Totem Tuesday: Wolf Medicine

 Wolf Medicine

by Felina Lune Kavi

“The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” –Rudyard Kipling

Keywords:  Loyalty, Guidance, Path-finding, Instinct, Intuition, Strength, Stamina, Discipline, Order, Community, Responsibility, Teamwork, Diplomacy, Individuality within the Group, Self-Expression, Communication, Boundaries, Respect, Wisdom, Authenticity, Patience, Intelligence, Problem-solving, Competition, Perceived Threats, Protection, Family, Freedom

There is a Native American proverb that tells of a grandfather telling his grandson that we each have two wolves inside of us, struggling with each other. The first is the wolf of peace, love and kindness. The other wolf is fear, greed and hatred. "Which wolf will win, grandfather?" the boy asks.  The grandfather replies, "Whichever one we feed." Not only does this proverb allude to the inner struggle of human nature, but it also highlights a certain duality to the totem medicine of the Wolf. 

Despite actually being non-aggressive toward humans (and even each other) unless provoked, the fear of wolves as violent killer beasts that would threaten anything in their path is still a popular belief (though this idea is not supported by more earth-based cultures such as the Native Americans and the Inuit and Yupik tribes, who respect the power and stamina of the animal but do not fear them). In North America, there have been only 2 fatal wolf attacks in the past 100 years…which means that people are in more danger of being killed by a cow than a wolf.  However, this misguided vilification precedes them…as many learn about wolves from stories such as ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘The Three Little Pigs’, and ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ as children.  Because of this reputation, wolves have been hunted to near extinction by humans.  In the past two decades though, the Endangered Species Act has helped to protect them and increase their numbers.  

The darker side of Wolf Medicine has to do with what happens when a threat, real or imagined, is perceived by those with this totem.  While people with this totem have strong powers of intuition and instinct, and an excellent ability to patiently solve problems…when they feel threatened, their instincts can turn against them and they may make a problem worse by becoming aggressive, overly competitive, or fearful. 

However, as it is with all canines, friends and family are essential to their well-being and, in most cases, survival.  Wolves are pack animals and look out for each other.  Contrary to popular belief, the lone wolf is a very rare case.  Those with this totem would do well to understand that they are never alone…there is always at least one other person who cares very deeply for them.  A wolf pack may be as small as two wolves or much larger, depending on the food supply.  

Another common misconception about wolves is that there is a hierarchy from alpha to omega.  Wolf packs are essentially family groups, so the leader of the pack is usually the father.  They mate for life, so the lead female is the mother of the pack.  None of the other wolves in the pack will mate, unless they form their own pack and choose another territory.  Females of breeding age won’t even go into heat unless they are the designated mother of the pack.  In cases where the food supply is low, the father and mother will not breed until the conditions for survival are well-suited for new members of the family.  Because of the breeding habits of the pack, increasing the number of wolves from their near extinction has been a slow process and they are still an endangered species.

People with Wolf as their totem guide are very family-oriented and very protective of their pack.  They are often very smart parents who will put the needs of their children above their own and, in the event that they have little to provide for their family, they become very savvy at making a little go a long way.  People with a wolf totem make survival of any harsh realities like an art form.  Their children will always have what they need, even if it means their parents have to go without for a while. 

People with this totem are extremely loyal, not only to their family and children, but also to their mate.  They recognize and respect their significant other for the leader they are within their family as well as for all that they do to provide for them.  Even when in conflict with each other, they keep the lines of communication open and treat each other diplomatically in order to work through any issues and get back to what is really important.  Teamwork is an essential part of this medicine, so when they feel as though their mate isn’t pulling their weight this is usually where the most conflict arises.  Wolf people take on a lot of responsibility in their lives, and they are excellent teachers and guides to others, especially their children.  In fact, every wolf in a pack is responsible for the education and caretaking of the pups, as well as for providing for the family when they are of age.

Wolf medicine is that of the Pathfinder, and this totem will similarly guide those with its medicine to keep on the right path toward their goals.  Wolves are so good at hunting together that even the Department of Defense respects their force.  In 2014, they mimicked the way coordinated wolf packs hunt with minimal communication by creating semi-autonomous military drones that could enter enemy air space and work together to invade and attack.  

Communication is another big part of Wolf Medicine, and while they are often more vocal than the fox, they rely just as heavily on scent communication.  People with this totem are often very good at ‘sniffing out the truth’ in any situation as well as knowing when something just doesn’t smell right.  Wolves howl for many reasons, whether to call back to their pack or to alert other packs to their territory.  But they also howl together before they go out to hunt, almost like a pre-game ritual where they all get each other fired up to do their best.  People with this totem are similarly encouraging to each other and find that they are very comfortable communicating within a group when a shared purpose arises.

Though they have a strong community mindset, Wolf also guides us to express our individuality within a group.  When they need to, they may act as if they are of one mind…but when they are comfortable, their self-expression comes out and is encouraged by the group…so long as they don’t overstep any boundaries that might endanger the pack.  Because of being raised with a good balance of discipline and encouragement, people with this totem often have very healthy ways of self-expression.

Wolves have proved themselves to be powerful creatures that command respect as well as essential to the survival of many other species.  For just one of many examples of this, between 1914 and 1926, under pressure from cattle and livestock industries, U.S. congress allowed the last of Yellowstone National Park’s 136 wolves to be hunted into extinction.  After that, the land started changing.  The trees began to disappear.  A little over 20 years after wolves, and new tree growth drops to just 10% of what it was before their absence.  50 years after wolves, and those trees are down to just 1%.  Trees that were once up to 98 feet tall would rarely make it past 2 feet tall.  

The reason for this is that the trees were being devoured by one of the wolves’ favorite meals, the Elk.  Without wolves to keep them in check, the Elk population exploded to 19,000 strong.  With each elk devouring 10 to 20 pounds of plants per day, that’s 380,000 pounds of species-supporting habitat eaten every day.  Riverbanks started to crumble without the roots of trees and plants to hold them together.  The beaver population that depended on the rivers and the dwindling trees dropped from 25 colonies to just one.  Even Grizzly Bears suffered without wolves.  70 years without wolves and that world was dying. 

