Animal Wisdom ~ Snake Transformation, Healing Snake sheds its skin, and transmutes into a new being. This is a symbol for our ability to shed beliefs and habits that we have outgrown. To be able to do this is wisdom. In Egypt, Snake was thought to represent inner vision. Unfortunately, the more rigid religious traditions seemed to fear wisdom.   The Snake has been, throughout the ages, controversial in many regards. Some see the Snake as a bearer of evil or bad news, and some see the Snake at its deeper level as the healer and spiritual symbol that it is.   Because it sheds its skin, the Snake has long been a symbol of life, death and rebirth. It sheds its skin as it outgrows the old. This death and rebirth cycle is part of what Snake represents.   It has ties and significance to the ancient alchemists and their symbolic transmutation of lead into gold. This is associated with higher wisdom that comes with the passing of time. This cycle of death and rebirth is often symbolized by the Ouroborus, the Great World Serpent, an ancient image of a snake swallowing its own tail. It is the symbol of eternity.   Before the snake begins to shed its skin, its eyes will begin to cloud over which gives the Snake a trance like appearance. To many mystics this indicated the ability of the Snake to move between the realms of the living and the dead, of crossing over from life to death and then back to life again, going from one step of life to another, transcending or leaving behind the old outmoded form for something new, something better.   Most of us recognize the Snake as the symbol of physicians, which shows two snakes wrapped around a staff. This represents balance between two opposites: masculine and feminine, yin and yang, light and dark; because only through balance does true healing come. The Spirit of Snake is always involved in healing. It could be physical as well as mental or emotional healing. Snake has wisdom to impart. It could be the wisdom of the spirit world or the physical world. In either case, Snake wisdom will make your life so much better.   Snake also represents power and life force. In Eastern traditions, the Snake is a symbol of Kundalini, or life force and creative juices being awakened.   Snakes are highly respected in India and their lore and symbolism is highly regarded by their culture; Vitana, the mother of snakes, is the symbol of water and the underworld and the Goddess Shiva always wears snakes on her body as jewelry, which represents sexuality. American Indians also see the snake as a representation of fertility and healing.     Are you in a time of transformation? Snake will teach how to let go and embrace the death and rebirth cycle. What have you outgrown? Is it time to shed the old and make way for the new? Snakes are deaf; they teach us not to listen to lies, especially the ones we tell ourselves.   When snake appears, you can expect a transition or spiritual awakening to take place. Notice how the snake looks. A coiled snake usually symbolizes an awakening will happen. A snake ready to bite could indicate a need for you to defend your territory or personal beliefs. A snake shedding is representative of a death, usually a symbolic death, which will create a space for a new birthing to occur. Stand firm and in balance because you can handle whatever you are called to change. When we are ready Snake is always willing to guide us through the spiral of transformation.     Birth Totem Snake Flower Essence is available at A Path To Wholeness   Walk in Beauty, Linda http://www.natureshealinggrace.blogspot.com www.apathtowholeness.net Only as high as we reach can we grow. Only as far as we seek can we go. Only as deep as we look can we see. Only as much as we dream can we be. Animal Wisdom ~ Prairie Dog   Community and Master of Communication       To Prairie Dog, community is integral to life. Prairie Dogs greet each other with a hug, placing their forepaws around each other. They touch noses and teeth in a recognition ritual, and rub, lick and groom each other.  They sleep communally. Prairie Dogs teach us about affection. They are very community oriented and work together as a team, especially in the case of impending danger when their cries signal all to take shelter. Prairie Dogs use a sophisticated language in their warning barks. At first, the short, repeated warning barks of the sentry Prairie Dogs may seem very much alike, possibly being general warning calls.  These calls can be heard nearly a mile away.  However, as Dr.  Slobodchikoff from Northern Arizona University began to slow down the rapid barks and analyze them using electronic sonogram technology, he observed important differences.  The barks when a hawk approached the colony were different from the barks when a coyote approached.  His 20 year study of Prairie Dogs also revealed that their barks clearly distinguish between predator and non-predator, and included sounds for concepts such as size and color. Prairie Dogs live in a network of underground tunnels. This network is divided into individual communities in which the members all depend on each other.  Thriving dog towns were as much a part of the West as Indians and buffalos.  Their mounds and tunnels rejuvenate and aerate the soil.  The entrance to their burrows may be fourteen feet into the ground, from there horizontal tunnels make up dens of food storage chambers, nesting and sleeping areas and latrines, with numerous side entrances into which Prairie Dogs can leap when in danger.  These towns would spread through the grasslands for miles if left undisturbed.  