GILA MONSTER: Discerning Fact from Fiction

A striking sight with her beaded skin of pink and black, Gila Monster blends well into her desert home in Arizona. This sluggish-seeming lizard intently flicks her tongue to detect a tasty mouse. At other times, She adroitly climbs the cactus with her sharp claws to hunt for perching birds. Tasting the air with her forked tongue, Gila Monster finds Desert Rat, and quickly chomps down with her vice-like jaws. Then She swallows her paralyzed victim whole and head first.

Gila Monster with her Brother – Mexican Beaded Lizard – are the only venomous lizards (Helodermatidae) in the world. Because of their venom and forked tongues, Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) and her Brother (Heloderma horridum ) are distant relatives of snakes. These two lizards are also close relatives to monitor lizards (Varanidae), who possess poisonous saliva, and could be ancestors of snakes. These two beaded lizards have an ancient ancestry, extending back to the mid-Cretaceous.

Contrary to popular belief, Gila Monster uses her venom for defense and not to hunt with. When She is angry, Gila Monster will open her mouth very wide and hiss. When She does this, her venom is pumped from her salivary glands into her grooved teeth. Thus when She bites Coyote, and clamps down hard, her venom flows into his wound. Locking her jaws, Gila Monster will hang on until Coyote howls in pain. After making her point, She then lets go. Learning his lesson, Coyote limps off.

Reclusive Gila Monster spends much of her time in her burrow. Digging deep with her heavy claws, She creates a snug home for herself. In the extreme heat of summer and cold of winter, Gila Monster rarely leaves it. The springtime is when She feasts. The rest of the year, Gila Monster lives off the fat contained in her large wide tail. (Her tail acts like a camel’s hump, storing food instead of water.)

Poorly understood, Gila Monster is the subject of many myths. More than that, these stories about Her are presented as facts. For example, Gila Monster does have powerful jaws and a tenacious bite. From this comes the legend, “Once She clamps her jaw on something, Gila Monster will not let go before sundown.” That is patently untrue. Other myths state that Gila Monster can kill with her bad breath, and has no anal opening. None of these silly stories are true, but they often get repeated as facts.

Another legend informs people that Gila Monster is a killer. Yes, her venom is toxic, but a human can easily avoid her bite. Old timers in Arizona say that only an idiot gets bitten. They add that said idiot would have to place Her on his bare leg, then annoy Her until Gila Monster bites. In other words, the said idiot would want to be bitten.

Sluggish in appearance, Gila Monster can suddenly turn and bite, usually when She senses a tasty meal. She warns those who would disturb Her, so that they leave Gila Monster alone. Separating fact from fiction is what Gila Monster teaches. Inspired by her tenacity, you can hang on for the truth. Before repeating something, discover whether it is false first. Some fiction comes disguised as the truth. Do not be an idiot counsels Gila Monster.

Megalosaurus: The Door to New Worlds

The first dinosaur ever to be named was Megalosaurus. The first fossil to be “officially” discovered (England, 1676), Megalosaurus was believed to be a giant human. As the first dinosaur to be drawn, her thigh fossil was depicted as a piece of male anatomy by Robert Plot. This prompted Dr. Richard Brookes to name it “scrotum humanum” in 1763.

Meanwhile, Reverend William Buckland had different ideas about Megalosaurus. An avid fossil collector, Rev. Buckland realized that the bones he possessed were instead from an ancient animal. After reviewing Buckland’s collection, Baron George Cuvier said that the fossils were of a giant lizard creature. (Cuvier was the first scientist to realize that extinction occurs.) In 1824, Rev. Buckland wrote a scientific paper and named this “lizard,” Megalosaurus, which means “great lizard.”

In his paper, Rev. Buckland described Megalosaurus as a giant land-living reptile who lived in the ancient past. According to him, She was a fifty foot (about 16 meters) long lizard, who walked on all fours. After examining her teeth, Rev. Buckland said that She was a meat eater. His reasoning was that Megalosaurus had sharp teeth like a monitor lizard.

Then in 1842, British scientist Richard Owen was pondering just what were Megalosaurus, Iguanodon, and Hylaeosaurus (an ankylosaur). These were all recent discoveries of extinct animals. Owen noted that their fossils were different from any other reptile living or from the past. Their legs were directly underneath their bodies, unlike modern lizards. Also they had extra bones in their hips. Owen grouped these three animals into their own family – Dinosauria (deinous means “terrible,” and sauros means “lizard”).

Later Owen decided to present Megalosaurus and her friends to the public. He had “life-sized” sculptures placed at the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851, which being held in London. Megalosaurus was depicted as a lizard walking on four legs, with a crocodile-shaped head and a hump on her back. After seeing this sculpture, Charles Dickens described Her in his novel “Bleak House.” (This was the first mention of a dinosaur in literature.)

Despite being the first named dinosaur, Megalosaurus is still relatively unknown. Rev. Buckland’s collection had contained fossils of different families of dinosaurs. Scientists first had to sift through his collection to determine which fossils belonged to what dinosaur. As more complete skeletons were found for other dinosaurs, scientists could begin to identify the bones of Megalosaurus.

Who was Megalosaurus? She looked nothing like Owen’s sculpture. Related to the ferocious Spinosaurus, Megalosaurus walked on two legs and hunted large sauropods. Her thick muscular legs allowed Megalosaurus to run fast for short distances. In this way, She could ambush and charge her prey. Also, She had large powerful jaws and long sharp teeth. Using them, Megalosaurus ripped off chunks of meat for her meal.

Megalosaurus opens the door to mystery, inviting people to walk through. Once people discovered her bones, they entered an ancient world, they never knew existed. She prompted them to consider new and strange animals. Through Megalosaurus, the world of dinosaurs came to life. Follow Her in and leave your old ideas behind.

Discovering Your Animals of the Heart

My new blog at Witches and Pagans is up.

Animals of the Heart are the animals who want to share their lives with you. Offering their friendship, these animals want to be a part of you. I prefer calling animals who bond with you as “Animals of the Heart.” For me, the terms of “totem,” “power,” and “familiar” are specific to their religious traditions. I know that people use these words interchangeably to mean the same thing. “Animals of the Heart” is a general term that I use to denote the type of animal that people feel a deep connection with.

