"Wild Earth" Animal Essences

Each animal offers support in aiding you on your life’s path. For example, Beaver, the Master Architect, assists you in building your life. Meanwhile, Snake offers deep transformation of your wounded psyche.

For help in accessing the power of the animals, I suggest “Wild Earth Animal Essences” created by Daniel Mapel of New Hope Virginia. These essences are a direct means of receiving that help. For children, “Wild Child Essences” helps them feel safe and protected. Adults with childhood issues also benefit from these essences as well. For example, Elephant Calf provides emotional protection and warmth for those who need a sense of family.

Like flower essences and gem elixirs, these are vibrational remedies for people to use in healing. Each animal essence carries the energy of that animal. (None of these essences are made from animal parts, nor is any animal harmed.) Use in a bath and feel the energy of the animal come alive in you. Or if you rather, take a few drops in a drink of water.

I am offering them at $US 10 a bottle. Ask for them when you see Animal Teachers for a consultation or vending at a fair! I will be vending at KarmaFest, June 7 and 8 2008, which is held at the Harford County (MD) 4-H Camp at The Rocks. Their website is http://www.karmafest.com/

Other Worldly Beings: Incarnate Angels

Whenever I thought about angels on earth, I pictured them as tall, blond, thin people. To me, Angels were serious people who came to deliver messages and teach lessons. Of course, they would have a glow about them. I often thought that if I met one, they would be an austere college professor.

After finding out what Incarnate Angels are really like, I realized that my notions needed a bit of refinement. Because life on earth is so different, many Incarnate Angels have addiction problems. They are the ones “who love too much”, and therefore have problems with imbalances in their relationships. The healthier Angels learned how to remove toxic elements from themselves and others.

Incarnate Angels are more than messengers: they are healers, as well. Angels are active in human lives as nurturers and healers. They are reckless in their love as they try to heal the rifts between people and within people.

Pondering Incarnate Angels in my life, I see one person who exemplifies this Magickal Being. My son’s social worker counsels at-risk teens at the local high school. Even on her vacation, she checks in with the teenagers, in her care, to ensure that they are alright. The teens respond to her care by trusting her with their darkest secrets. Because she loves them so much, each teenager would give her roses when they graduated.

Other Worldly Beings: Ponderings (1)

Traits of an Other Worldly Being

• Feel different from others
• Acute sensitivity to other people, chemicals, or violence
• A strong sense of purpose
• A history of frustrating relationships
• Strangers tell them their problems
• Look younger than their chronological years
• May have a history of personal or family addictions
• Has a ringing in one ear.

Source: Doreen Virtue, “Realms of the Earth Angels: More Information for Incarnated Angels, Elementals, Wizards, and Other Lightworkers”, Hay House: USA, 2007.


Other Worldly Beings

Incarnated Angel
Incarnated Elemental (animals, crystals, dragons, elves, fairies, unicorns, etc.)
Star Person
Wise One (reincarnated holy people, shamans, etc)
Hybrid (combinations of other worldly beings)

Evolving Soul – moved from one group to another, but does not identify with either.
Shape shifter – dabbler, going from group to group to experience each.
Walk-In – being who lives in a human body, after that person’s soul left


Of Hybrids and Blended Folks (according to Doreen Virtue):

Wise Ones

Mystic Angels: Wise One / Healing Angel
Knights Paladin: Wise One / Protector Angel
Mystic Stars: Wise One / Starperson
Leprechaun: Wise One / Elemental

Merpeople

Merangel: Water Elemental / Angel
Merfairie: Water Elemental / Other Elemental
Star-Mer: Water Elemental / Starperson
Mystic Mer: Water Elemental / Wise One

"Critter Crossings" (3): Solutions in play

Established transition zones (areas only mowed once a year)

No mowing beyond the transition zone

Barriers of wire mesh, partly buried to prevent animals from burrowing under

Compost road kill to deter scavengers

Vegetable road barriers to prevent small animal crossings

Squirrel bridges

Salamander crossing signs

Wider culverts

Wood tops on deer fences to stop them from jumping over

"Critter Crossings" (2)

People getting together to solve the carnage!

