NORTH: BLACK PANTHER
SOUTH: ELK
EAST: OWL
WEST: BEAVER
ABOVE: HAWK
BELOW: DOG
CENTER: RABBIT
NORTH: wisdom/thought
SOUTH: beginnings/purity
EAST: salvation/spirit
WEST: conclusions/fullness
NORTH: BLACK PANTHER
When to speak and when to be silent. Introspection, go within ourselves, hold power yet be unseen.
The panther is a symbol of ferocity and valor. It embodies aggressiveness and power, with a lunar significance. The panther has over 500 voluntary muscles that they are capable of using at will. This reflects an ability to do a variety of tasks as he or she wills. It is simply a matter of deciding and putting to use those particular “muscles,” be they physical, mental, psychic, or spiritual. As a whole panthers are loners (solitary) although they do associate with others, they are most comfortable by themselves or within their own marked territory. They are drawn to those individuals who are likewise often solitary.
Panther is secretive, silent, and graceful in her every move. She is solitary by choice, she tells little though listens much. She is careful not to share too much information, only enough to ease curious minds.
The Black Panther helps you to understand the dark and death and the inherent powers of them; and thus by acknowledging them, eliminate your fears and learn to use the powers.
The black reigns in the north with winter as its season of power, and water its most effective element. This is the element of the feminine. This is the totem of greater assertion of feminine in all her aspects: child, virgin, seductress, mother, warrioress, seeress, and the old wise woman.
The panther often signals a time of rebirth after a period of suffering and death on some level. This implies that an old issue may finally begin to be resolved, or even that old longstanding wounds will finally begin to heal, and with the healing will come a reclaiming of power that was lost at the time of wounding. Also, the Black Panther is very mystical, she finds the most power in darkness. Black Panther understands death and teaches people not to fear it, for out of death comes rebirth.
The symbol of mastery over all dimensions. Black Panther was the god of darkness and was capable of causing eclipses by swallowing the sun. This reflects the tremendous power inherent within the feminine forces. One who is capable of becoming a jaguar is shorn of all cultural restrictions. The alter ego is free to act out desires, fears, and aspirations. The Indian shamans would perform rituals to borrow jaguar power. One who was capable of doing such was capable of doing great benefit or great ill.
Nietzsche once said, “that which does not kill us makes us stronger.” It is this same idea that is awakened in the lives of those who open to the power of the panther totem. The panther marks a new turn in the heroic path of those to whom it comes. It truly reflects more than just coming into one’s own power. Rather it reflects a reclaiming of that which was lost and an intimate connection with the great archetypal force behind it. It gives an ability to go beyond what has been imagined, with opportunity to do so with discipline and control. It is the spirit of imminent rebirth.
Panther people have a broader vision. Panther medicine gives them a deeper insight, both spiritually and psychically. Their enhanced perspective lets them see things in close detail or from a distance. Panthers enter the world enlightened whereas others have to work to achieve that.
SOUTH: ELK
Stamina, follow through until the end. Protects the child within.
Innocence and trust. Long distance runner.
Elk have tremendous stamina and can run for a very long time. They are powerful animals with strong reflexes and respond quickly to anything that appears on their path. They are also unpredictable, passive one moment and aggressive the next. Elk can sense danger the moment it arrives and can teach us how to become more observant of subtle energies.
Elk live in large herds and are seldom seen alone. Although they enjoy the company of their own kind they do need space to roam and if cornered they can become quite dangerous. Those with this totem need a sacred space to retreat to from time to time in order to keep their energy balanced.
The elk, like the deer, have contests to see who will mate with the does; but unlike the deer, elk will fight very aggressively and frequently draw blood or worse. Those with this medicine need to keep their aggressive tendencies under control and seek fairness in all that they do. These tendencies may not be evident to the conscious mind, although when provoked they can often surface unexpectedly.
Elk never graze at night. An attacked herd will bolt in all directions so as to confuse a predator. The art of survival is part of its teachings. Majestic in their bearing the elk demands respect. Adult bulls with a full set of antlers are a match for any animal they would encounter, including a bear.
There is no more impressive a sight than a full grown elk, with its winter coat, standing tall and looking fierce. Elk shares with us its regal demeanor and those with this totem often find themselves on center stage both in their professional and personal lives. If Elk medicine is fully developed within a person a strong self image is expressed. Those with this totem usually have past life associations connected to royalty.
When elk appears in your life, it may be telling you to polish your act and carry yourself with pride and power. That does not mean you should be egotistical, however, for elk knows that its true power comes from Great Spirit. It shows off the gifts it has been given and uses them to its advantage.