Animals of the Heart come in all forms. Some of them have been with you since childhood. I have met people who have been happy with Goldfish as their Animal of the Heart because they had them as pets. Meanwhile, other people have been fascinated by unicorns or dragons as children. As adults, they look to these mythical animals for wisdom.

Other Animals of the Heart represent your inner character or personal characteristics. For example, my family calls me, “Squirrel.” According to them, I am always “bright-eyed and bushy tailed.” They also find me to be a bit squirrelly.

Read more at Animal Wisdom: Animals of The Heart.

Opens into a new window.

Gorilla: Calmness and Strength

Lowland Gorilla

When people were first introduced to Gorillas, they believed that these primates were fiercesome monsters. King Kong symbolized people’s fear of this mammal. Since Gorillas live in the most inaccessible regions of the forests and mountains of Africa, They were the last members of the Great Ape Family to be found. Therefore, ordinary people had no ideas about what real Gorillas were like.

The largest and most powerful of all living Primates, Gorilla is actually peaceful and sociable. His easy-going nature has made it possible for several groups of Gorillas to coexist peacefully in the same region. When a strange Gorilla appears, the eldest Gorilla (Silverback) hoots excitedly, building up to an ear splitting roar. Silverback Gorilla will charge but stops short of touching the intruder. This will usually frighten the other Gorilla away.

Within His Troop, Gorilla forms a strong attachment with everyone. The strongest and most mature male – the Silverback – rules the Troop. He decides where they will eat and sleep. He is responsible for their safety and closely guards them. If Silverback Gorilla sees the Troop in any kind of danger, He will fight to protect them.

A plant eater, Gorilla especially likes bamboo shoots. Contrary to the movies, He is not a carnivore. After a day of foraging for plants on the ground, Gorilla spends the night in a tree. Nest making is simple; He rips off several branches and places them in tree nooks for a bed. Gorilla’s typical day consists of eating in the morning and evening, traveling during the day, napping in the afternoon, traveling, and then making his nest for the night.

Being very calm, Gorilla is not easily bothered. In fact, social grooming can relax Him into going into a trance. Gorilla shows interest by doing a task for its own reward. Most intelligent of the (nonhuman) Great Apes, He knows and uses language, when taught. Zoologists think that Gorilla has self-awareness like a human does.

Gorilla teaches calmness and strength. Remaining serene, He goes about his affairs. Even when a strange Gorilla shows up, He will not immediately attack. Taking control of the situation, Gorilla will state his position firmly but forcefully. As a last resort, He will attack. Learn from Gorilla how to act calmly and effectively. And keep your aggressive impulses in check.

Notes:
1. Gorillas are endangered throughout most of their range.

2. The Ape Family is really comprised of two families, the Great Apes (Hominidae) and the Lesser Apes (Hylobatidae). Lesser Apes are the gibbons. Among the Great Apes are gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and humans.

3. Zoologists divide gorillas into two groups – lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei). Lowland gorillas live in the dense forests of Africa. Meanwhile mountain gorillas live in the mountains of Central Africa. The difference between the two is that lowland gorillas have short hair and weigh less.

TUATARA: Dedication to Your Cause

Although Tuatara resembles a lizard, He is not one. Tuatara is the last surviving species of the ancient order of Rhynchocephalia (“beak-heads”). Only his family of Sphenodontidae (“wedge-toothed”) is left of this group of reptiles. The rest of the Rhynchocephalia went extinct about 60 million years ago. Because of that, Tuatara is often thought of as a “living fossil.” (However, He has actually evolved to live in modern times.) Because of his link to prehistoric reptiles, scientists can study Tuatara to see how lizards and snakes evolved.

Tuatara has distinctive characteristics that makes Him different from lizards. He has fused jaw teeth, and a beak formed by overhanging upper teeth. (This is what gives Tuatara, a “beak-head.”) Like some dinosaurs, Tuatara has a large opening in his skull behind his eye socket. He also has a third eyelid that passes over his open eyes. Tuatara has gastralia (“abdominal ribs”) which lizards and snakes do not. All these qualities indicate that his lineage is older than theirs.

Tuatara’s most notable feature is his ridge of small spines, which runs from his head to his tail. The Maori of New Zealand call this reptile “tuatara,” which means “peaks on the back.” When threatened, Tuatara will raise these spines. To startle his enemies, He elevates his spines and opens his bright red mouth.

Unlike lizards, Tuatara has a tolerance for exceptionally cool temperatures. He has colder blood than any other active reptile. Because of his slow metabolism, Tuatara spends little energy and much of his time in his snug burrow. When resting, He breathes only once per minute, and while walking, only once every seven seconds. Because of these factors, Tuatara can live beyond 100 years, longer than any lizard. However, it takes about twenty years for him to become an adult.

Legally protected in New Zealand since 1895, Tuatara’s numbers still steadily declined. The local kiore (rats) ate Tuatara’s eggs both on the mainland as well as on the coastal islands. Since Tuatara reproduce very slowly (once every five years), this became a great disaster. Tuatara simply could not recover from the losses inflicted by the kiore. Starting in the 1980s, a concerted effort by the government, volunteers, and Maori iwi (tribes) stopped Tuatara’s decline. They removed kiore from coastal islands and re-established Tuatara populations, thereby increasing his “safe homes” to 37 islands. For the first time in hundreds of years, Tuatara now live on Mainland New Zealand at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellington.

Tuatara teaches dedication. The people of New Zealand are determined to keep Tuatara, one of their iconic animals, from going extinct. Spending tremendous amounts of energy, money, and time, people raised captive young, eradicated kiore from various islands, and cared for re-introduced populations. Today Tuatara has been returned to many places where He went extinct. Imagine the help that this distinctive reptile can give you to find your life’s mission. He can inspire to dedicate yourself to a worthy cause. Just do not think of Tuatara as “an ordinary lizard,” since He is neither.
-----

The picture is of Henry, the world's oldest Tuatara in captivity at Invercargill, New Zealand. Still active at 111 years of age.

