OTTER

There are thirteen species of otters divided into two living environments, the river and sea.  Otters grow to be around four feet long and males weigh over sixty-five pound and the female over forty-five pounds. Their hearing is excellent and they can see very well under water.  Otters have flipper-like hind feet for propulsion and their whiskers can sense movement in the water. The retracting claws on the front paws are cat-like and otters have an excellent sense of touch.  The otter has a long stream-lined body, small ears and a broad muzzle.  Their extremely thick fur that keeps them insulated in frigid waters.  They are the one of the very few animal known to use tools.   

OTTER MEDICINE<O:P> </O:P>

• As otters are very territorial they tend to live alone.  This medicine teaches independence and self-reliance for our needs. 

• Otters are very playful and are frequently seen They are often seen floating on their backs with their paws extended out of the water soaking up sunrays,  sliding on their bellies playfully, performing water acrobatics or chattering to their neighbors.  Their relaxed and happy attitude about life reminds those to whom the otter spirit splashes to laugh and enjoy life to its fullest. 

• Otters are curious about everything in their domain. They will touch or sniff every object within sight.  No stone, plant, critter or other object will escape the otter's appetite to know, "who or what are you?".  This special medicine reminds us to always look at situations, events and people from different angles; to always be open to new challenges.

• Otters are agile and fast in the water.  Water is the element of emotional energy in man.  Otter spirit teaches us how to swim through problems and emotional upheavals of life with ease.  

• Otters are very good parents and nurture their offspring longer than most marine mammals.  The relish the company of their neighbors Otter medicine emphasizes nurturing energies within us and the creative and interactive, comforting associations with other beings.

• The otter likes to talk and they are often heard chatting away to anyone or anything within earshot.  When frightened their calls take on an eerie piercing sound similar to a baby screaming. They have few natural enemies and are not afraid of humans.  If the otter swims into your life the message may be to rid yourself of fret, worry and pain.  Enjoy the blessings Creator has provided and follow the otters lead.

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OWL

There are about 135 species of owl across the world and 18 are found in North America.  The owl is a silent flyer, extraordinary vision and the best hearing of any bird in the world. Grandmother Owls can rotate their heads three- quarters of the way around rather quickly giving the illusion of a complete turn.  All owls are predatory and some owls hunt during the day but most hunt at night.  Some species, like the Screech Owl and the Great Horned Owl, live in one place year round; others, like the Saw-whet Owl and the Short-Eared Owl and the Burrowing Owl will travel long distances.  It is illegal to capture or kill an owl in the United States.  Contrary to superstition, owls pose no threat to humans, physically or spiritually. 

OWL MEDICINE

• The secretive habits of the owl, its quiet flight and various calls from whistles, screeches and hoots,  have made them objects of fear and superstition.  The Creator made no evil creatures.  Individuals to whom the owl speaks are very fortunate because messages of the owl are deep, far reaching and complex.

• The varied and remarkable abilities of Grandmother Owl to fly silently and to quietly move from place to place offer lessons of stealth and poise to our every day lives.  <O:P></O:P>

• The wise appearance from their large eyes, stout bodies teaches those people who hear the call of the owl to find deeper reasoning in relationships and events.    

• The vision and hearing of Grandmother Owl is very powerful.  Those with this medicine are can be gifted with the ability to see into the human psychic and become clairvoyant listeners.  Owl often visits those who are teachers, therapists and counselors.

• Because most owls are active between dusk and dawn, they are sometimes called 'Night Eagles, or messengers from the dark side.  If Grandmother Owl comes and sits nearby, it may indicate a need to peer into the darkness and face our fears.  Or, a great mystery that is unfolding will be revealed by looking deeper in to its meaning.   

• Grandmother Owl is often thought to come to those who need to let go of some part of their life that is no longer needed.  

• As a guide, the owl teaches us to see and hear past shadows, beyond fear and darkness, though to the other side that promises light, happiness and knowledge. 

