Signs of the Zodiac and Me

In my adventures with the Zodiac, I often compare what is written for Virgo with the personalities of myself, my brother, my girlfriend, and my mother-in-law. With the exception of my mother-in-law, we were all born on the same day (different years). However, all of us were born in the same month.

The short description for Virgo, our sign, fits us in some ways but are wildly off in others. My girlfriend is analytical and conscientious, but is also an artist who paints bright abstracts. While my bother is meticulous and exacting, he is also a successful salesman. My sociable brother enjoys selling road paving services to local governments. Like my brother, I am sociable, and enjoy vending my jewelry at fairs. In my approach to the world at large, I use logic and reason.

Because the three of us were born at the end of Virgo, I looked up the descriptions for Libra, the next sign. Because we are all sociable, we also value harmony in our relations. Perhaps the stars are like the moon, which waxes and wanes in power. Since Libra is rising and Virgo is setting, we are a mix of these signs.

Meanwhile my mother-in-law who was born earlier in the month had the characteristics of Virgo and Leo. Conscientious and meticulous, she was also a drama queen and quite vain, as well. In her case, Leo was setting and Virgo rising. The strong characteristics of Leo carried over to Virgo.

The attributes for Virgo fit us as a group, but not as individuals. My brother approaches life using his gut feelings. Meanwhile, my analytical girlfriend’s home is a mess. I am sloppy in my finances. My meticulous mother-in-law bounded from thing to thing with no forethought.



Descriptions of Selected Signs of the Zodiac

Leo: Dignity, power, vanity. Dramatic, flamboyant, broad-minded, warm.

Virgo: Reason, logic, exactitude. Conscientious, analytical, meticulous.

Libra: Harmony, evaluation, trivialities. Refined, fair, just, sociable.

(Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, Grimore for the Apprentice Wizard, 2004, page 281.)


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Copyright Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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GAZELLE: Peaceful Resolution

In watching nature shows, people often see a graceful Gazelle zigzagging across the African Savanna. He is usually being pursued by Cheetah, who eventually tires of the chase. Among the fastest of the Antelopes, Gazelle has been clocked at running fifty miles (eighty kilometers) an hour. Because of his nimbleness, many religions see Gazelle as the Soul fleeing from danger.

Scientists count between ten to eighteen species of Gazelles. (The “Gazelle” group includes several families of antelopes.) They range from the small Dorcas Gazelle of the traditional Gazelle family (Gazella) to the large Grant’s Gazelle of the Nanger family. The most noted of the Gazelles, Thomson’s Gazelle is of the Eudorcas family. What is noted about Gazelles are their beautiful curving horns and their swiftness. In addition, They live in the deserts and grasslands of Africa and Asia.

Acting “cool, calm, and collected”, They save their energy for when They need it. This calmness is demonstrated by how Male Gazelles (Bucks) vie for leadership. Instead of fighting, They show off their horns. The Buck with the longest and curviest horns becomes the leader. Sometimes, They will engage in an “air cushion” fight. Approaching each other, the Buck Gazelles put on a show of fighting until one of Them backs off.

Gazelles show how conflicts can be resolved peacefully. Buck Gazelles save their energy for important things such as protecting their herd. Instead of inflicting injuries, They show fight. Gazelles demonstrate how to fight without hurting others.

Wisdom of Gazelle Includes:
Wise Use of Speed
Keep Your Cool
Respond Quickly to Danger

Science Notes:

Gazella
Mountain Gazelle
Neumann’s Gazelle
Speke’s Gazelle
Dorcas Gazelle
Indian Gazelle
Cuvier’s Gazelle
Rhim Gazelle
Goitered Gazelle

Eudorcas
Thomson’s Gazelle
Red-fronted Gazelle

Nanger
Dama Gazelle
Grant’s Gazelle
Soemmerring’s Gazelle
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Antelope: Uncover What is Hidden

When people picture an antelope, they often imagine a deer-like mammal with beautiful curving horns. The world “antelope” means “bright eyes” which refers to their large limpid eyes. “Antelope” is used to describe any Bovid (cloven-hoofed animal) that is not a bison, buffalo, cow, goat, or sheep.

Always alert, Antelopes react quickly when They suspect a predator lurking nearby. Sometimes when They spy Lion in the tall grass, Antelopes will bounce (pronk) with all their feet leaving the ground and landing at the same time. They are telling Lion, “I see you!”

Because Antelopes sense danger immediately, many Animals at the waterhole rely on Them to alert Everyone Else. According to the Bushmen, Antelopes can see the hidden. They are the only Animals that can find the hiding place of the God that took their form. Antelope tells people to be attuned to what goes on about you. In this way, you will uncover that which is hidden.