Elk holds the medicine of strength and empowerment. If you need to be impressive in a situation, it would be good to connect with elk and learn from it. If you are shy or unsure elk can show you how to become more confident.
EAST: OWL
Guides towards spiritual challenges, guards the path to illumination. Old wisdom, mystery and vision, magic, omens, insight, and vision in the night.
Secretive habits such as quiet flight and various calls from whistles, screeches and hoots, have made them objects of superstition and even fear in some parts of the world. Some native tribes see the owl as a symbol of death while other tribes believe they embody the mysteries of shamanism and sorcery. Individuals with this totem are private complex people and don’t like others to know what they are really thinking. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings especially in the area of personal relationships.
Owls have many abilities which set them apart from all other birds. Their wings which are extremely soft and thick, allow them to fly silently as they can swoop down on unsuspecting prey. They are able to slip in and out of places unnoticed and can teach us how to do the same.
Their eyes are large and forward facing giving them a wise appearance. They have a greater range of motion in their necks than any other animal with a spinal column. Owls turn their heads rather than their eyes, which are stationary. Their night vision is so powerful that they can see prey when the light is the equivalent of a candle burning 2500 feet away!
Their powers of vision are matched by their almost otherworldly hearing abilities. In studies done with owls that were placed in totally light free rooms, the owls were able to locate a mouse by sound alone. Those with this medicine are usually gifted with clairvoyant and clairaudient abilities. Souls who are born with this totem have chosen a path which suggests a need to refine and perfect these gifts for the aid of others. They make excellent therapists, psychologists and counselors.
Active at dawn and dusk owls are sometimes referred to as the night eagle, a messenger from the darkness and a guide through all the mysteries that it contains. It teaches us how to embrace our personal darkness without fear. Owls are sometimes thought to come to those that are about to die. This does not mean a physical death as much as it means the letting go of some part of yourself that is not serving you. Owls with their spectral senses help guide us through the dark tunnels of fear, change and uncertainty to the brilliant light shining at the other end. If the owl appears in your life thank it for its willingness to guide you through its shadowy realm to the other side of promise and joy.
WEST: BEAVER
Personal growth, builder, balance, shaping security, cooperation, and contentment.
The beaver is an amazing animal. They are master engineers and alter environments. Their dams are made of wood held together with mud and leaves. Resourceful and ingenious they turn streams into lakes with their dams. When they leave an area, the dam eventually decays and a fertile meadow is left where the lake was. The beaver knows how to work in harmony with the environment and can show us how to do the same. They hold the energies of fertility and new promise.
Beavers are expert builders. Their dams are strong and secure. When the beaver swims into your life it is asking you to strengthen the foundation on which you stand or to build a new one. If we continue to stand on old foundations new opportunities can pass us by. Because of its building skills the beaver has been linked to ancient masonry. Those with this totem often have past lives associated with this magical art. The study of masonry can reveal deeper insights about who you are and who you have been.
The beavers fur is waterproof and a hard yellow enamel coats their teeth protecting them from damage. Their teeth continue to grow until they die. They are always chewing and falling trees. Author Ted Andrews states that without chewing the beavers teeth would become to large, and it would be unable to eat. Its large incisor teeth are one of its most distinct features and holds great symbology. A person with healthy incisor teeth usually has a balanced inner nature, if unhealthy an unsettled inner nature is common. Proper dental hygiene along with developing a sense of inner peace is essential for those with this medicine. Meditation and quiet contemplation is helpful.
Excellent swimmers, the beaver can stay submerged for 15 minutes. Controlling the breath is one of its attributes. Those with this medicine would benefit from yoga or any form of breathing exercises. They make excellent breath workers as well as architects.
Beavers are creatures of the water the element associated with the subconscious. This is where hidden knowledge and forgotten dreams are stored. A powerful totem to have the beaver reminds us to live our dreams and shows us how to manifest them using the resources available. Beavers have a gentle nature and are very industrious. Those with this totem often find that they must work hard to obtain their goals. Remember to be kind to yourself. When you feel defeated simply call on the beaver to help you.
ABOVE: HAWK
Guarding dreamtime, return to the stars. Pay attention to what may be overlooked.
The hawk represents a messenger. It often appears in our life when we need to pay attention to the subtle messages found in our surroundings and from those we come in contact with. As with all messages received it is important to recognize its underlying truth. Because there are so many varieties of hawk its messages vary and can affect all levels of our psyche.
