Animals and Elements (2)

Rabbit (European): Earth

The ancestral species for domestic rabbits, European Rabbit is the only rabbit of her kind. Originally living only in the Western Mediterranean area, European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus (which means “hare-like digger”)) was introduced throughout Europe by the Romans. Unlike other rabbits and hares, European Rabbit is quite sociable, living in large colonies. Preferring to live close to home, she shares burrows with her friends. Her colony (warren) is a network of tunnels, dens, bolt holes, and entrances to live in.

(Note: Marsh Rabbit, a Cottontail, is a strong swimmer and only lives near bodies of water. This rabbit would be assigned to water.)

Raccoon: Water

Denning in trees, Raccoon 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. Called arakumen, by the Algonquin Indians, Raccoon, “the little hand scratcher”, picks up things in her hands to examine them by feeling.

Many Native Americans held a deep regard for Raccoon since she also was connected to magic. The Aztecs called 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”.

Moose: Water

Living in the boreal forest, Moose has a strict and constant feeding schedule that he follows. For the maintenance of his huge antlers, Moose makes energy efficient choices. A boreal forest specialist, Moose feeds on berries, twigs, and bark. In the winter, He paws at the snow to feed on edible grasses. He regulates his nutritional intake to take advantage of the marshy and aquatic plants in his territory. To get to the tasty plants, Moose dives down in the lakes. He can often be seen in boggy areas munching on plants.

(Known as Moose in North America, he is called “Elk” in Europe and Asia. (North American Elk (Wapiti) in Europe is Red Deer.))

Deer (Red): Spirit

With his impressive rack of antlers, Red Deer makes an awesome sight. His power and agility makes Red Deer, a challenge to hunt. For that reason, the Europeans regarded him the “Lord of the Forest.” For many chieftains and kings, to bring him down was proof of their power. Because of his regal bearing and grandeur, Red Deer became a part of European religions. Because of Red Deer’s connection with ancient lives, he brings the old religions alive.

Stag and Hind (Doe)

Because of Red Deer’s ancient connection with people, they endowed special meaning to Stag and Hind as well. Each represents the male and female spirit.

Stag: Spirit

Stag worship has ancient roots. To the people of the Black Sea and Anatolia, he was a god of fertility. For Celts, Stag was associated with Cernunnos, the Lord of the Animals. Stag was also the one of the earliest representations of the “Horned God” (the male spirit).

In many stories, Stag signified a great change in a person’s life. White Stag initiated a series of challenges for a person to overcome. For later Christians, Stag came to represent Christ leading souls through the darkness. Stag became the one who guided the person through changes.

Hind: Spirit

The Celts regarded Hind to be a fairy creature who could pass between worlds. Upon seeing White Hind, the seeker would be guided safely into the forest towards the gates of the Otherworld and beyond. Hind were “fairy cattle.” They were guides for people when life seemed chaotic and illusionary.

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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