One Prairie Dog town in Texas is recorded to have covered 25,000 square miles, having as many as 400 million inhabitants.  Remaining towns now cover only a square mile or so, with a few hundred residents. Every day Prairie Dogs rise before the sun, stand with their paws pressed together facing the rising sun in total stillness; and then at the end of the day take that same gesture just before the sun goes down. Prairie Dog wisdom teaches that strength and inspiration can be found by retreating into the stillness that quiets the mind.  The strength of this medicine is also knowing when and how to replenish your life force.  The Spirit of Prairie Dog teaches to seek self-empowerment in silence and inactivity, where one can access dreams and visions without the interruption of worldly chaos.  So that as one reenters the world, they are profound and powerful anchors of peaceful determination in the midst of life's storms. Prairie Dog undeniably demonstrates a sense of community and family, a caretaker of everyone in a cooperative setting. Prairie Dog shows us how to create meaningful bonds and to reach out and make those long-lost connections to loved ones. Is there someone you need to get in touch with? Prairie Dog will assist us in examining our own social ability ~ too much or not enough? Is it time for you to openly show affection to your family, friends and neighbors? Do you need to learn to live with others, each sharing in the responsibilities? Do you need to get more deeply involved in the lives of others around you? Are you willing to speak for those who have no voice, against those who have no compassion? Now is the time to become more actively involved in community. Look deeply into the aspects of your life and discover what truly matters.   Walk in Beauty,    Linda http://www.natureshealinggrace.blogspot.com www.apathtowholeness.net Only as high as we reach can we grow.  Only as far as we seek can we go.  Only as deep as we look can we see.  Only as much as we dream can we be.     Animal Wisdom ~ Horse     Power, Balance, Wisdom, and Responsibility Horse has made an alliance with humanity. For thousands of years Horse has helped us to carry our burdens, grow our crops, travel our roads, and even fight our wars. The Horse shows both earthly strength and unearthly powers. Horse is highly regarded throughout the world and connected with the magical powers of shamans. With the help of the Horse's speed, a person can cover long distances in a relatively short period. The Horse has also made transportation of goods a lot easier. It is, therefore, the first and foremost totem animal of civilization. The power of an engine is measured in horsepower.“Stealing horses is stealing power” is a statement made frequently in historical Native America and referred to the esteemed role which Horse played in the Native culture. One of the most striking things about Horse is their dignity. Even pulling a plow Horse maintains a noble bearing. Horse has shouldered burdens without surrendering their essential nature. Even after thousands of years of servitude when let loose to run wild Horse becomes in a very short time the untamed spirit he was destined to be. Perhaps this is Horse's greatest wisdom, the knowledge that no matter what we bear, there always exists in us the waiting seed of our true selves. Horse shows us how to carry our burdens with ease and with dignity, but more importantly, he shows us that we are always and forever free. One of the first things one notices about Horse is their impressive size and physical power. Horse is among the biggest and strongest of the animal kingdom, especially among those animals that have close interaction with humankind. Horse wisdom teaches us how to tap our own inner power and use it to enrich our lives whether that energy is used to run across the plains kicking our heels in joy and celebration of life, or to pull a plow while growing food to sustain life. Call upon the Spirit of Horse for accessing your own power. Horses are very socially oriented and live in relatively permanent herds. Normally among animals, that form stable groups the males will, upon reaching maturity, strike out on their own while the grown daughters will stay in the mother's clan. However, Horses, both male and female, will leave the security of home to find, or form, their own herd. Summon Horse if you have not yet gained complete independence and need to stand on your own feet now that you are an adult. Horse medicine helps us to find our own place in the world. Anyone who has ever ridden a Horse knows that when he is trotting it is almost impossible to say in the saddle. However, when we allow the Horse to set his own pace and he begins to gallop, then riding becomes a pleasure. We become one with the Horse. Horse teaches us that when we give our heart and soul full rein and let our spirit find its own rhythm, then we will ride through our lives with beauty and grace. Riding a Horse conveys a sense of freedom. It teaches that power cannot be attained by force, but rather that it is given to those who are willing to accept responsibility in a respectful manner. Just as the Horse carries its rider on its back, the rider carries responsibility for everything around him. The power of the Horse is the wisdom to remember all the steps in one's life and learn from them. Real power is strength used with wisdom. Walk in Beauty   Linda www.apathtowholeness.net   Only as high as we reach can we grow.  Only as far as we seek can we go. Only as deep as we look can we see.  Only as much as we dream can we be.

