NATIVE AMERICAN ASTROLOGY
Clans & Winds
Tortoise Clan
(earth)
Stands for corporality, focus, stability, structure and orderliness.
Butterfly Clan
(Air)
Represents intellect, Thought, interest, movement and flexibility.
Hawk Clan
(Fire)
Indicates spirit, creativity, intention and action.
Frog Clan
(Water)
Contains soulfulness, emotions, receptivity, devotion, silence and empathy.
East wind
The wind of spring ( Falcon, Beaver, and deer) supports astuteness and spirituality.
South Wind
The wind of summer (woodpecker, salmon, and brown bear), promotes perception and emotion.
West Wind
The wind of fall (Raven, Serpent, and owl), promotes insight and knowledge.
North Wind
The wind of winter (Goose, Otter, and Wolf), supports recuperation and renewal.
Now the Animals for the months
The Falcon-March 21-19 (Aries)
A time of awaking-
Element- Fire
Clan- Hawk
Wind- East wind
Falcon Character: observant, confident, open, direct and honest. Falcon People are passionate and independent, spontaneous and uncomplicated. They are wonderful friends.
The Beaver-April 20-May 20 (Taurus):
A time for Growth
Element- Earth
Clan- Tortoise
Wind- East Wind
Beaver Character: Industrious, untiring, and sensible in all things. Beaver people need for security, and stability. They relish comfort and sensuality, and rarely take risks.
The Deer: May 21-June 20 (Gemini)
A time for Blooming
Element- Air
Clan: Butterfly
Wind: East wind
Deer Character: sensitive, relaxed and carefree. Open-minded and intellectual. Deer people are flexible and have quick reaction. They like stimulating changes and value open communication.
The Woodpecker-June 21- July 21(Cancer)
A time of consolidation
Element- Water
Clan- Frog
Wind- South Wind
Woodpecker Character; Desire emotional involvement, but carefully protect their boundaries. At times moody, Woodpecker people are deeply caring, especially of family and friends.
The Salmon- July 22-Aug 21 (Leo)
A time of Ripening
Element- Fire
Clan- Hawk
Wind- South Wind
Salmon Character; self-confident with a big heart and sunny disposition. Willing to accept responsibility salmon people are innate leaders and have good judgment. They enjoy recognition.
The Brown Bear- Aug 22- Sept 21 (Virgo)
A time of harvest
Element- Earth
Clan- Tortoise
Wind- South Wind
Brown bear Character: practical, rational, focused and independent. Bear people are reliable, industrious, and have an eye for detail. They are often perfectionists and are familiar with stress.
The Raven Sept 22- Oct 22 (Libra)
A time for Retreat
Element- Air
Clan- Butterfly
Wind- West Wind
Raven Charter; harmonious, diplomatic and accommodating. Raven people have a strong sense of fairness and justice. They are careful observers, but dislike confrontations.
The Serpent Oct. 23- Nov 22 (Scorpio):
A time of Death and Transformation
Element- Water
Clan- Frog
Wind- West Wind
Serpent Character; attractive, fascinating, and formidable. Serpent people pursue their goals vigorously and logically. They are attracted to the dark and mysterious.
THE OWL NOV 23- DEC 21(Sagittarius)
A time of Hibernation
Element- Fire
Clan- Hawk
Wind- West Wind
Owl Character; idealists who strive for a deeper understanding and a more profound truth. Owl people need freedom and independence, and they like a good debate for exchanging new ideas.
The Goose DEC 22-Jan 19 (Capricorn)
A time of Renewal
Element- Earth
Clan- Tortoise
Wind- North Wind
Goose Character; persistent, perseverance, realistic, sensible and responsible. Goose people prefer quality above quantity. They also have remarkable energy and vitality.
The OTTER Jan 20- Feb 18 (Aquarius)
A time of Preparation
Element- Air
Clan- Butterfly
Wind- North Wind
Otter Character: creative and humorous, full of hope and supporting positive changes in society at large. Rebels and revolutionaries.
The Wolf Feb 19- March 20 (Pieces)
A time of Renewal
Element- Water
Clan- Frog
Wind- North Wind
Wolf Character: Helpful, empathetic, devoted, sensitive and keenly aware of needs of others. Wolf people need solitude for recharging and for delighting in dreams and fantasy.Discover your Animal Totems
Answer these questions to help you discover the Animal Totems in your life. For Journey and Message Animal Totems you will have to often ask yourself the same questions. Remember that you may not currently have a Journey or Message totem. And finding out your Life animal totem is not always easy. When answering these questions you may have more than one answer per question, just don't start listing out all animals - only the ones that are really important to you. Follow your instincts when answering the question - when in doubt, don't.
