Dragons Around the World

Mandarin Chinese: Lung (Loong) (Wade-Giles Romanization)

The Lung is the stereotypical Oriental dragon. Long and snake-like, the Lung has four claws and carries a pearl. According to traditional lore, this dragon has the head of a camel, horns of a deer, ears of an ox, eyes of a devil, neck of a snake, belly of a clam, scales of a fish, talons of an eagle, and paws of a tiger. A Lung often starts as a snake and go through a series of changes before becoming a dragon.

Hindi: Naga (Naaga)

The Naga is a multi-headed serpent. Usually resembling a king cobra, this dragon possesses a pearl between its coils. Some Indian Nagas have human heads and upper bodies.

Australian Aboriginal –Kunwinjku tribes: Ngalyod, the Great Rainbow Serpent (male), and Yingarna (female)

The Great Rainbow Serpent is a large snakelike dragon, striped with the colors of the earth and sky. There are two Rainbow Serpents – the female is the Mother and the male, the Transformer. According to some Australian tribes, the Great Rainbow Serpent is blind. In addition, some Australian artists depict the Rainbow Serpent with a kangaroo head and crocodile tail.

Latvian: Pukis (Pukys, Puhkis)

In the air, the Pukis is a flying fiery ball. On the ground, it takes the form of a cat. This household dragon can be bought, and then bred by the family it resides with.

Hawaiian: Mo’o’inanea, Mo’o

The Mo’o traditionally resembles a large lizard. For Hawaiians, the Mo’o is a shape shifter, who can appear either as a woman or a boulder. This dragon is often found near groves of hau trees.

------------
Works Cited:
____. “The Rainbow Serpent”, Aboriginal Art Online, 2001, 28 April, 2009, .

____. “Indigenous Australia: Spirituality”, Australian Museum, 2004, 28 April, 2009, .

DeKirk, Ash “LeopardDancer”, Oberon Zell Presents Dragonlore, New Page, Franklin Lakes (NJ), 2006.

Dobell, Steve, ed., Dragons: Heroes and Legendary Beasts in Poems, Prose, and Paintings, Anness Publishing, London, 2004.

Nigg, Joseph, The Book of Dragons and Other Mythical Beasts, Quarto Press, London, 2002.

The Serene Dragon, 2002, 28 April 2009,

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon and Ash “LeopardDancer” DeKirk, A Wizard’s Bestiary, New Page, Franklin Lakes (NJ), 2007.
----------

Medicine Wheel Astrology

Because I teach people about traveling through time and space, I am familiar with the Medicine Wheel. I consider it a useful tool to reconnect with both natural rhythms and spiritual spaces. Rather than a Native American construction, I think of the Medicine Wheel as a Neo-Pagan one.

When I read Sun Bear’s book, “Earth Astrology”, I regarded it to be traditional Western Astrology with Native American trappings. Instead of Virgo being helpful and practical, it was Brown Bear. For me, Medicine Wheel astrology was another example of New Age syncretism.

I liken Sun Bear’s book to Ann Williams-Fitzgerald’s “auz astrology”. She changed the traditional Zodiac to Australian animals for Australians. Like Sun Bear, she included colors, crystals, and other elements in her astrology. I see their approaches as infusing Western astrology with new ideas and approaches.

The commonality between Medicine Wheel astrology, Celtic Tree, and Chinese is the same as between Western astrology and those two modalities. Celtic Tree astrology shares the most commonalities because it tries to explain people’s character by the seasons. Chinese astrology, which is based on different ideas, has little in common with Medicine Wheel astrology.

However, I think that by playing with Medicine Wheel astrology, it could resemble Chinese by adding the plant, mineral, direction, element, and color. As Chinese astrology has five elements, you can use the Medicine Wheel’s elements in a similar way. Since the Wheel is an arc, you could add these elements to deepen the readings.

Before I would use Medicine Wheel astrology, I would play with it first. Working out how the plants, etc, could be combined with the animal would be an interesting challenge. Medicine Wheel astrology has the potential to expand Western astrology into a more fun direction for the general public.

Works Cited:
Bear, Sun and Wabun Wind, The Medicine Wheel Earth Astrology, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1980.
Williams-Fitzgerald, Ann, auz astrology: the australian animal zodiac, Oracle Press, Moorooka, Australia, 1997.

