation of the Moon and both Life and Death  (In alchemy the Toad signifies the dark side of Nature) 

Tortoise -- A land bound Earth symbol, feels at home where ever it may go, will go into its shell when scared, non-violent self-preservation, ancient wisdom,  feminine energy, changes in climate can affect disposition and a stable environment is needed, a time for you to receive mystical wisdom

Turtle  -- Oldest symbol of the Earth, the personification of goddess energy and the eternal Earth itself, self -protection through non-violent defense, healing powers of feminine illness, inner knowledge and thought, slow down your pace and focus on grounding your thoughts and actions, return to the Earth equal to what you take, keeper of doorway into the Faerie Realm  (see also 'Water Animal Spirits/Sea Turtle') 

• Painted Turtle -- Enjoying the company of others while resting and rejuvenating in the Sun. Working in group projects toward common goals.

Water Dragon -- Going to the water when frightened or upset, use your "third eye" to see

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Buzzing Bugs & Crawling Critters

The Insect Spirit Animal and other creepy-crawlies are Nature's essential artisans. These small creatures exhibit tenacity, patience, and detachment. Seemingly unaware of their importance, they go about their tasks in nature.  These Animal Totems maintain the Earth.

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Ant  (general) -- Greater strength than can be imagined, the patience and endurance needed to complete a task, building your dreams slowly over time, community minded, mass consciousness, an affinity for magnetic fields.  Being able to submerge yourself in a project and work without sleep.(Be careful not to misidentify a termite for an ant, which is a common mistake, especially with the flying varieties)

Bee  (general) -- Symbol of fertility. Being defensive and hard working for the good of the group.  Socially conscious and community oriented. Having an obsession for work that will lead to burn out. The bee's honeycomb is a hexagon that represents the heart.  A message to examine your productivity and make time to savor the honey.  If bitten by a bee it is a call to wake up and look at what you are doing with your life. Totem animal of the Minoan Goddess "Potnia Theron" the Queen of the Bees

In ancient Egypt the bee symbolized royalty. In ancient Greece they were the symbol of the "Eluesinian Mysteries". The Celts associated the bee with hidden wisdom. Ancient Britons saw the bee as a symbol of the Goddess and at celebrations they drank fermented honey (mead). Medieval Christian monks lived in beehive shaped huts, which represented a harmonious community.

• Bumble Bee -- Power of service, smaller groups, adjusting body temperatures when in an altered state, yoga, hypnotherapy. (A Bumble Bee’s body is too big and its wings too small for it to be able to fly…but it does!) Achieving the impossible.
• Honey Bee -- Messages from higher planes and consciousness, prophetic dreams and visions, industry, wealth, industriousness, diligence, cooperation, productive hard work, the creator of tears.

Honey bees are abandoning their hives and flying off to die, leaving agriculture under threat and the ecosystem in danger. Many theories have been advanced by beekeepers for the disappearance of the honey bees. One fact does stand out. For decades now the "commercial" honey bees have not been allowed to live and work within Nature's yearly cycle. Beekeepers are constantly loading the bees onto trucks and moving the hives from area to area. They may be placed in a field in Maine for a few weeks, then loaded up and moved to Georgia and then out to California, never being able to rest. The bees are no longer allowed to follow their seasonal patterns, but are being worked to the point of exhaustion.   ["If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years to live." - Albert Einstein]

Beetle -- Beetle is a being of peace, wishing nothing more than to live at one with nature and the world. Metamorphosis, resurrection, past lives, rebirth of the soul, innocence of purpose. Beetle signals a confirmation we are on the right track and we should pursue our goals. “Some Beetles are good signs, and some are bad signs and bad powers. You need to learn which ones mean what in your area by studying their behavior and what occurs after you see one. Some Beetles are messengers of good and bad weather. In some cases, beetles have devastated acres of trees, but they symbolically warned everyone before the attack.” ~ Bobby Lake-Thom.