Crow Wisdom 

The Keeper of the Universal Sacred Law

Crows are the caretakers of the balance between physical reality and illusion. It is the Crow that can shape-shift back and forth through these realms bringing us wisdom and insight.

If you look into the Crow’s eye, you will have found the doorway to the supernatural. Crow knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is keeper of all Sacred Law. Human law is not the same as Sacred Law. Crow sees that the physical world and even the spiritual world, as we see them, are an illusion. There are many worlds. There is a multitude of creatures. Yet, we are all connected. The Great Spirit is in all.

The Ancient Chiefs tell us that Crow can see the past, present and future simultaneously. Crow’s black color signifies the ability to move undetected between the dimensions of time and space.

Crow brings change, for with each new thread of wisdom gained comes change. You cannot grow in a stationary state. Crow helps you make that step towards change. Crow wants you to look beyond what you would normally see, to expand your awareness and discover what it is that you attract into your daily life.

Crow merges both light and dark, both inner and outer and when in the darkness of emotional pain and turmoil the Crow is the Carrier of Lost Souls into Light. He stands at the Gateway between shadow and light, watching for the Soul that is beginning to unfold, and then, with a beckoning call, Crow takes us from the darkness of denial into the light of awakening.

Crows are considered to possess magical energies and in folklore have been feared as predictors of woe such as impending bad weather, death, or illness. Crows have been known to predict tornadoes, rain, and other changes in weather by the way they fly.

Crows are extremely intelligent birds. They are adept at being aware of things around them and have been known to help birds and other wildlife when danger is near.

Nothing escapes the keen sight of the Crow and it instills the wisdom to see things beyond the limitations of one-dimensional thinking. Crow calls to see beyond cultural limitations and the accepted rules of right and wrong. Crow teaches us when experiencing something new to watch closely to see what happens and then learn from it. Learn to recognize potential danger and be watchful in vulnerable times. Watch what you believe and question your ideas about reality against a more Universal standard. The Spirit of Crow represents the transcendence that will reveal the true path to your life's mission.

Crows are also opportunists with the ability to make the most out of any situation, outwitting all the other birds and animals. As a totem, the Crow will help open you up to your fullest potential.

Ted Andrews writes that “Wherever crows are, there is magic. They are symbols of creation and spiritual strength. They remind us to look for opportunities to create and manifest the magic of life. They are messengers calling to us about the creation and magic that is alive in our world every day and available to us.”

The appearance of Crow is always a message to be prepared to gain something, some bits of wisdom, some form of inner vision or something you have been longing to understand.

Crow's gifts are his voice and his keen insight. Crow is a wonderful teacher, so be a good student... one who is prepared to see far and speak with great clarity. Crow is bringing you a message from the Otherworld!

Totem Animal Crow Flower Essence is available at www.apathtowholeness.net

Walk in Beauty
Linda

Black Panther

Embracing the Unknown

Of all the panthers, probably the Black Panther has the greatest mysticism associated with it. It is the symbol of the feminine, the dark mother, and the dark of the moon. It is the symbol for the life and power of the night. It is a symbol of the feminine energies manifest upon the earth. It is often a symbol of darkness, death, and rebirth. There still exists in people today an ancient fear of the dark and of death. The message of Black Panther is to make night your friend. Make yourself familiar with night animals. Work through your fears of death and the night. Study mysticism and do not be afraid of power.

Black Panther sees into every soul. With her penetrating yellow-green gaze, she can also look into the future. Her message may be not to worry about the future. Trust that maybe you are not supposed to mentally ‘figure it all out’ at this time.

In the myths and stories of Dionysus, the Black Panther is a symbol of unleashing desires, and so the awakening of the kundalini forces. The Black Panther symbolizes a time of moving from the limitations of mere existence into a new life without restrictions or barriers. It signals a time of imminent awakening as it awakens the unconscious urges and abilities that have been closed down within us.

To the American Indians, the Jaguar, especially in the form of the Black Panther, was endowed with great magic and power. The Black Panther climbs, runs, and swims, even better than the tiger. Because it could function so well in so many areas, it became the symbol of mastery over all dimensions. To the Tucano Indians of the Amazon, the Jaguar was created by the Sun, and the Black Panther was the god of darkness and could cause eclipses by swallowing the Sun. This reflects the incredible natural power within the feminine forces.