But then, in 1995, thanks to provisions in the endangered species act, two wolf packs were reintroduced to Yellowstone.  The impact was palpable.  In just a little over 10 years, elk populations dropped 50.3% to a more sustainable 7000 heads.  It’s not just that they kill and eat the elk, but wolves also keep them running so that they can’t overgraze any one area.  

Also, less elk competing for food means more bison.  In the years after wolves returned to Yellowstone, bison populations doubled from under 1000 to over 2000.  Because wolves eat big game animal, they actually were leaving behind carrion that were being scavenged by ravens, vultures, and even bears.  

15 years after the return of wolves, and even the shape of rivers started to change.  Deeper roots meant stronger soil and more defined riverbanks.  Yellowstone went from having one beaver colony to over 100.  The wolves’ impact on Yellowstone’s biodiversity is undeniable.  After the return of top predators like wolves, Yellowstone began to recover.  This interconnectedness is known to scientists as atrophic cascade.  It is now obvious that wolves are a vital part of a complex ecosystem.  People with this totem learn that they, too, have an integral role to play in the development and maintenance of a balanced world.

If Wolf is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Wolf will encourage you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a wolf, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  It may be that you are struggling within yourself to keep on the straight and narrow path toward your best outcome, or it may be that you need to keep clear boundaries in place to protect you and your family from unwanted influences.  Whatever the message may be, Wolf is a patient creature teacher and will guide you with the wisdom of a caring leader and a respected member of a close-knit family.  Often, when in need of Wolf Medicine, it may come to you from a wise elder in your family or community.  Seek out their help in times of trouble, and Wolf will be there to encourage you along your path.

Totem Tuesday: Fox Medicine

Fox Medicine

by Felina Lune Kavi

“Old foxes are hard to trap.” –German Proverb

Keywords:  Cunning, Shapeshifting, Healing, Magic, Agility, Guidance, Dreams, Between Times, Fairy Energy, Camouflage, Invisibility, Integration, Balance, Meditation, Swiftly Overcoming Obstacles, Responsiveness, Quick-Thinking, Analytical Intelligence, Observation, Deduction, Discernment, Adaptability, Trickster Archetype, Playfulness, Sense of Humor, Heightened Senses, Fertility, Protection of Family

Foxes are well known for their swiftness, cunning, and resourcefulness…making them expert teachers for survival and getting out of tricky situations.  One of the most intelligent and adaptable animals, foxes live in many different habitats around the world.  Though they especially like forested areas, they are also often found in close proximity to humans.  They are omnivores and eat just about anything to survive, even what they find in our garbage.  Those that live near the ocean have even learned how to fish and hunt for crabs.  

Because of their eating habits, they are often considered a nuisance by farmers since they will often kill more chickens than they can even eat.  However, it is a common misconception that they will kill just for the fun of it.  Because they eat frequent, small meals, if they find more than they need they will kill them and save them for later.  But because they eat many rodents and bugs, they are actually beneficial to have around…as long as you can keep them out of the chicken coop.  

People with this totem often benefit from eating frequent, small meals throughout the day.  They understand the archetype of the Trickster, as you can’t often fool one as crafty as the fox, so they can see through what would usually fool those who are less observant.  They are usually very intelligent people who prefer to observe others rather than call attention to themselves…until they are very comfortable with someone, of course, and that’s when they let their guard down.  They can get along with most people and adapt to almost any situation, always seeming to be two steps ahead of the game on what moves to make next in most situations.

Though they are canines, foxes have many cat-like qualities.  Their eyesight, especially keen in the darkness of night when they do much of their hunting, is much like a cat’s because of their vertically-slit pupils.  And though they live in packs, called ‘earths’, like most canines…they stray from the pack to hunt alone.  Like a cat, they tend to pounce on their prey and even play with it before they kill it.  Also, like a cat, foxes have additional whiskers on their hind legs…these are for finding their way around as well as for tracking prey when close.  The whiskers are so sensitive, they can feel the slightest change in the direction of a breeze, and will certainly feel a mouse or other animal running near their legs.  Because of these similarities, Fox medicine has much in common with Cat Medicine…perhaps even more than with Dog or Wolf medicine.

Foxes are less aggressive than wolves and more non-confrontational.  A fox, which is one of the smallest types of canines, would prefer to flee from danger rather than fight.  Depending on the type of fox, they can reach speeds between 25-45 mph which is why they are well-known for their swiftness.  People with this totem also have a gentle approach with others and will try to avoid confrontation if they can.  Fox medicine teaches how to get around obstacles instead of confronting them head on.  It also teaches how to be smarter about dealing with areas of resistance in your life or projects, finding a quicker and more clever way toward a solution to any problem.

The fox doesn’t communicate by barking as other canines do.  Instead, it relies almost solely upon non-verbal communication.  This includes the posture of the body, tail wagging, and facial expressions.  Even still, they can identify each other’s voices much like humans do, and a fox has almost 30 different sounds that they will use to communicate, including yips, growls, howls, and mating calls that sound like a human scream.  So to answer the question, ‘What does the fox say?’…well, they can say a lot, but they prefer to communicate silently.  People with this totem love to communicate…though usually are not the type to call a friend on the phone just to gab.  They often prefer more silent forms of expression…such as visual art or writing.  They can be very expressive people in whatever avenue they choose for communication.  However, in person, they may seem more quiet than you would expect…not because they have nothing to say but more because they are listening carefully to what others have to say.

Of all of my personal totems, Fox Medicine has always been most present in how I raise my children and care for my family.  Foxes are very social animals and a fox earth may include older siblings, kits (fox babies), foxes of breeding age, mates, and mothers.  Vixens are occasionally assisted in rearing their kits by a non-breeding female or a female kit from a previous litter (as I am sometimes assisted with baby Felix by his half-sister, Alyrica).  These sisters and ‘aunts’ gain valuable experience which helps them to rear their own litter successfully the next season.  Foxes are usually monogamous and a male fox (called a dog, tod, or reynard) will support the vixen and their kits by bringing them food.  

