Cardinal teaches of self-respect and vitality.  Raven once called Cardinal the Protector of the Innocent.<o:p></o:p>

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In most of Cardinal's habitats, He is non-migratory. As such, Cardinal is present year-round - the way you should be self-aware every day of your life.  Cardinal's call is piercing. He calls you to recognize your accomplishment and acknowledge your importance in the scheme of things - to toot your own horn!  We often take upon ourselves so much societal, familial, religious and institutional blame and guilt, we forget we came into this life with our own valid set of goals, as worthy of our efforts as anyone one else's are. We are asked, "Whose life is this, anyway?"  Both male and female Cardinal vocalizes. In this, we are reminded of both natures within each of us - the balance of life, the inner self and outside world. We are being called to balance ourselves within this world, so we can see what we have accomplished for ours soul's spiritual goals - rather than always being focused outside of ourselves on the goals which others (parents, teachers, friends, clergy, administrations, "emperors") think we should feel should be our goals.  Cardinal reminds us that we each have a path. You can't walk mine, nor I yours! Find your path and walk it. <o:p></o:p>

The cardinal is a power packed bird that transforms and awakens us.  Its color and its voice are its two strongest characteristics.  The eggs laid by the female hatch in about twelve days.  This, along with the cardinal being a year round resident, reflects the rhythm of the number twelve.  The number twelve often has important significance for those with this totem.  It can indicate a turn of events or a life changing situation.  When the cardinal flies into your life expect a change to occur within 12 days, 12 weeks, 12 months or at the hour of 12.  Because this bird is a year round resident its medicine is available at all times and should be used by those with this totem whenever a need arises.<o:p></o:p>

Cardinals have a loud whistle.  Whistles penetrate the air with sharp distinct tones.  They demand our attention urging us to hear what is carried through the air.  Both male and female cardinals join in the whistling.  This reflects the need to integrate our male and female characteristics into our day to day life.  Feminine energy is linked to intuition.  Male energy is linked to perseverance.  If both are operating within our life our intuitive knowledge has the perseverance and strength necessary to manifest our goals and dreams.  Cardinal offers safe passage into the world of personal power for those who ask for its help.<o:p></o:p>

When a person with cardinal medicine steps onto a spiritual path there will be no turning back.  Everything else in their life will seem insignificant.  Extra care must be taken here to insure personal happiness, particularly in the area of one to one relationships.  Balancing spiritual ideals and physical pleasure will need to be instated in ones life so harmony on all levels is known.<o:p></o:p>

All cardinals are beneficial and friendly. They eat many weed seeds and injurious insects. The seventeen-year locust is one of these. Cardinals can reflect a need to be more careful about your diet, that what you are eating may be injurious to yourself and affecting your overall vitality. <o:p></o:p>

The male cardinal makes a good parent, and often shares with the female the task of egg incubation. The male, though, will always feed the female while she is in the nest, and the baby cardinals as well. Although the male normally has the brighter color, when it shares the task of incubation, its colors remain much the same as the females, all for the sake of camouflage. This often reflects lessons associated with responsibility and the recognition of the importance of the task at hand. <o:p></o:p>

The males usually have a bright head, although their coloring will often be duller on the back and wings. The bright-colored crest is a warning to rivals, while the duller colors can help shield it. <o:p></o:p>