The Black Panther has over 500 voluntary muscles that they can use at will. For us, it reflects an ability to do a variety of tasks at will; it is simply a matter of deciding and putting to use those particular ‘muscles’ ~ physical, mental, psychic, or spiritual.

Black Panther has very strong hearing. It can move its ears to locate the direction of sounds. To those who align with the spirit of Black Panther comes the ability to develop clairaudience.

The Black Panther also has extremely sensitive hairs on its body, especially the face. The skin is the largest sensory organ, and we experience much more of the world through it than we realize. Pay attention to how you feel when someone touches you or when you touch something or someone else.

The power of the Black 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 Black Panther holds the secrets of unseen worlds and is associated with lunar energies. Within the darkness of night lies the truth of creation. Revealing too much or speaking too much about pursuits can counteract some of their effectiveness.

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.’

We can call upon the spirit of Black Panther to understand the mysteries of the darkness, the subconscious, the shadow aspect of our innermost selves

The Black Panther asks us this question: “What is your shadow-self trying to tell you?”

Walk in Beauty,

Linda
www.apathtowholeness.net
www.natureshealinggrace.blogspot.com

Animal Wisdom ~ Swan

Grace, Beauty

An awkward young Swan was called an ugly duckling by the other young waterfowl in the lake. Seeing his reflection in the watery surface, he cannot help but agree, and hangs his young head in shame. The other birds refuse to play with the pathetic creature, and he is left to himself. At last, his mother finds him, and assures him that this phase will pass, and he will grow into the most beautiful bird of all ~ a magnificent snowy White Swan. And as time passes, so he does.
This healing tale has been told for over a century to children who feel isolated, or feel they do not fit in, teaching them to look within to find their own inner beauty and radiate it outward. When their time comes, they will be transformed, and have the grace, beauty and eloquence of a majestic White Swan.

The power of the Swan lies in accepting the gift of change. As the Swan surrenders to the higher plan of the Great Spirit, it evolves from the "ugly duckling" in its youth to a graceful adult Swan. The Swan teaches to bring consciousness into balance with all levels of being and develop ones intuition. The graceful Swan teaches us to ‘go with the flow,’ to release struggle and effort, and to know ourselves as the beautiful light beings that we are. Swan gives us the ability to handle change and transformation with grace and dignity.

The Swan is a loyal creature, devoted to her family. The Swan will help you to find and develop your own grace and power. As a species, Swans mate for life. A Swan showing up can indicate the one you are with, or someone you are soon to meet is a soul mate.

The Swan is associated with mystic regal qualities, and so you may well have power and respect in your community. She will also show you the value of service.

Swans often mistake wet roads for rivers, which can lead to their deaths. You should make sure that you are always in touch with your world and do not become aloof.

Swan symbolizes grace and beauty on many levels. It is associated with love, music, and poetry. In Roman mythology, Swan was sacred to Venus, the goddess of love. In Greek tradition, Swan is often pictured singing to a lyre.

The cloaks of the Irish bards, who were both poets and musicians, were made of Swan feathers, and in the Irish saga, the Children of Lir, when turned into Swans, sang so sweetly that all who heard them, were calmed and slept peacefully.

This and other Celtic legends of the transformation of humans into Swans illustrate the deepest meaning of Swan medicine. Grace is not simply the ability to live harmoniously on the physical plane. It is the gift of being at home in many planes of reality, to recognize that we are more than we appear to be.
In Navajo tradition, the Great White Swan can call up the Four Winds. The Great Spirit will use Swans to work Its will. The Australian Aborigines saw the Black Swans as the wives of their All Father. In Hindu tradition, it was Swan that laid the Cosmic Egg on the waters, from which Brahma sprang. The Swan was the vehicle of Brahma’s wife, Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom, Education, and Music. In India, Swans represent the perfect union, and the spirit of Brahma.

Socrates wrote that the Swan sung its most beautiful song, just before it died, leaving us with the phrase “Swan Song.”

The Swan teaches that there is beauty in all things. Things are not as they appear outwardly.

Look beyond the obvious.

Jaguar

Personal Integrity, Great Mystery

Animal Message for week of January 18

The Jaguar carries a long history in the lore and mythology of several indigenous cultures. According to Mayan beliefs, the journey of the sun across the sky and the darkness of night symbolized the eternal journey of human consciousness and its transformations. The noonday sun was compared to the Eagle, flying high in the sky. Then it plunges below the horizon, just as we plunge into the dark where we face our spiritual challenges and are transformed. The hidden sun was said to be Jaguar, whose spotted skin symbolized the stars glittering in the night sky. Thus, it was called the Jaguar Sun.