The people of Central Florida noticed how many frogs, snakes, and turtles were being killed crossing a busy highway. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about a thousand animals of eighty species were being killed a year along a two mile stretch of U.S. 441, which crosses a nature preserve. The local people with state transportation and natural resource agencies, environmental groups, and the University of Florida worked together to develop a safe crossing for the animals. The result was a tipped wall that diverted the animals to highway underpasses. Since building the wall, animals have been safely crossing under the road.

Salamanders in a Massachusetts town were being killed, trying to crossing a busy street to get to their breeding ponds. The people of Amherst tried to save the salamanders by carrying them across in buckets. To find a better way of saving the amphibians, the local people worked with the British Fauna and Floral Preservation Society, ACO Polymer of Germany, the Amherst Department of Public Works, University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Audubon Society, and Hitchcock Center for the Environment (a local conservation group) to design and build a tunnel for the salamanders to use to cross the street in safety. The tunnel was built, and hundreds of salamanders were saved.

To prevent Eurasian badgers from becoming road kill, badger tunnels (first built in Heumen Municipality, the Netherlands) provide a solution for the tradition-minded badgers. The tunnels connect municipal greenways with established badger setts. Since the implementation of the badger tunnel program, the population of badgers in Heumen has doubled.

For large and small animals, help is on the way. If we act as a determined group, we can help them. The U.S. Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)) sets aside funds to pay for habitat connectivity measures (including crossing structures). The U.S. Federal Highway Administration will aid local groups in providing solutions for wildlife crossings. Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Federal Highway Administration: Paul Garrett at (303) 969-5772 or Paul.Garrett@fhwa.dot.gov. Their site, “Critter Crossings”, provides examples of community action.

Remember working together we can prevent the carnage of the roadside.

"Critter Crossings" (1)

Why did the animal cross the road? To get to the other side for food, mating, and breeding. How do they cross the road? With great difficulty, since many are hit by cars and trucks daily. Add up all those deaths, and you realize that whole species are becoming extinct.

Most people do not want to hurt an animal. They would rather swerve than to hit one. Others do not want a deer crashing into their windshields, and having to pay for the damage. However, we can all agree on a solution to provide safe crossings for animals.

While many of us consider large animals like deer, the smaller ones such as toads and salamanders also need our help. Even squirrels seeking nuts would prefer a car free future. With our friends and neighbors, we can arrive at simple solutions for benefiting both ourselves and the animals.

It could be as simple as a sign declaring “Salamander Crossing”. In Scotland, rope bridges were constructed to help endangered red squirrels to cross safely over the road. In the Dismal Swamp of Virginia, road crews provided large underground culverts for foxes and other mammals to use. In Poolsville, Maryland, the local people collect salamanders and carry them to their breeding ponds.

------------

Photo by William Boarman

To record the movement of desert tortoises through this underpass, researchers adapted a computerized tracking system that until then had been used mostly to census fish.

- picture caption

Stingray Teachings

Stingrays are beautiful and graceful swimmers, with a distinctive sleek tail, that has sharp spines on it. Stingrays propel Themselves through water with their powerful pectoral fins, which ripple and flap like Birds' wings. Their 'stingers' which stings like Scorpion's tail, defend Them from predators.

Stingrays regularly return to cleaning stations where Reef Fish live. The Reef Fish eat the parasites off the Stingrays' skin. They get a meal, the Stingrays, a bath and massage.

Stingray demostrates the positive aspects of friendship. But, remember that friendship is more than mutual assistance.

Stingray's Teachings Includes:

"Stingray Dreaming asks that we always take time to get to know people before forming superficial opinions of them."

Copyright: "Animal Dreaming", Scott Alexander King.