Life Long Animal Totems
When you were a child, what animal did you collect or obsess over that you are still attracted to today?
Of all animals if you could have any animal as a pet or companion what would it be?
When going to the zoo, which animal do you spend the most time with or are drawn to?
If you could be any animal what animal would it be?
What animal is in your dreams that you have had since childhood?
What animal are you afraid of that you have no idea why you are afraid of it?
Of all animals what animals are you most attracted to?
When you are out in nature, do you often seem to run into the same animal?
What animal have you bumped into over and over throughout your life? What animal have you watched for hours? Does art work or jewelry with a certain animal always attract you?
You Life Long Animal Totem will be the animal that you answered at least three times out of the eleven questions. The more times the same animal is listed in your answers the more important and stronger it is in your life. The one that appeared most is your current Animal Spirit totem
Journey Animal Totems
What animal have you started to see occasionally that you never saw before?
What new animal are you attracted to?
Are you dreaming of an animal lately?
Are you thinking about an animal lately?
In the past two weeks what animals have you seen or dreamt of several times?
If you have a Journey Animal Totem you will have answered at least three of the questions with the same animal. Blessings on your new path.
Message Animal Totems
What animal surprised or startled you today?"
What animal that you don't usually see, have you seen a couple of times today?
What animal entranced you today?
If you answered the same animal to two question then this animal is your Message Totem with a very important message. Heed it's word quickly for the message is for now and today. If you only answered one question then this is a message you should still consider.
Shadow Animal Totems
What animal attacks have you been in?
What scary or traumatic animal situations have you been in?
Does seeing a certain animal bring up feelings of fear?
What animal do you run from?
What animals do you have reoccurring nightmares about?
Does just watching TV with that animal appearing scare you?
Answering two questions with the same animal means you have a Shadow Totem you must address. Remember that the Shadow Totem will continually test you and work against you for you are it's prey. You must embrace the lesson of the animal totem and conquer your fear, accept the power of the Shadow totem, and bring it into the light as your spiritual totem.
There are many ways you can meet your power animal or discover which animal medicine is right for you. First, you could just wait until the guide decides that it is time for it to show itself. Second, you could write and perform a ritual to call and ask for the assistance of the animal that would best assist you in your present magickal workings or be of help in resolving a conflict in your life or simply ask that a guide make itself known to you. Finally you could opt for the method of entering a meditative state
I often suggest trying a visualization where you are in a natural environment and ask your guide to come to you if it feels you are ready. It might not. Your guide will decide when you are ready, not the other way around. Just remember to be polite and patient. Keep trying. The spirit world works in its own way and time
If you meet the animal in the meditative astral state, converse with it and ask its help. Anything is possible in the astral, so ask questions and get to know your new partner
It is important to remember that in many cases, we are chosen and not the one making the choices when it comes to the alliance with an animal spirit. We may wish to seek the wisdom of a particular guide but others will show up instead. Remember to be receptive to any or all who appear because they all have important lessons or wisdom to impart. It is also possible that before we can progress to our next level of understanding, we must first resolve or overcome some underlying issues that we may not be fully aware of or are denying within ourselves. Once you have met and began your relationship with an animal spirit, what do you do with it? Power animals are great advice givers, often representing aspects of our higher selves that we haven't been paying close enough attention to. In a meditative state you can ask for their assistance on problems that have been nagging at you. At times, it is also necessary to seek the assistance of more than one power animal at the same time to maintain balance as is the case between Badger and Deer
One way of starting to discover your animal guides by examining the animals you have been most interested in and the times of your life that interest you . Also examine the animals that have appeared in your dreams or in your everyday life, especially the ones that have appeared over and over and at odd times
Has a specific creature or specific creatures, be it animal, bird, reptile, amphibian, insect or mythological beast, always fascinated you? We are drawn to that which most resonates with us. Those animals which fascinate us, or the ones that we fear the most have something to teach us. Animal guides are not always those that we have the most similarities with. Often they are in our lives to help us learn what we are lacking.
When you visit the zoo, which animal do you wish to visit first? This is especially true with children and this question is easy for them to answer since they are often more receptive than teens or adults.
What animal or animals do you see most frequently when you are out in nature? The animals we encounter in their city or wild environments have significance for us. We can learn from them about survival within their environment and often much more.