Members of the Tukano tribe, from South America, believe the sun itself created the spotted cat to be his representative on Earth. They believe our sun gave Jaguar the yellow color of solar power and the growl of thunder, said to be the voice of the sun.

It is said that the Jaguar taught that the greatest of all virtues was integrity. He instructed the people in the beauty of unconditional love, forgiveness, peace and to be honorable and trustworthy. He taught the people that they must live by a code of conduct that would be impeccable, and that they should seek to benefit and care for one another, to live in harmony with the planet and all other life forms

The South American name "jaguara" means “carnivore that overcomes prey with a single bound." The Jaguar's powerful limbs carry them for hundreds of miles searching for prey. It is an agile climber and shows us how to attain goals through flexibility and steadfastness.

Unlike many other big cats, the Jaguar has no rivals ~ no other predator can compete with this powerful cat. Jaguar is at home in the dark and has good night vision. It moves without fear and teaches us how to trust our personal instincts. It can awaken psychic sight. Jaguars live in caves and canyons close to a source of fresh water. In mythology, caves are associated with isolation and retreat, a place to go to facilitate soul work. Water is associated with the emotional body. The Jaguar is asking you to go within, release your fears, heal your emotions and awaken your inner sight.

Jaguars are stalkers, they move slowly and cautiously towards their prey and at just the right moment, they spring without hesitation. This indicates that we too need to use patience, perseverance and caution, waiting until what we seek is right before us and then to spring upon it without hesitation or procrastination. Opportunities are likely to come fast and furious at this time so we also need to use discretion and discernment because not everything will feed us or our dreams and goals.

Jaguars are solitary creatures; they hunt alone relying only on their own ability as expert hunters to catch their prey. The message here is that input from too many other sources is likely to be more confusing than helpful. By going it alone at this time, you can find that your own self-confidence and trust in higher guidance and abilities is apt to be greatly increased.

Jaguar to the Cloud People of South America embodies great mystery and magic. Some of the most powerful Shamans carry Jaguar energy; they have the ability to move into realms and realities where others cannot follow at this time. Jaguar is offering those whom do not carry its medicine to experience more of this ‘great beyond’. It is time to work on developing your intuition, bonding more deeply with guides and totems through meditation and acting upon the guidance received. It is also a time of synchronicity, magic fills the air. Magic appears in many ways and forms, how it may express itself to you depends on your own liking.

Walk in Beauty,

Little Feather
www.apathtowholeness.net

Bear

Introspection

Animal Message for week of January 11, 2009

This is the powerful energy of the cave, going deep within Mother Earth to renew and heal the self. Bear teaches us how to be silent and still so that we may receive higher guidance and inspiration. Bear also teaches us how to meet all of our needs from within rather than from without.

Of all the species, humans probably spend more time doing than being. We cannot shape shift our reality through constant action but through the focused thought and emotion of the mind and Soul. When one feels ill at ease, in pain or stuck, then we know our Soul is saying to us that there is a better way but we must slow down our breath and activity long enough to hear what is being said to us. Bear can teach us how to do this if we examine Bear's own cycles of living.

Cycles of rest, sleep and dreaming, including daydreaming, are important. When Bears sleep through the winter, they are actively dreaming the reality they will encounter upon their coming out from their den in the spring. This dreaming is done in partnership with every other living thing they will encounter, from plants, to other animals, to rivers, streams and to Mother Earth herself. Bear knows specifically where to go to find the best of everything life has to offer because they have already dreamed it into being. Humans tend to discount their dreams. Dreams help to keep the body in balance, the mind strong and the emotions stable. It is also nurturing for the soul when we allow ourselves to dream. Dream your dreams and own them.

Before Bears go into a deep sleep they store up enough body fat to survive the long winter months ahead and Bear’s message is that we too may need to set aside resources to help tide us over during the slow cycles of our lives. If you find yourself constantly rushing about and always doing, yet your hopes and desires never seem to materialize, then its time to turn to Bear and ask for guidance as to how to make better use of your time.

Bears are very focused on doing what they know they need to be doing during the spring, summer and autumn. Those who constantly put off the time and energy needed to put into their own desires and dreams in favor of constantly helping others will soon find their energy used up. When we are constantly setting aside the things that bring us happiness and a sense of fulfillment because others always seem to need our help we are literally starving ourselves of life energy. We are allowing someone else to drain off our life force for his or her own needs and purposes.

