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Animal Spot Light Goldfish
Goldfish Gracefulness, Life, Fortitude, and Luck
Goldfish brings life to a home in a tank or to the garden in a pond. These carp fish have become a favorite pet to many and still imbue the same magik as when they swam in muddy waters. They show us the ability to be beautiful and graceful in even the most dirtiest of places. Their gold bright colors remind us of life and riches, and can bring luck to our homes. Let goldfish show you how to shine bright and beautiful, so life becomes rich and abundant |
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Falcon  The Falcon is a bird of prey that possesses great powers of speed and precision. They are found throughout the world except in Antarctica. Falcon are 15 to 21 inches long with a wingspan of 40 inches. The female is slightly larger than the male and both have long pointed wings. They like to nest in cliffs, tall trees and on tall buildings and eat other birds. Falcons live about 15 years and travel great distances during migrations.
FALCON MEDICINE -
The hunting technique of the falcon relies on spectacular "stoops," in which the birds fold their wings and go into a dive that ends with a midair strike. Depending on the size of the prey, they either grab hold with their talons, or knock the kill out of the air and descend to pluck and eat. The medicine of the falcon spirit often emphasizes swift movement or aggressive action. -
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The falcon rides wind currents searching for movement in the sky or on the ground. When falcon comes to perch near you, the message may be to search for new ideas, take a broader view, or look at a situation with a fresh perspective. -
When on the hunt, falcons will often dive for prey prematurely and miss the kill, indicating they may be somewhat impatient. Examine your actions to see if you are acting in a similar way in a situation that requires more patience. -
Frequently, the falcon, like the hawk and owl, is a messenger spirit guide and will come and leave quickly during an event and make a powerful statement or whisper quietly in your ear. |
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Animal Spot Light FOX FOX  The Fox represents cunning, slyness, stealth, observation, and wisdom.
The Fox can take on human form according to Chinese and American Indian beliefs. The Hopi, Cherokee and other tribes know that Fox Medicine brings healing power. The Apache say the Fox brought the first fire to the people. Other cultures such as the ancient Egyptians thought the Fox brought blessings of the gods. The Incas deified the Fox. There are 23 species of omnivorous canid Foxes worldwide and is found on nearly every continent. In the Bengali language the Fox is known as "huacka-hua." The French call the Fox "Le renard glapit." The Japanese say, "konkon." Foxes tend to be smaller than other members of their family such as wolves, jackals and domestic dogs. They have slender, slightly flattened skulls, pointed muzzles, moderately short but powerful legs, large ears, and long, bushy tails. Unlike many canids, foxes are not pack animals; they are solitary, opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey (especially rodents) by stealth, cunning and surprise. With great dexterity and a pouncing technique practiced from an early age, they are usually able to kill their prey instantly. Foxes also gather a wide variety of other foods ranging from grasshoppers to fruit and berries. Foxes have been successfully employed to control pests on fruit farms, leaving the fruit intact. Foxes hold individual territories and generally remain within them except for the mating season. Young foxes are called kits. Males are known as dogs and females are called vixen. A group of foxes is a skulk. FOX MEDICINE -
A Fox is very quite and blends into its surroundings becoming almost invisible. Being in harmony with ones surroundings is important to people who carry this medicine. For those with this animal spirit guide, try being very quiet and practice blending in without notice - especially if you have a powerful presence around others. -
By living between light and darkness, the Fox looks into both worlds. -
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The Fox is physically and mental quick and extremely agile which can teach you ways to respond quickly to situations by using the power of inner instincts and knowing. The Fox packs a lot of medicine and good teachings into its small body. Knowing the Fox and its ways will help you maintain balance and harmony in your life. |
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Horse HORSE  Speed, strength, and grace are the finer qualities of this noble animal. The horse lived on the North American continent for thousands of years, but mysteriously disappeared and was later reintroduced by Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500's. American Indians quickly mastered equestrian skills and found the spirit of the horse to be a valuable asset in learning ways of leadership, safety in movement and freedom.
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Even though the horse can be domesticated, it's spirit forever roams into the far reaches of freedom. The horse meant ease of movement for indigenous people who quickly learned they could hunt and move into new territories as never before. For those who seek the spirit of the horse, the idea of freedom may be a predominant theme. To the American Indian, the horse symbolizes freedom and the power that comes with being free. -
People knowledgeable of horse medicine know that taming the wild, freedom seeking aspects of its personality is not easy, but the benefits of gentleness and tolerance is attainable with patient kindness and continual training. |
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Animal Spot Light  LYNX  The Lynx is an exquisitely beautiful member of the cat family know by its short, strong body and long legs, bobbed tail and tufts of fur that sprout out a the top of each ear. Their coats are thick and luxurious in the winter to protect them against the icy winds that prevail in the high mountainous regions of Canada and Alaska. Having large, padded paws the lynx is sure-footed on ice and snow while chasing its primary prey, the snowshoe hare. Like most cats, the Lynx will spend much of its life alone. The lynx has powerful eyesight and great abilities of stealth and cunning are formidable.