Of all the creatures, which are you most interested in now? Our interests in animals change. Yes, we usually have one or two that are lifetime power animals, but others become prominent in our lives when there is something of importance to learn from them.
Do any animals frighten you? That which we fear is often something we must learn to come to terms with. When we do that, the fears then become power. Some Shamans believe that fears will take the shape of animals, and only when we confront them without fear do their powers/medicine work for us instead of against us. Such an animal then becomes a shadow totem.
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Have you ever been attacked or badly wounded by an animal? Historically, if a medicine man survived an attack, it was believed that the animal was the Shaman's spirit totem and the attack was the totem's way of testing the Shaman's ability to understand and handle its power.
Do you have dreams with animals in them or are there animal dreams you have never forgotten? This is especially important if the dreams are recurring or if a specific animal image keeps popping up in your dreams. Children often dream of animals and attention should be given to these animals. They will often reflect specific animal guides of the child or areas of weakness where the parents can help in their child's growth
Bird Totems
Understanding Bird Medicine
By Phylameana lila Desy, About.com
Birds in general are survivalists. They will first choose flight over fight. They instinctively know that fighting is a dangerous endeavor. Whereas flight is avoiding trouble: possible injury or death. Birds have superb reflexes. They teach us awareness and adaptability. Birds represent the air element and are also teachers of proper breathing. Song birds teach us about the healing properties of sound.
1. Eagle
Amazing and majestic bird of prey, the eagle is often desired as a totem. It holds strong medicine. The eagle soars high in the sky, yet will swoop down to the ground in a swift motion to capture a mouse from the forest or fish from the water. Because of this the eagle is considered a strong connection between earth and sky energies. The eagle has keen sight to be able to see his prey on the ground. As a totem the eagle also represents keen insight.
2. Cardinal
The cardinal, a red finch, is easily recognized among other birds. Cardinals also tend to stick around for all seasons so they are easy to spot year round. As a totem cardinals interject vitality or serve as a reminder whenever your vitality is lacking. You may also need to brighten up a drab wardrobe with some color. Cardinals will whistle loudly to alert danger, for this reason a cardinal sighting can also be a signal to be on alert for possible trouble
3. Swan
Swans as a totem is strong medicine. They are graceful, strong, and tend to live a very long life. For this reason they represent grace, strength, and longevity. As a species they mate for life, a swan showing up can indicate the one you are with, or someone you are soon to meet is a soul-mate. As an archetype, the swan begins life as an "ugly ducking" and yet emerges into a beauty when grown. The swan's message may very well be that things are not as they appear outwardly.
4. Hummingbird
When the hummingbird totem visits we are reminded to appreciate the sweetness life offers. We have all heard the saying "Stop to Smell the Roses" and understand this means to slow down and enjoy life. The hummingbird teaches a similar lesson asking us to bury our noses more deeply and inhale the fragrant nectars. Life offers much joy and sweetness if we take the time to breathe it in.
5. Flamingo
Flamingo, within the crane family, teaches the importance of balance. Pink is the color associated with the heart chakra, and the pink coloring in flamingos vibrate with heart and emotional energies. The flamingo is a visionary and draws its power from water.
6. Crow
Crows are extremely intelligent birds. They are adept at being aware of things around them and have been known to help birds and other wildlife when danger is near with their presence and loud CAW. When the crow visits as a totem it can be a warning of some kind. A crow sighting can indicate that you need to be on alert for changes or differences in your surroundings or life circumstances.
7. Robin
The robin with its red breast and trilling song awakens us to the spring season. When robin totem makes its appearance you can expect new spurt of growth or a new beginning for yourself. This bird is associated with the spring equinox, reaffirming the importance of seasonal changes. Are you honoring change in your life or are you stuck in old patterns? The robin teaches us to move forward and try new things.
8. Duck
Ducks are associated with the element of water. They are good deep water swimmers and also are content to glide on top of a body of water. As a totem the duck teaches getting in touch with your deepest emotions in order to get to a calmer state. Ducks are family oriented and enjoy companionship. If a duck visits it could mean it is time to return to your roots and spend some time with your clan.
9. Sparrow
The sparrow is a common song bird that reflects the significance of the common traits we share with others in humanity and life in general. The sparrow does not think of itself as common and will assert itself in life to assure its own survival. The sparrow as a totem reminds you to appreciate your place in the world. Sparrow teaches that you have self-worth.
10. Penguin
The penguin swims in water and is unable to fly, yet its movement from water to land is swift. The penguin is able to leap out of the water and land on its feet. Ted Andrews, author of Animal Speak assigns penguin totem with the ability to consciously go out of body. If penguin appears lucid dreaming or astral projection is likely to come easily to you.
