Power Animal of the Month in Honor of Occupy Protestors: Donkey

Donkey may seem unglamorous at first, but she is no less a shining star who guides men through the darkness. She is the ultimate symbol of true leadership: always at the front carrying the heavy burden for others, but also intelligent and gentle. 

For centuries, she has been the symbol of the working class. Some breeds have a cross-like mark on their backs, and her self-less service to others is indeed christ-like: civilizations have been built and fed on her labor. Yet, many donkeys are also wild and have a strong sense of self-preservation. They are keen to sense danger, and will not give in to orders that threaten them or those in their charge. This is why leaders are wise to adopt Donkey as their power animal. This quality sometimes earns them the label “stubborn”, but sometimes it is necessary to stick to our instincts, even if that makes us less popular. When this quality of “digging ones’ hooves in” is shared in equal measure with active listening -- something Donkey can do with its’ long ears -- open mindedness and wisdom are steadfast. 

The nativity story has it that when Mary was ready to give birth to baby Jesus, a donkey carried her to safety in the stable. We all need our own stables, our own inner stability, if we are going to give birth to the Holy. The Jews, enslaved in Egypt, were treated like beasts of burden themselves, and aided by donkeys’ strength.This holiday season, invite Donkey into the barn of your imagination, and make her an offering. Because of Donkey’s labor, a star was born; Because of Donkey’s instinct, and a billion lights will shine on Menorahs and Christmas trees across the world in December. 

www.schooloflivingdreams.com

One of the most amazing videos I've ever seen!

POWER ANIMAL FOR OCTOBER: GRANDMOTHER SPIDER

Spiders are scary. They have eight hairy legs with witch to creep and crawl. They surprise us by dropping down out of nowhere on invisible strings. Some of them bite with poisonous venom. No wonder they are a symbol of Halloween, along with ominous black cats and vampire bats!

Yet, spiders are also helpful hunters, delicate strand walkers, and have two-section bodies shaped like the sign of infinity. They are weavers of intricate webs which mirror Earth’s most sacred geometry, and they generate the silky material for these masterful artworks from their own tiny bodies. These are just a few reasons why Spider has been long revered by First Nation people all over the world as a beloved ancestor. Storytellers since the beginning of time have spun tales of Spider being the Creator of the universe. 

The Sennica people, after reading the lines and spirals of the spiders’ brilliant webs, also credited them with creating the very first language. Spider taught humankind the importance of recording spiritual truths for the well being of future generations. Writers and artists alike share Spider as an inspirational totem guide, who reminds them that they too are time-travelors, carrying the wisdom of the ages from past to future. 

Every web begins with a single thread. This represents the true nature of reality: that there is an invisible constant running through all living things, and that the world is a complex web united by One force.  When a spider shoots her silver thread into the air, she relies on the wind (Spirit) to carry it to a tree branch or window ledge, where it will attach to something rooted in the physical world that can serve as a frame. Creative thoughts are like this to: we spin a thread of an idea, in dreams or imaginings, and throw it into the wind, hoping it will take hold. Many threads float away untethered, and we, as web-weavers, have to try and try again, waiting for one to stick. Imagine what would happen if a spider gave up after one try, or twenty. It’s life depends on continual weaving. So does ours.    

-- Copyright Amy Beth Katz. 2011

60 Minutes Episode on Polar Bears and New Wildlife Camera: Awesome!

Power Animal for September: Moose

                                                                                 c Amy B, Katz, 2001

The first time you encounter a moose in the wild, expect your minds to do flip-flops. You may initially take it for a warped work horse, or a disfigured deer or camel, with bumps in the “wrong” places. But once you name this impressive beast, her presence will thrill you. 

Moose is all about contradictions: an awkward physical appearance with graceful and elegant gate; massive form and antlers (on males) that moves silently through the forest; insatiable hunger but vegetarian diet of delicate leaves and bark. If moose is your power animal, you often fool, confuse and impress people, because of your uniqueness and breadth of qualities that can not be put in a neat, simple box. 

Moose medicine cures you of low self esteem, and helps you celebrate your individual talents and accomplishments. Instead of being boastful, “Moose People” share their gifts with others to benefit all of society.  

Autumn is the time when Moose energy is at it’s the highest: this is the rutting season, and thus the time when the cycle of birth and death is at it’s highest. If you seek to undergo a life transformation or to pro-create, wear a talisman of moose hair or hang a photo of one above your bed. 