• Dung Beetle  (Scarab) -- Resurrection, regeneration, new life and vitality. Connection to spherical power, ability to move heavy objects

Bo Weevil -- Coming up from over the border.  An exclusive use of cotton products, (cotton fabric, cotton seed oil, etc.).  Highly sensitive to scents (pheromones).  An unwelcome visitor who brings devastation and despair to those he visits. )))

Well, I saw the bo weavil, Lord, a-circle in the air
Next time I seed him, Lord, he had his family there
Bo weavil told the farmer that "I 'tain't got ticket fare"
Sucks all the blossom and leave your hedges square
Bo weavil, bo weavil, where your native home?
"Most anywhere they raise cotton and corn"
Bo weavil, bo weavil, "Oughtta treat me fair"
The next time I did you had your family there.
~Charley Patton, "Mississippi Bo Weavil Blues"~

Box Elder Bug (Maple Bug) -- Operating on set cycles. Be watchful for those looking to "crash at your place" and then eat everything in sight. Get rid of them before their friends and family show up 

Caterpillar -- Must evolve before assuming adulthood, shedding the old life to accept a new one, the spinner of the metamorphic thread.  The Spirit Keeper of the Sacred Smoke and guardian of the tobacco plant.

*and

Butterfly -- The coming of adulthood, transformation, the rebirth of the soul, too often a need to be noticed and stand out in a crowd.  Symbol of Psyche, the Greek Goddess of the Soul. Life is short, enjoy the journey. Fleeting moments. Transformation. Internal and external change

• The caterpillar develops into the butterfly through a process called metamorphosis. It comes from the Greek words, "meta", meaning beyond, and "morph", meaning form; to signify transformation or change in shape. Metamorphosis is a key element in Greek mythology. This ability to change shape or form is a major development in the stories of Arachne, Zeus, and Daphne. Almost all of the gods had the power of metamorphosis. Christians use the term “born again” to define the process. The spiritual symbolism of metamorphosis is quite obvious and easy to grasp. What is more difficult to grasp, in terms of the animal spirit meaning, is the emphasis on which stage you examine.  The wonder of the end result as seen in the butterfly is the one most focused upon, but the true essence of the transformation lies within the cocoon of the transforming caterpillar.  It is far too easy to be enchanted by the beauty of the butterfly and to ignore the lowly caterpillar. The true call to spiritual metamorphosis comes from the appearance of the caterpillar as spirit animal and the appearance of the butterfly as spirit animal is often a warning not to become seduced by the apparent beauty of the changes into forgetting the reason for undergoing the transformation. The attainment of the metamorphosis is not for the appearances of the physical world, but for the transubstantiation of the spiritual.  If, after you have undergone a seeming transformation, the butterfly should appear as an animal messenger, it may be that you missed the true meaning and purpose of the experience.

Centipede -- Balance, coordination, ability to survive stress, the beauty of coordinated movement

Cicadas -- Notorious singer with its own distinctive style, “living underground”  for long periods, long life cycles of dormancy then great activity, periodicity, emerging on mass.  The "Nexus of Time".  (Sometimes called “17-year locusts”, but they are not locusts)

Cockroach -- Long lasting, virtually indestructible, it will be around long after everyone else is gone

Crane Fly -- Crane flies are creatures of both air and water.  Air deals with thought, and water  speaks about emotion. When these insects come into our awareness it suggests a juxtaposition between our analytical mind and our dreamy-type emotions.

Cricket -- Developing balance with intuition, strengthen your emotional core and ground your physical body, "nature's musicians",  finding your way in the darkness with sound.  Ancient myth associates the cricket with the lunar energies of intuition and sensitivity. Only the male Cricket can sing.  The females are silent, and move through the world at night, almost invisibly, supporting the idea that they are the messengers of the Goddess.  Find a way to jump over any difficult blocks in your life since we do not need to experience every set back.  If Cricket chirps for several songs, and then becomes quiet, he is telling you that a big storm (problem) is coming to your life. Watch for a physical upheaval, or an emotional upset, or even a spiritual shake up. Cricket is associated with intuition.  If you have been getting gut feelings and you have ignored them, Cricket is telling you to pay attention; you are being given guided.

