~Eye-Magi-Nations Creations~

...& The Infinite Exploration of Love, Life & Self

 

~*~An Exploration of my Animal Spirit Guides~*~

 

Polar /Bear

 

Big Bear Medicine and the Power of Woman

From birth, Bear and Man are remarkably similar. They each enter the world as a blank slate with only instinct. They each must master, through their experiences, the tasks required to operate in their world. They each exhibit vast differences in temperament and develop distinct personalities. They are each equally unpredictable. It is impossible to predict the behavior of a strange human or a strange bear but is not complicated to predict the behavior of a familiar human or a familiar bear.

Both are at risk for physical and emotional damage if they are not cared for early in life. Without the skills acquired through being taught by a mother, neither bear nor man would survive. There have been observations of bears displaying mal-adaptive behavior or acting "neurotic" in the absence of an other to teach them.

In bringing Bear into our lives, we must feel the power of the feminine. Bear lives alone and relies on no one but herself. She is a single parent and must provide all physical and emotional needs for her cubs.

She is loving and kind as she teaches her children about life but she is also a fierce disciplinarian if her children do not learn the lesson fast. She is disciplined in all things, including her own behavior. She sets limits and boundaries for herself and for others and will not tolerate others taking advantage of her.

These limits and boundaries are communicated by attitude rather than by words. Bear demands respect.

She has a high level of concentration and focuses on a goal without wavering. It has been said that Bear can stop a hunter from shooting her through her concentration. Making and maintaining goals is using the power of Bear. Bear will help with the focus and concentration needed for the completion of goals.

The yearly cycle maintained by Bear symbolizes the cycle of birth, growth, decay and rebirth. This can be seen in the ability to regulate one's life, on both a physical and emotional levels. Bear is the supreme model of this cycle and therefore the guiding spirit of the theme of renewal. Living Bear is to move in these cycles, be fully alert at all times but settle down into a hibernate state to renew energy and prepare for the next cycle. The renewal process provides a pressure gauge for our emotional well-being, allowing us to cycle our emotions inward and outward as the situation demands. Bear teaches us that we can be kind without giving up our boundaries and that we can be generous without giving up our selves, we can, like Bear, go to the cave and hibernate.

 ***

POLAR BEAR

Power of the Primeval

Polar bears are outstanding hunters.  They are the most aggressive and carnivorous of all bears.  They hold the same characteristics as other bears although the polar does have specific traits inherent to it.  Those with this totem should also read the information presented on bears in general for a deeper understanding of this powerful medicine.

The polar bear weighs up to 1600 pounds and can knock a 500 pound seal out of the water with one blow.  They are incredibly strong and more adaptable than other bears.  This adaptability compliments their excellent survival skills.  Those with this medicine have karmic challenges associated with flexibility, change and stubbornness and should ask the polar for help in overcoming these obstacles.

The polar will observe a situation completely before they act.  They know how to conserve their strength as well as their energy and use both at the most appropriate time for the best outcome.  This is one of the lessons that it teaches.  Those with this totem would benefit by learning the art of energy management.

Polar bears have no enemies in the animal kingdom.  Their only enemy is the human hunter.  They are intelligent and fearless.  Because of this native tribes throughout history have recognized the polar as a desirable ally and spirit helper.

The white color associated with the polar bear is very significant.  It represents "purity of spirit."  Since this bear is fearless and the energy of spirit only flows when fear is absent, the polar serves as a valuable ally in overcoming fear, both physical and mental.

The polar is known as the "Ice Man" in some native tribes because of its preferences for hunting on sea ice. The environment in which it appears to us is symbolic.  If the polar were spotted walking on ice its message would be connected to the frozen emotions stored within oneself and the need for allowing those emotions to express themselves.  If it is seen foraging for food, nourishment and replenishment of the body, mind and spirit would be its message.  It is important to watch the polar bear to understand what it is trying to tell you.  When it enters your life the awakening of your own true colors is at hand.

