Time flows ever onward, folding back upon itself in a never ending cycle of life, death and re-birth. . . . Ancient animals roamed the plains of a vibrant Earth, powerful reminders of the life force. We seldom see the few creatures still roaming free in remote areas, but are always in our minds. . . . .They roam the plains of myth, imagination and vision, essential to the security of the human spirit.
Have you ever put your ear to the ground? . . . . Ever listened to find out what sounds might echo through the earth? . . . . Smelled the rich moist soil on a spring day? . . . . Stood in a cool stream and imagined you were living 100,000 years ago? . . . . Huddled in a blanket against a bleak winter snow, and felt as if it would swallow you up? . . . . Have you ever allowed yourself to truly experience what it must have been like for our ancient ancestors?
Experiencing their natural world connects us to ancient knowings and wisdom, long buried under the illusions of civilization.
All cultures have honored animal spirits and totems. The lands your ancestors roamed were filled with creatures whose power and skill they admired. . . . Are there any animals you feel a special bond with? If so, meditate on the qualities and special gifts of those animals. . . . . Ask yourself what lessons you can learn from them.
The Great Goddess is honored in the Middle-East as "The Lady of the Beasts". She is shown as powerful, surrounded by all different species. Her robes and jewels are adorned with images of animals.
The connection between the Goddess and Earth's creatures is an ancient and powerful one. The Bull often represents male energy and is sacred in many ancient forms of Goddess worship.
Ancient cave painting from Lascaux, France
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If your ancestors are from Asia, some totem animals of your ancestors might be; Tiger, Elephant, Monkey, Snake, Dog, Cat, Rooster, Rabbit, Lizard, Rat, Bear, Fish, Horse, Bat,to name a few.
If your ancestors are from the Americas, some of their totem animals might be; Wolf, Mountain Lion, Leopard, Snake, Buffalo, Coyote, Lizard, Birds, Bat, Beaver, Possum, Cat, Horse, Deer, Hawk, to name a few.
If your ancestors are from Africa or the Meditteranean, some of their totem animals might be; Snake, Birds, Elephant, Monkey, Rhinocerous, Lion, Antelope, Zebra, Dolphin, Lizard, Giraffe, Bat, Butterfly, Hippopotamus,Jackal, Bull, Sheep, to name a few.
If your ancestors are from Europe or Scandinavia, some of their totem animals might be; Bear, Bull, Horse, Deer, Sheep, Wolf, Cat, Birds, Swan, Salmon, Bee, Squirrel, Beaver, Dog, SeaGull, Hawk, to name a few.
If your ancestors are from Polynesia or the South Seas, some of their totem animals might be; Lizard, Koala, Birds, Snake, Ostrich, Fish, Dolphin, Kangaroo, Dog, Albatross, Shark, Bat, Platypus, Spider, Cat, Puffin, Penguin, to name a few.
If your ancestors are from the Middle East, some of their totem animals might be; Snake, Lizard, Lion, Bull, Bear, Fish, Octopus, Swallow, Birds, Sheep, Grasshopper, Dog, Deer, Ibix, Cat, to name a few.
The animals you are most drawn to may not have any geographical connection with your ancestors. Trust that there are powerful lessons to be learned from all animals and plants, and enjoy the journey of discovering these lessons. The Animal Medicine Cards are a good tool for beginning to focus on the animals, but they are not necessary.
Plants and rocks also lead the way back home to the sanity and simplicity that each of us remember in the quiet moments. Nature contains all the wisdom and magic we will ever need.
A few moments spent tending a plant and really looking at it adds both time and quality to life. Subtle changes in the health and happiness of the plant will soon be noticed. Once you have begun to notice these subtle changes, you have begun to truly live as a creature of the Earth. When was the last time you really looked at the ground or the sky?
We have forgotten many of our simple powers of observation and connection that are so essential for true happiness. Regaining them is easy, but it takes wanting to be a part of Nature again, to be a part of the Earth with all Her magic, and all Her secrets.
Nature teach me
Make me a child of the Earth again
Open me to the everyday wonders and magic
Sharpen my ears to hear the birds and crickets
Clear my eyes to see the beauty of life around me
Make my touch gentle enough to feel the texture of a leaf
Open my heart to wonder and delight
Fill my spirit with gratitude and kindness
May I be truly awake for my magic journey of being alive
May I always remember to be grateful for the food that sustains me