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PUMA / PANTHER<O:P>  </O:P><O:P> </O:P><O:P>

The puma is also known as jaguar, panther, cougar, mountain lion, cheetah, leopard and more names than just about any other mammal.   Male pumas are solitary cats and their domain vary in size between 30 to 125 miles, but ranges do overlap the ranges of the smaller female.  Pumas 'communicate' with each other by leaving feces, urine, scratches on logs or in the dirt or snow.  Only females make a den and males tend to roam.  Pumas are powerfully built and have sharp paws and large paws. Even though they can run very fast and have a flexible spine to help them maneuver around obstacles and change direction quickly, pumas are mostly ambush hunters.  Pumas have been known to down large elks and moose.  American Indians successfully lived beside the puma and appreciated their power and grace.

PUMA MEDICINE<O:P> </O:P>

• Though the puma is smaller, some species are more fierce than lions and tigers.  They are expert climbers and swimmers. Their speed hold the teachings of quick decisive action. <O:P></O:P>

• Pumas are graceful and fast runners, but not for long distances. If puma arrives at your doorstep it may be a reminder to measure or pace your movements according to the goal to be achieved and not run too hard. 

• The puma have over 410 voluntary muscles that can be used when the needed.  This characteristic symbolizes the ability to move into different realities. 

• Pumas have built-in sensors that enhances its ability to see and feel its prey.  The whiskers and hair on its face can detect faint vibrations at long distances and its sense of smell is phenomenal.  If you sense puma in your dreams it may mean there is a need to be more sensitive the people and situations around you.  Becoming more perceptive of ones surroundings is sometimes needed to achieve a heightened sense of spiritual awareness.    

• The Puma spirit represents power, grace and stealth in darkness, but its real power lies in the silence of its eerie, unblinking stare that seems to bore deep into one's soul.  This teaching can help us to discover the benefits of concentration, deep contemplation and prayer.  As we peer into the darkness of the unknown to feel its power, we can be guided by our puma friend to the light on the other side. </O:P>

• The puma is extremely quiet during the hunt.  It knows when to be invisible and when to make its awesome presence known.  Silence is its sword and power.  Silence is highly respected among American Indians and is seen as a holy state of consciousness as we quietly behold the grace and glory of the Creator.  It is said that silence speaks words of the Great Mystery.  When the student is ready, the puma teacher may bring knowledge of this powerful medicine. 

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RABBIT<O:P>  

The rabbit never goes far from its burrow as it timidly searches for vegetable foods to supply its growing family.  There are over twenty four species of rabbits in America and many more around the world.  Rabbits serve as a perfect example of nature's balance as nearly all predatory animals eat rabbits, but because they multiply so fast, their numbers are kept fairly constant.   Quick reflexes and keen observation skills are its two most important traits.

RABBIT MEDICINE

• Little Sister Rabbit teaches us through its timidity, to be gentle with ourselves and others at all times. 

• The rabbit is a fearful animal and expends much of its energy nervously twitching its large ears from side to side listening for potential threats, quickly hopping from place to place and then suddenly running away at lightening speed.  The rabbit spirit begs us to study its movements so we may learn to move in concert and harmony with our environment and the Creator.   

• Little Sister Rabbit has excellent observation skills and sensitive reflexes to help it survive in a world surrounded by danger.  They are fast, agile and instinctive.  They disappear in an instant.  These traits of rabbit will help us to learn skills related to natural and unprompted movement so can always know which direction to go in an instant.  As humans we too are in constant danger and need to be alert and ready to move quickly.  Or conversely, we may need to take advantage of some passing opportunity before it is gone. 

• Fear is a dominant feature of the rabbit and this reminds us to examine our own fears to determine if they are hindering our progress, either spiritually or physically.  Are your fears preventing you from accepting a new challenge?  If so, Little Sister Rabbit may make herself known to you.  

• Rabbits lives are short and they take advantage of every waking moment to fulfill their destiny.

• The times rabbits are most often seen is during early dawn hours or at evening dusk.   These are times when the visible becomes invisible and the invisible becomes visible.  In this teaching we are reminded that things are not always as they appear and to study patterns of movement in relation to time to discern reality from fantasy.  

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RAVEN <O:P> 

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