Wisdom of Antelope Includes:
Be Alert to Danger
Beauty and Grace Together
Having Keen Senses

Science Note:
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), of North America is not an antelope, but is the sole member of an ancient mammal family, which is related to giraffes. While antelopes keep their horns, pronghorns have horns that branch and shed.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Astrology and Me

My relationship with astrology has been a contentious one. As a skeptic, I was repulsed that regular people took their signs so seriously. For me, it seemed to fly in the face of free will and self-determination.

My mother-in-law faithfully read her daily horoscope in the newspaper. In addition, she believed that what was said about Virgos described her completely. Meanwhile, other people around me spoke of “the moon being void (of course)” or that “Mercury is going retrograde”. Therefore, I decided I needed to know astrology.

Many people regard astrology as an old form of human understanding. In studying it, I want to know why people think that their star sign is accurate. What is it about the Zodiac that makes people so sure of themselves? What is the effect of the stars and planets on human behavior?

I think that I have become too stultified in my thinking. From time to time, I need to be tipped upside down to see the world differently. I need to step out of the world of logic and science, and see the world with new eyes. Astrology is a fine way to rediscover the world in all of its wonder. The stars are keeping their secrets for me to find out.

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Copyright Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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Tapir: Being Elusive

Tapirs are small hoofed Mammals with long rubbery noses. An ancient Malay myth says that Tapirs were made from odds and ends of other Animals. Plum and short-legged, They look like large Pigs but They are not relatives of Swine. These shy forest inhabitants are relatives of Horse and Rhinoceros. The name “tapir” comes from a Brazilian Indian word meaning “thick”, referring to their tough hides. In addition, Brazilians claim that the stones from tapirs’ stomachs have medicinal powers.

Tapirs like to bathe, and will walk under water. Excellent swimmers, They use their snouts to sniff out food and bring plants to their mouths for eating. Because their trunks are so flexible, They can explore inside a circle without moving their heads. To get to the water, Tapirs will slide down steep hillsides in dense forests. They also wear down paths on the riverbanks above their water holes.

These Mammals have remained unchanged for over 35 million years. Built like small tanks, Tapirs out maneuver most anything in their path. Crashing through the jungles, They bulldoze tunnels, in the dense underground, to their eating areas. Strong and agile runners, Tapirs can easily evade Dogs and other predators, by climbing hills and fences.

Not very well-known to people, Tapirs remain a mystery. When these shy Mammals smell other animals in the area, They quickly disappear. Today, people who study Tapirs are still learning new things abut these ancient mammals.

Some Malay hunters believe that Tapirs have special powers to become elusive. Although, They are ancient, many people know little about Tapirs. They want it that way to evade danger. Learn the lessons of being elusive from Tapirs.

Wisdom from Tapir Family Includes:
Be Sensitive to Unseen Things
Listen to Subtle Messages
Be Balanced in Life

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Raccoon (2 of 2)

Many Native Americans held a deep regard for Raccoon since She also was connected to magic. The Aztecs call Female Raccoon, see-oh-at la-ma kas-kay (Cioatlamacasque), “She who talks with the Gods”. If She had cubs, they called her, ee-yah-mah-tohn, “the little old one who knows things”. Because Raccoons handle everything, the Aztecs referred to Male Raccoon as mapachitli, “One who takes everything in his hands“.

Raccoon aptly displays how curiosity can enhance your life. She is always picking things up to examine them. Because of her curiosity, Raccoon builds up her problem solving skills. By being curious, She seizes opportunities and becomes more successful at what She does.

Teachings of Raccoon Include:

“If you get lost in the woods or out in Nature, just ask the Raccoon to help. He likes helping people.” Copyright: “Spirits of the Earth”, Bobby Lake-Thom.

“A superior teacher, Raccoon counsels us to gain experience, to cherish curiosity, and investigate to gain knowledge as well as information.” Copyright: “Wolf Song”, Jeanette Spencer and Lew Hartman.

Wisdom of Raccoon Includes:
Embrace Magic in Your Life
Wise Use of Intelligence
Having a Sense of Touch

Science Note:
1. Raccoons are one of four major animals in the wild that carry rabies. (bat, fox, and skunk are the others.)
2. Because Raccoons host the roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), do not handle them or their droppings without washing your hands afterwards.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Raccoon: Be Curious (1 of 2)

With her striped tail and black mask, Raccoon is well known to many people. Curious and clever, She tips over people’s garbage cans looking for food, usually leaving a mess. Because She can thrive where people live, Raccoon is a synathrope, an animal that can live off people.

Denning in trees, Raccoon is at home in the forests. She feeds along the waterways, hunting as She swims. What people think is Raccoon washing her food is actually a form of hunting. All She needs is water to help Her find her food by touch.

