posted November 11, 2007 09:35 PM         

The wolf, once a greatly feared and hated animal, has lately become much more appreciated (and stands a better chance at survival in those countries in which it hasn't been hunted to extinction.) On a practical level this may be because when a country is in the process of "taming" the wilderness (especially in establishing farms) the wolf, symbol of wildness (and consumer of domestic farm animals) is seen as an enemy. Now, though farmers in the U.S. continue to complain bitterly about the reintroduction of the wolf into their environment, people are perhaps realizing that preserving the wilderness and its inhabitants is a positive thing.

On a deeper level our feelings about Wolf mirror our own mixed feelings about ourselves as humans. We are "civilized," and yet we are also animals with our own wild spirit. Wolf reminds us of this, often to our unease.

The spirit of Wolf contains other paradoxes. In both Celtic and Native American traditions it stands for the path of discovering the deepest levels of self, of inner knowing and intuition, as symbolized by the image of the wolf baying at the moon.

This is a solitary path. To truly come to understand oneself one must be alone, undistracted by the opinions of others. One must learn to listen to the voice within, which in silence speaks as clearly as the sound of a wolf howling in the night.

And the wolf, like the cat and the owl, is a symbol of night, a time which can be frightening and lonely, and also a time when, through dreams, one's most precious discoveries about oneself may arrive.

Yet the wolf is also the most social of animals. Wolves are known to mate for life, and the pack is a strong social structure in which all adult wolves participate in the training and teaching of the young.

Thus, we humans, as social animals, can learn much from the ways of Wolf. We can come to understand that there doesn't need to be a hard separation between the solitary and social paths. We can realize that we, in exploring the hidden paths of consciousness, may discover new truths to share with the rest of our clan, the human race.

posted November 12, 2007 10:45 PM         

Communication
Imprinting Your Life Path

The Goose also helps in communication, especially with the written word.

Their honking call speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring.

GOOSE


Communication
Imprinting Your Life Path


A Goose totem reflects a stimulation of childhood thrills
and the belief in stories and legends.
The stories we loved as children often reflect our life quest.
Think about the stories that affected you the most
and see what in them you took into your adult life.

The Goose also helps in communication, especially with the written word.

It is also a symbol of fertility and marital fidelity.
Goose people have an innate belief that there is just one special person for each one.

Since Geese are vegetarians, those with a Goose totem should always
incorporate plenty of vegetables into their diet.

The Goose was a sacred bird in the Roman temples of Juno;
associated with the North Wind in Greek Mythology;
and the totem for the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans.

Their honking call speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring.

Star Brother!!!

posted November 12, 2007 11:17 PM         

WOODPECKER

Power of Rhythm

The drumming song of the Woodpecker
is the heartbeat of the Earth.


When a Woodpecker totem enters your life,
it indicates that the foundation is there and it is safe to follow through.
It will stimulate new rhythms.
It reflects a wakening of new mental faculties.

You may be so wrapped up in mental and spiritual activities
that you've neglected the physical.
Listen to your body's rhythms and sounds and heed what it is telling you.

The Woodpecker is sacred to Zeus, God of Thunder,
and the oracle of Mars (Ares), God of War.

Shamans can ride the drumbeats of the Woodpecker's rhythm
into another dimension, space and time.

posted November 12, 2007 11:48 PM         

Also his name, Mark, means of Mars, Warlike. Did I pick the perfect name for him or what? LOL

posted November 12, 2007 11:52 PM         

I will pour through it more in the morning. Right now it's bed time.

posted November 13, 2007 01:14 AM         

Wisdom, Healing, Initiation

This a powerful totem -- it is
the symbol of transformation and healing.
The Snake is wisdom expressed through healing.

The Snake is the symbol of eternity.

It is a protector and guardian totem,
along with its sister totems, the Dragon and the Serpent.

If a snake totem has come into your life, your creative forces are awakening.
Your intuition will sharpen and be more accurate.

Snake energy is the energy of wholeness, cosmic consciousness, and
the ability to experience anything willingly and without resistance.
It is the knowledge that all things are equal in creation.

It also signals a transition in your life.
New opportunities and/or changes.

Snake is fire medicine, the medicine of transmutation.
On a material level, it is vitality; on an emotional level, it is ambition and dreams;
on a mental level, it is intellect and power; on a spiritual level (the highest level),
it is wisdom, understanding and wholeness.

Snake magic is heavy magic.
Become the Magician and transmute the energy and accept the power of the fire.

The Snake is one of the symbols of Thoth.

posted November 13, 2007 01:31 AM         

Magic, Healing, Creation

If a raven totem has come into our life,
magic is at play.
Raven activates the energy of magic
and links it to our will and intention.

