- Rabbit was tired of being a vacuum on the forest floor.
- Skunk however was the little warrior.
- Deer told me a very important message I will not forget. Deer had told me that "they, the animals, understand us better than we understand ourselves".
White Buffalo Calf Woman Interprets
1. Rabbit cleanses others. They must communicate and stand in the middle of disputes and resolve them with their almost deceptive qualities. They are good a white lies (small untruths or deceptions meant not to harm others, or leaving out the truth), in order to bring opposing views together, to gather and discuss important matters. They are tired of dealing with disputes, instead of gifting the loving embrace and warm they prefer to gift to the world. Rabbit says, "Chin up. Honor thyself." One more thing, the Cat and Rabbit share an important feature, the ability to jump high without any effort. This means, they can feel the flowing crystalline stone stream of our dreams and talk it out for us to be cleansed/united in hearts.
2. Skunk is striped black and white, a world that lies divided, yet together, a mist all the variables. It's what you see and what you don't, all aligned together,yet separated. Recognition is inevitable, hitting you right in the face. Often we don't see what is right in front of us. It's because we are looking somewhere else, not here, nor hear. Skunk says, "Be Aware". (our little warrior who is scared, fear of god's righteousness)
3. Deer Branches and Divides to guide, like a tree of life. Deer are always ahead of the streaming. Often running towards the rolling hills, gifting their love a wave. "Come tell me a story, then you will know how to make it grow", the Deer will say. Your heart and your kneeds/needs come first. I will push you, guide you, provide for you, gift to you and then die for you. This is the relative who shows you where the roads live, "Inside your heart, let us dart (aim like an arrow), to see the sky and rivers swim. Let us share a den".
Rabbit is interpreted in different ways in different cultures. In China, it is one of the astrological animals and linked too good fortune and the moon. People born under Rabbits sign are believed to be artistic and sensitive. The Rabbit is also linked with the goddess Hecate. In some Native American traditions 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.Ever heard the phrase scared as a rabbit? Well, rabbits are well known as timid, shy and afraid creatures. We can learn from the rabbit that if we are always afraid of something then we may draw/create the very experience we are afraid of in to our lives. Fear sends out a certain vibrational energy that may attract the very thing we fear. Fearful thoughts reproduce (like rabbits) and manifest what we fear. Rabbit people may be afraid of tragedy, illness, and disaster, thereby calling those very fears to them to teach them lessons
If a rabbit lives in constant fear of being eaten by an eagle, then this increases the chances of this happening by sending out negative energy. The rabbit should dedicate his time and energy to becoming clever and cautious in order to outwit the eagle. If the rabbit finds you then ask yourself whether you are worried or afraid of something. Ask yourself what the best way to handle the situation is. Are you able to let go of your fears? Is there a friend who is able to help you, someone whom you trust? Whatever, living with fear is no good for you.
Rabbits are guides into the shadow world, where our personal fears lie. When the rabbit shows up it is time to examine those deep reflexive fears that hold you back from growing. Do you keep bounding for the safety of your old patterns every time something new or challenging presents itself? If the answer is yes, the rabbit asks you to face your fears with compassion for yourself. You must accept that it is part of human nature to feel fear at times, but also believe that our fears need not paralyze our growth and movement.
Rabbit medicine is also very positive, showing us how to attract love, abundance, health, and a warm, dry burrow. We are guided to move through fear, living by our own wits, receiving hidden teachings and intuitive messages, quick thinking, strengthening intuition, and paradox. Rabbit represents humility, being quiet and soft and not self-asserting. If you see Rabbit or in any way feel attracted to him, this may be a sign for you to wait for the forces of the universe to start moving again, to stop worrying and to get rid of your fears. Rabbit always indicates a need to re-evaluate the process you are undergoing, to rid yourself of any negative feelings or barriers, and to be more humble.
