Goat Family (3)

Because Goats have rectangular pupils in their eyes, They reminded many Christians of the Devil. Also because They were associated with Pagan fertility Gods, Male Goats (Bucks) became Christian symbols for lust. According to Christians, in the Final Days, Christ will come to separate the Sheep from the Goats. The Sheep will go with Him, while the Goats remain behind to perish.

However, many Christians held a different view of Does (Female Goats). These Goats represent the Seekers of God. As She climbs higher, Doe Goat could see farther and clearer. She would continue up the mountain until She spied God.

Goats offer a solid foundation in becoming more confident. As They climb higher, Goats become more surefooted, thereby gaining more self-assurance. They teach that with practice comes more solid achievement, which leads to more self-confidence.

Wisdom of the Goat Family Includes:
Going To New Heights
Play and Exploration
Thriving in Adverse Conditions

Science Notes:
1. Members of the Goat Family (Capra): Ibex, Markhor, and Wild Goat. (Domestic Goat is a subspecies of Wild Goat.) Mountain Goat of North America (Oreamnos americanus) is a goat-antelope, not a goat.

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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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Goat Family (2)

(Photo from freefoto.com)

With their Herd Queen leading Them, the Goat Flock climbs hills in search of tasty shrubs. As the Queen directs Them, the Flock guard their browsing territory from predators and other Flocks. As the oldest female, the Queen grooms her Heir, who in turn protects Her. The Flock relies on these two Goats for their survival.

Because of their ability to thrive anywhere, Goats have come to symbolize fertility and abundance. Among the Norse, two Goats pulled the chariot of their God of Thunder (and Fertility), Thor. Still, another Goat supplied mead to the heroes of Valhalla. Meanwhile, in Wales, Black Goats, friend of the fairies, guarded treasures.

Some Near Eastern peoples thought of Goats as redeemers of their people’s sins. To absorb its diseases and bad luck, a village would keep a Goat. Then, they would send this Goat, called a “Scapegoat“, away carrying the bad luck of the village with it.

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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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Goat Family: Be More Confident (1 of 3)

Called the “poor man’s cows”, Goats were domesticated over 10,000 years ago in the Near East and Iran. Since then, They have provided many people with meat, milk, hides, and other necessities for life. Masters at survival, Goats are easy to raise in dry, rocky areas. Small and hardy, They can live where cattle are unable to. Because of this, Goats are popular worldwide as livestock.

Curious and intelligent, Goats quickly explore new things. With their upper lip and tongue, They taste and touch things They encounter. Contrary to popular belief, They do not eat cans. Fussy about what they eat, Goats browse for prized berries, nuts, and roots. Using their tough pad on their upper lip and strong lower jaw, Goats grab and chew bark from trees.

Since They love to climb, Goats will stand on their hind legs to strip the bark off trees. Also, Domestic Goats will test their enclosure fences as well. In their King of the Mountain Game, They climb up and playfully butt Each Other off the top of the hill.


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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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