RAVEN <O:P> 

Ravens are the largest songbird in North America.  Raven are often referred to by some indigenous tribes as the 'secret keepers' and are the subject of many stories.  Their ebony black color is sometimes associated with darkness.  Ravens are very intelligent and are able mimic the sounds other birds and can squawk out some human words.  Ravens are found in many different regions and climates.

 RAVEN MEDICINE

• The raven spirit guide is not chosen by those who seek its wisdom.  The raven only comes to those to whom it may speak in private and share its secrets with the knowledge its mysteries will be well guarded by one who already possesses wisdom.

• The raven is known as the 'Secret Keeper by some native tribes because of their way of silently perching near people and 'listening' to conversations then flying away in a flutter shrieking an eerie sound or mimicking a human word.   Because of their inky black color they are linked to a place where fear and secrets are kept.   

• When sun shines on the ravens shiny body it sometimes reflects many colors is therefore sometimes said it has the ability to transform itself, especially when it makes the call of another species.  If the raven is seen in dreams or visions it may mean significant changes are about to take place.

• Ravens are intelligent and can be seen in the wild 'instructing' other birds and animals.  From the raven we may learn ways to become better teachers and understand the languages of many.

• Regardless of common European belief, the raven is not an omen of death and should never be feared as its messages are those that can benefit the listener.  The Creator did not make any evil creatures on Mother Earth.  

• Because of ravens ability to make a variety of sounds and high pitched vibrations are known to alter consciousness, the raven is sometimes credited with the ability to transform, move into other dimensions or to shape shift.  We may expect frequent changes if the raven is perched on your shoulder. 

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SKUNK

Skunks are a member of the weasel family and in North America, there are four types of skunks.  About the size of a house cat, skunks are active at night but are also seen during the day.  Their habitat is in clearings, pastures, prairies and at the forest edge where they dig burrows or live in any convenient covered area.  Skunks prefer to eat meat and insects but also dine on vegetation and any food with a strong odor.  Of course, it's most famous characteristic is its horrendous defense system, skunk ink.    

SKUNK MEDICINE<O:P> </O:P>

• For all recorded time, skunks have been respected and feared.  When threatened, the skunk raises its bushy tail, stamps its feet, stiffens its legs and the hair on body raises up and it hisses like a angry cat.  It these tactics do not work to frighten the invader, the skunk simply turns its rump and sprays up to 10 - 14 feet with accuracy. This disgusting musk liquid irritates the eyes, temporarily blocks vision and stuns other senses of its victim such as smell and touch.  What the skunk spirit teaches with this display of power is unknown to this writer as we have never ventured close enough to find out.  Regardless, we can surmise the skunk 'medicine' teaches us to take heed when a warning presents itself.  When our instincts tell us there is danger or trouble facing us, we should not allow our brain to get in the way, but instead follow our senses and take appropriate steps to move in another direction.  If we respect the instinctual part of our being we can avoid problems before they develop.  If our stinky little friend appears, take heed - a smelly situation or danger is not far away.

• Skunks are solitary creatures (no doubt), slow moving and walk with an air confidence and pride.  If you get a whiff of skunk spirit in your dreams, it could be signal to emulate his message to improve your self-esteem and honor yourself as a sacred being. 

• Skunks are quiet creatures, not totally unsociable, but reserved and unobtrusive.   Should our odorous little friend visit you as spirit, it may be to remind you that being egotistical, self-righteous, boisterous or overbearing creates problems.  Follow the way of this animal guide (about 20 feet away) and learn to be humble and gentle with others.

• It is said the white stripe from the head to tail of the skunk is a sign of creativity and good medicine.  

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SERPENT/SNAKE   

There are 2,267 species of snakes living in the world today.  Snakes have essentially the same organs as humans, but they do not have eyelids or ears.  Usually, females are larger than males and most can travel three to five miles per hour.  Some snakes are born fully formed, while others hatch from eggs and snakes in captivity have lived over thirty years.  Snakes are fascinating creatures that deserve respect.  Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility and transformation. <O:P> </O:P><O:P>
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SNAKE MEDICINE

• The snake has many symbolic meanings among various cultures  across the world.  In the Middle East, snake is seen as Mother Earth and immortality. To Christians, the snake is portrayed as evil, lust and temptation.  In Asia, the snake is the life force awakened.  To American Indians the snake is a friend who shares its secrets of the water element.  Altogether, the tremendous symbolism placed on the snake makes it a powerful and worthy spirit guide. 