Polar Bears are Keepers of the Dream Lodge also. They understand the

importance of Dreams and making sure they are brought between

All Dimensions.

 

 Called “Ursus maritimus”, Polar Bear swims the seas like a seal. A fast swimmer, She uses her forepaws as flippers. Swimming from ice floe to ice floe, Polar Bear roams the frozen seas of the Arctic Nations, hunting from Russia to Greenland.

Polar Bear lives in a two-dimension world for sight in the Arctic and one-dimensional one during the long dark winters. For these reasons, She relies greatly on her sense of smell. Because the air is always moving, Polar Bear can smell the molecules of anything distances away.

Among the Inuit and Inupat, Polar Bear is a teacher. Since She showed them how to survive, they call Her “Person inside a bear hide”. With great reverence, they hunt Her, and also respectfully use her corpse.

Face to face with Polar Bear, a person feels her raw, wild power. Living in civilized places, most people rarely experience such power in its fullness. An encounter with Polar Bear is to come face to face with the primeval sense of life. Respect that power, and learn how to survive in your own Arctic wilderness.

Polar Bear’s Teachings Also Include:

“We are alone standing here. The only movement is the wind, our constant companion. And it comes, the sudden ghost-like appearance of the white bear moving silently, steadily across the gravel and ice-covered landscape.”   Copyright: “Bears of the World”, Terry Domico.

“Polar Bear medicine wisdom is about adapting and surviving in a hostile environment. Invoke Polar Bear medicine to find and keep the warmth alive in your heart.” Copyright: “Shamanic Wisdom II”, Dolphin and Swimming Wolf.

“Polar Bear Dreaming ignites the desire to partake in a spiritual quest that will see our life regain its integrity, wholesomeness, and clarity.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers”, Scott Alexander King.

 

Polar Bear's Wisdom Includes:

  • Ability to navigate along the Earth’s magnetic lines
  • Introspection
  • Solitude
  • Expert swimmer through emotional waters
  • Finding one way back from the brink
  • Ability to find sustenance in barren landscapes
  • Strength in the face of adversity
  • Communication with Spirit
  • Dreams
  • Death and rebirth
  • Transformation
  • Creature of dreams, shamans, mystics and visionaries
  • Defense and revenge
Wanderlust
Power of the Life and Death
Teacher of Survival
How to Use Guile
Using Your Sense of Smell

 

***

 

From the "Daily OM"

 

Living In All Realms
Bear Medicine

When the image of a bear enters our consciousness, we may first notice their size, strength, and power, but beyond their physical attributes lay many traits that can guide us deeper into our experience of life. Their abilities as hunters and powerful protectors of their loved ones are well known, but you may also envision them on a quest for variety as they seek out the flavors and scents of the world, first fishing, then enjoying berries, or braving angry bees to indulge in honey. But their hidden strength lies in the bear’s ability to travel between the physical and spiritual worlds, a talent that is recognized all around the world by those who live in harmony with nature.

One way that bears access their inner world is during hibernation when they find a safe and womblike environment to let their physical bodies rest while their spirit travels. They travel through time, mentally digesting and learning from their experiences, but they also travel beyond the realm of mind and body into the dreamtime, where they are able to create their goals and then be rejuvenated by the source of all life. In this sacred space, they are connected to physical, mental, and spiritual realms all at once and can find the balance that they need to reenter the and continue successfully in the world.

Polar bears don’t enter a deep state of hibernation like other bears, but instead fluidly cross between realms on the physical plane as well the spiritual. Their reflective, translucent fur makes them difficult to see as they move across the frozen ice, blending into terrain covered with snow, making them seem like they are shimmering between dimensions. They move as easily in water as on land, agile and able in both worlds. They can remind us that we are one with our environment, inseparable from it. They teach us that while we can take time apart to connect with spirit, we can also carry that awareness with us as we move through life, making the spiritual indistinguishable from the material. By aligning ourselves with bear energy, we fully embody the best of all worlds.