A fox den (also sometimes called an ‘earth’, like their pack name) is often a burrow below ground which has many different rooms and multiple exits so they can easily escape if another animal comes in their home.  A special room is made inside the den for the kits, called a nesting chamber, where the vixen gives birth on a nest of leaves she made after mating.  The gestation period is only 53 days and the litter usually consists of two to seven kits.  

People with this totem often have a similarly quick gestation period for creative ideas and the preparation and planning ability to ensure that the manifestation of these ideas have everything they need to succeed.  With a strong family base to support them, they are often successful in their ventures.  Always concerned with the safety of family members, Fox Medicine protects the family unit and people with this totem are often very caring parents who are protective of their offspring and do anything for their family.

Because foxes are most active from dusk till dawn, they are totem guides of the ‘between times’ and unseen realms such as the realm of the fairies.  As with all nocturnal animals, they often communicate their medicine to those with this totem through their dreams.  Their connection to dreams also has to do with their knowledge of things underground and unseen by human eyes.  Foxes have the ability to see movement and objects on the very edges of the field of vision.  Those with this medicine can often see Spirit and the beings between worlds.  With their sensitive hearing, Fox Medicine may also allow you to hear Spirit as well. 

Unlike most mammals, foxes can hear low-frequency sounds very well…such as the sound of an animal digging in the dirt or snow.  Fox also uses the Earth’s magnetic field when hunting prey.  The odds of a fox catching a mouse buried beneath snow rise to nearly 75% if the fox is facing north.  The fox uses the invisible magnetic field of the planet to triangulate and home in on its prey, buried in up to 3 feet of snow, from 18 feet away. Those with this totem are often very attuned to Mother Earth and, along with their regular senses being heightened, also seem to have a sixth sense about things which helps to guide them.

Through the art of camouflage, foxes know how to observe while being unseen doing so.  Because of this, Fox Medicine teaches shapeshifting, invisibility, and observation in its ability to wait, hidden in its surroundings, silently watching those around them without them noticing they are being watched.  This allows a person with this totem to use their heightened senses to detect what a person or situation is really like without calling attention to themselves or the fact that they are observing.  People with this totem may notice the smallest nuances in body language or speech that tell much more than what is being done or said.  Because of their powers of observation, they are able to become aware of certain patterns of predictability with people and situations that help them to quickly decide what to do or who to trust.

Along with the medicine of camouflage and shapeshifting, the tail of a fox holds similar symbolism.  People with this totem often feel that changing their hair, whether it be with color or cut, is symbolic of a deeper change within them.  Hair is very important to them, whether they know it or not.  If a change is needed in their life on some level, changing their hair to reflect that desire helps to activate fox medicine and its magic of shape-shifting.  Those with long hair may hide behind it or use it to keep warm, or they may put it up or cut it shorter to open themselves up to the world or stay cool.  Foxes expel body heat through their ears, so whether a person with this totem has their hair covering their ears or not often has to do with their body temperature (though, in my case, I usually have to pull it back lately to protect it from getting pulled by our baby).  

The tail is also symbolic of the ability to protect yourself from uncomfortable situations.  Foxes also use their tails as balancing devices when standing on their hind legs to search for prey over tall grass.  Fox medicine helps to keep yourself balanced and confident in your abilities.

Foxes are very playful animals and teach the benefits of a good sense of humor, especially in serious situations.  While they have become well-known for finding the fun in things (thanks to countless home videos on the internet showing that foxes enjoy bouncing on backyard trampolines when they think no one is watching), they also use silliness to distract predators who might threaten them or their families.  People with this totem can find the fun in even the simple things and encourage others to have fun and let their guard down by their example. 

If Fox is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Fox will encourage you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a fox, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  It may be a message to practice the art of camouflage or to be unseen.  Be observant of the actions of those around you instead of just what they may be saying to you.  Be cunning in your observations and keep silent about who, what, or why you are watching.  See yourself as being invisible and learn from what you are able to see.  However, Fox reminds you to keep this balance between being watchful and careful but also taking the time to be playful and silly.  Fox will help you understand when to keep your guard up and when to let it down in any situation and to trust your senses.

Totem Tuesday: Bison/Buffalo Medicine

Bison/Buffalo Medicine

by Felina Lune Kavi

“To use the power of the bison, I had to perform that part of my vision for the people to see.” –Black Elk

Keywords:  Prayer, Abundance, Generosity, Support, Shouldering Burdens, Self-Reliance, Empowerment, Affirmation, Manifestation, Patience, Strength of Will, Protection of Resources, Releasing Fear and Stress, Clearing Obstacles, Moving Forward, Living by Example, Perseverance, Standing Ground, Proper Use of Energy and Resources, Exploring New Ground, Trust in the Universe/God, Healthy Expression of Anger, Gratitude, Mother Earth, Grounding Energy

The American and European Bison* are the largest land animals in North America and Europe. Because of their massive size as well as all that they have provided for people, Buffalo medicine is one of abundance, prosperity, generosity, and gratitude.  People with this totem are often very generous with their time and resources, and without the proper use of energy and resources that this totem teaches, they often shoulder more burdens than they should actually handle, leading to stress which leads to physical ailments.  

These people learn to rely on themselves for all that they need but must also learn to teach others self-reliance as well, so others don’t take advantage of their giving nature.  Buffalo teaches the power of prayer but also teaches to back that up with right action and give thanks for what the Universe/God provides.  Waiting for what you want to come to you, or demanding that of others, does not manifest what you want.  Knowing your intention (and putting that intention forth through prayer) is only the first step to receiving a blessing in your life.  Your actions must follow accordingly to attract what it is you want.  And, finally, when you receive what you asked for…gratitude keeps you open to more prosperity to come.

Essentially, Buffalo Medicine teaches the Law of Attraction to receive what you need, the wisdom of reciprocity to balance giving and receiving, and the power of gratitude to keep right relations.  Putting these teachings in practice helps those with this totem to release fear and stress, trust in the Universe and a higher power, and move forward with strength of will and a sense of empowerment. 

