Gazelle - Symbol of Awareness, Speed & Grace
The Gazelle's wisdom includes awareness, speed, grace and agility, beauty, ability to maneuver, vertical movement. Gazelles are members of the antelope family and are top of the menu for big cats. Therefore they are vulnerable meaning they must constantly be extremely alert to in their surroundings. Their main predator is the cheetah. Though gazelles are capable of reaching high speeds, cheetahs are able to run faster. They like sneaking up on their prey and then making a dash for it. Hence, the gazelle has the ability to zig-zag swiftly from side to side, often outwitting the cheetah and putting themselves out of the cheetah's straight line run of attack. They are most likely to be caught when stopping to see if the cheetah is still following them. Similarly, those who try and escape depression, fear, negative emotions and habits of the past by resorting to food, alcohol, or other forms of addictive behavior, often find themselves stopped in their tracks, with the negative emotions they try to avoid at their throats. This can lead to a blockage in the throat chakra and cause ill health in relation to this area. There is a lack of communication with oneself or others to overcome here. From the gazelle we can learn that with awareness and skill, we can be at ease with our own vulnerability. The ability to discover and explore new paths and to change direction when required is the best way to free ourselves and to prevent ourselves from being consumed by the hungry beasts of the past, lurking in the shadows of our minds. Reclaim your energy, don’t waste it on futile thoughts or efforts. Put all your energy into a positive way of living and thinking. This ability also ties in with the gazelle's vulnerability. When we step onto an unknown path we feel vulnerable. Gazelle shows us that with awareness and skill we can be comfortable discovering and exploring the unknown. Life is an adventure. Grasp it with both hands and a heart filled with anticipation and eagerness.
Giraffe - Symbol of Grounded Vision & Farsightedness
Giraffe's medicine includes seeing far into the future, ability to reach things that are unreachable to others, communication, intuition, ability to remain above the fray. The giraffe is the tallest of all animals, growing up to 18 feet high, with neck's as long as 7 feet. Though giraffes may seem to some to lack grace because of their long limbs, their weight is well distributed, and they are only vulnerable when bending down to drink water. However, similar to the camel, giraffes are able to go for long periods of time without drinking (up to a month). Giraffe helps us see our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive and that in our longing to evolve spiritually, we must always remember we are physical creatures, no different to any other living being. Their long necks offer protection by enabling it to see very far. The powerful body helps protect it and its young. Tough they cannot hold them off, with a well-aimed kick they can kill a lion. The giraffe’s strong body represents being grounded in physical existence and its ability to see symbolizes spiritual vision. Consequently we are taught to view our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive. If we study the many forms of earth's creatures in depth, we may find ourselves becoming ever deeply appreciative of nature's imagination and design. In the animal kingdom alone, when we ponder on the differences between horse, cats, big cats, wild cats, dogs, wolfs, wild dogs, elephants, dolphins, kangaroos etc. we can see just how many creative possibilities life holds. It can be even more awe-inspiring to discover how each form has been created for a particular purpose. We can once again see how connected EVERYTHING is. The whole universe is one. Not just our planet. The whole cosmos is one living, ever expanding creation. Giraffe helps us explain the expression 'to stick one's neck out.' When we take risks by going further than we ever imagined possible, we see find worlds of possibility. The giraffe's vulnerability when lowering its head to drink is a reminder to us that if we lose sight of our greater vision and consciousness and sink into a mundane way of life, we risk losing our spiritual connection. People who have Giraffe as power animals often know what will happen in the future. They have clairvoyant abilities. Giraffe people should be very careful when talking - be sure not to say too much to the wrong person, or in the other hand, too little. Do not let other's words have an effect on you. Giraffe’s legs are firmly planted on the earth, but their heads are in the sky, serving as a link between the higher and lower worlds. Their flexible necks let them see what is behind, next to and in front of them. This gives them the ability to know the future and understand the past, whilst moving with the present moment. We are taught how to increase our perceptions by viewing life from all angles. When we look up, sideways, forwards, and down, the past, present and future is made known. This symbolizes balance and the capability to progress. Never become complacent and lose sight of the