Stingray's Wisdom Includes:
Confidence
Grace
Moving Through Life with Ease
Freedom
Camouflage

Death and Rebirth In Myths

Many cultures have stories of death and rebirth. In Japan, Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, has to be coaxed from her cave to bring back the light. Meanwhile, the Hittite God, Telepinus, has to be coaxed from his mountains to bring back the rains. Among various Native American nations, Corn Mother has to be sacrificed to be reborn as corn for the people. The Inuit of the Arctic tell stories about Sedna, from whose broken body comes the bounty of their land.

Why do these disparate cultures have myths of death and rebirth? One could argue that they explain the cycles of life on earth. Daily, the sun rises and sets, and then rises again. In Ancient Egypt, Tawerat of Egypt acted as midwife to the daily rebirth of the sun.

However, these myths go beyond simply explaining the daily or seasonal cycles. They make explicit the delicate balance between the needs of people and nature. To keep the balance of life, deep harmony has to exist between the two. Lest they upset it, people need to be reminded of their relationship with nature. In building their city, the Romans were conscious of disturbing sacred groves in building their city.

Where ever humans lived, they faced the vagaries of nature – volcanoes erupt, monsoons flood, droughts linger. The myths reassured people that after everything died, it would come back. Living in an uncertain world, people needed to know that the sun would rise again. The retelling of stories of death and rebirth restored people’s faith in an ordered universe.

Since everywhere, people need to know that the universe is orderly and secure, similar stories are told by different cultures. Myths of death and rebirth tap into the human need for hope and a better future. People could go about their daily lives, reassured that in the future, the warmth, welcoming rains, and fertility of the land would come once again.

"Other wordly Beings"? (1)

Except for stories of “space aliens” among us, I never thought much about “other worldly beings” among us. However in conversations with various New Age folks, I learned of “walk-ins” and “star people”. “Walk-ins” are people who have another being take over their body. “Star people” are folks who are aliens reborn in human bodies. Later, I encountered people who told me about the “Other Kin”, folks who are animals, dragons, and fairies reborn in human bodies.

All these concepts are difficult for me to comprehend, since I take mental illness seriously. I regard these stories as a way to explain away serious mental issues. To me, it is easier to be an “other worldly being”, than to admit that perhaps one’s brain is disordered. I often thought that this was a convenient explanation for not taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Living in the city, I have not encountered any “other worldly beings”. It may be that cities are not conducive to these beings. Or it could be that the mentally-ill people I meet are maladjusted “other worldly beings”. For me, it is hard to tell the difference between someone with a malfunctioning brain, and someone trying to adjust to a new life on Earth.

White Stag and Hind

This is from the Celtic point of view.

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.

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. In both traditions, Stag is the one who guided the person through changes.

Stag’s Teachings Also Include:

“Venerated by many peoples in the past and today, Stag is a creature who is generously willing to share its life with people.” Copyright: “Through the Unremembered Gate”, Tira Brandon Evans.

“The White Stag is infact one representation of our own soul with the hunt, proving to be a vital lesson in self-discovery.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers”, Scott Alexander King.

Sharks in Danger! (2)

In light of the recent shark attacks, I want to remind people that it is the sharks that are being overfished, and are in danger. They are needed to keep the oceans healthy!

Sharks come in all shapes and sizes, and live nearly everywhere. This diverse group of Fish vary in size from the small Dogfish to the huge Whale Shark. They have adapted to living in freshwater, saltwater, and even the ocean depths. Sharks inhabit all the seas and oceans, even the icy waters around Greenland.

Although Sharks are feared, They often fail to live up to their fearsome reputations. Only a few Sharks attack people. Whale Sharks are plankton feeders, and Leopard Sharks are considered to be docile. However, Sharks are quite good at defending Themselves. Great Whites, Blues, Bulls, and Mako Sharks are the world’s only uncaged predators left. Sharks teach self-defense but also warn that the reputation for ruthlessness may overwhelm others.

Contrary to popular belief, Sharks are not instinctive killing machines. Like everyone else, They learn through experience how to hunt. Sharks are a much maligned Fish. Without them, the ocean would be a cesspool. Sharks eat sick, dying, and dead animals, and Some even help coral reefs to grow. Sharks have survived eons taking care of the earth's seas for everyone's survival.