With this totem, we can make great changes
in our life;
the ability to take the unformed thought
and make it reality.

The raven shows us how to go into the dark
of our inner self and bring out the light of our true self;
resolving inner conflicts which have long been buried.
This is the deepest power of healing we can possess.

CROW

Keeper of the Sacred Law

Crows are the keepers of the Sacred Law
and to have a Crow totem is very powerful.

Personal Integrity are your watchwords
and your guide in Life.
If you have a Crow totem, your prime path
is to be mindful of your opinions and actions.
You must be willing to walk your talk,
to speak your truth and to know your life's mission.

Crow is a omen of Change.
Crow lives in the void and has no sense of time,
therefore, it sees past, present and future simultaneously.
Crow merges both light and dark, both inner and outer.
It is the totem of the Great Spirit
and must be respected as such.

They are symbols of creation and spiritual strength.
Look for opportunities to create and manifest the magic of life.
Crows are messengers calling to us
about the creation and magic that is alive in the world today
and available to us.

posted November 15, 2007 10:54 AM         

Butterflies came into the picture in my sobriety. Though I have always loved them, it wasn't until my sobriety that people started calling me "butterfly" due to the transformation.

posted November 15, 2007 11:01 AM         

The dragonfly and butterfly brought me to them.

posted November 16, 2007 08:16 PM         

TURKEY

Shared Blessings

The Turkey is the symbol of sacrifice.
It give life so others may live.

Many saints and mystics have Turkey as a totem.
With a Turkey totem, you have transcended self.
You act and react on behalf of others.
This act is not a sense of moralism or guilt,
but a deep knowledge that all life is sacred.
What you do for others, you also do for yourself.


To have a Turkey totem is a true gift.
Its gift may be spiritual, material or intellectual.
Through giving to others will you reach your own goals.

The Turkey is linked to the third eye,
the seat of feminine energies within us, and the center for higher vision.

Turkey is also the symbol of the Mother Earth and her abundant harvest.
All of Earth's blessings and the ability to use them to their greatest advantage
are part of Turkey's teachings.

posted November 17, 2007 12:29 AM         

One appeared across the street from my house sitting in the middle of a grassy walkway. It sat motionless for a while then got up and walked between two houses. We later heard it was spotted in a neighboring city as well. I guess it was a pet who wandered off.

Role ~Prophet~

Lesson: Reclaiming Power

Element: Fire/Water

Wind: West ~The Quest Within~

Medicine: Shapeshifting

Keywords

Prophet
Reclaiming Power Mystery

Energy Awareness Lunar Magic

Penetrating Stealth

Shapeshifting

Prophet

Mysticism surrounds the Black Panther, and for centuries two-leggeds have observed these graceful predators as they prowl the jungles of their domain and slip, black as midnight vapor, between tree limbs and vines.

Black Panther, with his penetrating yellow-green gaze, evokes the sense that he is capable of looking into the ~future,~ hence this beautiful cat is closely linked to Seers and Prophets.

***For the two-legged who journeys beside Black Panther, this may either take the form of one who can literally see into the ~future,~ or this gift of insight is manifested as a keen insight into the reasoning, action and motive of Others.

Because these souls possess the gift to see to the motives of another, the "future" consequences of that individual`s motives and actions are clearly visible to the Panther individual, and they can appear almost prophetic when warning another of the ramifications that may befall should their current motives remain ulterior, selfish or evasive.

For those Black Panther souls who literally do "see the future," this can be quite a challenging aspect of their Earthwalk, for with this special ~gift~ also comes the responsibility of discerning when and how much of this knowledge is meant to be shared. Equally, as the ~future~ is continuously being shaped by our present thoughts, decisions, and actions, the future is ever-changing and hence, any future seen or perceived is only one of many alternate ~future realities.~ Yet more often than not, the visions of the future received are meant purely as guide posts and/or warnings, hence it is still down to the individual to create his/her own future.***

Reclaiming Power

One look at the Black Panther and it is obvious that these Big Cats are a study in controlled strength and will.

With thickly corded muscles, long, sharp teeth and claws capable of shredding and ripping prey that may weigh up to 1200 pounds, these magnificent creatures embody the essence of Power. All of this is contained within a frame that averages 7 to 8 feet in length (from tip of nose to tip of tail), and weighs in anywhere between 75 and 160 pounds (depending upon the species of Black Panther and whether it is male or female).

***As Black Panther often pads beside one with great inner strength, there is often evidence of personal Power within the human counterpart. The interesting thing with this particular keyword, and how it manifests for the two-legged who is blessed with this Totem, is in watching the unfolding of that Power, for it is a characteristic that is developed over many years. This is partially attributed to the fact that such inherent personal power possesses equal potential for either great good, or great destruction.