One thing that all hawks have in common is the skill to move between the seen and unseen realms gracefully connecting both worlds together. Their acute vision compliments this ability and their discriminating nature keeps them out of harms way. The broader vision of the hawk allows them to see what the future holds. In man this symbolizes prophetic insight. If this medicine is underdeveloped a tendency towards over analyzing everything is common. In so doing, clear vision is lost. Those who hold this totem should remember to keep their analytical mind under control and not allow it to run wild.
The hawk has many foraging techniques. The most typical in their pursuit of prey is swiftly following the animal’s efforts to escape. Once the hawk has secured the prey with its powerful talons, the bird dismembers it with its sharply pointed, strong beak. In man, this suggests that we can run but we cannot hide from our destiny. Sooner of later it will catch up with us.
The destiny of all humankind is to awaken from their spiritual amnesia and realign with the original intention of their soul. When the hawk flies into our life we will be asked to evaluate who we have become and rip out the threads of our self created illusions. This enables our inner truth to surface.
Hawk signifies union with Great Spirit. A bird of the heavens the hawk orchestrates the changes necessary for our spiritual growth. Having this totem can be bitter sweet. If we accept its presence in our life we will be asked to surrender anything that doesn’t honor the integrity of all life. Be it an idea, a feeling or an action. Although hard work is involved the rewards the hawk offers us are great.
BELOW: DOG
Inner Earth, grounded on path, loyalty, courage, and unconditional love.
Throughout history dogs have been known as protectors and guardians. Their acute hearing and keen sight forewarned their masters of impending danger. Dogs are known as mans best friend. They serve selflessly never asking for their service to be praised. They hold the energies of unconditional love and teach us its true meaning.
The domesticated dog is a faithful companion to humans and has a strong willingness to serve. Their sense of spirit and the ability to love even when abused is incredible. The dog teaches those with this totem how to give and receive love unconditionally. It also carries the energy of forgiveness. People with dog medicine would do well in service oriented jobs.
Dogs are intelligent and sensitive. They are able to sniff out dangerous situations accurately and guide us into safety. Psychic gifts have long been are associated with the dog because of their ability to detect subtle energy frequencies often unknown to mankind. If dog suddenly appears in your life pay attention to your immediate surroundings and let the dog guide your footsteps.
Certain breeds of dog were designed for specific functions. The study of the breed and its purpose can help you define the energy associated with it. Since wolves and coyotes are its descendants these should be studied as well.
The behavior of a dog often reflects the personality of its owner. Through its observation and constant interaction with you it anticipates your next move, and serves as a mirror image of who you truly are. The dog is a great teacher for those who are willing to be loyal students. The choice is yours.
CENTER: RABBIT
Hearts joy, protected space. Confronting our fears. What we fear will persist and come to us to teach us to let it go. Do not let fear guide into the open.
There are two dozen species of Cottontails in the United States, all with similar characteristics. Rabbits are vegetarians eating the inner bark of saplings and shrubs as well as leaves and fruit. They provide a perfect illustration of Nature’s balance. Their rapid rate of reproduction is countered by the fact that almost every predatory animal eats them. Cottontail rabbits are quite timid, never venturing too far from the safety of their warrens. Rabbit teaches us through its timidity, to be gentle with ourselves in all situations.
The rabbit is often associated with fear because of the nervous energy it expends. They move suddenly and unpredictably. They hop and leap through life asking those with this totem to pay attention to their personal movement. Growth is assured if one is moving in balance with what is in their life. If they are moving to fast or to slow an imbalance occurs and growth is stifled.
Rabbits are most visible during dawn and dusk. The sun rising and setting from horizon to horizon holds an air of mystique about it. It is a time when the invisible becomes visible and nature spirits are more pronounced. Because the rabbit and the fairy realms are active during the same time of day it has a strong connection with the magic and mystery of other worlds. To enter this world all that is required is a leap of faith.
Sensitive with keen observation skills, the rabbit has strong reflexes that help them dash to safety quickly protecting themselves from danger. They can be seen, disappear and reappear in the twinkling of an eye. Fast, agile and clever they hold the teachings of spontaneous decisive movement. Always knowing which direction to go and when. When rabbit appears it is enabling you to take advantage of opportunities that may only present themselves for brief moments.
Rabbits are guides into the shadow world, where all of our personal fears lie. When the rabbit appears it is time to examine those deep reflexive fears that hold you back from growing. Do you keep dashing for the safety of your old patterns every time something new or challenging presents itself? If so the rabbit asks you to face your fears with compassion for yourself. Accept that it is part of human nature to feel fear at times, but also believe that our fears need not paralyze our growth and movement.