Skunks: Weigh Your Risks

Originally placed with the Weasel Family, Skunks were later moved to their own family of Mephitidae (meaning “stench”) which includes the Stink Badgers of Southeast Asia. (Skunks’ DNA were found to be different from the Weasels’.) These bold patterned Mammals go about their business, self-assured and self-confident since no other animal wants to be squirted with a bad smelling musk. The world “skunk” comes from the Abenaki (Native Americans of New England) word segonku which means “One who squirts.”

Before a skunk sprays an intruder, They will warn them first. First a Skunk will arch their back and walk towards the offender. Then the Skunk will lift his tail and click his teeth. After stamping his feet, the Skunk does a headstand and sprays the offender.

Thought of as brave and feisty, Skunk goes about His life unperturbed. But his spraying comes with a physiological cost. While replenishing his spray, Skunk is defenseless for ten days. However, most Animals do not wish to gamble on that chance. So They avoid Skunks.

Skunk Family teaches us to weigh the risks before taking action. Do not be too clever for your own good. Go about your business with self-confidence.

Teachings from Skunk Family Include:
“We saw a couple of skunks -- odious animals. Conscious of its power, it roams by day about the open plain, and fears neither dog nor man. Certain it is, that every animal willing makes room for the Zorillo (skunk).” Copyright: “Voyage of the Beagle” by Charles Darwin.

“Skunk teaches us to be clever but not foolish. Take risks when they are worthwhile, but do not become a daredevil, flaunting your mortality to the universe.” Copyright: The Nahualli Animal Oracle by Caelum Rainieri and Ivory Andersen.

Skunk Family’s Wisdom Includes:
Having a Reputation
Respect
Nonviolent Action
Honor Yourself
Self-respect Brings Other’s Respect

------------------------------

Science Note: Although Skunks are also called “polecats”, they are not relatives of the European Polecat (Mustela putorius). Meanwhile Zorilla (Striped Polecat), Ictonyx striatus, which looks like a typical Skunk, is a member of the Weasel Family.

Note: Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap mixed together is the most effective to remove the smell. DO NOT PUT THIS MIXTURE INTO A BOTTLE OR IT WILL EXLODE.

Periwinkle (2)

On my walks around the neighborhood, I connected with this plant elder. Whenever, I went, I encountered “many hills of purple”. In his natural places, I could relate to Periwinkle and meditate with Him.

Periwinkle is a plant of the semi-wild places, and not of the home. Silvanus, the Roman God of the uncultured land and woods, watches over this plant elder. It is best to meet Periwinkle outdoors on the fringes of gardens.

I understand why Periwinkle has so much strength and intensity. This plant elder is a wild untamed flower living in the city. Periwinkle creeps around seemingly tame, but then takes over without notice. For me, this plant cannot be contained on an altar but must be free. I see Periwinkle as a Spirit of the Semi-wild Places.

Meditations on Periwinkle

Periwinkle, Your Most Purpleness
Periwinkle, Your Most Intenseness
You envelope me.

Your blossom small
Hides your spirit wild.
I say to all
Watch for the Periwinkle.

Note: I think of Periwinkle as a male.

References:
Andrews, Ted, “Nature-Speak: Signs, Omens, and Messages in Nature”, Dragonhawk Publishing, Jackson TN, 2004.

Bradford, Nikki, “Heal Yourself with Flowers and Other Essences”, Quadrille Publishing Ltd, London, 2006.
“Periwinkle”, A Modern Herbal by M. Grieve, Botanical.com, 2008, 21 April 2008,

Periwinkle (1)

With his bright purpleness, everywhere I walk, Periwinkle greets me. Peeping through the groundcover, He and his Relatives welcome me. However from time to time, I find myself overwhelmed by this plant elder.