In those who walk with Black Panther, personal charisma will be quite high and there will be the ability to influence the thoughts and actions of ~Others.~ For this reason, this Totem carries a heavy responsibility, and may take several lifetimes to perfect. Many dictators throughout history have had Black Panther as one of their Personal Totems, and misused the tremendous potential of these Spirit Animals. Equally, many reformationists have also had this Totem walking beside them and reclaimed the True Power of Black Panther (Mahatma Ghandi is one such example).

This is not to suggest that these individuals should be meek and mild (for they have been gifted this great power and strength for a reason), yet it can be channeled and directed in such a manner to bring honesty and insight to others. Yet if you do not wish to know the ~truth~ of what a Black Panther soul feels or believes, do not ask, for they will always "tell it like it is."

When the higher vibration of this personal magnetism has been attained and expressed through diligence, conscious decision not to misuse its brilliant gift and shared to benefit Others, then the Black Panther Soul truly shines as he/she inherits and reclaims their Power.***

Energy Awareness

Every thing about Black Panther has been geared toward a heightened awareness of his/her surroundings, and Nature has equipped this big cat well in the art and skill of survival.

With ears capable of capturing the smallest of movement, eyes that can penetrate through the dark blanket of night, and a powerful sense of smell, Black Panther is able to locate and track prey with a skill matched by few predators in the wild.

Yet there also seems to be an intuitive understanding of when the best time is to strike, as often these beautiful creatures will await just the perfect moment and seize the opportunity with a lethal pounce.

***The two-legged with Black Panther as a companion spirit will have a heightened sense of awareness. Sometimes this will manifest purely as a physical acuity and these individuals may possess an extraordinary sense of hearing, sight or smell. If one of these senses are damaged, then another physical sense will compensate, and thus for one who may have sustained a hearing loss, their eyesight or sense of smell rapidly acclimates and counterbalances for just such a sensory "deficit."

Yet this heightened awareness may also manifest in the form of sensitivity to non-physical stimuli, or pure energy.

In Earth Medicine, we recognize that there is a Universal energy that flows through all things that dwell above, upon or within the Earth, a powerful Medicine that is the basic building block of all life, hence the term Earth Medicine. Yet this energy source, though it flows through physical life, is spiritual energy and emits a powerful vibration that is felt keenly by some, including a large portion of Black Panther souls.

Again, this is an ability that, although present at the moment of entry onto the physical plane, takes years for the individual to nurture, hone and perfect. Yet as the ability to tune into energy develops, the two-legged who has Black Panther as their companion spirit, will be able to sense the feelings, energies and intent of other individuals. This heightened awareness is not only limited to those persons whom the Black Panther soul is in immediate physical proximity, they are also excellent at long distance energy sensing and can immediately "tune in" on the condition of one with whom they are communicating, regardless of any physical distance.

Because of this ability to read another`s ~energy~ so precisely, it is imperative that the soul beside whom Black Panther walks, governs this ability closely. When operating from Personality Center, this ability can be used toward selfish ends or as a means of intimidating Others. Yet it is when the Black Panther soul utilizes the ability to tune into and send energy from the center of Compassion and assistance to his/her fellow human, that this ability unfolds as it was intended, as gifted by the Divine.***

Shapeshifting/Transformation

There are some animals/birds/insects & finned ones that possess the Medicine of ~Shapeshifting,~ that is to say they have been granted the ability to shift their physical form from their original form, to that of a two-legged, to another creature and then back to their original form again. These creature beings are granted this inheritance from the Great Mystery from actions performed back when all tribes were ONE (tribes here meaning different species, e.g. humans, snakes, wolves, etc.), and is a Gift that must be given due respect and adherence else this Medicine will be taken from that creature being. Hence all shapeshifters have a great responsibility attached to this particular Medicine.

The Black Panther is one such Shapeshifter, and the responsibility unique to these animal spirits, is that of piercing the veil of darkness that dwells in the heart and mind of an unintegrated Soul. These creatures teach us that there is nothing in that darkness to be feared, for the Light of acknowledgment will disperse the blackness and illuminate the Way through the jungle of unresolved issues, pain and old "programming"

***The early life experiences of one with whom Black Panther walks will never be "easy," as these souls will seem to attract and/or elicit strong reactions both within themselves and from "Others." Early on this may tend to give the Panther soul a sense of isolation from their fellow two-leggeds as they struggle to find their own identity, for the way in which they view and approach life often attracts attention and leaves them feeling as a stranger in a strange land.