Daddy Longlegs (Harvestmen) -- (Poisonous, but their fangs are not large enough to pierce human skin so they are not as dangerous as in myth. Most often they defend themselves by releasing a noxious odor when threatened)    Subject of vicious rumor, little understood but with an important tale to tell, will suffer injury in order to be free

Dragonfly -- Inhabits two realms: air and water and the influence of both these elements; emotional and passionate during their early years (the influence of water) and more balanced with greater mental clarity and control in mature years (the influence of air). The dragonfly will  represent the essence of the winds of change and it calls you to change the habits which need changing, seeing through illusion and awakening to your true vision.  Associated with magic and mysticism, life is never what it appears to be.

Earthworm -- Varied and adaptable, renewing the Earth while going unnoticed and unsung

• Night Crawler -- Moving up and down within a well defined system of tunnels within your own home range, existing within the 2-Dimensional plane, an opportunity brought by rain. (The night crawler is not native to North America. It is a European species that was introduced to the new world with the advent of European settlement.)

Firefly (Lightning Bug) -- The energy of epiphany, a sudden knowing or insight, ability to find light in the darkness, illuminating what is hidden, brings the light of understanding, the spark of divine insight

Flea -- Ability to alter time within the life cycle, ability to trigger a birth process by the use of light, vibration, or the various components of air.

Fly -- Survival, multifaceted vision, ability to change waste into valuable assets, transformation 

• Black Fly -- Wanton biting, the curse of the cow and the woodsman
• Horse Fly -- The child of a male herbalist and a female vampire
• House Fly -- House-fly Spirit drives away those who threaten the river  (Native American Legend);  House-fly Spirit returns from the grave to comfort the grieving  (Australian Aboriginal Legend) 
• Maggot -- Necessity of decay in the cycle of life, symbol of the death/decay/rebirth cycle

Fruit Fly -- Multifaceted vision, mutating as needed, colorful display

Gnat / Midge -- Free living amongst a swarm,  forever going around in circles, not enough time to eat, avoid the sunlight

Grasshopper -- The power of song and sound to alter consciousness, astral travel, the ability to leap through time and space    

• Locust --Forgetting the balance of nature and taking more than is needed. (Overcrowding and food shortages turn normally peaceful grasshoppers into the dreaded locusts, capable of stripping a forest or farm in the blink of an eye. They turn almost black, so that they can absorb more sunlight to have heat and energy to maintain swarming.  The frenzy will continue until they reach a place with enough food or enough of them die)

Hornet/Yellow Jacket -- (see: 'Wasp')

Katydid -- Attunement to new vibrations, camouflage, trying not to stand out, shed old ideas to make room for new ones

Ladybug -- Carries the "Golden Strand" that leads to the Center of the Universe,  family ties,  spiritual idealism, keen instinct. Lady bug is never the aggressor, but it will defend. Ladybug cautions not to try to hard or go to fast. Let things flow at their natural pace.

Leech -- Ability to alter the flow of life force energy, simplicity of movement in cycles, latching on for dear life, can be a "blood-sucker" or a "blood-healer"

Lice -- Being “sucked dry” by too many responsibilities or torn in too many directions by well-meaning people, the louse is a message to withdraw and resist being pulled into situations we do not wish for ourselves. Lice are parasitic creatures that require a host in order to exist and indicates that we are either asking too much from others or they are asking too much of us.

Locust -- (see: 'Grasshopper')

Maggot -- (see: 'Fly')

Mayfly -- Intensity, transformation while moving, transparency, emphasis on childhood issues, living in the moment

Mosquito -- Using water to transform, drawing energy inside of ones self, controlling energy flow in one direction

Moth -- The Moth is highly sensitive to touch and can feel, smell and taste with their feathery antennae.  When the moth appears it is a reminder to pay attention to issues of sensitivity.  (Be careful not to absorb the negative energies of others and draw them into your own energy field.)  Seekers of light and energy they are able to navigate by the Moon and by the Earth's geomagnetic field.  (Capable of acute hearing with the hearing organs found on their legs giving them the ability to sense the vibrations emitted around them.)  Pay attention to what is being said and what is not being said.  Metamorphic and transformative the moth shows how to awaken and develop psychic abilities.  Be aware that the appearance of the moth may indicate that there are those around you who are secretly eating away at your resources.       