Picture of Henry: By KeresH (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons. Title:  "Henry at Invercargill"

Working with Your Shadow Animal: Summary

(Hourglass Dolphins)

My blog "Animal Wisdom" at Witches and Pagans features "Working with Your Shadow Animal: Summary"

"Our shadow animals are the dynamic that brings change to our lives. They test us, and give us the energy to change ourselves. They break us out of our comfortable places, and push us out into the world. Our shadow animals help us to integrate ourselves. Without our shadow animals, we would be incomplete.

By challenging us, shadow animals also teach us many life lessons. They help us with family legacy issues, and resolve feelings of shame and guilt. Not only that but they guide us through a life of chaos to one of empowerment.

As I have indicated in my other blog entries, there are several types of shadow animals. (I list them at the end of this blog.) They range from the shadow archetype to the dark trickster. Therefore it is also important to know what type your shadow animal is. This will help you in your shadow work."

Read more at:  witchesandpagans.com: working with your shadow animal (summary)

WOOLLY MAMMOTH: Warmth and Hospitality

Best known of the Ice Age Mammals, Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) received her name from her outer layer of long hair. Underneath that layer, She had another dense inner layer of fur. To cope with the icy temperatures, Woolly Mammoth had a compact body, a high domed head and small ears.

Woolly Mammoth had a shorter but more flexible trunk than other Mammoths. At the end of her trunk was a finger-like appendage as well as another protuberance. She used these to gather grasses and other plants for eating.

The smallest of Mammoths, Woolly Mammoth had extra long tusks. These ornate twisting tusks had many uses. For example, She could dig up plants and clear snow with them. Also, Woolly Mammoth could fight off predators with her tusks by bashing the attacking animal with them. Her tusks were like tree rings, telling her age and life experience.

Meanwhile, Paleo-peoples used the tusks of Woolly Mammoth to construct their homes. Many of their houses were built from her large bones and woolly hides. In one homestead found in Ukraine, the skulls of Woolly Mammoths, placed in a semi-circle, formed the base walls. Then the jaws were used to erect the upper parts of the walls. For the entrance, they used the leg bones of Woolly Mammoth. She provided shelter for them on the flat, treeless plains.

The last known Mammoth lived about 4,000 years ago on a small island near Siberia during the Stone Age. Many people believe that Woolly Mammoth went extinct through overhunting. However others think that as the world’s climate became warm; She could not survive adequately on the new plants. Whatever the reason, Woolly Mammoth became the icon for extinction from overhunting during the Ice Age.

Woolly Mammoth exudes warmth and hospitality. Meeting others during migrations, She greets Them with touching and trumpeting with her trunk. Furthermore, Woolly Mammoth would wait for laggards as well, welcoming Them back into the herd.

Learn from Woolly Mammoth about proper hospitality and warmth. She teaches us how to care for and welcome others into our hearth and home. However do not so be taken advantage of that you end up giving up everything you have. You can be flexible but also wary.

(Note: update of post from 2010.)

Mastodon Family: Look Closer and Think.

Often confused with Mammoths, Mastodons (Mammutidae) are in their own family, since They split off from Elephants and Mammoths earlier. Therefore, there are many differences between the two Animals. Mastodons have larger and flatter brows than Mammoths. Moreover, They have paired low conical cusps for teeth, and upper jaw tusks. In addition, Mastodons are shorter and more muscular than Mammoths. Scientists have liken Them to a bus, whereas Mammoths are more like construction cranes.

Living side by side with Mammoths, Mastodons colonized Eurasia and North America about fifteen million years ago. As browsers, They preferred to live in spruce forests and open woodlands. During the winter, Mastodons had a double coat of fur to prevent Them from freezing in the icy cold. However, they preferred warmer climates to live in.

Fossil Mastodons have been found with full stomachs, indicating that They consumed about 500 pounds (1,000 kilos) of food each day. Since their enormous appetites drove Them to seek more and more food, Mastodons roamed the countryside endlessly searching for food. Mastodons tramped through forests to feast on moss and twigs of cedar, larch, pine, and spruce trees. Their hunger drove Them deeper into bogs and swamps in search of food, where They died.

Mastodons teach to look closer and think. Do not mistake Them for their cousins, the Mammoths. Examine the differences before making a judgment. If you do not ponder what you see, you may mindlessly end up stuck in a bog. Take care in what you do.

---
Update from a previous 2010 posting

Prehistoric Elephant Family: Partnership

(Deinotheres, Elephants, Mammoths, and Mastodons)

Of the myriad Trunked Mammals who once roamed the earth, only African and Asian Elephants still remain today.  At one time, Proboscids (Trunked Mammals) lived everywhere except Antarctica and Australia.  Spreading from Africa where They originated, these Mammals flourished during the Miocene Period (from 20 million years ago (mya) to 5 mya).  Since many Proboscids were not immune to the cold, only a few survived the Ice Age.

Trunked Mammals have a long complex evolutionary history.  Beginning as small herbivores sixty mya, these Mammals resembled modern Pigmy Hippos.  For example, Moeritherium did look like a small Hippo but possessed a flexible upper lip and snout like an Elephant.  Then a cousin, Deinotherium appeared alongside the Gomphotheres (Early Elephants) about fifteen mya. Many of the Gomphotheres had flat tusks to shovel plants out of soft swampy ground. In addition, They used their trunks to uproot trees.

Mastodons split off from the Elephant Family (which also includes Mammoths). Unlike Mammoths, Mastodons had cheek teeth with low-rounded crowns. Meanwhile, Mammoths had the most highly evolved of elephantine teeth. Because of the grinding surfaces of their teeth, Mammoths could eat grasses whilst Mastodons searched the trees for tender leaves. Mastodons preferred warm climates to the Mammoths’ cold ones.

The Family of Trunked Mammals has been a part of human history from the very beginning.  Both Humans and Proboscids evolved together in Africa.  Later both spread out of Africa to populate the world.  When Paleo-humans needed food and shelter, they hunted Trunked Mammals.  They also built their homes from the bones and hides of various Proboscids. To honor Them, Paleo-peoples painted the likenesses of Mammoths and Mastodons on cave walls.