There is no doubt that these individuals will tend to engender either
powerful, deep loyalties and great affection from those who know them, or there will be an equally strong aversion from Others that may result in verbal and/or physical attacks against the Black Panther Soul. Perhaps part of the reason behind such ardent and dichotomous reactions, lies within the inherent Power and Awareness of these individuals.

As long as the one beside whom Black Panther journeys, operates from integration and Higher Intent, and the individuals with whom Panther interacts are also functioning from self-acknowledgment and conscious awareness, Black Panther’s penetrating gaze and direct approach will not be felt as a threat or seen as intimidation. Yet for one who is operating from selfishness, evasion or deceit, the force of Panther soul`s insight may be seen as a direct threat and, if motivated thus by fear of what Black Panther soul has borne ~witness~ to, those individuals will often either completely disappear from sight, or they will attempt an all-out attack on the Panther individual.

Yet the reverse may also be true, and it may be the Black Panther soul that is abusing his/her Power and Awareness to manipulate, control or intimidate Others. When this is the case (such as it often is when the Soul who has Black Panther for his/her Power Totem is still in the ~infant~ or ~young soul~ stage and has not had many journeys yet around the Sacred Hoop), these individuals can be very power motivated and may consciously use their tremendous insight to manipulate or intimidate Others. Of course the karmic retribution for such actions is quite high, and thus this is a tendency that is eventually outgrown with subsequent reincarnations and journeys along the Red Road of Physical Life.

posted November 17, 2007 11:02 PM         

They hang from a branch in such a way that, from certain angles, you can't see them . The were flitting all around and mating. It's been unusually warm here, so I'm sure they're confused and think it's Spring.

Just wanted to share a bit of sunshine with you; letting you know I do think about you and all Knowflakes.

posted November 17, 2007 11:17 PM         

Will share " SUNSHINE " with you anytime!!!

Aquaspryt69 you could always ask Randall for my e-mail address if you like and e-mail me sometime. I would really like that!!!

posted November 17, 2007 11:21 PM         

Fertility and the Honey of Life,
Accomplishing the Impossible


Bees are the symbol of fertility and sexuality.
Its honeycomb, a hexagon, is the symbol of the heart and
represents the sweetness of life found within our own heart.
It is also the symbol of the sun and all its energies.

The bee reminds us to extract the honey of life
and to make our lives fertile (productive) while the sun shines.
No matter how great the dream is, there is the promise of fulfillment
if we pursue our dreams.

If a Bee has shown up in your life, examine your own productivity.
Are you doing all you can to make your life more fertile?
Are you busy enough?
Are you making time to savor the honey of life and not becoming a workaholic?

The Bee is the symbol of accomplishing the impossible.
Aerodynamically, its body is too large for its wings and should not be able to fly.
Although now we understand how it does fly (high rate of wing movement),
the Bee remains a symbol of accomplishing anything you put your mind to.

posted November 17, 2007 11:50 PM         

Dragonfly embodies a stripping away of all the beliefs that say we cannot do this or that, achieve a dream or goal, it is to remind us that anything is possible when we really get the understanding that we are part of Spirit and as such we have the power to manifest anything that we desire.
Dragonfly is the keeper of dreams, the knower within that sees all of our true potential and ability. Dragonfly strips away the illusions that say to us we cannot achieve our dreams and goals, that we are not worthy or capable when in fact it is our birthright and our true power to create anything we choose!

Dragonfly also connects us with the power of colour and the ability to work with many different colours to achieve anything we want to experience in life. We can begin to see how the colours we wear via our clothing, the colours that we fill our homes with, even the colour of the car we drive is impacting us for better or worse. Continually wearing dull drab colours while asking for more adventures or excitement in life sends the message that we do not really want what we are asking for. The colour we surround ourselves with does set up a vibration that attracts circumstances and energies that reflect back to us what messages we are sending forth. If we want change we need to affirm that we are ready and willing for the changes to occur through the use of colour vibrations that match the energy we are seeking to experience. If one wants to become better recognized for the work one loves doing then wearing shades of red or violet will help one achieve that. For new beginnings try wearing shades of green. To feel more empowered try wearing shades of yellow. To feel more deeply connected with the Universe and to develop greater intuitive ability, all shades of blues and indigo are excellent! Colour is a very valuable tool in expressing who we are, who we desire to be and what we desire to experience in our lives. Look at the world around you: All of nature sets forth its intent and requests through the use of a vast range of colour. A flower will attract a pollinator through its colour. A Tree Frog may warn predators that it is not good to eat through the colours it displays on its body. A Lion can attract a mate through the colour of his mane. Working with Dragonfly can also teach us how to use colour to attract that which we desire or at least, to understand what messages we ourselves are putting forth through the colours we wear!