Health problems often arise in people with this totem because of stubborn refusal to release unwanted burdens, stress and fears.  Often, they are prone to keep doing the same things over and over but still expecting a different result.  Changing one’s thinking toward positivity and affirmation in a world where so many things can go wrong is a difficult task, but Buffalo is a patient creature teacher.  Through Buffalo, we can learn that if we want to receive abundance and prosperity…whether it be good health, a better job, financial gain, etc…we must believe not only in the possibility of these things coming to us, but that we must live in gratitude for having already received them.  

Like the Buffalo’s tendency to ‘wallow’ in the ground…those with this totem are prone to wallowing in grief, sadness, and negative thought patterns until they learn to forge new paths…both neurologically and in life.  Just as the Buffalo’s wallowing creates depressions in the earth…those with this totem are prone to depression when negative thought patterns take hold.  Buffalo is there to support you in exploring new ground…teaching how to live by example so that others around you become just as empowered to achieve their goals.

In winter, Buffalo will use its massive head to shovel snow out of its way in order to eat the grass below it.  This totem teaches how to clear obstacles in order to get what you need and move forward...understanding that you will always be provided for even in bleak times when you take action on your own behalf and provide a channel for the manifestation to flow through to you from the Universe.  People with Buffalo as their totem know that perseverance is key to getting through tough times.

It is the females, or cows, that lead family groups while bulls remain solitary or in small groups for most of the year until mating season when they rejoin the herd. Bulls and cows do not mingle until breeding season. Dominant bulls “tend” to cows, following the cow around until the cow chooses to mate. During this period, the bull blocks the cow’s vision so that she may not see other competing bulls, and bellows at males striving for the cow’s attention.  

Fights between the males often occur during this season.  They will use their heads and horns as battering rams, effectively using the momentum of 2000 pounds moving at 30 mph.  The hind legs can also be used to maim or kill.  The herd is often very restless during mating season…when the animals are most dangerous and unpredictable.  

Just as the Buffalo, people with this totem may appear peaceful or unconcerned…yet they may attack anything or anyone without warning or apparent reason.  They may find that they need to learn to express anger clearly and cautiously.  Because of their patience as well as a reluctance to express themselves in the moment, they may let things build up until they explode.  Buffalo teaches to respond more quickly to your anger…examining where it is coming from instead of just the triggering person or event.  Anger is best used as ignition to make necessary changes rather than to hurt others or distance yourself from them.  Despite being fully capable of severe damage, Buffalo often chooses peace while still standing their ground. 

Because the males and females segregate themselves from each other until necessary, people with this totem often find that they have a hard time understanding the opposite sex and will often close themselves off to them until they need something from them.  Males with this totem often have a strong bond to their mother and a good relationship with women early on…but as they grow older, they may feel they lose that connection.  But Buffalo will help you to establish a deep connection to Mother Earth and teach you to understand that all creatures are equal. 

In addition to all of this, the White Buffalo is considered sacred and spiritually significant.  They are extremely rare and only occur in one out of about 10 million births.  The White Buffalo is often visited for prayer and other religious rituals.  People with this specific totem may find that teaching the sacred way is part of their soul journey.  They are here to awaken the souls of others and bring them to the place where the Blue Road of Spirit and the Red Road of Physical Life intersect.  They are bringers of light and builders of bridges between disparate groups.  The white color symbolizes purity, peace, and spiritual truth.  They are aware that they have a ‘higher purpose’ in life to create understanding and peace between different nations, creeds, religions and beliefs.  This is not an easy task, and it is one that necessitates integrating the disparate parts within you and bringing them into the light to reflect that wholeness and oneness to others.

If Buffalo is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Buffalo will encourage you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a buffalo, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  Buffalo asks that you open yourself up to abundance and prosperity by trusting that the best possible outcome is always in your field of opportunity.  By relying on yourself and your ability to take action and make necessary choices, the world opens up to you.  Ask, and you shall receive.  Do, and you shall receive more quickly.

 *While the terms bison and buffalo are interchangeable to refer to these animals, ‘buffalo’ is not as accurate since bison are only distantly related to the true buffalo and closer in relationship to the cow, especially with much of the cross-breeding that brought them back from near extinction.  However, the term Buffalo is historically older and, for our purposes, refers to all species of this animal.

Totem Tuesday: Butterfly Medicine

Butterfly Medicine 

by Felina Lune Kavi

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”

Keywords:  Transformation, Renewal, Inner Growth, Evolution to Higher States of Consciousness, Courage, Making the Impossible Possible, Soul Journeys, Psyche, Memory, Discovering Bliss, Joy After Struggle, Reincarnation, Immortality, Life Cycles, Grace, Movement, Releasing the Past, Elevation from the Mundane, Lightness of Being, Changing Perspective, Inspiration

Butterfly is the only living being capable of entirely changing its genetic structure during the process of transformation.  The transmutation of Caterpillar to Butterfly that occurs within the chrysalis is nothing short of amazing.  Because of this process of dramatic change, Butterfly Medicine assists us in the many changes we undergo throughout our lifetimes and gives us the courage to do so. 

Of all my personal totems, Butterfly (specifically the Monarch) has assisted me the most through times of struggle.  As it is with many who have this totem, these struggles are deeply internal (within the chrysalis)…and almost imperceptible to those around us.  There may be a hint of something dramatic occurring within, but what is often shown to others is the result rather than the process.  Those of us with this totem may seem to have changed drastically many times throughout our lives so that those who knew us in one stage of growth may have a hard time recognizing us if they weren’t present for the times of transformation.  Likewise, we can be very introspective and private in going about our business until we reach our full potential and show our colors to the world, effectively becoming that ‘social butterfly’ that everyone recognizes in us.

The transmutation that occurs from Caterpillar to Butterfly is symbolic of evolving into higher consciousness.  We begin, like the caterpillar, focused on accumulating, consuming, and growing larger…often destroying much of what is in our path.  Then something shifts within us and we become singularly focused on the necessity of searching within rather than outside of us for what we need…just as the hormonal changes in the last stage of the Caterpillar make it stop eating and start ‘wandering’, searching for a safe place to form into its chrysalis stage.  During this soul searching stage, we struggle with releasing who we were to create what is necessary to become our more evolved Self.  

