Eagle Dance (New Mexico)

Themes: Magic; Overcoming; Spirituality, Freedom; Hope; Success; Protection; Joy; Dreams

Symbols: Eagle; Rattle; White

About White Shell Woman: In Native American tradition, White Shell Woman came to earth bearing elemental blankets and the sunshine of protection, dreams, and renewed hope.

When she arrived a rainbow appeared, banishing sadness with the promise of eventually reuniting humankind with the gods.

Today she renews this promise to us, whispering her message on March's winds and bearing it on the wings of an eagle.

To Do Today: Sometime in spring, the Pueblos of New Mexico hold an Eagle Dance to bring rain and ensure the tribe's success in difficult situations.

The mimelike movements of the dance unite the dancers with the Eagle spirit, connecting them with the sacred powers.

To adapt this in your own life, grab a feather duster and dance a little of White Shell Woman's hope into your heart while you clean up the house!

If you have young children in your life, work with them on a Shell Woman anti-nightmare blanket or happiness charm.

Take four strips of cloth in elemental colors, or seven in the colors of the rainbow. Sew them together to form a blanket or portable swatch.

Bless the charm, Saying,

Love and joy within each seam brings me only happy dreams;

Shell Woman, shine through the night; keep me safe till down's first light.

By Patricia Telesco ~ From "365 Goddess"