Dragonfly also teaches us how to combine emotion with rational thought. Dragonflies in the early stages are known as Nymphs and spend most of their lives in the water. They are voracious predators which indicates that Dragonfly can also help one to eat away at anything in our lives that is out of control. They are especially helpful for addictions of all sorts including the more "well known" addictions such as overeating, drinking to excess or drug addictions. Yet procrastination, over spending or maxing credit cards to the limit, daydreaming, overwork and so forth can all be addictions that rob one of the ability to create a balanced, fulfilling life. Most if not all addictions are due to suppressed emotional energies and traumas that are being compensated for through the addiction. Overeating for example can be a "medicine" for feeling unloved and Alcoholism "medicine" for depression. When Dragonfly appears it may indicate that there are addictions or other problems/pests that are "out of control" in your life that need to be examined and resolved. Often the main issue will not always be what it appears to be on the surface, it is important to peer beneath the emotional waters so to speak in order to understand what is really happening!
Once the Dragonfly has emerged as a winged adult, it conquers the air through its swift flight. This indicates that working with Dragonfly energy may also help you come to some swift conclusions or new insights that help propel you into new ways of being and doing. Certainly it is a most important time for seeing through illusions and really hearing the messages that the Universe is sending you at this time. Beliefs that centre on powerlessness, limitation or fear are likely to be up for review and release. You always have the power to choose what you are going to believe in and focus on You always have the power to take action of some sort that will help change your current circumstances for the better. Working with Dragonfly medicine shows that you are ready to step beyond the mass thought of blaming "something out there" for your problems and instead are now getting down to the business of accepting responsibility for what happens in your life by making the appropriate changes as you feel guided.

People who carry Dragonfly medicine are often quite talented in the use of Colour for healing. They may see or sense the colours that an individual carries in their aura and can learn how to help the person adjust the colour rays so that one become more a part of their own healing process rather than relying on someone else to do the healing for them (which never works anyway!). For example, if someone carries a heavy, murky colour of red in their aura which may lead to power struggles, constant irritations from others or things always going wrong, the Dragonfly person can help that person bring in the clear reds that are more empowering in terms of living with confidence but without the chip on the shoulder that begs for someone to come along and knock it off! Or if someone has an aura that appears to be depleted of vital energy and colour, the Dragonfly person can help this person learn to work with drawing in all the colours of the Universe, both seen and unseen, to repair and invigorate the aura. A simple way of doing this is to start by focusing on all the colours of the rainbow and to visualize them entering into the aura via the Universal flow. This can be expanded by asking that all colours including those our human eyes are not yet able to perceive also flow into the aura. This can take as little as 1 minute up to 20 or more to accomplish, normally though when one has attracted enough of this energy there is a sense of completion or "inner click" and the person just feels done with the process. This can be done as often as someone feels the need and is especially helpful during times of great stress or trauma. Colour is part of the "food" that the aura needs to remain strong and healthy so doing this several times a week or each day can be very uplifting and strengthening!

Dragonfly people are also very talented at helping others navigate their own emotional waters. How often have you heard someone say they "felt Blue" or "tickled Pink"? Our emotions have colours just the same as our world is filled with colour. By noting what colours one is attracted to over a cycle of time, one also can hone in more closely on what emotions are really running the life. Because we become so acclimated to feeling a certain way, we may not even realize that we are depressed, feeling a low level anger or hostility, or are in grief still over an event that occurred many years ago. Or we may project those emotions onto others and wonder why we are constantly attracting people that are depressed or hostile! Dagonfly energy and people can help us get more in touch with our felt but ignored emotions, our ways of feeling that have become so well known to us that we don't even realize those emotions are there! Our emotions also impact the colours that our aura's are displaying and having a Dragonfly person take a good close look at those colours can really help someone release any energy that is not to their benefit while learning how to incorporate more of the colours that will be of better service. Once we are able to put a name to something, then we can begin the process of researching the tools that will help us to heal and move on from it.
In our culture emotions are not "nice", people are not encouraged to feel the wide range of emotions we have been blessed with and so often the energy gets trapped or stuffed down, especially in the lower chakras. Working with Dragonfly energy, calling it into the lower chakras (where much of this energy is especially trapped and then manifested through the body) can help stir this energy up and get it moving again. It need not be as painful as one might fear and it is always less painful than having that energy constantly attracting more of the same to you through its vibration! To work with this if you don't know a Dragonfly person to help you through the process, simply call in the energy of Dragonfly through your mind, just thinking about it is enough and will work. Next, visualize the Dragonfly moving through your lower chakras, infusing them with clear, brilliant colours, the loveliest you can imagine. If you start to feel emotional, stick with the process! Usually it does not take so long for this energy to clear and you need to be feeling those emotions! Cry, yell, stomp your feet, do what ever it takes to get that energy up and out, and bear in mind that you have a powerful ally working within you and for you that us helping support you during this process. If however you really do feel afraid or are concerned you might "lose it", do consult with an alternative healer or other therapist before engaging in any of this sort of healing work. Its a great sign of true strength and power to know we all need help from time to time!