Within the chrysalis, too, the Caterpillar’s genetic structure completely dissolves into a sort of ‘primordial soup’ from which the Butterfly emerges.  There is still memory in the Butterfly of the Caterpillar it once was, as studies show, but the life and purpose (as well as the physical composition) evolve into something completely different.  New wings form to elevate them beyond the mundane, the mouth parts change so that their only source of food is liquid (mostly nectar, suggesting that they have learned to take in the sweetness of life), and they become pollinators (suggesting a higher purpose of sharing the gifts that life has to offer with others). 

It is important to know that people with this totem must be allowed the time it takes for them to grow and change.  Helping a Butterfly out of its chrysalis may seem like a noble act, but the Butterfly's wings will not be able to fully form for flight.  It is the struggle that is required of the Butterfly in order to force fluid from its body to its wings to make flight possible.  You will find in people with this totem that they don't often ask for help when it seems they need it.  Butterfly Medicine teaches self-reliance in order to achieve the freedom they desire.  Those who love a person with this totem learn to practice patience and trust their process...in time, they always come out of their 'shell' in a beautiful display of color and bliss.

While we delight in the beauty of these creatures, we sometimes forget that so many odds are stacked against them.  Not only are they pretty low on the food chain, even inclement weather can be fatal to the Butterfly.  They can only travel when the weather is perfect for their body temperature and they must find shelter when faced with predators or even raindrops.  Those that migrate, such as the Monarch, seem to face an impossible journey with many obstacles to overcome before they can come ‘home’.  Yet, every year, large groups of them do find their way to their destination, though the numbers have been dwindling in recent years.  Because of this, Butterfly Medicine teaches the wisdom of making the impossible possible…a focus and inner knowing that pushes us onward even through the harshest realities of existence. 

Many Mayans believed that the soul would take the form of Butterfly and, at night during sleep, would take flight to go on journeys and return before they would wake.  What dreams they had were memories of those soul journeys, which was why it would often feel so real as if they were actually there.  Likewise, the Butterfly was a symbol of the Greek Goddess Psyche (which is the Greek word for ‘soul’)…who, according to Greek mythology, was a mortal woman that was granted immortality for the labors of love she performed in order to be with her beloved Eros.  Butterfly is also a symbol used by Christians to symbolize the resurrection of Christ.

Butterfly Medicine reminds us to enjoy life and to live it with grace and lightness of being.  Their movements are often compared to a dance…even as the hanging caterpillar sheds its skin to reveal the chrysalis, the whole process is much like dancing.  Butterfly Medicine encourages movement and joyful expression.  People with this totem often love to dance or at least seem to light up a room, encouraging others to do the same.

A Butterfly not only smells with its antennae and tastes with its feet, but its eyesight is also very specific to its needs.  Butterfly does see some colors, but can also see beyond what we humans can see.  It can detect ultraviolet light in the flowers it is drawn to and in the wings of other butterflies to attract them to the right mates.  People with this totem also tend to have senses that draw them to exactly where they need to be and whom they need to meet.  They are able to see a person’s beauty and potential beyond their physical reality and delicately coax it out of them.

If Butterfly is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Butterfly will encourage you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a butterfly, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  Whether Butterfly is your totem or not, all humans mimic this creature in a way.  We are always at some sort of stage of activity which can be associated with the stages of transformation Butterfly goes through in its life cycle.  The egg stage is the beginning of all things, where ideas are born.  The larva stage is the point where we decide to bring the idea to the physical world.  The chrysalis stage involves going within and developing it, while the butterfly stage brings it, fully realized, to share with the world.  Whatever stage of transformation you or your idea may be going through, Butterfly can give you the inspiration and courage to get there while adding lightness and grace to the journey.

Totem Tuesday: Horse Medicine

Horse Medicine

by Felina Lune Kavi

“The spirited horse, which will try to win the race of its own accord, will run even faster if encouraged.” -Ovid

Keywords:  Power, Freedom, Service, Assisting Civilization, Compassion, Friendliness, Memory, Clairvoyance, Prophetic Abilities, Luck, Passion, Motivation, Emotions, Vitality, Overcoming Obstacles, Expression, Human Mastery of Natural Forces, Attachment, Restraint, Support, Intellect, Endurance, Work Ethic, Movement, Travel, Exploration, Adventure, Healing, Soul Retrieval

It is said that the Horse was the first animal medicine given to civilization.  We certainly owe a lot to horses and all they have given us.  No one single animal has contributed more to the spread of civilization than the Horse.  Prior to mounting the horse and riding like the wind, humanity’s trek across land was limited.  Horse made our journey to each other swifter and less of a burden.  And though there is one species of horse in Mongolia that is still wild, and some feral horses like the mustangs in North America, most horses alive today are intricately linked to the service and/or companionship they provide for humans.  For this reason, Horse medicine has as much to do with freedom as it does with assisting humanity in our mastery of natural forces.

This totem brings a lesson in power and proper use of that power.  The power of Horse comes from remembering the pathways of the overall journey and harnessing your talents for the good of all.  Horses have excellent memories and will especially remember areas where they have previously been spooked.  

Horses are very clever.  Beyond being proficient at relatively simple learning tasks, they are also recognized as having the capacity to solve advanced cognitive challenges involving categorization learning and a degree of concept formation.  

But even more, these are compassionate and intuitive animals.  They have the ability to sense danger before it is even upon them, they respond to the emotions around them, and they even mourn the loss of loved ones.  They express their emotions with their face and a horse's mood can be determined with the help of their nostrils, eyes and ears.  

People with this totem have a good balance of intellect and emotional awareness.  They care very deeply for others and are always looking to help out a friend or family member.  Sometimes they can be very clairvoyant and are able to predict things before they happen.  Expressing emotions, using your power for good, and seeing beyond what is in plain sight is an integral part of the lessons that Horse can teach us.