future, yet don't live in the future, live in the now. Life could become ever more difficult until you set your sights once more on the path ahead. Giraffe can bring clear sight and can be a powerful ally to you. If Giraffe is your power animal, then just like giraffe you will have very strong bonds with family and friends, especially parent and children. Giraffes need only 2-4 hours of sleep a day. When sleeping they will kneel down with their neck and head wrapped around them, resting it in the crock of their leg. Some legends suggest that the sleeping habits of the giraffe is linked to ancient Eastern cultures. They are amazingly flexibility allow them to take on positions similar to Yoga therapies, where the body is contorted (but not uncomfortably) whilst in a meditative state. Coupled with its kneeling sleep position made many believe that it was actually praying instead of sleeping! Upon awakening the giraffe stood up and its great height would invoke feelings from fear to respect. Many cultures honored the giraffe, the Egyptians art for one, featured giraffes. Because the distance between the head and the heart is far, the giraffe’s vascular system has valves so sufficient blood gets to the brain. The elastic blood vessels in the head and neck take care of changes in blood pressure due to head swings. Blood pressure fluctuations and circulatory conditions may be found in those with this medicine. If this is the case, proper care is advised. What we think and feel on a heart level needs to line up in order for giraffes gifts to benefit us. Giraffes are very quiet, laid back, docile animals making little noise except for the odd bleat. If this is your power animal, this brings you the wisdom, and power, of silence. Words often take our focus away from silent reflection. Learning to balance speech with silence, peace and tranquility is very important. As giraffes communicate through body language, if this is your power animal you would benefit from some type of movement classes, such as Yoga or Pilates. Although the head of the giraffe seems dainty, it has 3 horns giving it the ability to deal a nasty blow. One of its horns is a bit obscured, hidden under the skin just above its eyes. This location is similar to that of the third eye in man and reminds us to honor our visionary abilities. A wonderful power animal to have in one’s life, the giraffe is a bearer of many gifts.
Goat - Symbol of Being Surefooted, Independence & Abundance
Goat's medicine includes abundance, independence, being surefooted, eliminating guilty feelings, understanding nature energies and beings, seeking new heights, agility. There are many different breeds of goat which can be roughly grouped - Swiss goats; the eastern, or Nubian, with long, drooping ears; the wool goat, Angora. Generally it is a simple matter to tell a sheep apart from a goat. However, there are certain hair breeds of goats that can only be told apart by the direction of the tail - upward in goats, downward in sheep. Domesticated goats appeared in the East, during prehistoric times it is believed by some. They were used as a source of milk, cheese, meat and mohair. The skin has been used a source for leather. In Europe, China and North America, goats are mainly used for milk production. In the Mediterranean countries, especially Spain, Greece, Italy and south of France, goat meat is eaten a lot. The Cashmere and Angora breeds are renowned for their fine wool or mohair. Most of you will be aware that the goat is linked with the astrological sign of Capricorn. If this is your power animal, it would be beneficial for you to study the traits of this sign for a deeper understanding of yourselves. As the goat shows up prestigiously in Greek mythology, this can indicate that you have a past life associated with Greece. Studying Greek mythology may be useful for you. The goat shows us how to compose a firm foundation on which to stand and aids us in developing confidence as we head towards new. Goat teaches us how to create a solid foundation on which to stand and helps us develop confidence as we move towards new heights achievements. The mountain goat is well known for its surefooted steps on high rocky ledges, with its excellent climbing abilities due to its highly flexible skeleton. When the mountain goat shows up in one’s life, one should carefully observe their current foundation and ensure it is helping them appropriately. It can also mean you must let go of the ‘security of your insecurity’, basically the routines and beliefs that you are comfortable with and which stop you from trying new things. Try new things that are relevant to your growth, and maybe even exceeds it. Goat’s medicine includes the energy of abundant nourishment. From them we can learn how to sustain ourselves, we are reminded that we must build up our independence and strength. They show us how to take care of our basic needs and teach us how to perfect survival skills. Goats are attuned to nature’s energies and are therefore able to move strategically through difficult terrain and go where other animals cannot. If this is your power animal, it serves as a guide into the unexplored aspects of one’s true self.