***

The Dance of the Seven Sisters

Long ago, when earth and the sky were new, seven sisters lived in a village. The sisters loved to dance together in the forest, and wherever one sister went, the others followed. Every evening the sisters returned to the long house to rest, but by morning they were ready to dance.

One evening, as the sun began to set, the sisters heard in the distance a glorious song. The song seemed to be calling to them, and in a moment they forgot about their home.

They stood still and listened, and then, without speaking a word, they danced off toward the source of the song. They danced through the woods and into the forest. On they danced as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The stars began to gleam and the sky grew darker, but still the sisters danced toward the sound. Then, suddenly, their feet seemed lighter, and when they looked down they saw that everything they had ever know was far below them. They knew they were dancing up into the sky.

They danced on, higher and higher, moving toward the beautiful sound, and the song grew louder and louder and more and more beautiful and more and more mysterious. Below them the tipi dwellings and the trees and their friends and families seemed to grow smaller and smaller.

And then the song became a sweet, gentle voice. "I came to the sky...for a hunter pursued me. And now I am lost in the sky." On the sisters danced, higher and higher. "Come my sisters, come to me in the sky and I will watch over you."

Then the sisters saw who was singing the song. It was a great black bear. Her tail glistened, for it was strewn with stars. her nose and her toes twinkled with stars, and around her belly hung a belt of shining stars.

The sisters danced closer and closer and the Bear went on singing. On and on she sang, and the sisters continued to dance for hours. Slowly they saw her toes, nose, tail, neck and belly glistening with stars. After many hours, the sisters looked up and saw how very dark it was and how far away they had traveled, and they could not remember the way home.

The moon smiled and winked and watched as the sisters went on dancing. "My children," she said, "this is your home now. The stars and I love the way you dance, and we wish you to live here with us forever." The sisters leaped and twirled and whirled and swayed and twisted and tapped and toed. To their amazement, they did not grow tired. They twirled faster, they whirled faster, and each time they twirled another star twinkled and grew, and the great black bear's song grew sweeter still.

Then suddenly the smallest sister heard a voice. She heard another voice. She heard it over the sound of the song and over the tapping of her sisters' feet. And she knew it was her mother's voice. Her mother was calling to her.

The smallest sister began to run toward her mother's voice. "Come back, sister," cried six dancing sisters, but the little girl was racing now.
"Come back, sister," called the dancing sisters once again, and they watched as their youngest sister ran with a bright star trailing her. Together the youngest sister and the star descended from the sky. Down, down, down they sped, past clouds and past the eagle's nest and past the tallest branches of the trees. On they raced, down, down, down. At last the smallest sister saw her mother and she raced faster still. And finally she landed on the ground.

But when she landed, she vanished, and there in her place, was simply a hole. Her mother looked down at the hole, and she began to weep. And then she looked into the sky and she saw her other daughters dancing still.

"Stay in the sky," she called to warn them. "Stay there and dance with the great black bear or you will crash to earth." The sisters heard their mother's pleading voice over the sound of the great black bear's song and they nodded their heads and waved and smiled.

The stars behind them twinkled more brightly. "Yes, mother," they called, "we will stay in the sky." Down below the mother sat and wept, and soon she saw a small green shoot spring up from the hole. Quickly it grew, higher and higher. This was the youngest sister reaching up for her sisters. Higher the shoot grew until at last it reached the six sisters, and they cried, "Welcome back, sister."

Five nights after the new moon in January, the constellation Pleiades reaches its highest point in the night sky. Pleiades is a group of seven stars sometimes called, The Seven Sisters, part of a larger constellation know as Taurus, The Bull. On a clear winter's night, look south; you may see this constellation. The Dance of the Seven Sisters is one of many versions of a traditional legend about the origin of the Pleiades. In some versions you will find reference to seven brothers.