Horses are powerful creatures whose medicine often translates to people who are family and service oriented.  These people often become teachers in some respect and have a close relationship with the land in which they live.  Many blue collar trades are often the choice of careers for these people.  They can be workaholics, having a very strong work ethic, but they strive to keep a balance between work and family.  Even if they don’t belong to the blue collar workforce, they are often drawn to 'fixing' things…whether it be machinery, relationships, or people.

Wild horses need the companionship of their herd and every action is done for the good of the tribe.  Even young stallions who are banished from the herd when they reach sexual maturity will band together in the wild.  The same is true for domesticated horses, as they get lonely without companions.  

Horse people tend to focus their care on family and friends, sometimes to the detriment of their usually exceptional health.  An example of this is when a mare will continue to nurse her foal well past the age that they should be weaned and, as a result, her back will bow from the burden.  People with this totem will also do anything within their power to care for their loved ones.  And even though they are exceptionally friendly and helpful, like horses, they want to be treated as equals and prefer to accept and trust others as companions on their own terms.  Horse teaches us that we must also care for ourselves even when there are so many others who would benefit from our care and service.

Sensory awareness is often strong with people who have Horse guiding them.  Horses have a better sense of smell and hearing than we do and can turn their ears in different directions to aid their hearing.  They also have almost 360 degree vision with their only blind spots being directly in front and behind them.  Of all land-dwelling animals, horses have the largest eyes.  People with this totem are often visionaries who are able to see the big picture and predict the best possible path for the most beneficial outcome.

The strength and stamina of the Horse will help you explore ways to pace yourself and keep moving in positive directions.  It can raise your consciousness to new levels and carry you into other dimensions that will enlighten and illuminate your path.  The adventures of traveling these spiritual realms are enhanced by the friendship and loyalty of this totem.  The beat of a shaman’s drum is often related to being carried by Horse on a shamanic journey and Horse is a powerful guide in helping Shamans with their work during soul retrievals.  

Horse people are very spirited, even if they are not spiritual.  Though they may often be surrounded by people who they care for or work with, they come alive when they can set all of that aside to just run free in a wide-open space where natural forces outweigh man-made environments.  They may be tethered to many responsibilities in their lives, but they understand the importance of sometimes breaking loose and having some fun.  A balance between restraint and freedom is inherent within Horse Medicine.  There is always work to be done, but sometimes you just have to let yourself run wild and free to reconnect to your inner power.

If Horse is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Horse will urge you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a horse, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  It may be that you need to allow yourself some space to run free, express your emotions, or figure out the best way to be of service to the people in your life.  You can trust Horse as your guide toward harnessing the power within yourself for the benefit of all.

Totem Tuesday: Bear Medicine

Bear Medicine

by Felina Lune Kavi

“When you are where wild bears live, you learn to pay attention to the rhythm of the land and yourself. Bears not only make the habitat rich, they enrich us just by being.”  ― Linda Jo Hunter, Lonesome for Bears: A Woman's Journey in the Tracks of the Wilderness

Keywords:  Strength, Healing, Dreams, Determination, Leadership, Protection, Courage, Self-confidence, Feminine Power, Warrior Spirit, Shamanism, Introspection, Solitude, Boundaries

Bear has played an important role in many Native traditions.  It is said that the power of Great Spirit lives through the Bear.  In honoring them, two of the most well-known constellations are named after this animal, Ursa Major and her cub Ursa Minor.  Because of their ability to walk short distances on their hind legs, some Native Americans have called them ‘the beast that walks like a man’.  Some tribes even felt Bear was too powerful a medicine and would only hunt them if it meant not starving.  In Siberia, the name used to designate shaman women is the same as the word used for Bear.  This totem is also connected to shamanism and women in Inuit traditions.

As the largest carnivorous/omnivorous land mammal (the record being held by the giant short-faced bear, now extinct for about 12,000 years, which was twice the size of the biggest modern bear), these powerful beasts can live as long as 30 years in the wild if they make it past the first few years.  The Mother Bear is a fierce protector of her young and will even fight off males looking to mate to avoid them killing her cubs.  People with this totem are also nurturing and protective of what is theirs.  They have the courage to stand up to adversity and project an inner strength that inspires respect.  These people usually have a strong link to their mother and/or a deep respect for the role of the mother and her importance in their family as well as others.  This totem teaches the depths of feminine power, whether the person is male or female.

Unlike some animals which are most active during specific times of the day, Bear is up both day and night (unless they are hibernating, of course).  Because of this, they embody both solar energy (power) and lunar energy (intuition).  People with this totem learn to harness and balance both within themselves.

Though not all bears hibernate, most do.  Even those that don’t (such as the Polar Bear) will go for long periods of time without eating, living off the fat they have accumulated during the months when food is abundant and easy to find.  Because of their association with hibernation, the Bear Totem teaches the medicine of introspection and dreams.  People with this totem learn how to go within and find the resources necessary for personal survival.  Their cycle of power is often in the spring and summer.  During the colder months, they may give birth to new ideas or projects that will take root in the spring.  For those with Polar Bear as their totem, however, the winter months may be their time for activity while they reserve their energy when the weather is warm.  

When bears hibernate, they do not defecate.  Their bodies can somehow recycle body waste into protein…a process that scientists still don’t understand.  Being able to live off their own fat for long periods of time and convert even their waste into energy, Bear teaches both endurance through tough times and also the ability to put energy toward things that are useful and guard it from things that might unnecessarily drain them.  

Bear people are often introverts who prefer to take time out in the comfort of their own space after being very active or being around others.  These moments of solitude and introspection provide a necessary recharge before more activity.  Because of this, some people with Bear as their totem may feel like their time is delineated by work and sleep cycles…eating what they can, when they can, to keep themselves going.  

Bear also reminds us to make time to play and practice other useful and enjoyable pursuits.  Bear is a good teacher for empaths, who often find themselves drained by the emotions of others.  Bear can help to protect against energetic imbalances that often manifest in mental, emotional, and physical ways. Bear’s strength is in protection through keeping energetic boundaries guarded.