Goose/Canada Goose - Symbol of Sacred Circle
Geese symbolize the sacred circle, cooperation, communication, dedication, knowing when to lead or follow. Geese have long been revered - it was a sacred bird in the Roman temples of Juno, it was associated with the North Wind in Greek Mythology and is the totem for the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans. The time when Canada geese migrate announces the passages of the Great Circle of the Year, reminding us of the sanctity of the cycles of our lives. There are lessons to be learned from this bird’s compliant and communal demeanor - they don't ever leave behind an ill or wounded fellow bird. They are very compassionate, caring and loving selfless creatures. We are able to see that this attitude is very natural behavior. They also know when to lead or when to follow - members of a flock alternate these roles. This teaches us that when we are balanced and in harmony with our personal rhythms we will also know when to lead and when to follow. We are taught the values of leadership not being about an exclusive privilege or a burden but a shared opportunity. This power animal reflects a stimulation of childhood thrills and the belief in stories and legends. The stories we loved and were drawn to as children often reflect our life mission. Think about the stories that affected you the most and see what you got out them and took into your adult life. Not only does the goose also help when communication verbally, it an especially useful ally when it comes to the written word. The Goose is also a symbol of fertility and fidelity. People with this power animal often have the deep-rooted belief that there is just one special person out there for them. Geese are vegetarians, and therefore if you are a goose person should always have plenty of organic fruit and vegetables in your diet.
Grasshopper/Locust - Symbol of Leaping Forward
Grasshoppers/Locusts medicine includes jumping across space and time, astral travel, new leaps forward/leaps of faith/jumping without knowing where you will land, leaping over obstacles, ability to change careers quickly. There are 10,000 or so species of grasshopper, they are cold blooded as all insects are and are more mobile when it is warmer. Each species have their own unique song. However, only the males are able to sing with a few exceptions - the males sing to compete for female attention. The power of sound and song is part of grasshopper’s medicine. It is an ancient method to use song to alter ones consciousness and communicate with animals and spirits. There are some Native American songs that date back 20,000 years. If grasshopper has leapt into your life, maybe you need to recognize where you come from, to go back to your roots and to honor your ancestors. Grasshopper is the Chinese symbol of good luck and abundance. Anyone with this power animal has been given the ability to take chances - to act on a whim and jump right in. For them things may not progress step by step as they do for other people progress - but rather extremely fast. When taking that leap simply trust your own instincts on when to make the leaps. Listening to your inner voice and responding to it will lead you to positive outcomes. Don’t be afraid to make that leap, remembering all the while that Grasshopper’s only ever jump forwards and never backwards! The short horned grasshopper is related to the locust, and the grasshopper locust is linked to astral travel, being able to leap to another reality where the real enigmas of life are. If the grasshopper-locust leaps into your life, then you are being asked to take a leap of faith, to do something without fear - this will generally be something that you have avoided doing and is often linked to a change in direction on a grander scale - be it a relationship, career or change in self. You will have the wisdom needed to get passed obstacles in an efficient manner. Generally outcomes will be favorable. Grasshoppers are usually peaceful, however in times of overcrowding or food shortages, they turn into the much feared locusts that in the blink of an eye can strip a farm or forest. They turn almost black so as to take in more sunlight which fuels their swarming by giving extra heat and energy. They do this until they find somewhere with enough food, enough of them die/are killed to control the population. Remember: the fruits of the earth are for all to enjoy and there is plenty for all if used in a sacred way. People sometimes forget this sacred balance and take more than needed - this may also be an indication of people taking from you. Do others claim too much of your time and energy? Do they try and make you take responsibility for their actions? Ask yourself these questions, remembering that the going only gets tough when we refuse change.