The infant science of paleontology became advanced through the study of Proboscids’ teeth and bones.  Since Trunked Mammals were widely distributed around the world, early scientists could trace their evolution.  Because Proboscid fossils were plentiful and readily available, early naturalists could learn their craft from these fossils.

Throughout the ages, humans entered into a partnership with various Trunked Mammals.  As each developed, They learned from each other.  Proboscids provided for humans and taught them basic life skills.  In return, Humans honored Them. The lesson of Trunked Mammals is that a partnership is one of equals.  We need to be good partners as They have taught us and protect their living representatives.  Today all that remain are endangered.

Science Note: Manatees, dugongs, and hyraxes are the closest living relatives of elephants. They are descended from Moeritherium.

(Updated from earlier 2010 blog.)

Shadow Animals:The Trickster and the Bringer of Death

"The Raven" from E.A. Poe's poem

My blog at Witches and Pagans is up featuring shadow animals: the trickster and the bringer of death.

From the Blog:

Two difficult types of Shadow Animals are the Trickster and the Bringer of Death. Most Pagans are familiar with Tricksters since they know about Coyote and Loki, who transgress societal norms. The Bringer of Death is an animal who causes a near-death experience. People who undergo a Near-Death Experience (NDE) often gain more spiritual power by dying and then being reborn.

Read the rest at : Witches and Pagans: Animal Wisdom

YOWIE (Australia's Bigfoot): Tenacity

Copyright: "Yowie Statue at Kilcoy, Queensland," by Seo75 (wikimedia).

When the Europeans first arrived in Australia, they encountered “the hairy man,” of Aboriginal myth. According to the Aboriginal Australians, humans share this continent with apemen. These Yowies (“hairy men”), as they were called, had inhabited Australia before the coming of any humans.

 Amongst the Aboriginal Australians, the “hairy men” were called many names and possessed different attributes. “Yowie,” the name They are called today comes from “Yuwi” as referred to by the Yuwaalaraay People of New South Wales. To them, Yowie is a spirit from Dreamtime. Meanwhile, the “Yaroma” of the Blue Mountains was a cannibal. According to the Gundungurra People, the Yaroma sharpened their long fangs on rocks. A human could escape from this cannibal by jumping into a waterhole, since the Yaroma could not get their feet wet. Other myths describe Yowies to be gigantic “hairy men,” with muscular bodies and powerful arms.

 According to cryptozoologists who study apemen, there are at least two different kinds of Yowies. The “hairy men,” known as “Jimbra” of Western Australia, “Turramulli” of Cape York, and "Lo-an” of Victoria are probably “True Giants.” (These are large hairy hominoids who leave long, four-toed foot prints.) They are classified as True Giants since they are tall and have flat faces. “Tjangara, the “Great Hairy of Man” of South Australia is also a True Giant. This apeman carries a club to kill and eat humans. Meanwhile, the Yowies of New South Wales are an unknown species of ape. They have long canine teeth over wide mouths. Also, these Yowies also possess very apelike feet, with a large second toe, and a big toe jutting out at an angle.

According to the Aboriginal Australians, Yowies have lived in Australia long before the coming of people. Bigger and faster than humans, Yowies waged war against the newcomers. Since the humans had better weapons, they pushed the Yowies into more remote areas of Australia. In Cape York, the Yalanji People banded together and killed all of the Turramulli.

As early as 1795, settlers on a hunting trip at Yowie Bay spotted a “hairy man” running away from them. In fact, Yowie Bay is reported to be named for the numerous sightings of Yowies. During 1994, Tim the Yowie Man saw his first Yowie in the Brindabella Mountains. He had reported encountering a hairy ape-like animal whilst on a field trip. Meanwhile, the people of Kilcoy in Queensland say that Yowies still live in the surrounding mountains.

Most Yowie researchers agree that Yowies are not close relatives of humans. The “Father of Yowie Research” and founder of the Australian Yowie Research Centre (AYR), Rex Gilroy thinks that one kind of Yowie is possibly an Australopithecine, a large robust relative of early humans, Homo habilis and ergaster. Others at the AYR posit that Gigantopithecus could be the True Giant Yowie. This strong, enormous and human-like ape lived in Asia alongside Homo erectus. Both could still be living in Australia.

The Aboriginal stories of Yowies speak of an inhabited land before humans. Like any other group of indwellers, the Yowies wanted the newcomers gone. Although, They lost the war, the tenacious Yowies still continue to live in their homelands. Even today, people still see Them in settled places such as Sydney. The Yowies never left, and instead learnt to avoid direct contact with humans.

Yowies teach people about tenacity. Because of their perseverance, Yowies survived. Defeated by the humans, They moved to the inaccessible parts of their homelands, and stayed. If you want help to remain in your home, look to the Yowie. But try to learn to co-exist with others.

YETI (ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN): Reflections on the Sacred

Mention “Abominable Snowman,” and people will conjure up a picture of a huge apeman with a cone-shaped head and snow white hair. This particular man-like creature has captured the public imagination with stories, toys, and TV shows. Now, people entertain notions of unknown humans and their hidden lives in the inaccessible places of the Himalayas.

Stories of Yeti (“Abominable Snowman”) reach far back in history. Pliny the Elder, of Rome, wrote about Yeti in the First Century C.E. In his writings on the natural world, Pliny described a man-like creature, who walked on two legs, living in the mountains of India. Meanwhile ancient writings of Tibetans told of a man-beast who roamed the high passes. Also the peoples of the Himalayas regarded Yeti to be the God of Hunting.

Modern reports of Yeti began in 1921, with a newspaper article in a Calcutta newspaper, Lieutenant Colonel C.K. Howard-Bury had sighted a mountain “man” with long hair on his head and shoulders. Then in his epic climb up Mt. Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary reported seeing giant footprints, thereby setting off the Yeti craze. By 1959, Disneyland in California featured audio-animatronic Yeti in its rides.