Don't forget to get out in nature at least once a day and connect with whatever critters are in your neighborhood. You don't have to travel 1,000 miles on safari or spend hundreds of dollars to get somewhere: make contact with whoever is in your own backyard! For me, it happened to be Mr. Moose, while I was fixing up my tiny cabin in Alaska! 

Usually my visitors back home in Santa Barbara are of the smaller variety, like birds or lizards. This photo here is of my pet Sun Conure, fruity, nesting in my hair.

Here is a little guy that I would have missed if I hadn't intentionally gone looking for him! 

And this is "Peter", the baby Blue Jay my boyfriend found abandoned at the side of the highway. We took him home and nursed him with baby bird food and feta cheese omelets until he was strong and big enough to eat crickets and fly around the living room. Three weeks later I released him into the garden. He still comes back to visit every couple of days, even a year and a half later!

WHO IS IN YOUR YARD???

Power Animal For February: Giraffe

Just recently, a little animal was born, quite unexpectedly, at the Santa Barbara zoo. In honor of this 5 foot 9 inch, 105 pound baby, our power animal of the month is Giraffe. And what creature could be more appropriate to call forth for the month of love and presidents day than stately Giraffe? For the adult’s heart forms a giant, 25 pound,  two- foot long valentine, as he/she holds its noggin as high as any head of state, or two story building.

Giraffe is an impressive symbol of evolution:  in order to eat the leaves found in its native lands of Africa, usually the Arcacia trees, its body has adapted to develop a neck as tall as the trees.  If you find yourself needing to adapt to new circumstances or surroundings, surrounding yourself with images of Giraffe might help you grow too.  

Giraffes are also strong symbols of flexibility and community, as they move in packs that ebb and flow in size and make-up. Mother Giraffes often band together for safety, and take turns baby sitting by one female watching over all the “little” ones, while the other ladies go foraging.  Male giraffes are seen necking with other males even more than females. Thus, they can serve as a reminder that friendship, affection, love and sex knows no bounds, serves purposes other than procreation even in the animal kingdom, and is quite “natural.”

This month, if you are reaching for something that has long been unobtainable, remember Giraffe. They run fast, stretch their necks to great heights, and can go for long times without food or water; typically, they sleep less than 30 minutes a night. Giraffe teaches us all about endurance, persistence, self reliance and reaching for the stars, no matter what obstacles are in the way. 

Power Animal for March: Rhinoceros

"NOTHING CAN STOP ME NOW!" is the mantra of Rhinoceros people: the perfect power animal for those fed up with uncertainty, insecurity and inertia. Rhinos weigh 150 pounds at birth, and can reach up to 3 tons: next to elephants they are as ancient, large, powerful, tenacious and earthy as any creature alive. Thus, they are credited with the qualities of groundedness, practicality, endurance, wisdom and Power, with a big "P" (or "R"). Rhinos are typically gentle and community focused by nature -- unless provoked. They may keep cool in the mud, but they don't get stuck in it.  If you feel stuck in life, envision the rhino's horn on your own head; it's thick skin shielding you from the daily indignities and defeats that you have let knock you down; his sturdy feet forging a new and confident path. Rhinos know how to strike a balance betweenconserving energy and charging ahead. When they want or need something, they don't spend months or years contemplating it (even though they can live for half a century): they go for it. Stop being lazy. Stop making excusing. Rhinos don't whine, they snort. If you aren't happy in every aspect of your life, do something about it, right this minute....charge!

Power Animal for March: Rhinoceros

"NOTHING CAN STOP ME NOW!" is the mantra of Rhinoceros people: the perfect power animal for those fed up with uncertainty, insecurity and inertia. Rhinos weigh 150 pounds at birth, and can reach up to 3 tons: next to elephants they are as ancient, large, powerful, tenacious and earthy as any creature alive. Thus, they are credited with the qualities of groundedness, practicality, endurance, wisdom and Power, with a big "P" (or "R"). Rhinos are typically gentle and community focused by nature -- unless provoked. They may keep cool in the mud, but they don't get stuck in it.  If you feel stuck in life, envision the rhino's horn on your own head; it's thick skin shielding you from the daily indignities and defeats that you have let knock you down; his sturdy feet forging a new and confident path. Rhinos know how to strike a balance betweenconserving energy and charging ahead. When they want or need something, they don't spend months or years contemplating it (even though they can live for half a century): they go for it. Stop being lazy. Stop making excusing. Rhinos don't whine, they snort. If you aren't happy in every aspect of your life, do something about it, right this minute....charge!