Totem Animals for the week of 5/11/2008

Webmaster — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:43:55 -0400

Energy of the week: Turkey - giveaway

Turkey

Turkey is actually thought to be the Give-Away Eagle or South Eagle of many Native peoples. The philosophy of give-away was practiced by many tribes. Simply stated, it is the deep and abiding recognition of the sacrifices of both self and others. People in modern-day society, who have many times more than what they need, should study the noble turkey who sacrifices itself so that we may live. In Turkey’s death, we have our life. Honor Turkey.

Spectators unfamiliar with the cultural phenomenon of the potlatch or give-away ceremony are often mystified by it. A tribal member may give away all he or she owns, and do without in order to help the People get ahead. In present-day urban life, we are taught to acquire and get ahead. The person with the most toys wins the game. In some cultures, no one can win the game unless the whole of the People’s needs are met. A person who claims more than his or her share is looked upon as selfish or crazy or both. The poor, the aged, and the feeble have honor. The person who gives away the most and carries the burdens of the People is one of the most respected.

Turkey was the medicine of many saints and mystics. Celebrate if you have Turkey medicine. Your virtues are many. You have transcended self. You act and react on behalf of others. You aspire to help those who need help. This is not out of some sense of self-righteousness moralism or religious guilt. Help and sustenance are given by Turkey out of the realization that all life is sacred. It is knowing that the Great Spirit resides within all people. It is an acknowledgment that what you do for others you do for yourself. Turkey medicine rests in true ego, in enlightenment. Doing unto others and feeding the People is the message of all true spiritual systems.

Depending on how Turkey is aspected in your cards, you are being given a gift. This gift could be material, spiritual, or even intellectual. The gift may be great or small, but it is never insignificant. Congratulations. You may have just won the lottery. Or the gift may be a beautiful sunset, or the smell of a fragrant flower. On the other hand, you may feel the ‘spirit of giving’ growing with in you, and wanting you to share with others.

Support of the week: Butterfly-transformation

Butterfly

The power that Butterfly brings us is akin to the air. It is the mind, and the ability to know the mind or to change it. It is the art of transformation.

To use Butterfly medicine, you must acutely observe your position in the cycle of self-transformation. Like Butterfly, you are always at a certain station in your life activities. You may be at the egg stage, which is the beginning of all things. This is the stage at which an idea is born, but has not yet become a reality. The larva stage is the point at which you decide to create the idea in the physical world. The cocoon stage involves “going within”: doing or developing your project, idea or aspect of personality. The final stage of transformation is the leaving of the chrysalis and birth. This last step involves sharing the colors and joy of your creation with the world.

If you look closely at what Butterfly is trying to teach, you will realize that it is the never-ending cycle of self-transformation. The way to discern where you are in this cycle is to ask yourself:
1. Is this the egg stage: Is it just a thought or idea?
2. Is this the larva stage: Do I need to make a decision?
3. Is this the cocoon stage: Am I developing and doing something to make my idea a reality?
4. Is this the birth stage: Am I sharing my completed idea?

By asking yourself these questions, you will discover how Butterfly is relating to you at this moment. When you understand where you are, the symbol can teach you what to do next to continue in the cycle of self-transformation. If you have found the position through which you are cycling, you will see the creativity of Butterfly.

Using the air, or mental powers, of this medicine is done with ease. As an example, if you have been feeling exhausted and have asked how to heal your fatigue, take notice of the colors you have been drawn to lately. Does your body feel better in green? Could this mean you need to eat more green vegetables? This type of thinking is an inspiration from Butterfly medicine.

Butterfly can give clarity to your mental process, help you organize a project you are undertaking, and assist you in finding the next step for your personal life or career. The main message to be obtained from drawing this symbol is that you are ready to undergo some type of transformation. To discern what your next move is, use the Butterfly spread.

*Text quoted from "Medicine Cards Just For Today", by Jamie Sams & David Carson

Wisdom Word Teachings - Medicine Cards

Totem Animals for the week of 5/11/2008

Energy of the week: Turkey - giveaway

Support of the week: Butterfly-transformation