Bear is smart and an expert at survival.  They have been known to roll rocks into bear traps to set them off and eat the bait after.  They are also very good at climbing, whether it be on trees, mountains, or rough terrain.  

Most bears (though not the Polar Bear, who is carnivorous) love honey and people with this totem are often drawn to people with Bee totems.  Honey indicates a taste for the sweetness of life, and Bear people know where to find it.  Many bears are good at digging…often for their food.  This represents the ability to dig for knowledge and truth in people who have this totem.  

Elders often teach the young bears the most efficient methods of survival…from the Mother teaching her cubs the best ways to find and acquire food to the males sparring against each other in preparation for the battles that ensue during mating season.  Bear people are great teachers, and also students.  They often prefer to learn by observing and doing, rather than listening to an explanation.  They would much rather be hands-on.

Unlike many mammals, bears can see in color.  They see almost as well as humans and can hear a little better.  However, their sense of smell is around 100 times greater than a human’s.  Polar Bears, for example, can track down an odor from 20 miles away and smell a dead seal through 3 feet of solid ice.  People with this totem may find they have a strong sense of smell.  Even figuratively, they may often sniff out situations to determine if it ‘smells’ right.  In keeping with their keen powers of detection, a group of bears is called a 'sleuth'. 

All bears are good swimmers, though the polar bear is the most efficient.  It can swim up to 6 mph for 100 miles, though one has been recorded to swim 200 miles without stopping.  Because of their association with being able to transition between land and water, Bear medicine awakens the power of the unconscious and teaches how to navigate between realms.  This is another connection with the shaman, who learns to navigate between ordinary and non-ordinary reality.

If Bear is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Bear will urge you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a bear, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  It may be that you need to take some time out to recharge, or to look within to find the solution to something, or even that your own healing abilities are awakening to encourage you to step into the role of healer.  Whatever it may be, communication with this totem is often linked to dreams and the shamanic state of consciousness, so a shamanic journey or a deep sleep may unlock the power of this medicine.

Totem Tuesday: Owl Medicine

Owl Medicine

by Felina Lune Kavi

“A Wise Old Owl sat on an Oak.  The more he saw, the less he spoke.  The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?” –Author Unknown

Keywords:  Wisdom, Prophecy, Intuition, Vision, Discernment, Silence, Solitude, Secrets, Enlightenment, Death/Transformation, Feminine Power, Vigilance, Dreams, Stealth, Observation, Insight, Guidance, Patience, Adaptability, Occult Knowledge

Of all my personal totems, Owl has been the most prevalent throughout the years when I have needed guidance through dark times.  Owl is my ‘left’ totem, which connects me to feminine power.  From this medicine, I have learned to navigate the dark and use what I have learned to help others do the same.

With the ability to turn their heads around 270 degrees and even upside down, and their field of vision being about 110 degrees, Owls have a unique ability to see the world from many angles.  Their eyes are perhaps their most distinguishing feature and are protected by three sets of eyelids…the upper one for blinking, the lower one for sleeping, and one that closes from the inside out to keep the eyes clean.  

People with this totem have powerful insight and the ability to see more than most.  Just as an owl sees very well in the darkness, owl people have the ability to look into the depths of a soul and see them more clearly than that person may see themselves.  Much of their wisdom comes from this type of penetrating vision.  Because of this they are often able to see what has yet to reveal itself.  There is usually no hiding a secret from an Owl person because of their keen powers of observation and intuition.  They can detect subtleties in voices and mannerisms and hear what is not being spoken or what is being hidden.

The owl stomach is in two parts to help them digest food.  What they can’t digest is formed into pellets that they regurgitate.  People with Owl as their totem often take in information this way as well.  They have the ability to extract the truth from information and discard the rest with great skill and discernment.  They are also aware of what is not useful to them and go through periods of purging those things in order to move on.  Some cultures believe the Owl to be an omen of death…but Owl people know that death is a transformation, one in which the bones are discarded (as they are in owl pellets) but the energy of that life transfers to new life and lives on.

Female owls are about 25% larger than the males, which is uncommon with birds.  Because of this, they are associated with feminine power.  Their association with the moon and with the night also alludes to feminine mysteries and occult knowledge. 

An Owl person often gives the appearance of being wise beyond their years…and while they often act as guides and teachers in some way, they tend to do more listening than talking.  They know that silence often holds more information than words, and often appear quite stoic and a bit guarded.  

Owl is a silent predator.  Their large wings, made up of five different types of feathers, not only serve to protect them and allow them to feel their surroundings…but also allow them to fly without making a sound.  Owl people tend to go after what they want in a quiet, imperceptible manner.  Unless opposite animal energies are also dominant, they don’t usually call attention to themselves and often prefer to blend into their surroundings and work behind the scenes of things.

Owls are versatile and adaptable creatures.  Because of this, they can be found anywhere (except Antarctica) and in a variety of habitats…from forests, prairies, or tundra to man-made structures like barns and churches.  Most owls don’t migrate.  As long as they have food and shelter, they will stay in their home location.  

The same can be true for those with this totem.  They can live anywhere and adapt well to their surroundings…often preferring to stay in one location and get to know it well rather than moving to new places often.   Though if they do move to a new home, they can easily adapt.  Many owl people might be considered homebodies, and tend to prefer staying up late (even proudly calling themselves a 'Night Owl').

Owls are also very solitary animals.  They are content to be alone and often work better this way.  However, many species of Owl will mate for life, and both are fiercely protective of their offspring.  Though people with this totem may need plenty of alone time, they are very loyal to their partners and care deeply for their children.

If Owl is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Owl will urge you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see an owl, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  Accept and appreciate the wisdom the owl gives you.  It may be that you need to face your fears, rid yourself of something that no longer serves you, or take time out to enjoy some quiet time alone.  Either way, Owl is a patient guide…and while it may take time to impart all of its wisdom, it is likely to be persistent.