Dragonfly people often benefit from working with crystals that have "rainbows" within them or stones that are brightly coloured, especially if the colours are clear and bright. Accents of colour throughout one's home can really lift the spirits of a Dragonfly person, especially if they have been doing loads of healing work on themselves and others.

When Dragonfly appears be ready for transformation! This is a long cycle that can take up to 2 years or more and yet the work and effort are well worth it in the end. At times you may feel like you are firewalking your way through life (Dragonflies are really mini Dragons after all!) and yet what is emerging from within you is a sense of your own inner power and faith in a Higher Power that no one can ever take from you! You are in the process of coming to know and understand who you truly are, of connecting with the vast source of power and energy that was given to you by Spirit at the time your Soul came into being. This power has grown within you as you have journeyed through space and time. Now is the time for it to be claimed as your own so you may step forth renewed as the powerful Soul that you came to this earthwalk to express!

Essences that are helpful for Dragonfly people are:

All of the Colour essences range.

Arizona Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus - An excellent essence for use when applying colour to any area of your life for healing and expansion.

Diamond essences - All colours of this range.

Gingergrass - Helps the Dragonfly person to feel uplifted and excited by what each new day brings. Very empowering and helpful if the Dragonfly healer is feeling burned out or stressed.

Apricot - Helps the Dragonfly person stay in touch with and balance their own emotional energies even as they are teaching others how to do the same.

Tsavorite Garnet -Very healing and supportive of those who are tapping into their own Dragonfly energy and learning how to work with it properly. This essence is an excellent choice if one is needing a boost of energy!

Dragonfly - The Highest energy and destiny of carrying Dragonfly medicine.

posted November 18, 2007 12:01 AM         

The information below is primarily on the Honey Bee.

I did not expect that I would be writing on the Honey Bee as quite frankly, of all the creatures in the world, these little ladies can really give me the willies (except for Bumble Bees, which I am quite fond of). It happened though that I had found a wonderful new book by Ted Andrews, a Workbook for his book Animal Speak, for my eldest son for Christmas. I too was curious to read it and so finally having a few moments to read and relax, I borrowed it from him and settled in for what I thought was going to be at least an hour of enjoyable relaxation. I was only a few pages into the book when I read how he believed that to conquer long term, repetitive problems we need to face the creature we most fear and learn to work with it's medicine because that creature is most likely a very powerful totem for the person and has qualities and attributes that will help to resolve the recurring challanges. Brilliant I thought, well let's see what do I fear..... oh no, Bees......

As Ted says however, gaining knowledge about what we fear or do not understand is the first step to overcoming the fear and learning to appreciate it. Certainly I was willing to see if Bee was both a totem for me and how I could better understand how to work with it's energies. Before going further I also must say that we do NOT always like or feel connected to all of our totems! Yet if something is a totem for us, it will find numerous ways to get our attention. It's not too surprising that many of the nightmares that have frightened me the most have included the honey bee for example. By researching and seeking to understand Bees as well as asking them as a totem for assistance, I learned a great deal within a very short time that has stirred much respect within me for these creatures. And not too surprisingly, what I learned also related to precisely the challenges occuring in my life.