Potato Bug -- Childhood, innocence, the enjoyment of just playing

Praying Mantis -- Benefit from prayer, meditation and the martial arts, the ability to blend with the environment becoming invisible. The Praying Mantis teaches how to still the outer mind and go within.  The praying mantis teaches how to transcend linear time and move according to the rhythm of nature and inner instinct. The praying mantis can remain motionless and blend with the environment becoming invisible to enemies. They hold the secrets of materialization and dematerialization and teach perception through stillness. In dream symbols, a praying mantis is a telepathic symbol of Angels warning of hypnotic aggression from the "dark side."  A praying mantis appearing may be a sign of Angelic protection. Becoming involved in situations where someone may lose their head, in one way or another.

• The praying mantis has historically been a popular subject of mythology and folklore. In France people believed a praying mantis would point a lost child home. Muslims believe that a praying mantis will point the way to Mecca. In Africa, the mantis was thought to bring good luck to whomever it landed on and even restore life to the dead. In China the praying mantis is the symbol of the martial arts. European people believed they were worshipful of God since they always seemed to be praying. One legend tells that Saint Francis Xaviar called upon it to sing the praises of God and the mantis began to sing canticles. Of course, no discussion of the praying mantis would be complete without mentioning its most infamous "behavior". When relations between the male and female have reached their climax the female will often bite off the head of the male. Some males even require this decapitation in order to copulate. [Mantis Religiosa]

From whence arrived the praying mantis?
From outer space, or lost Atlantis?
I glimpse the grim, green metal mug
That masks this pseudo-saintly bug,
Orthopterous, also carnivorous,
And faintly whisper, Lord deliver us.
~Ogden Nash~

Scarab -- (see: Beetle/Dung Beetle)

Scorpion -- Chaos and passion, inspiration and transformation, death before rebirth, intense sexuality, in its nature to sting

Silk Worm  (Silk Moth) -- Having been taken care of for so long it cannot fend for itself, a need for protection in new endeavors, the pickiest of eaters, a symbol of fashion and elegance  (The silk worm cocoon is often used by Native American peoples to make a prayer rattle used in healing ceremonies)

Slug -- Living in both the male and female, stretching oneself to incredible lengths, following trails already traveled, rainy nights

Snail -- Taking an irregular path, shutting oneself away when things get too hot, "Cupid’s archer"

Spider -- Spider Woman was the Creator who spun the “Web of Life” and within the strands of her web all of life is interconnected. Spider Woman used the clay of the earth, red, yellow, white, and black, to create people and to each she attached a thread of her web which came from the doorway at the top of her head. This thread was the gift of creative wisdom. The spider’s web is the “Tapestry of Life” and the symbol of the weaving of destiny. The past is interwoven with the present and the future and it reveals the eternal and infinite plan.  The spider's message is that you are an infinite being who will continue to weave patterns of life and living throughout time. (Understand the web of illusion and take care not to weave a web of self-entanglement)  A teacher and story teller of the Creation Legends, spiders are the keepers of the Sacred Alphabet who can teach how to weave magic with the written word. The animal totem for the number "8".  (Grandmother Spider is a wise old teacher who is the weaver of the "dreamcather")  To the ancient Greeks the spider was sacred in the story of Arachne,  a young woman who was gifted in the art of weaving. She challenged the goddess Athena to a contest of weaving and she created a tapestry showing scenes of Zeus’ various infidelities. Athena was greatly offended and tore up the tapestry.  Arachne ran away in shame and committed suicide.  Athena brought her back to life in the form of the first spider.  Arachne's story teaches to be mindful of the risks women, even extraordinarily talented women, take when they speak out against the established order, the patriarchy in particular.

