Tarot: "The Star That Never Walks Around"

The Star That Never Walks Around
by Stella Bennett

This deck takes its name from the Lakota (Sioux) name for Polaris, the North Star, which is the Star That Never Walks Around. The Plains Indian People regarded the North Star as the healer and guide of all the stars and humans. According to the Lakota People, this star watches over all the stars and people from its fixed position at all times. With this tarot deck, you are guided by the Star That Never Walks Around.

The round cards add depth to a reading. The turning of the cards tells you what phase of the Moon they are in, the seasons of the year, and the Four Directions of the Medicine Wheel. A card facing left is in the waxing part of the moon, which means its message is gaining strength. Left is also the West, where the sun sets, and the season of the fall. This means the influence of the card will be more in the fall of the year in a Birthday Spread.

The High Priestess:

The High Priestess stands in the reflection of the waxing Moon, which brings new things to light and reveals that which has been hidden. In her right hand, she holds the Moon's energies, bringing her intuitive and psychic abilities to light. With her left hand, she gives the stars to those who are willing and open to receive them. The High Priestess seeks her light from within, and relies on her intuitive nature.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2009

Chameleon: Alchemist of Life

Contrary to popular belief, Chameleon does not change his colors to blend in where He is. Instead, Chameleon is an modern artist who uses color to express his moods, wants, and desires. Angry reds and yellows warn others. Flashy colors tells the ladies, He is available. Meanwhile, on a bright sunny day, Chameleon becomes lighter to cool off. When the day turns cold, he becomes black to absorb the light for warmth.

Chameleon is remarkable for other things as well. Hunting for the elusive fly, He moves his stereoscopic eyes in opposite directions at once. Still and unmoving, suddenly He whips out his spring-loaded tongue. Zap! Fly is eaten! Firmly attached to his branch by his strong claws, Chameleon patiently waits for an opportunity to arise. Quickly, He seizes it in a blink of an eye.

Chameleon is an alchemist mixing color, quickness, and stodginess into an intriguing whole. Subtle or flashy his colors keep Him warm or cool. Quietly, he suddenly seizes an errant fly. Chameleon uses his considerable gifts for a good life. Look beyond blending in to standing out counsels Chameleon.

Teachings of Chameleon Include:
“Chameleon is a slow-moving reserved creature who encourages us to take our time to ponder the world from all angles and steadily seize possibilities as they present.” -- Copyright: Scott Alexander King, “Animal Messengers”

Wisdom of Chameleon Includes:
Patient Ambition
Magic of Color
Seize the Opportunity
Paint the Palate of Life
Use Your Considerable Gifts
Stand Out

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

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Astrology and Me: Chinese

The Twelve Animals (1) of the Chinese Zodiac combined with the Five Elements (2) allows for variations within each year Sign. The elements ensure that people who are born in a given year are not all the same. Since each element affects Dragon differently, a Water Dragon is not the same as a Metal Dragon

The characteristics of the Twelve Animals reflect what the Chinese understood about them. According to some stories, when the Buddha asked to animals to dine with Him, Rat was the most prompt. Therefore the Buddha rewarded Rat with being first in the 12 year cycle. Meanwhile, the Europeans regard Rat with dislike since rats had brought the plague to the West.

The same can be said for the Five Elements. Again, they represent Chinese philosophy. My experience with water is that it reflects everything around it. However, I can expand my ideas to include water as ever-changing.

According to various charts, I am a Water Dragon. The combination of being fluid with being a born leader makes me feel important. (Plus, I do like dragons.) However, this does explain why I love water. As I understand it, Western astrology has no explanation for my watery nature, although I am an earth sign.

For me, Chinese astrology makes more sense since it combines two things that I can relate to - animals and elements. Western astrology uses myths, which I do not relate to as well. For me Chinese Astrology, on the surface, seems more intuitive and easier to grasp.

Footnotes:
1. Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Dog, Pig, Goat, Rooster, and Snake.
2. Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth

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Copyright Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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Porcupine (New and Old World): Listen to Warnings

PORCUPINE: Listen to Warnings

“Don’t stand too near a Porcupine!”, people warn. “For, if you do, you will be shot with barbed quills.” Contrary to popular belief, Porcupine does not throw her quills. Instead, She shakes her tail at her attacker. Meanwhile, African Porcupine runs backwards into his attacker. This small waddling Rodent goes through life undisturbed by most animals.

Although, They look similar, the two Families of Porcupines (New World and Old World) are not closely related. African Porcupine has fur intermingled with his quills. Meanwhile, American Porcupine uses her tail quills to secure Herself to her tree.

Porcupine of America readily climbs trees. If there is danger on the ground, She will den in a tree. However, Mother Porcupine will leave her baby (Porcupette) in a nearby cave or rock den, safe until She returns for Him. Meanwhile Porcupette practices climbing and exploring until his Mother returns. (Unusual for Mammals, Mother Porcupine sends her grown Daughters away but allows her Sons to stay.)

Although African Porcupine cannot climb trees, He lives in a small underground colony with his relatives. Since his quills are hollow, African Porcupine can swim across the water easily buoyed up by them. Because He can ably defend Himself, Africans consider his quills to be good luck charms.

Carrying his quills around, Porcupine goes through life undisturbed. When He is upset, Porcupine will click his teeth and hiss. After Porcupine stamps her feet, most Animals leave Her alone. The ones that persist, get a nose full of quills. Heed a warning no matter how subtle teaches Porcupine.

Wisdom of Porcupine Includes:
Renew Your Sense of Wonder
Innocence
Self-Defense

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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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