The Gazelle's wisdom includes awareness, speed, grace and agility, beauty, ability to maneuver, vertical movement. Gazelles are members of the antelope family and are top of the menu for big cats. Therefore they are vulnerable meaning they must constantly be extremely alert to in their surroundings. Their main predator is the cheetah. Though gazelles are capable of reaching high speeds, cheetahs are able to run faster. They like sneaking up on their prey and then making a dash for it. Hence, the gazelle has the ability to zig-zag swiftly from side to side, often outwitting the cheetah and putting themselves out of the cheetah's straight line run of attack. They are most likely to be caught when stopping to see if the cheetah is still following them. Similarly, those who try and escape depression, fear, negative emotions and habits of the past by resorting to food, alcohol, or other forms of addictive behavior, often find themselves stopped in their tracks, with the negative emotions they try to avoid at their throats. This can lead to a blockage in the throat chakra and cause ill health in relation to this area. There is a lack of communication with oneself or others to overcome here. From the gazelle we can learn that with awareness and skill, we can be at ease with our own vulnerability. The ability to discover and explore new paths and to change direction when required is the best way to free ourselves and to prevent ourselves from being consumed by the hungry beasts of the past, lurking in the shadows of our minds. Reclaim your energy, don’t waste it on futile thoughts or efforts. Put all your energy into a positive way of living and thinking. This ability also ties in with the gazelle's vulnerability. When we step onto an unknown path we feel vulnerable. Gazelle shows us that with awareness and skill we can be comfortable discovering and exploring the unknown. Life is an adventure. Grasp it with both hands and a heart filled with anticipation and eagerness.
Giraffe - Symbol of Grounded Vision & Farsightedness
Giraffe's medicine includes seeing far into the future, ability to reach things that are unreachable to others, communication, intuition, ability to remain above the fray. The giraffe is the tallest of all animals, growing up to 18 feet high, with neck's as long as 7 feet. Though giraffes may seem to some to lack grace because of their long limbs, their weight is well distributed, and they are only vulnerable when bending down to drink water. However, similar to the camel, giraffes are able to go for long periods of time without drinking (up to a month). Giraffe helps us see our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive and that in our longing to evolve spiritually, we must always remember we are physical creatures, no different to any other living being. Their long necks offer protection by enabling it to see very far. The powerful body helps protect it and its young. Tough they cannot hold them off, with a well-aimed kick they can kill a lion. The giraffe’s strong body represents being grounded in physical existence and its ability to see symbolizes spiritual vision. Consequently we are taught to view our lives in a way that is both grounded and expansive. If we study the many forms of earth's creatures in depth, we may find ourselves becoming ever deeply appreciative of nature's imagination and design. In the animal kingdom alone, when we ponder on the differences between horse, cats, big cats, wild cats, dogs, wolfs, wild dogs, elephants, dolphins, kangaroos etc. we can see just how many creative possibilities life holds. It can be even more awe-inspiring to discover how each form has been created for a particular purpose. We can once again see how connected EVERYTHING is. The whole universe is one. Not just our planet. The whole cosmos is one living, ever expanding creation. Giraffe helps us explain the expression 'to stick one's neck out.' When we take risks by going further than we ever imagined possible, we see find worlds of possibility. The giraffe's vulnerability when lowering its head to drink is a reminder to us that if we lose sight of our greater vision and consciousness and sink into a mundane way of life, we risk losing our spiritual connection. People who have Giraffe as power animals often know what will happen in the future. They have clairvoyant abilities. Giraffe people should be very careful when talking - be sure not to say too much to the wrong person, or in the other hand, too little. Do not let other's words have an effect on you. Giraffe’s legs are firmly planted on the earth, but their heads are in the sky, serving as a link between the higher and lower worlds. Their flexible necks let them see what is behind, next to and in front of them. This gives them the ability to know the future and understand the past, whilst moving with the present moment. We are taught how to increase our perceptions by viewing life from all angles. When we look up, sideways, forwards, and down, the past, present and future is made known. This symbolizes balance and the capability to progress. Never become complacent and lose sight of the future, yet don't live in the