The Sherpas of Nepal have many ways to denote the different kinds of Yeti. “Yet-teh,” which became “Yeti” in English, means “that there thing.” The Sherpas with Howard-Bury said they saw “met-teh kang-mi,” which translates into “foul-smelling snow creature.” “Teh-lma” means “that there little thing,” which refers to a small Yeti. “Dzu-teh,” meaning “big thing,” is a huge hulking animal, that stands on two legs.

Cryptozoologists, who study unknown primates, have determined that there are three species of Ape-like Yeti. (Dzu-teh is probably an unknown species of bear.) Big Yeti (“Gin-sung” in Chinese) is eight feet tall (nearly two meters), and walks on two legs. Possessing a square-like head, Big Yeti also has rusty brown hair. Little Yeti (Teh-lma), under five feet tall (a meter and a half), has a pointed head and thick-reddish grey hair. Teh-lma lives in the more tropical valleys of Nepal, and has been seen hunting frogs. Little and Big Yeti are considered relatives of humans. Meanwhile, Classic Yeti of the cone-head and greyish-white hair is believed to be a rock climbing ape.

One of the leading authorities on Yeti was the Russian scientist, Maya Bykova. She theorized that Yeti are genetic companions to modern humans. Bykova explained that the paralyzing fear that people have when they encounter a Yeti is from ancestral memories of similar prehistoric meetings. She based her conclusions on the large amount of data that she had gathered before her death in 1996.
Many Buddhist monasteries have established “sacred lands” for Yeti, whom they consider to be holy. Knowing Yeti to be fiercely territorial, few Nepalese will enter these lands. Furthermore, various monasteries possess scalps and hands of Yeti as sacred relics. Meanwhile, Bhutan has become the only country with a national park for Yeti: Thrumshingla National Park, where He can roam freely and unnoticed.

How we approach Yeti reflects how we relate to the Sacred. For many, the Sacred is cloaked in mystery and beyond comprehension. Philosopher Umberto Eco said, “The unknown is often seen in terms of the known.” Yeti is often compared to modern humans as to what “it” could be. Perhaps Yeti stands for things we were not meant to know. Or maybe Yeti is simply an unknown ape that lives in remote mountains. How do we approach the Yeti? Do we let “it” continue to be unknown or do we insist on pulling back the mystery? The choice is ours to make. Our feelings about Yeti reflects our attitudes towards the Sacred. If we allow Yeti be an enigma, then we allow Him to be numinous, one of the Sacred.

GIRAFFE: Quiet Strength

From prehistory, Giraffe has commanded people’s attention. Early writers described Giraffe as “magnificent in appearance, bizarre in form, unique in gait, colossal in height and inoffensive in character.” Pictures of Giraffes grace the cave walls in North Africa, drawn over 10,000 years ago. In Ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepat brought Giraffe from the headwaters of the Nile, down to her zoo. The Kingdom of Malindi, in Africa, in 1414 presented China, Giraffe as a diplomatic gift (the first ever). In Paris, when Giraffe was first seen in 1826, the City went “Giraffe crazy” for a year.

Since the beginning of time, people have tried to explain why Giraffe looks the way He does. In Africa, after the Creator Gods finished with Camel and Leopard, some parts were left over. So They made an animal large like Camel with Leopard spots. Ancient Greeks and Romans called Giraffe “Camel-Leopard”, which now is the scientific name (Camelopardalis) for Giraffe.
 
Tallest of all land mammals, Giraffe is noted for his exceptionally long neck and legs. Giraffe uses his tallness to his advantage. From his elevated view, He can watch for predators, as well as eat leaves from the tops of trees. Because of his great height, Giraffe and His Friends are called a “tower”.

However, Giraffe has many other notable features as well. Like Camel, He can go for days without drinking, and can eat from thorny plants. With his flexible neck, He can eat from the tops of trees. With his horns, Giraffe can swing his head and ably defend himself. A blow from Giraffe’s head can prove deadly to a predator.

This peaceful quiet Animal is one of the most successful vegetarians of the African Savannah. He may seem fragile but Giraffe can ably defend himself. Quiet and unassuming, Giraffe always looks out for his friends. They return the favor when He is the most vulnerable – sprawled at the water hole drinking. Be a friend like Giraffe, and learn quiet strength from Him.

Giraffe’s Teachings Also Include:

“The giraffe represents the capacity to extend beyond the limitations of the physical plane. Its ability to obtain sustenance flourishing on a seemingly unattainable perch symbolizes the necessity to overcome limitations and to allow innovative ideas to flourish.” Copyright: “Animals Divine Companion”, Lisa Hunt.

“The giraffe’s vulnerability when it lowers its head to drink reminds us that if we lose sight of our greater vision and consciousness and sink into a mundane way of life, we risk losing our spiritual connection.” Copyright: Beyond the Rainbow (Constance Barrett Sohodski).

Giraffe’s Wisdom Includes:

Farsightedness

Seeing From the Heart

Foresight

Flexibility

Apemean (Hairy Hominoids): Shadow of Humanity

All over the world, myths and sightings about mysterious Apemen abound. The most famous of these hairy hominoids are Yeti (the Abominable Snowman) of Asia and Bigfoot (Sasquatch) of North America, both of whom have captured the public imagination. Meanwhile, Australia has Yowie, Europe Wudewasa (Woodwose), Southeast Asia Orang-Pendek, South America Mapinguary, and Africa Ngoko. Many stories about these various Apemen speak of their wild nature, hairiness, and strength. Today, sightings of these hairy hominoids come from the world’s wild places – the jungles, swamps, forests, and mountains. However, people still see these wild “men” even in settled areas from time to time.

What makes Apemen different from other myths about fantastic animals is that They are believed to exist. In fact, Apemen dwell on the knife’s edge between myth and reality. Throughout the centuries, ordinary people have reported their encounters with these hominoids. Sir Edmund Hillary of Mt. Everest fame reported seeing giant foot prints of a Yeti in Nepal in the 1950s. In 2004, an elderly woman in Florida encountered a Skunk Ape in her backyard. Meanwhile, The Cryptozoic and Rare Animal Research Center of Vietnam is searching for Nguoi Rung. However Apemen continue to remain elusive as to what or who they are.