• Funnelweb Spider -- Earth magic. Connection to the primal Goddess. Familiarity with darkness. Ground-weaving. Entrapment. Quick reflexes. Patience. Connection to Chthonic and underworld deities. The underworld.
• Redback Spider -- Female charm and seduction. Surrender. Worshipping the female principle. Networking with humans. Exploiting suburbia. Human habitation. Theft. Stealing. Taking another’s nourishment. The web of life. Surrendering to the Goddess. Offering. Giving yourself away.
• Spitting Spider -- Danger of getting caught in a sticky situation.  A person or situation with a big head and a small frame holding it up.  A poisonous environment.
• Trapdoor Spider -- Familiarity with Darkness. Waiting in the Dark. Ground-Weaving. An Insular Life. Agoraphobia. The Ancestor of Spiders. Earth Wisdom. Entrapment. Entanglement. Quick Reflexes. Patience. Timidity. Longevity. Connection to the Goddess. Connection to Underworld Deities. The Underworld. Secret Places. Escape Routes. Self-Protection. The Threshold and Doorways.

Squash Bug -- Another pest who comes by to visit, then moves in and wrecks your plans and efforts

Stick Bug -- Experts at camouflage and remaining motionless when in danger.  Eating a nighttime meal and making plans for the next day’s activity.

Tarantula -- Ability to shed the outer skin (masks) and transform, creativity, defense of territory, intimidation by size, use of environment to conceal oneself

Termite -- Defense of personal space, single-mindedness, connection to tropical forests, co-operative living in a rigid caste system   (Be careful  not to misidentify an ant for a termite, which is a common mistake, especially with the flying varieties)

Tick -- Adaptive and resilient, free loading a meal and gorging oneself, transmission of bad concepts and conditions, waiting in the shadows

Wasp -- Sacred numbers and geometry, numerology, order and organization, going to great lengths to protect the established order, aggression, helping and hurting, constructing a solution, team-work, productivity. The wasp teaches how to use diversity to their advantage. Balancing all aspects of the various species is an art in itself and can take a lifetime to accomplish.  Learn how to shape shift the outer image and become more connected to the inner knowing.

• Hornet -- Use of female warrior energy, sisterhood, understanding female societies, communal living
• Yellow Jacket -- Living in abandoned and run down neighborhoods. Making use of others refuse. Highly territorial and violently protective of their turf.

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Mythical (?) Animal Spirits

Spirit Animals can also be mythical animals. A Mythical Animal Spirit can be a strong symbol for a change in life. Mythical Spirit Animals are not usually a birth totem, nor do they stay with a person for a long time. The mythical totem is likely there for just this one challenge in your life.

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Babel Fish -- Removing barriers to communications, leeching off someone else’s ideas, a load of dingo’s kidneys

Cabbit -- A cross between a cat and a rabbit. Male rabbits are famed for their willingness to attempt sex with any female animal of roughly the same size, whether it is a rabbit or not.  In additional, female cats will happily raise the young of any species alongside their own kittens. Thus comes the legend of the cabbit. The cabbit represents particularly randy males and particularly maternal females

Dragon  -- The Dragon represents prosperity which may be of spiritual enlightenment rather than material riches, the guardian of treasures that lay hidden deep within the unconscious  

• Fire Dragon -- Vitality, enthusiasm and courage, help in overcoming obstacles
• Air Dragon -- Great flashes of illumination in intellect and psyche, insight and clarity, trust your inner voice 
• Earth Dragon -- Power, potential, riches
• Water Dragon -- Redirect your enthusiasm

Gryphon  (Griffin) -- Wisdom, agility, flexibility, persistence, guardian of hidden treasures, guardian of the path to spiritual enlightenment, a symbol of the divine nature, Griffins mated for life and if their partner died they would continue alone forever.

Hydra -- (A dog monster with nine indestructible serpent heads and deadly poisonous blood. The Hydra of Lerna was killed by Hercules as one of his Twelve Labours.)  Conquest of a powerful enemy.

Jackalope -- (A cross between an extinct pygmy-deer and a species of killer-rabbit)  Extremely shy unless approached gently, can be aggressive and unpredictable, a medicinal mother’s milk, “the warrior rabbit”

Kneazle -- Familiar of witches and wizards, similar to a cat in appearance.  An uncanny ability to detect suspicious and distrustful people.  Can safely guide their owner home.  Kneazles must be licensed if they become tamed in the event that a Muggle mistakes it for a cat.   