future, live in the now. Life could become ever more difficult until you set your sights once more on the path ahead. Giraffe can bring clear sight and can be a powerful ally to you. If Giraffe is your power animal, then just like giraffe you will have very strong bonds with family and friends, especially parent and children. Giraffes need only 2-4 hours of sleep a day. When sleeping they will kneel down with their neck and head wrapped around them, resting it in the crock of their leg. Some legends suggest that the sleeping habits of the giraffe is linked to ancient Eastern cultures. They are amazingly flexibility allow them to take on positions similar to Yoga therapies, where the body is contorted (but not uncomfortably) whilst in a meditative state. Coupled with its kneeling sleep position made many believe that it was actually praying instead of sleeping! Upon awakening the giraffe stood up and its great height would invoke feelings from fear to respect. Many cultures honored the giraffe, the Egyptians art for one, featured giraffes. Because the distance between the head and the heart is far, the giraffe’s vascular system has valves so sufficient blood gets to the brain. The elastic blood vessels in the head and neck take care of changes in blood pressure due to head swings. Blood pressure fluctuations and circulatory conditions may be found in those with this medicine. If this is the case, proper care is advised. What we think and feel on a heart level needs to line up in order for giraffes gifts to benefit us. Giraffes are very quiet, laid back, docile animals making little noise except for the odd bleat. If this is your power animal, this brings you the wisdom, and power, of silence. Words often take our focus away from silent reflection. Learning to balance speech with silence, peace and tranquility is very important. As giraffes communicate through body language, if this is your power animal you would benefit from some type of movement classes, such as Yoga or Pilates. Although the head of the giraffe seems dainty, it has 3 horns giving it the ability to deal a nasty blow. One of its horns is a bit obscured, hidden under the skin just above its eyes. This location is similar to that of the third eye in man and reminds us to honor our visionary abilities. A wonderful power animal to have in one’s life, the giraffe is a bearer of many gifts.
Goat - Symbol of Being Surefooted, Independence & Abundance
Goat's medicine includes abundance, independence, being surefooted, eliminating guilty feelings, understanding nature energies and beings, seeking new heights, agility. There are many different breeds of goat which can be roughly grouped - Swiss goats; the eastern, or Nubian, with long, drooping ears; the wool goat, Angora. Generally it is a simple matter to tell a sheep apart from a goat. However, there are certain hair breeds of goats that can only be told apart by the direction of the tail - upward in goats, downward in sheep. Domesticated goats appeared in the East, during prehistoric times it is believed by some. They were used as a source of milk, cheese, meat and mohair. The skin has been used a source for leather. In Europe, China and North America, goats are mainly used for milk production. In the Mediterranean countries, especially Spain, Greece, Italy and south of France, goat meat is eaten a lot. The Cashmere and Angora breeds are renowned for their fine wool or mohair. Most of you will be aware that the goat is linked with the astrological sign of Capricorn. If this is your power animal, it would be beneficial for you to study the traits of this sign for a deeper understanding of yourselves. As the goat shows up prestigiously in Greek mythology, this can indicate that you have a past life associated with Greece. Studying Greek mythology may be useful for you. The goat shows us how to compose a firm foundation on which to stand and aids us in developing confidence as we head towards new. Goat teaches us how to create a solid foundation on which to stand and helps us develop confidence as we move towards new heights achievements. The mountain goat is well known for its surefooted steps on high rocky ledges, with its excellent climbing abilities due to its highly flexible skeleton. When the mountain goat shows up in one’s life, one should carefully observe their current foundation and ensure it is helping them appropriately. It can also mean you must let go of the ‘security of your insecurity’, basically the routines and beliefs that you are comfortable with and which stop you from trying new things. Try new things that are relevant to your growth, and maybe even exceeds it. Goat’s medicine includes the energy of abundant nourishment. From them we can learn how to sustain ourselves, we are reminded that we must build up our independence and strength. They show us how to take care of our basic needs and teach us how to perfect survival skills. Goats are attuned to nature’s energies and are therefore able to move strategically through difficult terrain and go where other animals cannot. If this is your power animal, it serves as a guide into the unexplored aspects of one’s true self.