In spite of this plant’s intenseness, I was drawn to meditate on Periwinkle. After studying his natural history, I realized that my efforts to know this flower would be fruitful. According to “Heal Yourself with Flowers and Other Essences” by Nikki Bradford, “Periwinkle can help wash away memories of those past experiences and beliefs, which drain the flow of your energy.” A plant that can clear away the past would have to be intense. Therefore, I thought that this plant elder would be a good ally in dealing with life issues.

Since the time of the Anglo-Saxons and later Chaucer, Periwinkle has been a friend of people. In the Old World, Greater Periwinkle (Vinca Major) is used as an astringent and tonic. Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is used as a part of a tincture for hemorrhages. Because of this plant’s usefulness, Europeans transplanted Him to the New World.

In Europe, Periwinkle is also called the Sorcerer’s Violet. Planted on children’s graves, this plant elder would protect them from malevolent spirits. Since this plant has the power to exorcize evil spirits, people used Him in healing and magic.

Animal Individuals and Families

Many books and websites that discuss animal wisdom have Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, and Turtles listed as one animal each. However, the individuals in each group are widespread in their characteristics and habits. A Rat Snake is different in temperament from a Cobra. The Lizard species encompasses tiny Geckos, huge Komodo Dragons, and fierce Horned Lizards. Turtles range from the quiet Box Turtle to the rapacious Snapping Turtle.

Since some characteristics pertain to the entire species, one can offer some generalizations about the group, for example, such as Snakes have no legs or that Turtles have shells. However, bear in mind what most members of each group may have in common, some animals will not. Therefore it is wise to learn about both the family and the individual.

Working With Your Shadow

Our shadow animal is the dynamic that brings change to our lives. They test us, and give us energy to change ourselves. They help us break out of our comfortable places, and push us out into the world.

Welcome the animal into your life. Regard it as an ally. Remember you do not have to cuddle up with your shadow animal or feel warm feelings towards them. Accept that they are there to help you.

Mole (2)

The mole that lives around my dumpster is a Common (Eastern) Mole (Scalopus aquaticus), who constructs a vast series of deep tunnels for living. One of the largest and strongest of moles, Common Mole is also the most adapted for life underground. With his bullet-shaped head, powerful muscles, and web-like claws, Common Mole is an earth miner swimming in search of earthworms. A prolific tunneller, He has his own exclusive burrow system of summer and winter tunnels. During cold weather, He uses the deeper tunnels for warmth. In warm weather, Common Mole constructs surface tunnels, which may include hornets’ nests (one of his favorite foods).

Eating hornets is something I never thought that a mole could do. For me, Common Mole is a powerful totem, since He transmutes poison into food. As a hunter of hornets, Common Mole protects those around Him.

Most people see Common Mole as a pest since He digs up their lawns. But people should welcome Common Mole, for He mixes and aerates the soil, provides tunnels for water to reach plant roots, and eats many destructive insects. Instead of cursing Common Mole, watch Him as He swims through your lawn, making it greener for the future.

Perhaps people can see this mole the way the Lakota (US) do – as a care taker of the earth. According to the Lakota, moles know the earth’s aches and pains. Being nearly blind, moles also see the world without bias.

In their underground world, moles are unseen and solitary. However like Mole of Kenneth Graham’s “The Wind in the Willows”, we can go outside of our comfort zone. Following brave Mole, we can come into the sunshine and make friends. We can be as fearless as Mole.



Sources:
Forsyth, Adrian, “Mammals of North America”, Buffalo: Firefly Books, 1999.

Jones, David, “North American Wildlife”, Vancouver: White Cap Books, 2002.

Palmer, Jessica Dawn, “Animal Wisdom”, London: Element, 2001.

The Mole (1)

After I found a mole near the common dumpster, I learned that moles live underground in many urban areas. This particular mole was trying to find his way home amid the concrete. With my handkerchief, I carefully picked him up and deposited him on the grass.

Nearly forty kinds of moles live in the woodlands and fields of Eurasia and North America. Moles spend most of their lives underground. In the darkness of their burrows, moles eat, sleep, mate, and raise their young. These insectivores, with their small eyes and ears, eat many insects and other invertebrates. As underground tunnellers, moles have taken advantage of where they live.