Rabbits are vegetarians. Though they are eating, they are always alert. They eat the inner bark of saplings and shrubs as well as leaves and fruit, giving a perfect illustration of Nature's balance. Their rapid rate of reproduction is balanced out by the fact that almost every predatory animal eats them. This power animal may be asking you to examine the kinds of foods you eat. Perhaps a vegetarian diet, only for a short time, can help you strengthen and heal. Generally rabbits are most likely to be seen between dawn and dusk. The sun rising and setting from horizon to horizon has an air of mystery surrounding it. This is the time when the invisible becomes visible and nature spirits are more distinct. Due to the rabbit and the fairy realms being active at the same time of day, rabbit has a strong link with the magic and mystery of other worlds. To enter these worlds requires but a leap of faith. Rabbits are highly sensitive with keen observational skills, granting them strong reflexes that help them dash to safety. In the time it takes to bat an eyelid, they can be seen, disappear and reappear. Fast, agile and clever, they teach us spontaneous decisive movement, always knowing which direction to go and when. When rabbit appears, this may help us to grasp an opportunity that may only present itself for brief moments.
Rabbits tend to move suddenly and unpredictably. They leap and bound their way through life. If rabbit has entered your life, you may find tat your endeavors also go in leaps and bounds. Maybe this is an indication for you to plan more or to check any plans already set in motion. Do not corner yourself. Pay attention to your personal movement. Growth is assured if one is moving in balance with what is occurring in their life. If one moves too fast or too slow an imbalance occurs and growth is stifled.
We are able to realize what a good teacher Rabbit is in showing us that we are the creators of our lives with our thoughts and emotions. Rabbit feels fear and projects it, creating in the external world situations reflecting the inner world of fear. For us, this is an important lesson. Affirmations, involve focusing on what you want in life and positive outcomes. Thoughts have a certain energy frequency, creating a vibration aiding them to become reality. Just as true when you think about and focus on what you don't want to happen, a lot of the time we don’t even do this on purpose we do it automatically and even subconsciously, gathering strength unknowingly. This makes it extremely necessary to bring our fears into consciousness - into the light, treating them with gentleness.
Rabbit ability of being alert and aware of its surroundings ALL the time, can help us be aware that we ALL have the power to create with our thoughts and to be aware of them, to redirect them on a positive path and to be focused on our dreams, not allowing our focus to be distracted from our intentions with negative emotions, especially from actualizing our wishes and dreams.
Excerpts from Animal Speak by Ted Andrews.
The skunk is one of the most widely recognized mammals, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. It is a very powerful totem with mystical and magical associations. Just look at how people respond to it. They show great respect for it and what it can do. This is part of what skunk teaches. It teaches how to give respect, expect respect, and demand respect. It helps you to recognize your own qualities and to assert them.
The skunk does not get out of the way of any animal. It moves along at its own speed, with its own mind. It is self-assured and confident in itself. If skunk has shown up, it can be to help you with this particular aspect. It can teach you how to be more self-assured and how to assert yourself.
Skunks are fearless, but they are also very peaceful. They move slowly and calmly, and they only spray as a last resort. Because they are peaceable by nature, they always give warnings before spraying. This warning involves three stages. First, it will stamp its feet and turn its back to you. Second it will raise its tail up, as the gland which sprays is located underneath it. When the third step arrives, it is usually too late. After raising the tail, the skunk will look back over its shoulder. This is to line up the correct angle for spraying. Once the skunk has seen you over its shoulder, it is too late.
The skunk can spray 1245 feet with tremendous accuracy. It can repeat the spraying five to six times before it must build up again naturally. The spray is an irritating chemical. It won't kill, but it can sting the eyes and numb the senses. Sometimes a skunk can show up as a totem to teach us how to get more attention without being arrogant and irritating. Sometimes it shows up to help us deal with those people in our life who are outrageously irritating. Tomato juice is still the one thing which helps to eliminate skunk odor. Those with this totem may find they have a sensitivity to tomato, or a need for more within their life. The qualities and characteristics of the tomato should be studied as it is part of the contrary or balancing medicine associated with the skunk.
The skunk smell is one that almost everyone can recognize. This has links to how skunk awakens in others a greater recognition of you and your own abilities. The sense of smell also has ties to sensuality and sexuality. Research is currently being conducted that reveals the various connections between fragrance and sexual response. This includes work with pheromones and studies that reveal a surprising similarity between the cells of and response of the olfactory nerves, and those within the genitalia.
The skunk is a solitary animal for the most part. Skunks can remind us that there are times best for drawing people and there are times best to avoid people. Finding the correct balance is what can ensure prosperity.
There are two main types of skunk-spotted and striped. The striped is the most common and most easily recognized. It actually has a double stripe that runs from its head to its tail. This stripe, whether single or double, is an indication of the active flow of the kundalini or life force. (The kundalini has ties to the sexual energies and to the life force that is active in every aspect of our life processes.) In individuals with this totem, the kundalini is usually already active. Skunk shows up at a time to amplify and to teach the control and use of this life force more effectively.