Goose/Canada Goose - Symbol of Sacred Circle
Geese symbolize the sacred circle, cooperation, communication, dedication, knowing when to lead or follow. Geese have long been revered - it was a sacred bird in the Roman temples of Juno, it was associated with the North Wind in Greek Mythology and is the totem for the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans. The time when Canada geese migrate announces the passages of the Great Circle of the Year, reminding us of the sanctity of the cycles of our lives. There are lessons to be learned from this bird’s compliant and communal demeanor - they don't ever leave behind an ill or wounded fellow bird. They are very compassionate, caring and loving selfless creatures. We are able to see that this attitude is very natural behavior. They also know when to lead or when to follow - members of a flock alternate these roles. This teaches us that when we are balanced and in harmony with our personal rhythms we will also know when to lead and when to follow. We are taught the values of leadership not being about an exclusive privilege or a burden but a shared opportunity. This power animal reflects a stimulation of childhood thrills and the belief in stories and legends. The stories we loved and were drawn to as children often reflect our life mission. Think about the stories that affected you the most and see what you got out them and took into your adult life. Not only does the goose also help when communication verbally, it an especially useful ally when it comes to the written word. The Goose is also a symbol of fertility and fidelity. People with this power animal often have the deep-rooted belief that there is just one special person out there for them. Geese are vegetarians, and therefore if you are a goose person should always have plenty of organic fruit and vegetables in your diet.
Grasshopper/Locust - Symbol of Leaping Forward
Grasshoppers/Locusts medicine includes jumping across space and time, astral travel, new leaps forward/leaps of faith/jumping without knowing where you will land, leaping over obstacles, ability to change careers quickly. There are 10,000 or so species of grasshopper, they are cold blooded as all insects are and are more mobile when it is warmer. Each species have their own unique song. However, only the males are able to sing with a few exceptions - the males sing to compete for female attention. The power of sound and song is part of grasshopper’s medicine. It is an ancient method to use song to alter ones consciousness and communicate with animals and spirits. There are some Native American songs that date back 20,000 years. If grasshopper has leapt into your life, maybe you need to recognize where you come from, to go back to your roots and to honor your ancestors. Grasshopper is the Chinese symbol of good luck and abundance. Anyone with this power animal has been given the ability to take chances - to act on a whim and jump right in. For them things may not progress step by step as they do for other people progress - but rather extremely fast. When taking that leap simply trust your own instincts on when to make the leaps. Listening to your inner voice and responding to it will lead you to positive outcomes. Don’t be afraid to make that leap, remembering all the while that Grasshopper’s only ever jump forwards and never backwards! The short horned grasshopper is related to the locust, and the grasshopper locust is linked to astral travel, being able to leap to another reality where the real enigmas of life are. If the grasshopper-locust leaps into your life, then you are being asked to take a leap of faith, to do something without fear - this will generally be something that you have avoided doing and is often linked to a change in direction on a grander scale - be it a relationship, career or change in self. You will have the wisdom needed to get passed obstacles in an efficient manner. Generally outcomes will be favorable. Grasshoppers are usually peaceful, however in times of overcrowding or food shortages, they turn into the much feared locusts that in the blink of an eye can strip a farm or forest. They turn almost black so as to take in more sunlight which fuels their swarming by giving extra heat and energy. They do this until they find somewhere with enough food, enough of them die/are killed to control the population. Remember: the fruits of the earth are for all to enjoy and there is plenty for all if used in a sacred way. People sometimes forget this sacred balance and take more than needed - this may also be an indication of people taking from you. Do others claim too much of your time and energy? Do they try and make you take responsibility for their actions? Ask yourself these questions, remembering that the going only gets tough when we refuse change.