To begin with, the first thing I read repeatedly is that Honey Bee's are not dangerous (the exception to this of course is the African Honey Bee which by nature is much more aggressive) and rarely sting unless they feel provoked to defend their hive and fellow workers. I thought back to all the times I have been around Honey Bees and the people that carry their medicine and truly for the most part, they have been extremely gentle, sociable creatures and folks. Many Bee people are extremely cooperative and the only other people that come as close to this sense of community are Ant people. These people really understand that in order for they themselves to do well in life, then all of life must also prosper and thrive and they are willing to work with many others to accomplish their own and others well being. What happens to many Bee people though is that since they themselves are so willing to automatically cooperate and behave in ways that are helpful to others, they don't stop to question whether those they are helping are also going to be willing to return the favour. Thus the Bee person often finds that they are giving and giving and wondering what went wrong when they find themselves in need of support or assistance and none of the people they have helped can be found. Bee communities thrive because each and every member is willing to extend to other hive members what they have been given. So too do Bee people need to insure that the "hive" they are hanging out with are truly folks that are on their same wavelength in recognising that giving is a two-way street. Bee's know who is a member of their hive and who isn't by pheremones. Each colony or hive has it's own individual scent that marks the individuals within it. Bee's have a highly developed "nose" for who belongs and who needs to be escorted off the premises, one way or another. So too do Bee people need to "sniff out" those that have earned the right to belong to their circle of people and who is simply trying to intrude to see if they can steal the Bee person's "Honey". I have known more Bee people who would swear they do not have an intuitive bone in their body and yet when they hear of something that does not feel right to them, they always say "this stinks" or "This smells fishy to me though I don't know why". It's important that Bee people learn to honour what their noses are telling them. It could be a "Bear" is getting close to the "hive" and extra defenses need to be put in place or a "mite" has piggybacked it's way into the hive and needs to be removed before it infects everything in the person's life. While a Bear may tear apart a hive to get to the honey within, Bee's can often easily rebuild (with up to 60,000 members strong, it takes little time for healthy bees to rebuild). Mites, though tiny, are a dangerous enemy to the Honey Bee. They weaken and eventually may kill off a hive, and so too do Bee people need to remember that sometimes it's the little things that get started and are ignored that can end up bringing down an entire structure for good. Even though the mites themselves do not carry the scent of the community, they may be hard to detect because they are living on one of the bee's as a parasite and thus the scent of the hive is masking the presence of the mite. I know in my own life there have been very small things that have occured; I have been asked to do someone a "small favour", or could I possibly take "five minutes" to do something and then before I know it, that small, seemingly insignificant thing has ended up turning into a huge favour costing me plenty in terms of time, money, energy and peace of mind. Bee (yes, pun intended!) aware of who is asking you to do what and for what reasons. It it doesn't smell right, it isn't. If you need help in saying no or walking away, call in the help of your own hive, for often Bee people do have at least a handful of folks around them that will be protective and caring of them! And sometimes we don't find out just how many people do care until we put out the distress call for help!

Bee communities are made up of the Queen, Workers (always infertile females) and Drones (males). Queens begin the nest and lay the eggs that will become workers and drones. She will continue to build up the nest or hive until enough eggs have hatched and there are enough mature adults to take over in her stead. So too do Bee people often find they must put much effort into starting things, but then they must learn to allow others to take over some of the tasks and help. The Queen or Bee person can then focus on what is needed to create new "workers" or "drones" that will continue to keep him/her fertilised and in production. The health of the hive can be dependant on having a Queen that is strong and healthy, for she will continue to produce new workers that are able to carry on as the older workers die off. Workers only live a short time, up to about 50 days while the Queen can live up to 4 years. Worker Bees literally work themselves to death due to their devotion to their Queen and their hive. Bee people need to learn to take time off from their work and activities for this reason, or they too will find they suffer from health problems or may even work their projects and even business's to death through over-expansion or continued activity that the market cannot support. Taking time off and allowing others to share more of the load will allow the Bee person to remain refreshed and invigorated so that when action does need to take place, the person is not too burned out or just plain knackered to follow through. Worker Bees also defend the hive against intruders as well as foraging for pollen and keeping the hive in good repair. Worker Bees will also "dance" to communicate to others where to find the best pollen. There is no sense of competition among Worker Bees, each behaves for the good of the whole and the more that know where to find abundant pollen, the more the hive will thrive. Bee people need to network on many levels in their lives if they too are going to attract the best that life has to offer. These folks are generally very generous with their own time and information as well, and if they can connect with many others of like mind, they can become extremely successful in their lives as well as being thought of as good and generous people. Bee people need to find numerous ways to connect with others so that they can share what they have to offer, even if that includes a process of trial and error to see what works best for them in this regard. Bee people who are in business for themselves will find it especially important to "spread the word" about their products and services and should take advantage of as many opportunities to do so as they can. Or if a Bee person's career depends on referrals from others as with sales or real estate for example, they should certainly make sure that as many people as possible know about them! Many Bee people I know do very well in Real Estate which is not too surprising considering how important the home/hive is for these folks.