Find ways to serve that also teaches others how to fend for themselves and do not allow others to become dependant upon you. Allowing others to become dependant is not a gift for them. It only teaches them to become even more dependant and they never feel they are ever as capable of achieving things on their own. We each came to this earth with many wonderful and valuable gifts to share. Each of us has a contribution that only we can make. It is in the finding of and making that contribution to the world that allows the life force of the Universe to flow through us freely. Bear’s message is to set proper boundaries with others and focus your time and energy on those things that matter to you and to remember that if it is truly important for you to be doing, then you need to be totally committed to seeing the project through to the end.

Sometimes one of the hardest things in life to do is to break off relations with another person. Bear reminds us that we must walk our own path alone. If we tie ourselves to other people or situations that are not for our highest good, then in reality we are miles off our true path. Remember that Bears do not gather in actual social groups. Watch how Bears act around one another when they come into contact such as at a common food or water source. Each Bear tends to define its boundaries and watches carefully with one eye what the other Bears are doing. Each Bear knows precisely what it needs to do and while there are battles from time to time if one Bear gets too close to another, for the most part each is very focused on going on with its own business.

Defining and if need be, defending one's space or territory in and of itself is extremely healing for many people. It is important to define what your space is and honor it as sacred in whatever way you can. Be cautious as to whom you invite into your personal living space. Try to keep only those things in your home and environment that have great personal value and meaning for you. Create a nurturing sanctuary within your home so that when you return from the outside world, you can feel supported and rejuvenated.

For all my relations,
Mitakuye Oyasin

Little Feather © 2009
Bear Flower Essence is available at
www.apathtowholeness.net

"The Earth Laughs in Flowers"

Embracing the Unknown

Of all the panthers, probably the Black Panther has the greatest mysticism associated with it. It is the symbol of the feminine, the dark mother, and the dark of the moon. It is the symbol for the life and power of the night. It is a symbol of the feminine energies manifest upon the earth. It is often a symbol of darkness, death, and rebirth. There still exists in people today an ancient fear of the dark and of death. The message of Black Panther is to make night your friend. Make yourself familiar with night animals. Work through your fears of death and the night. Study mysticism and do not be afraid of power.

Black Panther sees into every soul. With her penetrating yellow-green gaze, she can also look into the future. Her message may be not to worry about the future. Trust that maybe you are not supposed to mentally ‘figure it all out’ at this time.

In the myths and stories of Dionysus, the Black Panther is a symbol of unleashing desires, and so the awakening of the kundalini forces. The Black Panther symbolizes a time of moving from the limitations of mere existence into a new life without restrictions or barriers. It signals a time of imminent awakening as it awakens the unconscious urges and abilities that have been closed down within us.

To the American Indians, the Jaguar, especially in the form of the Black Panther, was endowed with great magic and power. The Black Panther climbs, runs, and swims, even better than the tiger. Because it could function so well in so many areas, it became the symbol of mastery over all dimensions. To the Tucano Indians of the Amazon, the Jaguar was created by the Sun, and the Black Panther was the god of darkness and could cause eclipses by swallowing the Sun. This reflects the incredible natural power within the feminine forces.

The Black Panther has over 500 voluntary muscles that they can use at will. For us, it reflects an ability to do a variety of tasks at will; it is simply a matter of deciding and putting to use those particular ‘muscles’ ~ physical, mental, psychic, or spiritual.

Black Panther has very strong hearing. It can move its ears to locate the direction of sounds. To those who align with the spirit of Black Panther comes the ability to develop clairaudience.

The Black Panther also has extremely sensitive hairs on its body, especially the face. The skin is the largest sensory organ, and we experience much more of the world through it than we realize. Pay attention to how you feel when someone touches you or when you touch something or someone else.

The power of the Black 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 Black Panther holds the secrets of unseen worlds and is associated with lunar energies. Within the darkness of night lies the truth of creation. Revealing too much or speaking too much about pursuits can counteract some of their effectiveness.

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.’

We can call upon the spirit of Black Panther to understand the mysteries of the darkness, the subconscious, the shadow aspect of our innermost selves

The Black Panther asks us this question: “What is your shadow-self trying to tell you?”

Walk in Beauty,

Linda
www.apathtowholeness.net
www.natureshealinggrace.blogspot.com