BEAR SAYS, "Don't cross my boundaries."

***For further Information of Polar Bear in connection to "The Poles/Nodes",

Please Visit "Meet The Polar Bear" ***

Black Panther /Jaguar

 

 

The Panther

The name panther is often associated with a particular species of leopard or jaguar and sometimes the cougar.  The black panther is smaller but more fierce than lions and tigers.  They are agile climbers and excellent swimmers.  Because they can sprint with great speed they hold the teachings of quick decisive action.

Panthers have over 400 voluntary muscles that can be used at will when the need arises.  This symbolizes an ability to shape shift realities using all parts of the body to perform a task. They can move gracefully in and out of situations as well as freeze and not be noticed.  Because the panther is not a good long distant runner those with this medicine should incorporate movement therapies into their life that enhance endurance. They need to learn how to pace themselves and not push to fast or hard on any one task.

The power of the panther is the power of silence. It is extremely quiet when hunting or stalking. It knows when to make its presence known and when to become invisible.  The panther holds the secrets of unseen worlds and is associated with lunar energies.  Within the darkness of night lies the truth of creation. Those with this totem hold knowledge of a galactic origin. They have a responsibility to care take this knowledge and caution must be applied when sharing it with others.  When the student is ready the teacher appears. If the student isn't ready the information received could be detrimental.

Panthers have acute sensitivity. The hairs on its body especially on the face pick up subtle vibrations. This is symbolic for those with this totem. It indicates a need to pay attention to their feelings and honor the messages those feelings convey.  Touch can be an important avenue to explore to awaken ones  hidden gifts. The black panthers coat, sleek, smooth and sensual has been linked to sexuality.  When panther appears in a persons life it might be asking you to resolve old sexual issues or to embrace your sexuality fully.

The black panther has great mysticism associated with it. It represents the life and power of the night.  It can show us how to embrace the darkness and awaken the light within it. When you experience the presence of panther one of its most noticeable features is its unblinking stare.  It appears to see right through the body. Those with this medicine use their eyes as a healing tool and have the potential to heal on a cellular level.

Author Ted Andrews states that in Egyptian rituals a panther tail was worn around the neck or waist to help protect and strengthen the individual.  It has been a symbol of the "Argos of a Thousand Eyes," who guarded the heifer IO who was loved by Zeus.  After his death, the eyes were transferred to the feathers of the peacock.  A powerful totem to have the panther always brings a guardian energy to those to whom it comes.

Black “Panther” is actually Jaguar with melanistic (black) coloration. Quite frequent in Jaguars, the black color helps Them hide more effectively in the dark jungles. Forest (dark) Jaguars are usually smaller in size than Golden Jaguars.

To the Aztecs, Black “Panther” saw the shadow inside every being. He represented the Great Smoking Mirror. In this role, He foretold the future, kept Time, and was the Gatekeeper to the Unknownable.

Black “Panther’s” Wisdom Includes:
The Shadow Self
Nexus of Time
Walk Without Fear in Other Realms
Knowledge of Prophecy

Jaguar

Once ranging from Arizona to Argentina, Jaguar is now only found in the rainforests of Central and South America. The largest Cat of the Americas, He is the only representative of the Panther Sub-Family (Pantherinae) in the New World. This powerfully built, relatively stocky Big Cat likes to roam close to rivers and lakes. A strong swimmer, He likes the water, unlike most other Cats. Jaguar catches Fish, Otters, and Caimans that live in the tropical rivers. In addition, He is the only Big Cat that regularly kills his prey by piercing the skull with his canines.

Worshipped and feared for his ability as a hunter, Jaguar’s lifestyle is still unknown to people. Nocturnally prowling through the moist lowland forests, Jaguar became mystically associated with the underworld, night, and fertility. Since Jaguar is the only Big Cat that cannot roar, He silently “escorts” people out of his rainforest. The Mayas and Aztecs thought that Jaguar could shape shift as well, because of his elusive qualities.