11. Stork
Everyone knows the fairytale about where babies come from. In the story we are told that the stork delivers the newborn to the front door. Babies are often born with red markings on the backs of their necks that are affectionately called "stork bites." When the stork appears a birth or rebirth will soon happen. The stork is typically a bringer of new energies. Its appearance often precedes a change in the family dynamic, which may or may not be a new baby born to the family.
12. Toucan
The toucan is a tribal symbol that is carved on totem poles by native tribes. The toucan's colorful appearance and large bill indicates a strong desire to be seen and heard. When the toucan appears as a totem it is likely time for you to step forward out of the shadows and stand in the lime light for awhile. If you have difficulty speaking in public toucan medicine can help clear and heal throat chakra blockages.
13. Turkey
Turkey totem represents a time of harvest and blessings. If you follow a wild turkey and watch you will find other foods to eat. the feathers have been used to make caps for ceremony as well as to keep rain off. almost every part of the turkey can be used for one thing or another and of course the bird is also a food source. To the Cherokee the turkey was as sacred as the eagle if not more so. they teach adaptivity for that is what has helped them survive the destruction of their forest.
14. Owl
The owl represents wisdom and higher education. Because of its keen eyesight the owl is considered to be a great visionary. Owls also have superb hearing. As a totem it can reveal clairaudient and clairvoyant abilities. This nocturnal bird is called "The Keeper of Dark Secrets." The owl totem has a connection to the dark side and the dead.
15. Ostrich
The ostrich is the largest bird in the bird kingdom. Because it cannot fly its lesson is the importance of grounding, teaching us not to be so "flighty" or "airy fairy." The ostrich teaches us that we can attain spiritual heights from a deeper rooted perspective. Gravity is the ostrich's strength, keeping it grounded.
16. Chickens and Cocks
The chicken and cock symbolize the yin-yang balance of male and female energies. Together they represent fertility and sexuality. Chicken eggs have been historically used in rituals as fertility symbols. Chickens, longtime domesticated, are a stable of food in households. For this reason chickens also represent nutrition and substenance.
17. Parrot
The parrot as a healer would be representative of both a color therapist and a speech therapist. Parrot is a magical totem that teaches us that the world is full of possibility. The role of the parrot is that of a linguist opening communication centers. When this totem appears look to see if you need assistance in understanding views that are different from your own.
18. Falcon
The falcon is known to hover in the sky in slow motion or sit patiently on a perch but will move swiftly to the ground to scoop up its prey (beetles, grasshoppers, mice and other small rodents). The lesson the falcon teaches as a totem is to wait for the most opportune moment before making your move.
19. Pheasant
The pheasant feeds on grains and grasses. Anyone with pheasant as a totem benefits by incorporating more grains into their diet (oats, wheat, corn, etc.) The tail plumes of the pheasant are associated with sexuality. For this reason the pheasant totem represents fertility and sexuality.
20. Vulture
The vulture as a totem teaches the importance of all roles played in society. If the vulture appears it could be a reminder to honor service, no matter how big or small, that you offer humanity. Vultures depend on others to supply their nourishment, surviving by being scavengers, eating the remains left behind by more apt hunters. As a totem vulture teaches "waste-not, want not" a perspective, and the ability to accept help from others graciously.
21. Mourning Dove
Mourning Dove, a member of the pigeon family, feeds on seeds, nuts and grains. The song of the Mourning Dove which gives it its name is a "mournful coo" that invokes emotional stirrings. When the mourning dove visits ask yourself if you need an emotional release of some kind. Pent-up emotions can cause health problems and psychological issues. You may be needing a good cry.
22. Goose
Common saying is "What's good for the goose, is good for the gander." This indicates that male and female geese share duties in the family unit caring for their young goslings. Geese, like swans, mate for life, teaching the importance of honoring your life partner. What child didn't have Mother Goose fairy tales read to them? Mother goose is representative of the nurturing grandmother type. A person with goose totem carries nurturing energies.
23. Osprey
Osprey, aka "fish hawk" live primarily on a diet of fish. If the osprey totem appears it could indicate that you need to add fish or fish oil to your diet. Anyone with osprey as a totem should also study the traits of hawks in general.
24. Kingfisher
It is important for the kingfisher to make its home near the water because fish is its primary diet. For anyone with the kingfisher as its totem draws energy from being near a water source. Kingfisher is a messenger that brings abundance and prosperity.