Pegasus -- Concerned with sacred places and guarding them, they always aid females of all species in need, especially young females

Phoenix -- Resurrection, rebirth, strength, protection, vitality, "Arising from the ashes" 

Pushmi-Pullyu  -- (From "The Story of Doctor Dolittle": A llama which has two heads at opposite ends of the body, when it tries to move, both heads try to go in opposite directions)   Being pulled in different directions by opposing forces.  A need to free yourself from contradicting ideas and choose a path to complete the journey.  ("Pushmi-Pullyu" has begun to come into usage as "business jargon")

Sasquatch -- Part-animal, part-human who can hypnotize and make himself invisible. In a clearing he emerges as a trace of the enormous being we are when we are the missing link. Is Sasquatch our longing to retrieve innocence lost when we learned how to slaughter or domesticate animals for food, magic, and anthropocentric love? These sasquatches discretely sense their death, and thus transmit a culture. Yet it is not what it is to be Sasquatch that motivates this project, but where they "cease to be subjects to become events."

Sea Goat -- Not a marine mammal, the sea goat, better described as a goat fish, is a mythical creature with the head and upper body of a goat, and the lower body and tail of a fish. The fish part of this symbol represents passion, spirituality, intuition, connection with soul,  the deepest depths of our being. The goat symbol represents intelligence, curiosity, ambition, but also steadiness, and ability to thrive in inhospitable environments. The goat climbs the highest mountains carefully, step by step, ever seeking higher vistas. It is the symbol of the astrological sign Capricorn.

Sphinx -- The body of a lion and the head of a human (?)  (The Greek Sphinx has wings, the Egyptian Sphinx does not)  The Greek Sphinx poses a riddle and strangles all those who cannot solve it; the Egyptian Sphinx is a goddess of wisdom and knowledge. (Some archeologists theorize that the Egyptian Great Sphinx, upon which the Alexandrian Greeks based their image, may be much older than previously thought. Originally it may have had the head of a lion which a later pharaoh had removed and his own head carved in its place. The image of the Sphinx having a human head may be an imposture.)

Thunderbird  --  Represents the natural forces of thunder and lightning, servant of the Great Spirit, carries messages from one spirit to another (One Native American myth suggests that the Thunderbird brought about the destruction of the dinosaurs)

Unicorn -- The ability to negate the effects of venom and poisons, the magick to make dreams become reality, connection to the spirits of the forest with its fauns and fairies.  The magick of the unicorn can effect the weather.  ( see: Whale/Narhwhal )  The legend of Zeus and the "horn of plenty" may be the origin of the myth of the Unicorn.

Wyvern -- Revenge and retribution, creating protective barriers of fear as a defense. They can also symbolize envy, viciousness, war and pestilence. (Wyverns are heraldic dragons that look much like birds. They have two legs and a pair of wings. Sometimes these wings are depicted as "hands", such that they can claps each other when the wings are folded. Wyverns are usually small and have wedge-shaped heads, but are sometimes depicted with smaller, more rounded heads. In addition to a beak-like jaw, which would be necessarily for the wyvern to carry food, the wyvern might also have a, a tail with a poison sting at the end of it.)

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Gone (?)

In using  fossil fuels we are connecting to the "Spirits of the Dinosaurs"

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Dodo Bird -- Growing up in near isolation and then being overrun by others. Having no enemies until you start getting noticed. Being unjustly blamed for your own problems because people say you are stupid. “The new neighbors make life impossible and we can’t get up and fly away”

Dinosaur  --  Ancient wisdom from the primordial, returning to the Earth and transformation within, "sic transit gloria mundi"

• Herbivore Dinosaur -- Seeing through emotional issues
• Carnivore Dinosaur -- Knows no fear, pursuit of prey

Saber Tooth Tiger  -- Savage energy. Going for the throat. Facing deep primordial fear.

Thylacine  (Tasmanian Wolf)  -- The recently departed. (Thought to have become extinct in the 1930’s) Withdraw from the mob and walk alone for a while. Time Transience. Accepting and embracing the Unknown. Moving Between Past, Present and Future. The Secrets of Rock Caves

Wooly Mammoth  -- (In the legends of the arctic peoples it was believed to be a large, burrowing monster who died when it saw sunlight)  The use of ancient medicines.  Freezing food for much later use.

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 It is just like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.
~ Mark Twain 'What is Man?' ~

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