WHALE TOTEM / MEDICINE

Ted Andrews/Animal-Wise

Humpback Whale:
Whales are of two categories, toothed or baleen. Toothed whales have sharp teeth by which they catch and eat fish and other marine animals. Baleen whales do not have teeth. Their mouths are lined iwth bony plates of hard keratin. They strain seawater through these plates, feeding on plankton or the sea life within it. The humpback whale is a baleen.

Most noted for it's wonderful song, the beautiful sounds sung by males. Each breeding season brings with it corresponding changes in the Whale's songs, reflecting the ability fo the whale to teach us how to create through song and sounds---adjusting it to the time, place, and individual.

Singing is one of our most powerful and creative acts, linking us to the underlying substance and being, and is a means by which we can enter into a relationship with our most spiritual powers and abilities. It awakens our healing energies.

Whales have a form of echo-location or sonar. This sensitivity to sound links the humpback whale to the primal creative sounds of life. Sound is the creative force of life. Humpback whale teaches us how to direct it and respond to its feedback. This can be used to tap hidden levels of our mind and even to accelerate the manifesting of our goals.

Unlike the sociable sperm whale, the humpback whale lives in a very loose and changing group of about 4-10 whales where the most stable and longest lasting relationship is between mother and calf. They remain close to each other for up to a year. When the humpback appears, there is usually a year cycle at play in which our creative powers of sound and voice will develop. We will find ways to use our voice more effectively in all aspects of our life.

Humpbacks usually give birth to one whale. The umbilical cord is snapped and the young instinctiely come to the surface for their first breath of air. The mother urges the baby to the surface, pushing the young upwards. These first seconds are crucial because until it fills its lungs with air, the calf's body is heavier than the water and it is in danger of sinking and drowning. Often those who have humpbacks as a totem also have someone who is there at new undertakings, pushing and nudging them to go higher. It is a reminder too that although the first year of a "new birth" may be difficult, greater strength and independence comes quickly after.

The Gray Whale migrates 26,000 miles every year from feeding grounds to breeding grounds and back again. Reflecting greater possibilties for ourselves than we may have ever imagined.

Are we using our vocal powers constructively? Are we being unmindful of what we say and how we say it? Are we hearing what is said beneath the words of others? Are we acting upon our inspirations? Are we ready to sing forth a new birth in our life?

The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass speaks to me.
The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky,
The rhythm of the sea, speaks to me.
The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning,
the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me.
The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun,
and the life that never goes away, they speak to me
And my heart soars.

---- Chief Dan George (Coast Salish)

Resonates~

"The journey to the Spirit World is a long one, my friend. But when you die, that doesn'��t mean that this is the end."

---- Buddy Red Bow, LAKOTA

BUTTERFLY TOTEM / MEDICINE

*Ted Andrews/Animal-Speak:

Keynote: Transmutation and the Dance of Joy

Probably no animal or insect has come to represent the process of transformation and shapeshifting more than that of the butterfly. For those with this totem, the process of metamorphosis should be studied closely. With butterflies and moths there are always four distinct stages of change. (The cocoon is only spun by the moth, and not by a true butterfly, for the chrysalis stage).

When butterfly shows up, make note of the most important issues confronting you at the moment. This is probably why butterfly has shown up. What stage of change are you at in regard to them. To determine that, you may have to examine and determine what you wish the outcome to be, and how best to accomplish it.

The butterfly is a powerful symbol in myth and religion. In early Christianity, it was a symbol of the soul. In China, it was used as a symbol of conjugal bliss and joy. In the Hopi tradition, unmarried girls of the butterfly clan wore their hair in the shape of butterfly wings. In Indian lore are stories of how butterflies come when called by the children of the Nez Perce tribe.

To the Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy, and color. The colors of the butterfly should be examined for its significance and to help you understand its role within your life. Prior to a workshop on fairies and elves recently in Florida, I was performing a meditation at a nearby nature center in preparation for the workshop. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by approximately a ozen black and yellow butterflies (Zebra heliconius). There were even several in my lap.

This was very significant to me for several reasons. First, there has long been an association in folklore of a relationship between those of the Faerie Realm and butterflies. The black and yellow was even more significant. In traditional angelology, these are colors often associated with the archangel Auriel in her guise of overseeing the activities of the nature spirits. It was a wonderful indication of the energy that would accompany me to my workshop.