Totem Tuesday: Dog Medicine

Dog Medicine

By Felina Lune Kavi

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.”  -Andrew A. Rooney

Keywords:  loyalty, friendliness, protection, service, guidance, helpfulness, unconditional love, compassion, worry

Of all the qualities associated with the Dog, loyalty is perhaps their most well known trait.  In fact, most dogs won’t even hold a grudge after being scolded or mistreated (the same can’t usually be said for cats, of course).  Their love for those who take care of them is unconditional, and they are always quick to return the favor by offering their companionship, protection, and service.  

The same is true for those who have Dog as their totem animal.  They are selfless servers of humanity, loving and friendly companions, and fierce protectors of their families.  They may find themselves being loyal to the wrong kind of companions at times in their lives…trying hard to make things work, making excuses for why someone might mistreat them…but in the right relationship, people with Dog as their totem animal will be friends for life.

Dogs are very social creatures and often don’t like to be alone.  They are inherently communicative, expressive and demonstrative…even when silent.  They have a need to get out and about and see the world, using all of their senses to discover what’s going on around them.  

People with this totem are very easy to read and easy to get along with.  They wear their hearts on their sleeve and are an open book to anyone who seems interesting or interested.  They love to talk, go out and have fun with others and are playful and friendly companions who are often good with children.  They are quick to help anyone in need without any expectation of something in return.  Always wanting to sniff out the truth, they may get a bit ‘nosy’ at times…but it is usually just because they care about people and want to know more about them.

Dog people, much like dogs, have a tendency to worry to the point of getting worked up over things and stressing themselves out, often making matters worse.  A dog may show this by chewing up the furniture while its owner is away at work…while a person with Dog as their totem may show this by having a panic attack about their kid’s first day of school, for example. 

Dogs are compassionate animals who tend to put others first before themselves.  They have long served as protectors of a tribe or family, or as guides for the blind.  Helping others and serving humanity in some way is part of their medicine.  People with this totem often choose a profession along these lines.

If Dog is one of your totems, these and many other lessons will be prevalent in your life.  Dog will urge you to refine your mastery of this medicine.  If you see a dog, but it is not one of your totems, respect it as a messenger for that time.  You may need its medicine for what is happening then or what is coming up in the near future.  Accept and appreciate the guidance Dog gives you, whether it is in the form of unconditional love or excited barks to greet you along your walk.  Dog may be encouraging you to be more social or to practice being a helpful friend to yourself as well as others.

Full Moon Eclipse in Libra: Interwoven Cycles of Life

Interwoven Cycles of Life

4-4-2015

Lunar Eclipse @ 7:00am CDT

Full Moon @ 7:05am CDT

This Full Seed Moon was a powerful one with strong influences bringing those things we started during the Equinox Eclipse to a point of manifestation.  So, though I had to write this a couple days later so I could take some sick days, since it’s an eclipse…the energies are present for another half-year before the next one.

All Full Moons bring up matters dealing with relationships of all kinds, but particularly those that are nearest and dearest.  Libra, being the sign that has an emphasis on relationships, is where the Moon (representing emotions, habits, patterns, and the past) was focused over the weekend.  What we are seeing now is how those seeds we planted a couple weeks ago are affecting (positively or negatively) those relationships in our lives.

While I don’t use astrology to try to definitively predict events, this one feels a bit ominous on a global scale (especially for the Middle East, where the major alignments of the past few years seem to have a lot of focused energy) because of the proximity of the luminaries to the slowly separating, but still in effect, Uranus-Pluto square as well as some alignments with fixed stars that may exacerbate some already established problems.  However, when we focus locally and individually…the harsher aspects can often be worked through to bring about some positive action.  Also, Jupiter is casting a positive light on things…so while on a bigger scale, it may make issues expand and get worse…on a smaller scale, we have more ability to focus that energy of growth and expansion on things that are positive rather than negative.  The energies are there, for better or for worse…it’s just all in where you focus them.  That’s how I use astrology.

Moon in the 15^th degree of Libra:  Circular Paths

This symbol has a lot to do with establishing steady rhythms with yourself and others, daily routines, healthy social circles and activities.  Each of us has a bare minimum of a natural daily cycle we have to do…get up, eat and use the bathroom a few times a day, do a few things, and go to sleep again.  It’s the ‘do a few things’ that may need some work in these next few months.  Some of us have a few other imperatives such as taking care of the kids or animals or going to work.  But, the rest of the time, what activities have priority?  What really needs to happen to make our lives better in those in-between times?  Those are the parts of our cycles we may be looking to revamp as we go along.  For most, this means ditching those things that are wasting our time and filling it up with things that are more useful to ourselves and others.  As the warmer months are now right in front of us, we know our schedule, too, will pick up in many ways…whether we are doing more social things, more outdoor activity, gardening, etc.  So now is the time to get things in order so that we have time for the things we want to do.

For many, the start of this eclipse cycle may have forced a break in an already established cycle in order to get you to have a rest period before the next begins.  This may have meant that you got sick (before, during, or after the Full Moon) and couldn’t keep up with everything for a little while, needing to have some time for recovery, as it was in my case.  Whatever it was that jostled the routine up a bit, even if it was just a general boredom with the previous monotony that focused you on what you can do to liven things up some…now we get back on the path and find ways to make our journey more fulfilling.

Sun in the 15^th degree of Aries:  A Native American Weaving a Ceremonial Blanket

This is a symbol of projecting the realization of wholeness and fulfillment into everyday living by living in harmony with the universe and disregarding artificial values.  The ceremonial blanket in this symbol refers not only to something that has spiritual energy woven into it, thus bringing spirit into matter, but also it tells a story of existence.  Each of us is weaving our own stories every day; this is our ultimate conscious task.  Such an act holds the potential for self-realization as well as realizing how and why our own lives are so integral and interwoven into others’ lives as well.

The circular paths mentioned previously are the daily weavings we do, while this symbol refers to the big picture.  If we weave boring and unimaginative patterns into the blanket each day…the final product will reflect that.  But if we put some life into it and some areas of interest and color and intention…the result will not only be a masterpiece, but it will also hold those higher vibrations within its threads and become more than just a ‘blanket’.

Love and Gratitude,

Felina Lune Kavi