Important to Central American religions, Jaguar was a fierce god of fertility and sacrifices, the Ruler of the Underworld. The Mayas and Aztecs formed religious, military, and political structures around their worship of Jaguar. Because of his mythic power, the Catholic Church, in the 17 Century, outlawed Jaguar images and costumes. However today, masked Jaguar festivals are held on Corpus Christi throughout Central America. Even in the modern age, Jaguar is still feared and revered.

In his jungle, Jaguar walks without fear as the Master of the Night. He teaches those who have the courage to face him, also to live without fear. People, who calmly go with Jaguar as their escort, walk in the darkness with a protector.

Jaguar’s Teachings Also Include:

“It is a dweller of the forests …It is the lord, the ruler of the animals.” – Fr. Bernardino de Sahagun.

Jaguar’s Wisdom Includes:
Lord of the Jungle
Master of the Night
Focused Power
Seeing the Roads within Chaos
Hunting in the Deep Waters of the Subconscious

Wolf

 

 Wolf

When a lone wolf is spotted in the wilderness it embodies the energy of freedom.  When seen in a pack it embodies a sense of community. If wolf appears to you alone or in a pack it is asking you to acquire the same within your own life.  In spite of their negative press wolves are actually friendly, social and highly intelligent.

The wolf's senses are highly developed. Their intelligence is marked with excellent hearing, sense of smell and strong feeling. They are determined as well as cunning and use these skills for the benefit of the pack. The  howl of the wolf is primal and penetrating. They howl to find other pack members or to let wolves from outside of the pack know their territory boundaries.  If you hear a wolf howl it might be telling you to stand your ground and defend your boundaries.

Wolf teaches you to have a balance between the needs your family has of you and the needs you have for yourself.  They are totally loyal to the pack but do not give up their identity to the pack. If wolf appears in your life you are being asked to look at where you are being too dependent and where you may be too independent. In both family and community there needs to be a balance.

Wolves convey much with their bodies. If they are angry, they may stick their ears straight up and bare their teeth. A wolf who is suspicious pulls its ears back and squints. Fear is often shown by flattening the ears against the head. A wolf who wants to play dances and bows playfully. Their body language is symbolic for those with this medicine.  Man also uses body language to convey messages.  The study of this art can increase perception in those with this totem.

Wolves hunt in packs, relying on endurance to run down weak and older animals. They have been known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit. They are the epitome of stamina and strength. With an extremely well developed societal organization, they act together to hunt and raise their young. They do not fight unnecessarily and often go out of their way to avoid fighting. Sometimes a growl, a glance, a posture is all that is necessary to determine dominance. Wolf teaches those with this medicine to know who you are and to develop strength and confidence in what you do.

Snake

The Snake

Snakes are fascinating creatures that deserve respect.  Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility and transformation.

In Israel the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility.  In Egypt the cobra was  known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs which symbolized immortality.  In Christian lore the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross sometimes portrayed with a woman's head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures a snake rising up through the spine represents the kundalini, or life force being awakened.

One of snakes most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.

The eyes of a snake are always open protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin the snakes markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue.  This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Learning how to see into the hearts of others is part of what it teaches us. .

Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and transmutation. Soundless in motion and invisible at rest snakes are unable to produce their own body heat.  They are often seen lying in the hot mid day sun.  The suns warmth coupled with the snakes behavior regulates their body temperature.  Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this totem need very little food to energize themselves. They are usually cold and prefer warmer climates.  Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.

Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound.  They are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld where secrets are stored.

The snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power, creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.

Vulture

The Vulture

The vulture is a member of the raptor family.  They feed exclusively on carrion and perform a very useful function by disposing of potential sources of disease.  The Pueblo Indians saw the vulture as a sign of purification and the Greeks considered it to be a symbol of transformation.  As old decayed flesh was removed new life emerged.  These amazing birds are vital for the health and well being of mankind and all other life forms.