Usually out of sight and underground, moles are the least understood among mammals. As swimmers of the earth, moles’ bodies are digging machines with their shovel-like paws. Similar to a person swimming the breast stroke, moles push the dirt behind them as they dig. Once their burrows are done, moles spend much of their time patrolling their system of runways. Since their burrows act as a giant pitfall trap, moles often find worms or insects that fall into one of the tunnels. With their sensitive snouts and Eimer’s organs, moles can detect juicy worms, one of their favorite foods.

The mole’s ability to tunnel underground reminds me of an explorer hacking his way through the jungles. But the mole not only finds a path, he also makes the path for others to follow. To me, mole is more than an explorer; he is also the guide into the unknown. The mole is the Pathmaker!

Who wants to know what lies beyond the bend? Who is unafraid to go there? Who makes a road to get there? The mole!

Guardian Dragons

One Nature Spirit that people are fond of is the dragon. Many of our experiences with them are usually with the “small ones”. Being curious, young dragons find people fun and intriguing. For these reasons, they enjoy the company of humans.

Usually a younger dragon, who likes to play, will become a guardian dragon. Sometimes, an older dragon will ask you to mentor a young dragon. Watching you unawares, the older one has decided that you are mature and steady, qualities of a good dragon mentor. Although the older dragon will guide you, understand that you have the responsibility of caring for the dragon “child”. (Age in dragons is different than with people. They age more slowly.) Remember in your relationship with these two different dragons, that they have placed their trust in you. Treat both with love and consideration.

Before inviting a guardian dragon into your home, first make it “dragon friendly”. Place dragon pictures around your house. Have gems, crystals, beads, bells, and bright shiny pendulums for them to play with. “Baby” dragons love to swing on pendulums and bounce up and down.

At first, you will only sense their presence. You will see an eye, a flash of wings, or a face in the window. Eventually, when the dragon feels comfortable, they will make themselves visible to you. When that happens, speak to them kindly. Enjoy their antics, and include the dragon in your daily activities. Remember to leave them little gifts, and above all express your love to your guardian dragon.

------
Read more about Dragons - purchase my book "Dragons" from my website.

The Magic of Forsythia (2)

People frequently plant this shrub because it is adaptable to many conditions. Few diseases can attack a forsythia bush. It is easy to reproduce either by cuttings or by pruning it back. In addition, the shrub will root itself by drooping branches on the ground. Later, these branches will root on the spot.

People also like the forsythia because it acts as a living wall or a privacy fence. When this bush is leafed out, it forms a dense screen. Forsythia shields people from unpleasant things, and offers privacy.

With its vigorous growth, one forsythia bush can overrun a large area. According to horticultural experts, in five years, a shrub can grow eight feet tall (nearly three meters) and five feet across, (almost two meters.) Because of this ease in taking over an area, it is often listed as an invasive plant species. Unless forsythia is carefully monitored, it can crowd out native plant species. The shadow side of forsythia is its heedless dominance.

These aspects of the forsythia help me to understand its relations with the fairies. The bush provides places for the fairies and other nature spirits to dance. The forsythia protects them from view, and offers them shelter.
In this aspect, forsythia acts as a gateway to the Otherworlds. If you stand quietly on a bright spring day, you can see the fairies come and go. Also on quiet summer evenings, the nature spirits peer shyly from underneath the leaves. This ordinary plant keeps secrets well.

The forsythia helps people to understand that they can grow where they are planted. They can be transformed into something better. Be brave and go out into the cold world to bring happiness is what the forsythia counsels us. However, always be aware the shadow side of forsythia - excessive and overwhelming force. As we do with the fairies, we must also approach the forsythia with caution. This bush’s good qualities must be tempered with moderation.

----

References:

Bradford, Nikki, “Heal Yourself with Flowers and Other Essences”, Quadrille Publishing Ltd, London, 2006

Wells, Diana, “100 Flowers and How They Got Their Names”, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1997