Butterflies appear to dance as they light upon flowers and such. They remind us not to take things quite so seriously within our lives. They awaken a sense of lightness and joy. They remind us that life is dance, and dance, though powerful, is also a great pleasure. Butterflies can be reminders to get up and move, for if you can move you can dance. Dance brings the sweetness of life back. This is further exemplified by the fact that butterflies actually have taste receptacles on their front legs. They taste flowers by walking upon them.

Butterflies bring color and joy with them. When butterflies come into your life look at how much or how little joy is within your life. Lighten up. Look for change. Don't forget that all change is good. Butterfly medicine reminds us to make changes when the opportunities present themselves. Transformation is inevitable, but butterfly will help teach you that growth and change does not have to be traumatic. It will teach you that it can occur as gently, as sweetly, and as joyfully as we wish.

The process of metamorphosis:
Change is inevitable in life, an dlife only becomes more difficult and dangerous on many levels when we resist its natural flow. Change ensures growth. We have to shed the old before we can come into the new. Metamorphosis is the magic inherent within insects. It is the magic of life that they can teach.

Biologically and psyiologically, humans recognize that there are changes--childhood, puberty, adulthood. Change should occur on other levels and it necessary at other times. Everything we create in life has to go through stages. These align with the four stages of insect metamorphosis. All insects and thus all ideas and creations begin as eggs. The eggs hatch into caterpillars which feed and spin cocoons. From a cocoon comes its final expression of life--usually with wings.

In the egg stage, there is the fertilizaion process. We give birth--to an idea, an activity, a new quality, or something. From the egg stage comes the larva. In insects, the egg becomes a caterpillar in this stage. The caterpillar feeds and works to strengthen itself and achieve its foundation. Ideas and creativity need to be worked with, shaped, formed, developed, and honed. When this is accomplished, when the caterpillar has laid itself a new foundation, the stage of chrysalis begins.

A cocoon is woven around itself by the caterpillar, and a mummy like pupa forms within. In this stage there is a reorganization of the caterpillar's cells even though there is the appearance of lifelessness. Sometimes individuals need to back off, after laying a foundation, and then go deeply within so that creation will be able to come forth strong and in new light. There are points in the creative process where we must be passive and let things take a natural course. We do what we must, and then let it move on its own. This is reflected in the chrysalis stage.

From the chrysalis comes yet a new and final form--a winged insect. The fact that it has wings in its final stages is very significant, and all of the symbolism associated with wings apply to insects as well as birds. The adult only comes out of the cocoon in the warmth of spring--again reflecting the ability to go within and determine the best time to set the new creations in motion on a higher level. Wings are the emblem of the adult insect and thus the adult creation. Flight now becomes a way of life for however long the adult survives.

The antennae:
The antennae of insects vary in size and shape. They are usually larger in those insects with poor eyesight. With their antennae, they can feel, smell, tasete, and determine temperature. They can also use them to create sounds. The antennae have numerous tiny pegs upon them which serve as receptors.

FROG TOTEM / MEDICINE

*Ted Andrews/Animal-Wise:

Keynote: fertility and new beginnings.

Frogs have a tremendous mythology and lore about them. They have been associated with the Faerie Realm and Egyptian goddesses and gods (Herit, Isis, and Osiris). To some peoples of the Amazon, they call the rains and influence the climate. In Europe they are frequently associated with healing. Whenever frog appears, we are entering a time of new beginnings. The creative energies are awakening, and it is a time for new birth and new starts.

Frogs are amphibuians, meaning they spend part of their life in water and part upon the land. They are found everywhere within the world except Antarctia. All frogs go through metamorphosis, and their appearance reflects a time of transformation for us as well. From the eggs come tadpoles or polliwogs. From the tadpoles come frogs. They go from being gill breathers, living within the water (polliwog stage) to being lung breathers upon the land and the water (frog stage). Because the polliwog resembles the male spermatozoa, frogs are the heralds of abundance and fertility on all levels. Frog's appearance can signal a possible birth or pregnancy for someone close to us.

The frog heralds an ideal time to initiate new starts in business. It is a wonderful time to explore and seek out a new career, job, or way of life. The appearance of the frog is a reflection of the maturity and transformation from the polliwog stage. It is time to hop into new areas of endeavors. It is beneficial to accept invitations and offers.

Frogs are keenly attuned to sound. They possess a very sensitive tympanic organ, and their element (water) is a tremendous conductor of sound vibrations. Their croaking is a means of attracting a mate. If frog has appeared, we should listen for new opportunities and know that our ability to persuade and influence people to participate in neew beneficial endeavors is very great right now. Frog's appearance heralds an awakening of the unique and creative powers of our own voice.