• Snakes regularly sheds its outer skin as it grows and a new layer of skin develops.  Crawling out of its skin is an important aspect of snake medicine because it symbolizes ways we must move away from old and useless habits and thought patterns as we grow spiritually.  It symbolizes death and rebirth.

• A snake does not have ears or eardrums but instead has small bones in its head that conduct low frequency vibrations that travel through the earth.  Among all creatures of earth, the snake is best equipped to hear the heart-beat, or magnetic resonance of Mother Earth and is therefore able to continually communicate with and be in perfect harmony or balance with Mother Earth.   

• As a symbol of renewal and transmutation, land snakes do not require food to generate body heat and they lay motionless and soundless against the earth absorbing the heat of the sun and the earth.  To those lives to whom the snake slithers into, be aware of its subtle and silent messages.  Before this may be possible, it is necessary to become balanced in your path and ground yourself to Mother Earth and all of its elements.

• Just before the snake begins to shed its skin, its eyes turn pale blue or opaque giving it a trance-like appearance as if the snake is looking right through you.  Snake spirit guides teach ways to look into the hearts of others and find ways to help them along their spiritual paths.

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SPIDER

Grandmother spider is a wise old teacher and weaver of many stories.  Her unique tapestry of life offers many paths to the center of oneself and creation.  Her medicine speaks of connections and unity of spirit.

 

 

SPIDER MEDICINE   

• Spiders are light, delicate and not hostile to humans unless threatened.  To those who require this special of the spider, it teaches us to maintain a gentle and kind nature.

• A poisonous spider signifies death and rebirth.  As the poison of age and life's perils threaten our life, we use the venom to ward off future attacks or die.  

• The spider's web connects itself by silky threads to physical objects creating a net creating its home and place for harvesting food.  The web reminds us of our connectedness to all things on earth - that we are related to everything in creation.  The spokes of the web remind us to build links between ourselves and the Creator and all things.

• When the spider appears, it is a sign to connect with the ways of spirit in the ways designed by the Creator. 

• The eight legs of the spider are unique from other insects who have only six legs.  And unlike other insects, their bodies are divided into two parts instead of three.   Two represents unity and a union of polarities.  

• In American Indian tradition, the first dream catcher was made by Grandmother Spider to catch the bad dreams of children.  This legend reveals our belief that negative elements of ones life may be screened out if we remember to keep the links between the Creator and ourselves strong and to always remember that all things in creation are one. 

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SQUIRREL

Mr. Squirrel gathers and prepares for long winter nights.  As a friendly, quick and industrious worker, he knows the ways to survive.  On a spiritual plain, Mr. Squirrel brings us many gifts and lessons to help us gather the blessings of life for our journey into the next dimension.  

 

SQUIRREL MEDICINE

• Mr. Squirrel is fast at everything he does and remains in constant motion during three seasons of the year.   For those who hear or see squirrel in dreams, the message may be to 'get busy' with your life and stop waiting for good things to happen.  The squirrel is a reminder that good things come from our honest labor.

• Squirrels do not always remember where they store the hard earned food and forget the best routes to travel to retrieve their stores during winter.  If you see squirrel, it may be time to slow down and concentrate on the task at hand. 

• Squirrels are playful, friendly and chatty.  As a sociable animal, the squirrel continually chatters sometimes to the annoyance of his neighbors.  If you hear squirrel, it may be a lesson to seek silence or to speak slowly and distinctly.  

• Squirrels are skittish and at the same time trusting.  They will often eat from your hand and come very close to bring a gift.  This wonderful quality of the squirrel teaches us to trust one another in personal relationships and trust the Creator in all things.  Creating trust where none exited builds on this special medicine.

• The squirrel teaches us to gather our energies for the important tasks in life and honor the future by preparing for change.

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TURKEY</O:P>

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