The Andean Condor is the largest of the vultures with a wingspan of up to 12 feet.  In North America, the Turkey Vulture is the most common.  The California Condor however  is now on the verge of extinction.  It once had a range from British Columbia to Florida but has now been reduced to about 60 individuals.  Some native tribes believe that this reduction is the cause behind  the increased number of diseases and viruses of unknown origins now affecting mother earth.

Vultures are adaptable and have a keen sense of smell which they use to locate food.  Because the vulture has weak feet and short talons they cannot tear or grasp their prey as other birds do and must rely on the remains of anothers kill for their food source. Their trust in the creative force to provide for them is unshakable.  This trust is one of the main teachings they offer those that hold this medicine.

Although the vulture is a somewhat homely bird in appearance they are magnificent in flight gliding through the heavens with a grace unsurpassed by most other birds.  They ride the thermals and wind borne currents with little effort soaring for hours without flapping their wings.  They know how to use what is available to them to the fullest extent and teach us how to be resourceful and innovative with what we have.

When this medicine is fully developed those with this totem can accomplish great things in life.  Resourceful and patient they have the ability to stay focused on their goal despite influences that try to distract them. They have the ability to initiate the pure force of spirit into every thought they have and every action they perform.

Many people don't like vultures because of an impression that, since they feed off carrion, they must be unclean birds.  The truth is that vultures are actually quite clean, and they perform the valuable service of eliminating the remains of decaying animals.  This is one of the gifts the vulture holds for us,  the cleaning up of messes.  Many times we create physical and psychic messes that we don't want to deal with.  The vulture can guide us to the efficient and joyful resolution of such problems.  If vulture has flown into your life you are being asked to remedy a messy situation and turn it into something positive.

If however, messes seem somehow to always be around you, eventually you will end up with a reputation for attracting and creating problems.  This can put you in a bad light, like the vulture.  Learn from vultures example and clean up your act to avoid getting an unfavorable reputation.

Snowy/ Owl

The Owl

There are approximately 135 species of Owl, seventeen which are found in North America.   Their secretive habits, 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.

Tiger /Cat Family

The Tiger

Tigers are magnificent animals that hold an air of independence and confidence. Solitary animals,  males and females come together only during the mating season. The cubs stay with the mother into their second year partly because they are born blind. To compensate for this their inner sight is fully operational. This is symbolic for those with this medicine. Children born into this medicine are natural clairvoyants and prophets.

Mysticism and mythology surround this animal.  The Chinese believe that the tigers head often carries the chinese "mark of wang," or king, on its forehead.  This is can be seen within the patterns of its fur.  One vertical line with three horizontal ones passing through it.  Because of this Tiger is one of the 12 signs of Chinese astrology.

Muscular, powerful and agile the tiger can travel great distances in search of food. The distance they cover depends on how much prey there is to eat.  The less prey the further their territory extends. Walking on their toes with the back part of the foot raised tigers stalk their prey or lie and wait and then spring unexpectedly on them. Tigers are nocturnal hunters and hold the teachings of focus, patience and surprise.

Tigers are also known for their healing properties.  Their body parts are sought for use in traditional Chinese medicine and exotic herbal remedies. Their orange gold coloring symbolizes vitality and regeneration.  Those with this medicine heal quickly.

The tigers sight, smell and hearing is excellent.  They have round pupils and yellow irises, except for the blue eyes of the white tiger.  Due to a retinal adaptation that reflects light back to the retina, the night vision of the tiger is six times better than that of humans.  Tiger teaches us how to see into the world of the extraordinary.

Those with this medicine have a strong sensitivity to touch and make excellent body workers.  Creating sacred space where others cannot enter, spending time alone in order to gather the energy required to move tirelessly throughout life is advantageous for those with this totem. When tiger appears get ready for adventure, challenge and change. The power, passion and vitality of tiger will activate the same components within yourself.

...and then some