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009,
contact me at animalteachers @ gmail.com
-----------------

Celtic Astrology: Did It Exist? (2 of 2)

According to PCT, the Celts expanded from westward towards the East (not vice-versa under PIE theories). The Irish migrated from Iberia to Great Britain. However, the Greeks, who spread astrology in Europe, had closer roots to Anatolia in Eurasia. Through the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Greeks also had connections with India. What traces of Vedic astrology in later Irish astrology may have been transferred through the Greeks.

In my opinion, the Celts did not have astrology until they came into contact with the Romans. Early Celtic culture does not support any practice of astrology. They had their own methods of divination and knowledge of the stars. The Celts did not need to use astrology.

Footnotes:

1. Diffusion of early Pro-Indo European languages.










“India and South Asia”, History 086, University of Pennsylvania, 2008, 4 April 2009, http://www.history.upenn.edu/
coursepages/hist086/material/
indoeuropeanlanguagemigation.jpg.

2. Paleolithic Continuity Theory by Mario Alinei

1. “Continuity is the basic pattern of European prehistory and the basic working hypothesis on the origins of IE languages.”
2. “Stability and antiquity are general features of languages.”
3. “The lexicon of natural languages, due to its antiquity, may be "periodized" along the entire course of human evolution.”
4. “Archaeological frontiers coincide with linguistic frontiers.”

Alinei, Mario, “The Paleolithic Continuity Theory on Indo-European Origins”, 2009, 2 April 2009, http://www.continuitas.com/ .
-------------------

Works Citied:
Alinei, Mario, “The Paleolithic Continuity Theory on Indo-European Origins”, 2009, 2 April 2009, http://www.continuitas.com/ .

Ellis, Peter Berresford, “Early Irish Astrology: An Historical Argument”, C.U.R.A. The International Astrology Center, 1996, 4 April 2009,

Gryphon, Nina, “History of Astrology: A Time Line”, GryphonAstrology.com, 2009. 4 April 2009, .

Hand, Robert, “The History of Astrology -- Another View”, The ARHAT Journal 2007, 5, April 2009, .

Panshin, Corry, “The Paleolithic Indo-Europeans”, Torgholm, 2006, 5 April 2009, http://www.enter.net/~torve/trogholm/wonder/
indoeuropean/indoeuropean1.html .

Pennick, Nigel and Prudence Jones, History of Pagan Europe, Routledge, Abingdon, Great Britain, 1995.

Celtic Astrology: Did It Exist? (1 of 2)

(portion of Coligny Calendar)

Did the Celts practice astrology? Peter Berresford Ellis of the Irish Astrological Association contends that they did. Basing his work on the Diffusionist Theory of Proto-Indo-Europeans (PIE)(1), Mr. Ellis found the same concepts for astrology in the Irish and Sanskrit languages. He, also, noted the similarities between the Vedics and Irish in their approaches to astrology.

The Celts practiced many forms of divination. They studied signs, read entrails, watched how their captives died, practiced sortilege, and went on Shamanic journeys. Did they also use astrology? Would they need to?

The Celts divided their year into two: the Light Half from May to October and the Dark from November to April. In May, the Celts drove their cattle into the hills, and in November brought them back for wintering in. Since their survival depended on the seasons, the Celts were familiar with the cycles of the stars, moon, and sun. An example of their consummate skills is the Coligny Calendar (from First Century BCE), a sophisticated lunar-solar calendar.

However for me, it would a leap of logic for the Celts to go from astronomy to astrology. Moreover, their close cousins, the Germanic peoples, were noted navigators, who also studied the stars. However, they did not see the necessity of astrology for divination. Why would the Celts?

Meanwhile, astrology, which was invented by the Babylonians, traveled westward with the Greeks. The Romans learned astrology from the Greeks. As the Roman Empire, expanded so did astrology. By the First Century C.E, Britain and Continental Gaul were under Roman rule. Celts under the Romans would have spread astrology to Ireland and elsewhere. As proof of Irish astrology, Mr. Ellis cites from writings from the Eighth Century CE. Of course, by then, the Irish would have incorporated astrology into their culture.