Skunks are usually quite silent, so it is good for those with this totem not to blow their own horns. It will backfire and only serve to push others away. Sit back and let others do the noticing for you.
Skunks are very adaptable and this is what those with this totem must also learn. Skunk can teach you when its best to be noticed and how to go about it most effectively. They are carnivorous, but they will eat almost anything, particularly insects, berries, and fruit. Skunk does its hunting at night.
When skunk shows up 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 notice and remember can be controlled by you. This is what skunk can help teach. http://www.quasiskunk.org/skunk.html
- Understanding how to "walk your talk"
- Reputation
- Sensuality
- Understanding energy flows
- Self-respect
- Courage
- Will-power
- Self-confidencehttp://www.animalspirits.com/index12.html
the animal kingdom wanting to get into heaven to see the Almighty God.
At a council meeting all the animals stood up to tell why they would be the most appropriate one to get to the kingdom of God.
Deer Heart's Wisdom Includes:
- Gentleness in word, thought and touch
- Ability to listen
- Grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance
- Understanding of what's necessary for survival
- Power of gratitude and giving
- Ability to sacrifice for the higher good
- Connection to the woodland goddess
- Alternative paths to a goal
- http://www.animalspirits.com/index5.html
Power of gentleness, love, alertness, camouflage, balance and alertness, attention to subtler outside influences, ability to listen, attention, shows how to walk gracefully and carefully, connections to children and people for best interests of all, vision, hearing, smell, helps discern what actions to be done. Teaches empathy for others, soft direction and leadership abilities. Are you awakening to your own innocence? Are you listening to your inner child? Deer walks softly and gracefully. Are you ready for new opportunities that will reflect this gentle love to others? http://www.starstuffs.com/animal_totems/dictionary_of_animals.html
Celtic: The Insular Celts held deer as supernatural animals, "fairy cattle" that were herded and milked by a localised and benevolent fairy giantess (a bean sìdhe) in each district, who could shift shape to that of a red deer;[1] in the West Highlands, she selected the individual deer that would be slain in the next day's hunt.[2]
Cernunnos was a god in Celtic mythology that possessed two deer antlers on the top of his head. He was known as The Horned One or The Horned God despite having antlers and not horns. Cernunnos is also known as The Stag Lord, The Horned God of the Hunt, The Lord of the Forest, The Lord of the Hunt, and The Lord of the Animals.[4]
Christian: In the story of Saint Hubertus, on Good Friday morning, when the faithful were crowding the churches, Hubertus sallied forth to the chase. As he was pursuing a magnificent stag the animal turned and, as the pious legend narrates, he was astounded at perceiving a crucifix standing between its antlers, which occasioned the change of heart that led him to a saintly life. The story of the hart appears first in one of the later legendary hagiographies (Bibliotheca hagiographica Latina, nos. 3994-4002) and has been appropriated from the earelier legend of Saint Eustace or Placidus.
The deer is considered by some Christians to be a symbol of Christ. The Bible book, Song of Solomon, chapter 2, verses 8-10 reads:
- The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice. My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. (KJV)
Huichol: For the Huichol people of Mexico, the "magical deer" represents both the power of maize to sustain the body and of the peyote cactus to feed and enlighten the spirit. Animals such as the eagle, jaguar, serpent and deer are of great importance to the Mexican indigenous cultures. For each group, however, one of these animals is of special significance and confers some of its qualities to the tribe.
For the Huichol it is the deer that holds this intimate role. The character of the Huichol tends to be light, flexible and humorous. They have avoided open warfare, neither fighting against the Spanish nor Mexican governments, but holding to their own traditions. The Huichol hunt and sacrifice deer in their ceremonies. They make offerings to the Deer of the Maize to care for their crops, and to the Deer of the Peyote to bring them spiritual guidance and artistic inspiration.
- Messenger of the Rainbow Serpent
- Elusiveness
- Manipulates lightning
- Transmutation
- Exploration of the mysteries of life
- Primitive or elemental energy
- Protection from religious persecution
- Goddess energy
- Psychic energy
- Creative power
- Immortality
- Connection to or forms the magic cord by which the shaman travels to the soul world