Outside the breeding season, the frog is a solitary creature, living around marshes, ponds, and damp woodlands or grasslands. As adults, they always remain semi-aquatic. When frog appears, the old waters we have been working and living in may be becoming stagnant and dirty. It is time to clean them up. There may be something murky about what we are trying to initiate or with whom we are associating.

The frog can indicate a need to take a serious second look before initiating anything new or starting with someone new. This does not mean to give up the possibility of change and new starts, but we may need to plan further before proceeding. Rather than starting now, a delay or temporary canceling of our endeavors may be best at this time. Frog may indiate a need to re-examine offers from others and can herald that solitary efforts are more productive now than partnership or group endeavors.

Are we ignoring new opportunities? Are we mired in the mud of our day-to-day life? Do we need to dive into some fresh waters? Are we becoming bogged down in emotions and not transforming them? Are we becoming too mundane? Are we repeating old patterns and mistakes rather than moving onto new things? Are we resisting change and hesitant to use our own creative forces?

Amphibians are like living pollution testers. They reveal much about the health of the Earth because they are so sensitive to such a wide variety of environmental poisons. That's because they live part of their lives in water and part of their lives in damp soil. Thus, they are exposed to both land and water pollutants. They also have no scales to protect them. A study of the amphibian life within an environment will reveal tremendous insight into pollution problems affecting the area and other indigenous wildlife.

SEAGULL/GULL TOTEM / MEDICINE

*Ted Andrews/Animal-Speak:

Keynote: Responsible Behavior and Communication
Cycle of Power: Year-round

Gulls are wonderful birds. Most people, especially in seashore resort areas, have a tendency to look upon them as pests. In their communities, away from human contact, their behavior is much different.

Sea gulls--or herring gulls as they are rightly called--are actually shore birds, and they seldom venture far from land. Shorelines are places of great mystery and magic. It is a place neither of land nor of the sea; it is between the two. It is one of those regions often associated with fairy contact. Because of this, gulls can help teach how to open communication with the Faerie Realm of life--especially the water sprites and spirits.

This idea is further reinforced by the fact that the gull is associated with the element of water, as well as the air. it is a bird which can combine the gifts of swimming and flying. It is very buoyant in the water. It knows how to work in both kingdoms; it knows the behaviors appropriate to both. This reflects the ability to teach you how to behave and work in other dimensions than that which is normal.

The appearance of a gull usually indicates lessons or abilities in proper behavior, courtesy, and communication. It may reflect you need the lessons, or that you may become the teacher of such. It may also reflect new learning in the subtleties of communication.

Gulls have developed an intricate code of behavior. They have developed a regular signal code for all of their ritual activities. They use a combination of calls and gestures. Because of this they can teach you how to read people more effectively. They can help you to understand the subtleties of communication--what is not being ostensibly expressed. They can help you to read between the lines and understand the body language of others. They hold knowledge of the techniques of psychological communication.

Gulls also help to keep the beaches and shores clean. They are ecological birds. Their appearance as a totem may reflect opportunities to work on ecology in general or work on cleaning up the shore areas of your own life.

The young are fussy eaters. They have to be stimulated to eat, and the color red is their eating stimulus. Adult mother gulls have a red spot on their beak. The baby gulls know that only by poking at it will they get something to eat. This process reflects many subtle lessons. It has ties to proper eating behaviors, stimulation of diet (physical and otherwise), and more. Meditation on this will elicit some wonderful insight into your own life patterns and stimuli.

SWAN TOTEM /MEDICINE

*Ted Andrews/Animal-Speak:

Keynote: Awakening the True Beauty and Power of the Self
Cycle of Power: Winter

The swan is one of the most powerful and ancient of totems. This is reflected even in its name. It is one of the oldest names in the English language, and it has come down un-changed since Anglo-Saxon times.

The swan is a stately aquatic bird with a long graceful neck and beautiful white plumage. It is the largest of all waterfowl. It feeds on soft water plants, and its bill is so sensitive that it serves as a feeler underwater. For those with this totem, the emotions will become more sensitive, and you will find yourself becoming more sensitive to the emotions of others as well.

The swan is usually pure white (except for the bills and feet). This makes it a solar symbol. There is a black swan (Australian) and it is more of a nocturnal symbol. It is also considered a symbol of something rare and/or nonexistent.