Although stories about hairy hominoids have been told for thousands of years, They only recently came into the consciousness of modern Western people. “Abominable Snowman” which referred to Yeti, was coined by Henry Newman writing in a Calcutta newspaper in 1921. He was reporting on several sightings by British officers in Tibet. His article about what their Sherpas had described, prompted the Abominable Snowman craze. More Europeans wanted to travel to Asia to see this mysterious inhabitant of the mountains.

Meanwhile, Bigfoot (Sasquatch) came into public consciousness in the 1950s with articles in men’s adventure magazines. Added to these reports were the films of Roger Patterson in 1960s depicting a walking hairy “man.” That spurred the public to think that Apemen lived amongst them, and perhaps had observed their comings and goings. Afterwards reports flooded in about people’s encounters with various man-like mammals.

Since that time, many people have speculated as to what Apemen are. Are they humans, apes, or something else altogether. Theories have ranged from small apes to surviving Gigantopithecus, a prehistoric primate. Could these Apemen be relic populations of other human species such as the Neanderthals?

Cryptozoologists (scientists who study unknown animals) have grouped Apemen into several species ranging from relatives of humans to unknown apes. “Neo-giants” such as Bigfoot (Sasquatch) are considered human. “True Giants” such as Grendel (of “Beowulf”) are believed to be relatives of Gigantopithecus. “Marked Hominids,” who have two-toned hair and other markings, are thought to be Homo heidelbergensis, predecessors of modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans. Enkidu (of “Gilgamesh Epic”) is considered a Neanderthaloid, from a relic population of Neanderthals. Almas and Yeren of Asia are believed to be Erectus Hominids, descendants of Homo erectus of the Pleistocene. “Proto-pygmies” are considered human with the discovery in Indonesia of Homo floresiensis, “the Hobbit.” Meanwhile, “Undiscovered Primates” such as Skunk Ape, Ngoloko, and Mapinguary are considered to be unknown apes.

Other scientists have expressed opinions about Apemen as well. Noted primatologist Jane Goodall keeps an open mind saying that “there is a lot more evidence that they do exist than not.” Furthermore, she surmises that they could possibly be a link between humans and gorillas. Meanwhile, zoologist Morris Goodman notes that “genetically humans are only slightly remodeled apes.” Perhaps the hairy hominoids do fill the breach between apes and humans.

Cloaked in mystery, Apemen exist just outside sensible human perceptions. As “wildmen,” They are beyond the fringes of ordinary life. In European folklore, They were the people who left the towns to wander in the wilderness, becoming less human each day. In their efforts to shed their worldliness and become closer to God, desert saints became hairy anchorites, a type of Apemen.

Noted cryptozoologist Loren Coleman said that seeking Bigfoot (and other Apemen) is important, and when They are found, “we shall never look at humans in the same way again.” Understanding Bigfoot will govern how humans think of themselves. Apemen therefore are the Shadow for humankind. Apemen are the “other,” that we are both fearful of and curious about. Perhaps They are our cousins, reminding us that we too are a part of nature. Hairy hominoids urge people to come to a new understanding of their place on the Earth.
---
Science Notes:

1. The founder of the science of cryptozoology, Bernard Heulvelmans defined a cryptid as “a hidden animal which by definition is very incompletely known.” Nessie of Loch Ness is considered a cryptid, whereas the Tengu of Japan is a mythological animal.

2. Hominid refers to the family of humans, the Hominidae. Bigfoot and Yeti are considered hominids. Hominoids include apes and humans. Orang-Pendek and Skunk Ape are hominoids.

3. Bigfoot and Sasquatch refer to the same hominid. The American name is Bigfoot, and the Canadian, Sasquatch.

Tarot: The Tarot of the Animal Lords: focus on Death

The focus of my character sketch for “The Tarot of the Animals Lords” is XIII. Death. The card depicts a foggy day, shrouding the landscape in mist. A raven stands at the entrance of a cave. In one hand, he holds a scythe, and with the other pats the crown of a skeleton lying beside him. In front of the raven is a chameleon resting near his feet.

 In the outline of the story that I created from my character sketch, I focused on Raven and his deeds. The other four cards I used complete the story (in order) were XV. The Devil, XVI. The Tower, VII. The Chariot, and VIII. Justice, respectively. In my opinion, each of these cards reflected many of the facts of the Death card. 

 Raven gloats that he is now the Ruler of the Land. Through stealth, he has vanquished all of his rivals. As he talks to his spy, Chameleon, Raven muses on how he united with Goat to do more mischief. He ponders his next move to keep his power intact.

 The scene shifts to The Devil. In a cavern with their backs to the rising moon is a goat and a toad. The standing goat is patting the toad, which squats behind him. The rocky cavern is empty except for these two figures.

 Goat is waiting for Raven to arrive for more plotting of mischief. He muses how they pulled the key log from Beaver’s dam, and sent him to his death. As Goat wonders what Raven will do next, Toad agrees to meet with Chameleon. Since Chameleon is a double agent, he will find out if Raven is plotting against them. 
 
 As Major Arcana cards, Death and The Devil fit together, since we are all in bondage to death. The Devil shows people their limitations, fears, and beliefs that hold them back. Moreover, Death is the biggest fear and limitation of all. For me, Death reflects the positive aspects of The Devil, as a final release from our fears.
 
The next card, The Tower features a beaver being flung over the falls as his dam breaks. Flying over him is a raven. The rush of water and flying logs reflects the beaver’s doom.  In this scene of the story, Beaver screams, “Help! Raven did this! Help!”

Both The Devil and Death are reflected in The Tower card. Death in the form of the raven flying overhead is the cause of the dam breaking. (Ravens are traditional symbols of death.) In the Tarot, The Tower comes after The Devil to break The Devil’s hold on us. The dam in The Tower reflects the holding power of certain beliefs. Once Death comes, the dam breaks and everything floods out. The suddenness of the flood washes away any limitations that we may hold.
 