However, what about the Celts before Roman contact? Mr. Ellis based his thesis on various PIE theories. According to these theories, PIE peoples were a horse culture that swept from the steppes of Eurasia into Europe, overturning the local populations. They also moved into Iran and India as well. Therefore, according to diffusionist PIE theories, Sanskrit and Irish are branches of a root language, and share some commonalities.

However, Paleolithic Continuity Theory (PCT)(2) began to usurp PIE theories in the 1990s. PCT explains more aptly how early European civilization came to be. According to PCT, Europeans developed their own cultures and languages, without an invasion of foreign peoples.

Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2009
------------------

Barred Owl

BARRED OWL: Being A “Generalist”

Barred Owl is a great actor. Using his voice to great effect, He startles others with a loud and resounding hoot. Barred Owl may seem imposing, but He is actually quite harmless.

As the most benign of Owls, Barred Owl reassures others with his charm and grace. With his big round head and black eyes, He is the prototypical Owl of fairy tales and children’s picture books. His melodious call “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” often elicits positive feelings.

Called “Barred”, this Owl has horizontal barring on his chest and vertical bars on his stomach. He is abundant in wetlands, swamps, and second growth forests. Not fussy at all, Barred Owl will use hollow trees or abandoned squirrel nests to raise his Owlets in. He eats anything He finds from Fish to Lizards to Rabbits. Barred Owl’s scientific name, Strix varia (“Diverse Owl”), reflects his diverse nature. People’s names for Him also reflect this. They also call Him: Swamp Owl, Hoot Owl, Eight Hooter, Wood and Rain Owl.

Barred Owl teaches the value of being a “generalist”. Instead of relying on one area to live in or one animal to prey upon, He lives almost anywhere He can and eats whatever He finds. Even as people modified the land, Barred Owl expanded his range and his numbers. Learn how to be a “generalist” from Barred Owl.

Barred Owl’s Teachings Includes:
Using Your Voice to Great Effect
How to be a Good Actor
Reassuring People
How to Be Charming
Having an Affinity With Children

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

Celtic Astrology

My problem with the Celtic astrology, as presented by Graham Phillips, is that it contradicts other traditional systems reputed to be Celtic astrology. In addition, the Tree Oghams which seems to be the basis of Celtic divination does not coincide with the Tree Zodiac as constructed by Mr. Hancock. Therefore for me, comparing the two systems (Celtic and Chinese) is like comparing apples and oranges. Trees, that grow in particular climates, have no point of connection with traditional Chinese systems of elements and animals.

Furthermore in examining Mr. Phillips’s Tree Zodiac, I find that it has little in common with traditional Celtic lore. He includes trees that are not a part of that lore, and excludes others. He leaves out traditional trees such as willow but includes maple, a non-traditional tree. But by itself, the Tree Zodiac is well constructed for an astrological system.

Again, I tested the Tree Zodiac against myself, my brother, and girlfriend, since we share the same birthday. According to the Tree Zodiac, we are Buckthorns. Because Mr. Phillips constructed his system with a wide sample of people, we are depicted accurately. We are entertaining but fussy. My mother-in-law, who was born earlier in the month, is a Chestnut. Although she loved reading, she was also a social person (not a Chestnut characteristic but a Buckthorn one).

My problem in learning Celtic astrology is that, as I understand it, it really does not exist in a usable form. Mr. Phillips’s Tree Zodiac is fun and interesting to learn, but to me is not Celtic. My other question in learning the Tree Zodiac is that since trees are climate specific: how do you work out future events.



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

Works Cited:

Daugherty, Michealin, The Celtic Tree Calendar, 2006, Ireland’s Own, 12 Mar. 2009

Murray, Liz and Colin, The Celitc Tree Oracle, Eddison-Sadd, London, 1988.
Phillips, Graham, The Tree Zodiac, 2006, The Official Graham Phillips Website, 13 Mar. 2009

Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2009
------------------

Rhinocerous: Connection to Spirit (2 of 2)

Known as the great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, the Indian Rhino is a descendant of an old species of rhinos – Indricotherium (formerly known as Baluchitherium), the largest land Mammal that ever lived. Elephant grass is this Rhino’s principal food, but He will also eat bamboo shoots and crops. Because of this, Indian Rhinoceros is in direct conflict with people over food.