The neck of the wan is long and graceful. It is one of the swan's most distinguishing features. The neck is a bridge between the head (higher realms) and the body (lower worlds). In the swan totem, as you begin to realize your own true beauty, you unfold the ability to bridge to new realms and new powers. This ability to awaken to the inner beauty and bridge it to the outer world is part of what swan medicine can teach. It can show how to see the inner beauty within yourself or in others, regardless of outer appearances. When we are capable of this, we become a magnet to others. This is reflected in the familiar story by Hans Christian Anderssen, "The Ugly Duckling."

The swan is a cold-loving bird. They do not like the heat, and can stand the cold very well, as long as there is food. Those with this totem will find it easier to stand colder climates than warmer. Because of this, the swan also has ties to the direction of North, and its symbolism should be examined as well.

The kind of swan and its characteristics will have significance unique to themselves and to you. The largest of all swans is the trumpeter. It is named for its loud, far-carrying call. The whistling swan is our most common. The sound it makes is actually more of a whoop than a whistle. The mute swan, best known in America, is named for the belief that it loses its voice as it reaches maturity. It is not truly voiceless, but it does epitomize the idea of strength through silence.

Swans are powerful birds. They can break a man's arms with the beat of their wings, and they have strong bites as well. They are also devoted parents and they mate for life, and some live as long as 80 years. They reflect the power and longevity that is possible as we awaken to the beauty and power within ourselves.

The swan is the totem of the child, the poet, the mystic, and the dreamer. Swans fill mytholgoy and folklore, usually as traditional symbols of beauty and grace. Swans were sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. They were depicted pulling the chariot of Apollo. Zeus took the shape of a swan to make love to Ledo, a mortal--reflecting the ability of a swan to link different worlds and dimensions.

The swan fills folklore and fairy tales. Many speak of young maidens who turn into swans by putting on the magic garment of a swan's skin. If the skin were found, the beautiful maiden had to remain human and marry whoever found the skin, or do their bidding. The swan thus has come to be a link to the Faerie realm of life. Many of these tales involving swans ended tragically, hinting at the primal life-changing power of beauty when released freely. it hints of the control necessary to effectively work with such energy.

From Greece comes the mystery of the swan song. This belief taught that the swan sang its most beautiful song when it died. The swan song has come to be synonymous with poetic fancy. The swan can teach the mysteries of song and poetry, for these touch the child and the beauty within.

"We call it the "sacred' red road because it is the road that will lead us to living the good life, an honest and healthy life."

---- Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA

"We grieve more because we have been disconnected from our earth, our first Mother, our spiritual Mother."

---- Larry P. Aitken, CHIPPEWA

"The way of knowledge is like our old way of hunting. You begin with a mere trail - a footprint. If you follow that faithfully, it may lead you to a clearer train - a track - a road. Later on there will be many tracks, crossing and diverging one from the other. Then you must be careful, for success lies in the choice of the right road."

---- Many Lightenings Eastman, SANTEE SIOUX

"Humbleness means peace and honesty -- both mean Hopi. True, honest, perfect words -- that's what we call Hopi words. In all languages, not just in Hopi. We strive to be Hopi. We call ourselves Hopi because maybe one or two of us will become Hopi. Each person must look into their heart and make changes so that you may become Hopi when you reach your destination."

---- Percy Lomaquahu, HOPI

This one goes out to all the New Age people (and others caught in ego) ..who call themselves healers.. and the ones that say .. "I healed so & so..'... and charge money for healing work...

"Power is not manifested in the human being. True power is in the Creator."

---- Oren Lyons, ONONDAGA

"The Natural Law will prevail regardless of man-made laws, tribunals, and governments."

---- Traditional Circle of Elders, NAVAJO-HOPI Joint Use Area

Here's a LINK to copy and paste .., of a friend and traditional flute-maker..

Check out the photos.. He makes most of his flutes from one single branch...

---> http://www.danuwa.com/

"You can't just sit down and talk about the truth. It doesn't work that way. You have to live it and be part of it and you might get to know it."

---- Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE

"Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood and so it is everything where power moves."

---- Black Elk (Hehaka sapa), OGLALA SIOUX

"It can be 100 degrees in the shade one afternoon and suddenly there comes a storm with hailstones as big as golf balls, the prairie is all white and your teeth chatter. That's good - a reminder that you are just a small particle of nature, not so powerful as you think."

---- Lame Deer, LAKOTA

"The first factor in the revolution of consciousness is the mystic death of the ego - the death of negative thinking, negative personalities. We must purify the soul of the inner enemies. Every time a defect manifests - envy, gluttony, anger, lust, whatever - that impulse to the heart. Ask, `Do I really need to invoke this?' And then honor the heart."

---- Willaru Huayta, QUECHAU NATION, PERU