Known for her resourcefulness, Raccoon is a good problem solver. Because of her good memory, She can open complex latches without much practice. Scientists believe that Raccoon can come up with innovative ideas when faced with a conundrum. Called arakumen, by the Algonquin Indians, Raccoon, “the little hand scratcher”, picks up things in her hands to examine them by feeling.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Raccoon Family: Care for the Trees

“Raccoon” comes from an Algonquin Indian (Roanoke) word (arakumen) meaning, “he who scratches with his hands”. This aptly describes the whole Family, which use their forepaws the way a person uses their hands. Living mainly in forests, members of the Raccoon Family have also long tails for gripping tree limbs.

The most notable members of the Raccoon Family are Coatis, Raccoons, and Ringtails. Coatis are the most social of this Family. Depending on their moods, Coatis snort, grunt, or scream at their friends. The name “Coati” comes from the Tupian Indian words for cua (belt) and tim (nose) because Coatis sleep with their noses tucked into their stomachs.

Raccoons are known for their ability to solve difficult problems. Because of this, They have thrived among humans. Unfortunately for people, Raccoons are also carriers of rabies.

Ringtails have a ringed bushy tail as long as their bodies, hence their name. Gold miners once used Ringtails to hunt for Rats in the mines. Called the “Miner’s Cat”, They are better mousers than most Cats.

Other members of this Family are Olingoes and Kinkajous. Olingoes, which are easily confused with Kinkajous, seldom leave their tree homes. They also have softer fur. Unfortunately for Olingoes, their tropical evergreen forests are being chopped down at alarming rates.

The larger Kinkajous use their tails as an extra hand. Often seen at night, Kinkajous will feed at the same tree as Olingoes and Opossums. Unlike other members of the Raccoon Family, They have a scent gland on their chest rather than on their rumps.

Living in forests, members of the Raccoon Family den in trees and raise their Young there. When threatened, They readily climb trees. In return, They take care of the forest. Living off of nuts, berries, and fruits from the trees, members of the Raccoon Family disperse these seeds to encourage the forests to grow. Care for the trees as They do.

Wisdom of the Raccoon Family
Being Flexible
Having a Good Grip on Things
Being a Forest Walker

Science Notes:
1. Red Pandas (Ailurus fulgens) of China have recently been included in this family. (Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are grouped with bears.)
2. Tanuki (Raccoon Dog) (Nyctereutes procyonoides) of Asia is a candid with similar behaviors to Raccoons (Procyonidae).

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Barn Swallow: Bringer of Hope

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
“The swallow knows its joy, and follows it absolutely, although it takes enormous effort to get where it has to be, the swallow presses on regardless. It knows that the journey’s end will be worth it.” - “Swallow”, “Bird Cards”

Although most people do not consider barn swallows to be a backyard bird, they have been a part of people’s lives for a long time. Many swallows build nests in buildings, under bridges, and on top of porch lights. For example, a flock of barn swallows return to my garden condo every April to rebuild their nests. They prefer living on the top of the porch lights in the four bottom condos. Coming first, the males repair the cup-like nests, adding soft grasses. When their mates arrive, the pairs finish daubing mud on the nest. Afterwards, they begin their family. By May, I can hear their chicks peeping for food.

The swallows prefer hunting insects in the parking lot in front of my condo. They also like to search for food in the field opposite the lot. Flitting about, they dart and dip, eating on the wing. After capturing several insects, the swallows take them back to feed their young. Later, in June, the young will fledge.

Then the barn swallows begin another new family. They lay between three to eight eggs. After about three weeks, the new clutch hatches. I often see the fledglings perch on the common door’s lintel a month later. Usually, the parents are around coaxing them to fly. Come September, the barn swallows leave for South America.

One year, we had a swallow tragedy. A black rat snake took up residence in one of the front porches, in the rafters. While he ate the young, the parents dive bombed the snake. Finally, they abandoned the nest for another location.

Because their range encompasses Eurasia and North America, and migration routes to Africa, Asia, and South America, barn swallows are well known to people. Among sailors, swallows meant safe return. (Many of them had tattoos of swallows.) The Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans associated swallows with the souls of the dead. Meanwhile, Moslems believe that barn swallows made annual pilgrimages to Mecca.

When barn swallows return back to their homes in the spring, they brought hope and renewal. Christians viewed swallows to be symbolic of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. According to various traditions, the swallows gathered at his tomb on Good Friday. Then on Easter Morning, they flew calling out to the people that Christ has risen from the dead.


Sources:

Nozedar, Adele, “The Secret Language of Birds”, Harper Collins, London, 2006

Toerien, Jane, “Bird Cards”, Gottmr Publishing Group BV, Haarlen, the Netherlands

_______, “Book of North American Birds”, The Readers’ Digest, Pleasantville, NY, 1990.

_______, “The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior”, Sibley, David Allen, ed, Alfred A Knopf, New York, 2001.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Working with Your Animal Allies, Teachers, and Totems