Found only in the dense forests of a reserve in Java, the Java Rhinoceros is dangerously close to extinction. Little is known about these Rhinos except that They like living in forests that have a good water supply. Once common through Southeast Asia, the Sumatran Rhinoceros is now restricted to small areas of Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). Although They look clumsy, these Rhinos are adept to climbing mountains. As the world’s smallest Rhino, the Sumatran Rhino is the only one with hairy skin.

Because of Rhinos’ staying power, They can connect us with the wisdom of the past. In our foolishness, we may allow Rhinos to disappear forever. Before that happens, we need to listen to Rhino, and learn through understanding. Through Rhino, we join the heart that connects us all.

Teachings of the Rhino Family Include:
“Rhinoceros medicine wisdom teaches us to regularly celebrate our sacred connection with spirit through ritual and ceremony.” Copyright: “Shamanic Wisdom II”, Dolfyn and Swimming Wolf.

Wisdom of the Rhino Family Includes:
Sagacity
Repository of Ancient Wisdom
Use of Ritual and Ceremony
Staying Power




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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

Rhinocerous: Connection to Spirit (1 of 2)

RHINOCEROS FAMILY: Connect to the Heart

Relics of an early era, Rhinoceroses are massive Mammals with barrel-shaped bodies. Noted for their nose horns, these Animals have one large horn curving upwards from their snouts. (Some Rhinos have two.) Rhinos use their horns to boot and butt their attackers. Despite their fearsome appearances, many Rhinos are generally peaceful Animals.

Unfortunately for Rhinos, people hunt Them for their horns. Some Arabs use the horns for ceremonial sheaths for their knives. Between 1969 and 1977, 8,000 Black Rhinos were slaughtered for this use alone. Moreover, some Asians believe that powdered rhino horns have curative powers. To prevent extinction, many Rhinos were placed in fenced sanctuaries. Only recently, have Indian, Black, and White Rhinoceros numbers finally stopped declining.

There are five species of Rhinos. The Black and White Rhinos live in Africa. The name for “white” Rhinos comes from the Afrikaans word, weit which means “wide”, in reference to these rhinos’ wide mouths. Gentle giants, White Rhinos are the most sociable of the Rhinos. Smaller than White Rhinos, Black Rhinos are the most aggressive of the Rhinos. When disturbed, a Black Rhino will charge with great speeds at an unwary observer.

However, Oxpeckers graze on the backs of both White and Black Rhinos with impunity. In Swahili, the Tick-bird (Oxpecker) is called askari wakifaru, “the rhino’s guard”. Besides picking ticks off the rhino’s back, Oxpeckers screech loudly when people approach.

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

Dolphins and Crystals

A major part of receiving healing from nature is the Rock People. Ancient people knew of the power of rocks. At places of power, they created megaliths such as Stonehenge. Among the Animal People, Plant People, and Rock People, the strongest is the power of the Rock People. The spirits of the rocks will aid people. But they need to be asked first from those who respect them.

Brought forth from the center of Mother Earth, rocks reunite people with Her. Rocks do not tell lies. They strike at the heart of the matter, and lay open the truth. Rocks pierce the fog and reveal the hidden reality. Among the energies of the universe, rock energy is the strongest and hardest to use.



Dolphins know how to use this raw energy. To travel the seas, they use echolocation and sonar. Sending vibrations in the water, Dolphins can sense objects without ever seeing them. The budge on their heads is called the melon. This organ helps the dolphins to navigate in murky waters.

Dolphins are the intermediaries for the rocks. Dolphin energy is softer and easier to hold. Since people respond well to dolphins, they can connect people to the power of the rocks. Dolphins can translate and focus the rock’s power quite easily. Among the healing modalities, those who heal with rocks are few. With the dolphins’ intervention, more people can heal using the rocks.

----------
Copyright: Virginia Carper 2009

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.

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

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

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

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

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

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

Copyright Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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

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

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

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.)


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

Copyright Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

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.

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

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.

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

Copyright Virginia Carper, 2009, animalteachers @ gmail.com

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

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

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

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.

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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

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.

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

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

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

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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