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As a solitary animal who hunts and lives alone much of its life, the lynx often comes to those who are loners by desire or design. Lessons of independence and self-reliance are part of its offering, but sometimes the message may be one to console a lonely heart or spirit. -
Because of its coloring, size and stealth, the lynx is able to blend and sometimes appear to disappear in its environment. This medicine is valuable in moving unseen between planes and remaining in the background, unobserved and not up front in relationships and events. -
Once the lynx has successfully tracked its prey, he will sit and quietly observe the whole environment before moving for the kill. Watching for intruders, other prey and passersby, the lynx will absorb all the various activities and weigh all the options before taking action. These characteristics are valuable lessons life in general terms for humans. Silent observation is a great power that allows one see things unnoticed by others. As we follow the power of good silence, we are able to hear the higher purpose intended by the Creator. |
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Animal Spot Light  LIZARD  Lizards are ancient brothers who are found in warmer climates all over the earth. There are five general families of lizards and literally hundreds of species, the largest being the Komodo Dragons weighing in at more than 350 pounds and the smallest is the Beata measuring less than three quarters of an inch long. They have many descriptive names such as the Australian Bearded Dragon, Yellow Spotted Gecko, Iguanas, Salamanders, and Horned Lizards who squirt blood from their eyes. Many American Indian tribes recorded their relationship with the lizard in images on pottery, petroglyphs, effigy bowls, figures, and shells and portrayed lizards in their ceremonies and stories as symbols of strength.
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The Lizard is often seen laying peacefully in the shadows of rocks or seen skittering around in dark holes, between light and darkness and is thus referred to as the 'dream walker' or one who lives in the dream world. Dreams are important to the human psychic and depict subtle messages from deep within the mind. Lizard medicine reveals these hidden messages during the dream state. Proper interpretation of these dreams often requires the assistance of one trained in the ways of the lizard medicine. -
The psychic characteristics inherent in the lizard teaches those with this medicine how to awaken their own abilities by making choices that honor every part of ones life. When lizard appears it signifies a need to go within and analyze your present reality and once done, move with confidence and conviction out into the world of new beginnings. |
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MOOSE  Our powerful moose cousin is a symbol of courage and determination. Those who know the moose spirit proudly walk with grace and have universal knowledge. The power of their presence is awesome and inspiring.
MOOSE MEDICINE |
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Dream Decoder Fox
The fox is a predator of great cunning and wiles. As such, to dream about the fox is to see oneself as either possessing or being victimized by such attributes. The focus on this symbol should be your sense of fear or kinship toward the fox. Whether you like or dislike the fox will determine the representation of the world and your relationships in it. If the fox is an adversary, the object that the fox is trying to take from you may be revealing. A fox appearing in your dream should indicate that the qualities you most associate with a fox are somewhere at play in your life; either by you against someone else, or by someone else against you. Is there someone else in the presence of the fox that shares its qualities? Is there another person in the dream who seems to be approaching you with caution? * * * To see a fox in your dream, represents insight, cleverness, cunningness and resourcefulness. Perhaps the dream is telling you that you need to exhibit more of these qualities in your waking life. Or that you need to conceal your thoughts and remain silent about some situation. Alternatively, it indicates a period of isolation or loneliness. You may take this time to ponder some issue or reflect upon your life. The dream could be a metaphor for someone who is a fox, as in a foxy lady. |
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Dream Decoder Fox
The fox is a predator of great cunning and wiles. As such, to dream about the fox is to see oneself as either possessing or being victimized by such attributes. The focus on this symbol should be your sense of fear or kinship toward the fox. Whether you like or dislike the fox will determine the representation of the world and your relationships in it. If the fox is an adversary, the object that the fox is trying to take from you may be revealing. A fox appearing in your dream should indicate that the qualities you most associate with a fox are somewhere at play in your life; either by you against someone else, or by someone else against you. Is there someone else in the presence of the fox that shares its qualities? Is there another person in the dream who seems to be approaching you with caution? * * * To see a fox in your dream, represents insight, cleverness, cunningness and resourcefulness. Perhaps the dream is telling you that you need to exhibit more of these qualities in your waking life. Or that you need to conceal your thoughts and remain silent about some situation. Alternatively, it indicates a period of isolation or loneliness. You may take this time to ponder some issue or reflect upon your life. The dream could be a metaphor for someone who is a fox, as in a foxy lady. |
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Animal Spot Light 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 -
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. -
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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Animal Spot Light Owl 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. -
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. -
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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Animal Spot Light   PUMA / PANTHER  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.
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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. -
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  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.
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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. |
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Animal Spot Light   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.
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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. |
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What Did Animals of the Tsunami Know and What Can We Learn about Instinct and Survival? Shamanic Practitioner and Psychotherapist
DR. STEVEN D. FARMER
Author of "Power Animals"
Although it's been a while since the disastrous tsunami, what lingers foremost in our minds is the tremendous outpouring of aid from so many different countries.