 Next in the story comes The Chariot. Over the mountains, a crested crane rides a mute swan. As they fly towards the plains, the sun is rising. Standing on the swan’s back, the crane is aloof as he eyes the vista below him. In the distance are migrating swans.

In my story, Crane hears Beaver’s cries, and races to help. It is unsure whether he will arrive in time or not. If he does not, he still will be a witness to what has happened to Beaver.
 
 In the Major Arcana, The Chariot is movement. For me, The Devil, The Tower, and The Chariot reflects the several states of Death, which can be both sudden and gradual. The Devil holds death to a single instance, whilst The Tower shatters death completely. Whereas The Tower is sudden change, The Chariot is steady, the mid-point between the two extremes of inertia and discrete movement. Meanwhile, both Death and The Tower push forward to overcome The Devil’s active inertia.

 The last card in the story is Justice. This card depicts a barn owl, standing on a cliff’s edge, with a sword and scales. As day dawns over the mountains, a tern flies over the owl’s head. In nature, barn owls are known as voracious ratters. Moreover, they are often found in church yards, and have become associated with death. Because of this, I connected Justice with Death.

 Owl looks down at the scene of Crane’s rescue of Beaver. She decides to send Tern to Raven to ask him, why Beaver? As Justice, Owl will go down to deal with Raven, since she is equal to him in power.
 
 One aspect of Justice is dealing with unlawful death and administering lawful death. Moreover in Justice and Death, the owl’s sword and the raven’s scythe act as the same in conducting their respective duties. Both are impartial in what they do, and do not favor anyone. 

What I learnt from doing this character sketch is how the cards flow into each other, telling a story with relative ease. Death was the focus of these other four cards, with each highlighting a facet of this Major Arcana card. Also within each card were elements that related to the others in the group. The Chariot and The Tower are both about change, whilst The Devil is contained by Justice. Together, these cards weave an intricate story of intrigue and power.

Shadow Animals: Nahualli and Heyoka

My blog at Witches and Pagans features the following:

Shadow Animals: Part Three
In my series on types of Shadow Animals, I am introducing two terms that may seem unfamiliar to many Pagans: “nahualli” and “heyoka.” People may have heard these terms as they are common to New Age beliefs. Nahualli and the more familiar “nagual,” are often discussed in New Age Toltec writings. I prefer nahualli as defined by Caelum Rainieri and Ivory Andersen in their discussions about Aztec religion. The common usage for heyoka is to denote “crazy energy.” However, this Lakota term also refers to the person, a sacred clown who is touched by Wankan Tanka (the Great Mystery). To the Lakota, the heyoka holds the sacred duality of the universe.


Read more at animal-wisdom:shadow animals nahualli and heyoka

Fairy-wren: Discover the Deeper Truth

Often seen in people’s gardens, Fairy-wren (Family: Malurus) is usually looking for a tasty Insect. Shy in nature, Fairy-wren is however tolerant of people. Popular in Australia, people regularly see Him in parks hopping about.

Despite his brilliant blue colors, Fairy-wren is difficult to see in the undergrowth. Since Male Fairy-wren is more cautious than the Female Fairy-wren (who has drabber feathers), He leaves promptly when an intruder approaches. If Fairy-wren spies a flying Insect, He hops straight up to snatch it, and then dives back to safety in the nearby bushes.

Fairy-wren’s family arrangements were confusing to many scientists. They thought He was socially monogamous but sexually promiscuous. However what they mistook for Female Fairy-wrens were the non-breeding Males. In Fairy-wren’s small group, there is one breeding pair – the dominant Female and her Partner. Because Fairy-wrens live long lives, They often form lasting family bonds. In their territories, Female Fairy-wrens will nest several times during a season. The non-breeding Males will help to raise each brood, and defend their area. When these Fairy-wrens are about four years old, They will leave their home nest.


Then, scientists uncovered another unique aspect about Fairy-wrens. Mother Fairy-wren teaches her unborn Chicks a special call. She sings to Them whilst the Chicks are still in their shells. Scientists believe that this call is the Fairy-wren’s version of a last name. A Chick that does not know this call is usually a brood-parasite such as a bronze-cuckoo. When that chick fails to answer, the Fairy-wren Family then abandons the intruder.

Fairy-wren teaches that things are not always what they seem. The boldly colored Male hides in the underbrush. When with his small family, He can be mistaken for a Female if He is not breeding. His family being ruled by a Female is unusual as well. Fairy-wren insists that you look beyond the surface to discover the deeper truths. However, He does caution that the deeper truth maybe staring you in the face, without any probing.

Teachings of Fairy-Wren Also Includes:
Having Strong Family Bonds
Being Bright and Beautiful
Dynamic Female Leadership
------------------
Science Notes:
1. Members of the wren family called the Troglodytidae. The wrens of Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand are not related and are not wrens. They belong to their own families. The New Zealand wrens are the Acanthisittidae, an ancient bird family. Meanwhile the wrens of Australia and New Guinea belong to the Maluridae Family, which includes fairy-wrens (Malurus), emu-wrens (Stipiturus) and grasswrens (Amytornis).

Photo By JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

(Revision of a 2008 blog entry.)

Norse Runes: Runic Energies: Popular Culture

Fehu:       The TV Western, “Bonanza” is set in Virginia City, Nevada during one of the richest silver strikes in the U.S. The wealth of the Cartwright family is their ranch, The Ponderosa. 

Thurisaz:    “The Untouchables” (1956) with Robert Stack is riddled with Thurisaz energy. Treasury Agent Elliot Ness strives to bring justice to Prohibition Ear Chicago. Each episode depicts murder and brutality against innocent people.

Ansuz:     Yoda of “Star Wars” taught many generations of Jedi Knights from Ben Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker to Luke Skywalker. He was also the head of the Jedi Council.     

               

Raidho: The TV Western, “Rawhide” depicted the lives of drovers as they herd cattle along the Sedalia Trail (from Texas to Missouri). Each episode opened with the sight of the cowboys urging cows to move along the range.