Some Bee people I have known could really let fly with stinging words and actions, and it is important for these folks to learn to control this sort of behaviour if they find themselves acting out the African Bee side (or shadow) of the Bee medicine. Unfortunately, sometimes it is required and the Bee person is left with little choice but to sting to defend themselves or that which is of value to them. Yet when a Bee stings, it dies shortly after for the stinger along with part of the abdomen and poison sac is pulled away from the Bee has stung something or someone. Bees and Bee people do tend to instinctively know this and this is what makes them think twice before attacking. When a Bee person must "sting" they also need to understand that the energy involved in the situation also needs to die. If the "attack" is strong enough, the Bee person can rest assured that portion of their life is dying. And they may need time to grieve for what has been lost so they may move forward again. Yet if they are plugged into the medicine they carry, they will come in time to accept that a new community within them is being born and soon they shall be able to move on again. Take the time to rest and recharge for the long cycle of work and production that lies ahead! Along with this cycle of death and rebirth it is important to note the following: "It is not advisable to kill the colony without removing the nest because of the potential damage from remaining honey and larvae. If left in the wall, decaying larvae can cause an odor problem, and the honey may attract a number of other pests. " Those who carry Bee medicine must learn to be sure they "clean up" things that have died in their lives, even creating rituals to clear old energy, lest they find that the old energy hangs about and "rots" thus, attracting pests and causing damage to other areas of the person's life. It may be that the Bee person finds they undergo a cyclical process of death and regeneration and this may indeed fall into a cycle of four years or smaller cycles of about 42 to 56 days (the life span of both workers and drones). It can be helpful for Bee people to note when things on a small or larger scale tend to weaken and die off for a time in their lives and then see how long it takes before the energy begins to renew and resume progress. This can also help the Bee person plan to set aside resources or support for those cycles so they can be relaxed into rather than fought against.

It is also interesting to note that Bee venom has been used in the treatment of diseases such as Arthritis, Rheumatism, Multiple Sclerosis and other painful, aching conditions. Toxic substances have long been known to be extremely powerful healers when used in the right dose or combination with other drugs or substances. Bee people often do find that they have words and actions that can heal or words and actions that can wound and destroy. And sometimes things said that could be damaging, might really be just what the other person needs to hear or experience so they can examine how what they are doing may be damaging or hurtful to others folks too.

Bee people often find that from time to time they simply need to pick up and move on. Bee's swarm when looking for a new home or following a new Queen, because their old home has simply become too crowded for that many members to remain. Bee people may also find that they too need to seek out new environments and experiences if they are to continue to thrive and be happy and healthy in their lives. These folks may also find that people or situations they have been involved with have become too "crowded" for them to remain and it's time to seek something new. Trying to hang onto the old will only cause problems and defeat in the end. Instead Bee people need to send their own "scouts" out, and this can be done by asking Bee as totem to scout about for new situations and people that can be beneficial for you, and report back with the information. I have also known some Bee folks who simply must pack up and move house about every two to four years, regardless of how wonderful their home has been for them. And perhaps this too explains my own "itchy feet" for I too get this restless urge to move every few years. Again, asking Bee as totem to help you find the right new home for you will save you loads of time, energy and stress!

What to watch for when Bee appears:

There is a clear message here that there is pollen available to you that can be turned into life sustaining nourishment but you may have to get out there and hustle a bit to get it! Still, the efforts you make now are apt to be well rewarded.

Have you been slinging some stinging attacks or had some come your way? Do you need to defend what is of value to you, lest it be taken over or ripped apart by someone else?

All Bees represent the ability to do the impossible because they defy the laws of aerodynamics which states they should not be able to fly, though obviously they do quite well. Perhaps Bee is sending you a message that you too need to believe that the impossible can and does occur, we are usually just too blind to see it.

It may be time to look for a new community or hive. Is your home and the people around you supporting you in the way that is truly beneficial for you and others?

You most likely need to ask for help with something. Remember, even the Queen only works on her own just long enough to get enough mature adults up and running. So too do you need to work on your own for only so long and then you need to ask for assistance. Take a good look at your life, what do you need help with most right now?

Is your home clean and in good repair? Workers spend much time making sure their hive is well tended. Remember, decay and clutter attract pests and energy you really can live without.

We have a Bumble Bee as well as a Honey Bee essence available for those wanting to connect even more deeply with Bee's in general. Other essences that Bee people may find helpful are:

All Viola/Pansy Essences - (These being some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring also provide the first food sources for foraging bees) - Flower Essences
Blue Sapphire (which can help with communication)
Star-flower False Solomon Seal - Flower Essences

By Morningstar

posted November 18, 2007 12:11 AM         

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I was only a few pages into the book when I read how he believed that to conquer long term, repetitive problems we need to face the creature we most fear and learn to work with it's medicine because that creature is most likely a very powerful totem for the person and has qualities and attributes that will help to resolve the recurring challanges. Brilliant I thought, well let's see what do I fear..... oh no, Bees......

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posted November 20, 2007 08:56 PM         

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energy gets trapped or stuffed down

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Working with Dragonfly energy, calling it into the lower chakras (where much of this energy is especially trapped and then manifested through the body) can help stir this energy up and get it moving again. It need not be as painful as one might fear and it is always less painful than having that energy constantly attracting more of the same to you through its vibration!

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But I do fear it! Hence why I haven't even tried working with it.

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f however you really do feel afraid or are concerned you might "lose it", do consult with an alternative healer or other therapist before engaging in any of this sort of healing work. Its a great sign of true strength and power to know we all need help from time to time!

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