All of our ancient ancestors lived close to the Earth and understood the connection between all living beings. Although we live in a modern world where most people have lost awareness of this profound and helpful connection with nature -- OUR nature -- we can learn how to re-enter this reality, and walk in both worlds. Power Animal exploration is a fun and simple path towards healing, balance, empowerment, improved relationships and joy. Join me in the discovery! ~ Amy Beth Katz, M.A.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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
Sunday, September 18, 2011
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