Kennaz:    “Hell’s Kitchen” with Master Chef Gordon Ramsey is about choosing the best chef to run a new restaurant. Each week, Ramsey gives the chefs tasks to prove their skill and mastery in both cooking and running a restaurant.

Gifu: O’Henry’s short story, “The Gift of the Magi” tells of two poor newly-weds who struggle to give the other a gift of meaning. They sell their most prized possessions to give the other their loving gift.

Wunjo: Throughout the years, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” have brought children joy in their antics. Adults are amused by the high squeaky voices of the trio, and smile at their adorableness.

Hagalaz:       Moby Dick, the White Whale, terrorized the seas by destroying whaling boats. In “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville, this whale smashed the boats carrying Captain Ahab, his pursuer. Finally, Moby Dick killed Ahab and nearly all his crew by throwing his whale body on top of the craft. 

Eihwaz:         PBS “Frontline” presents controversial issues such as NSA spying for national security. The objective of the series is to have people think about these issues. They do that by presenting various points of views for their viewers to consider.

Perthro: The TV science-fiction show, “Quantum Leap” presented a protagonist trying to return to his own time and life. As he struggles to get home, he is forced to “leap” from time period to time period, and into the lives of different people. The “jumps” were completely random.

Berkana: The TV show, “Shark Tank” features investors willing to sponsor inventors. Each episode, several inventors present their ideas to the investors for consideration. A lucky few get funded for their work by the investors.

Othala: The legacy of Gene Roddenberry is the “Star Trek” franchise. Each show, movie, book, and comic presents his optimistic and hopeful view of the future. Furthermore, millions of people have responded to his vision by becoming ardent fans.

EURASIAN WREN: Sacred Mysteries

The “Wren” of Europe, Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is the only Wren that lives in the Old World. Known as Bran’s Sparrow to the Celts, Wren foretold the future with his songs. The Celts called their sacred Wren “Drui”, (meaning “The Druid among Birds”). Under the protection of Taranis, the Celtic God of Thunder, Wren often nested in his oaks. Killing a Wren brought the wrath of the Gods upon unwary people.

 To various peoples from Japan to Germany, Eurasian Wren is the King of the Winds. Plutarch tells the story of how the Wren became the King of the Birds. The Birds decided whoever could fly the highest to the sun would rule over Them. The Eurasian Wren secreted Himself under Golden Eagle’s down feathers. When Golden Eagle tired, Eurasian Wren flew out and ascended higher, getting singed by the sun’s rays. Returning, the other Birds proclaimed Eurasian Wren their King. Cunning and cleverness had outwitted strength.
 
During the winter, this tiny Bird lives in a communal roost with other Eurasian Wrens. To keep from freezing, They share their warmth. Just before dusk, Eurasian Wren calls to the Others. They answer and then enter their roost one by one. Many as sixty Eurasian Wrens will share an abandoned nest site.

 In British folklore (Eurasian) Wren ruled the winter and (European) Robin ruled the summer. As the representative of the Old Year, Wren was sacrificed to bring in the New Year (as represented by Robin). This ritual killing of Wren ended winter and the Old Year.

Later Christians associated Eurasian Wren with the Virgin Mary. Now the ritual killing of the Wren by the Wren Boys happened on the day after Christmas, which was St. Stephen’s Day. One theory to this ritual occurrence was that people celebrated the ending of Paganism and the coming of Christianity. Another posits that Eurasian Wren betrayed St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

The smallest and shiest of the Wrens, Eurasian Wren sings the loudest. Quivering and exposed on a branch, He trills his divine melodies. Except to end winter, His killing brings misfortune. With these examples, Eurasian Wren demonstrates the paradoxes of life. A sacred Bird, Wren sings as He unwraps the sacred mysteries of the universe. Spend time with Eurasian Wren to understand life’s prophecies.

Teachings of Eurasian Wren also Includes:
Being Small but Mighty
Singing Your Own Song
Cunning and Stealth

Science Notes:
1. Except for Eurasian Wren, the Wren Family lives only in the Western Hemisphere.
2. Eurasian Wren is actually a species complex with 27 subspecies.

(Note: Revision of Winter Wren blog of 2008.)

Norse Runes: Runic Engergies of Scorpions

Fehu:       The pet trade for emperor scorpions provides wealth for collectors.      

  

Uruz: As an Order, scorpions have existed on earth for at least 450 million years.

Thurisaz:    The scorpion uses its stinger to impart its venom.            

Ansuz:    Since there are almost 2,000 species of scorpions, each with its own variable venom, scientists have researched for the antidotes for each and every venom. 

Raidho: Scorpions have traveled worldwide by hiding cargo ships.  

Kennaz:   To hunt an insect, scorpions skillfully use their acute sense of smell and touch.

Gifu: Emperor Scorpions are given as pets.

Wunjo: Watching a scorpion leave its home permanently and go someplace else makes people happy.

Hagalaz:       Scorpions grab small prey with their pincers and crush their victim. 

Nauthiz:  Since they can only ingest liquids, scorpions use their venom to liquidate their prey.

Isa: Whilst hunting, scorpions remain still to detect the vibrations of their prey.

Jera: For 450 million years, the adaptable scorpion has lived on earth as an Order within the Arachnids.

Eihwaz:    Scorpions are solitary by nature.

Perthro: The variability of the venom for each species changes the probability of dying from a sting.

Elhaz: The scorpion’s stinger provides for defense against its enemies.

Sigel:   Energy occurs when a scorpion converts solid prey into a liquid pulp for digestion. 

Tyr: Since it takes weeks to liquefy its victim, a scorpion is patient and focused on the act of eating.

Berkana: A mother scorpion will protect and carry her scorplings up to 2 years. Her fertility enables scorpions to continue as an Order.

Ehwaz: Some people think that owning a fattail scorpion (one of the deadliest) enhances their status.

Mannaz: “Scorpion” is its identity with 2000 species divided into 13 families.

Laguz:          Venom flows out of a scorpion.

Inguz:  Scorpions reproduce in a spectacular mating dance.

Dagaz: The venom of the scorpion changes the prey from solid to liquid.

Othala: The legacy of the scorpion is its adaptability as one of the first land animals.