It's touching that for a while there was so much press on the good or light side of humans.
These outpourings brought us together as a human community, a world community. In addition to this, what I was intrigued by, were the stories that were coming in about the animals.
There were several instances where the animals responded to the earthquake with sort of an early warning system of some sort. In Khao_Lak, Thailand, a dozen elephants giving tourists rides started trumpeting hours before the big waves hit. This happened at about the same time as the earthquake
Just before the waves hit, they grew agitated and headed for higher ground. Some even broke their chains. Flamingos on India's southern coast took for higher ground. At the hard-hit Yala national Park in Sri Lanka, hundred of elephants, leopards, tigers, wild boar, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and other smaller mammals and reptiles headed for the hills and escaped unscathed.
In addition to the animals, there were reports of indigenous tribes and villagers that somehow anticipated the tsunami and made it to safety. All 250 members of the Jarawa tribe in India, one that goes back 70,000 years, fled into the jungle and remained there for several days.
In another instance, a group of Thai fisherman known as the Morgan sea gypsies saved their village of 181 people. They had this incredible knowledge of ocean tides and currents passed along over generations.
The village chief was quoted as saying, "The elders told us that if the water recedes fast it will reappear in the same quantity in which it disappeared." Unlike some of the other Thais who went to catch the flapping fish, when the sea drained out prior to the big wave the sea gypsies headed for a temple in the mountains.
Okay, so what's going on here?
In the case of the animals, it's instinct. Although some would call it a "sixth sense," I prefer to call it a primary sense. Instinct is a product of the reptilian brain, that very primitive part of animals, and including humans. Instinct is registered in the body as sensation. Like a gut feeling.
True that many animals have heightened senses as well. Dogs can smell fear. Species of birds, elephants, tigers and other animals can detect "infrasound" frequencies in the range of 1-3 hertz, compared with humans' 100-200 hertz range.
Yet even we humans have an innate capacity of responding to internal and external cues like the tribal peoples or the fishermen. But in our contemporary civilizations there's ways we've learned to stifle and suppress our awareness of these signals.
How many times have you ignored that gut feeling, only to regret it later? Even with less than life-threatening situations, like the guy that you're dating, and you just have a "funny feeling" about him, but you go ahead and marry him (or her) anyhow!
Some of the factors that have conditioned us to ignore these instinctual and sensory data
start in our childhood. When there's physical, emotional, sexual abuse, our caregivers didn't know how to respond, so they told us to ignore our feelings such that in turn we learned to ignore our body's signals.
It's quite natural when threatened if you see no way to fight or flight to "freeze," to shutdown, numb out, which literally over many instances causes you to deaden your nerve endings.
Into adulthood we maintain this numbness through addictive substances or behaviors
like alcohol, drugs, food, work, or any number of other compulsive behaviors. Another related reason is the fear of losing control. We've certain inherited a lot of beliefs and conditioning about that!!
The third reason, one which is at the core, is how removed we are from the natural world. This is just the way it is when we're raised in an urban or even suburban environment. There are a lot of conveniences to be had, but there has been a cost.
I doubt that if any one of us were in the zone of the tsunami we would have been able to detect the subtle shifts or signs that suggested we best get up the hill. So given this, how do we learn to attune more to our instinctual selves?
First, learn to breathe.
I know that's a natural process, but so many of us have learned to hold our breath or breathe very shallow as part of the conditioning to perceived threats whether they're there or not.
So three or four times a day, in fact right now do these&. take four slow easy comfortable deep breaths&. that's it. Notice how you feel when you do this. It will take you into a greater awareness of what's happening in your body.
Just notice, don't try to change anything. Do this three or four times a day for about a week, and it will increase your awareness. You'll also notice more often when you "freeze" your breath.
Second, GET OUTDOORS!
We get so cooped up in our cubicles or get so busy. Especially in the northern hemisphere, where it's the front end of summer. Take your socks and shoes off; connect with the earth by standing or walking. Also do your breathing while walking or standing.
Thich_Nath_Hahn encourages walking more slowly as a meditation. Relax while you're doing so.
Third, learn to simply observe any animals in your neighborhood. They will teach you.
And fourth, connect with an animal spirit guide. Those of us in settings where we don't see a lot of wild animals, this is another way to connect with them. You can check out my book, "Power Animals," for instructions on how to connect with an animal spirit guide.
Connecting with the natural world is the main key to all of this. And doing so on a regular basis. So that's a bit of a sketch. * * * Dr. Steven Farmer is the author of 'Power Animals: How to Connect with Your Animal Spirit Guide' and 'Sacred Ceremony: How to Create Ceremonies for Healing, Transitions, and Celebrations.' He is a shamanic practitioner, minister, and licensed psychotherapist with over thirty years experience as a professional healer and teacher. For more on Dr. Steven Farmer visit his web site at: http://www.StevenDFarmer.com |
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Animal Spot Light  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.
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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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