“We all share the same Earth Mother, regardless of race or country of origin, so let us learn the ways of love, peace and harmony, and seek the good paths in life.” – SUN BEAR Each and every person on earth has nine power totem animals that symbolize the medicine they carry in their Earth Walk. These animals or creatures beings imitate each person’s abilities, talents, challenges and dreams. For instance, if a person is linked to a Wolf as a power animal, that person is born a teacher, pathfinder, innovator, and self-starter. This does not necessarily mean that a person has acknowledged those gifts and is using them to the fullest. It can mean that Wolf is there to bring that person to an understanding of the talents. As you come into your Earth Walk, there are seven directions surrounding your physical body. These directions are East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within. The direction called Within exists within you, but also surrounds you, since the entire universe is inside your consciousness. You have a totem animal in each of the seven directions to teach you the lessons of these directions. The other two animals, which make up your nine totem’s are the ones which are walking at each side of you at all times, and which may possibly have been coming to you for years in your dreams. If they have not come to you in dreams, they may be animals that you are drawn to but which have not appeared amongst the seven you selected. You may find that these last two creatures will appear for you at a later date. The two that walk by your side may be from any part of the animal kingdom on Mother Earth. One of them could be a Duck, Big Horned Sheep, Vulture, or a Raccoon. Seek advice from a book on animal habits to better understand the Medicines of these animals, and see how their characteristics apply to both human kind and yourself. It is important to note, your opinions of yourself should not get in the way when you pick these totems.  Therefore, you will tend to learn more about your true nature when you simply allow the animals come to you. Once you have finished the selection of your animal totems, you should not do this process again. These are the creature beings that are your medicine.  I chose the Medicine Cards:  The Discovery of Power through the Ways of Animals by Jamie Sams, David Carson and Angela C. in selecting mine. Also, understand that sometimes animals that are not among those of your special totems, most certainly will bring messages to you from time-to-time. When any animal presents itself to you in some way that stands out in your mind, whether in a dream or while you are awake, study its Medicine. It has a message for you! According to Sams and Carson, in their book Medicine Cards, the 9 directions represent: East: The animal in the East guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guards your path to illumination. South: The animal in the South protects the child within and reminds you when to be humble and when to trust, so that innocence will be balanced in your personality. West: The animal in the West leads you to your personal truth and inner answers. It also shows you the path to your goals. North: The North animal gives wise counsel and reminds you when to speak and when to listen. It also reminds you to be grateful for every blessing every day. Above: The Above animal teaches you how to honor the Great Star Nation, and reminds you that you came from the stars and to the stars you will return. This animal is also the guardian of the Dreamtime – for your personal access to the other dimensions. Below: The Below animal teaches you about the inner Earth, and how to stay grounded and on the path. Within: The Within animal teaches you how to find your heart’s joy and how to be faithful to your personal truths. It is also the protector of your sacred space, the place that is yours alone and is never shared except by invitation. Right Side: This animal protects your male side and teaches you that, no matter where you turn, it will be your Father-protector within.  This animal also carries your courage and warrior spirit. Left Side: This animal is the protector of your female side and teaches you that you must learn to receive abundance as well as to nurture yourself and others. The left-side animal is also your teacher about relationships and mothering. Next month, we will look further into our personal Animal Totems. Views:]]>