Animals and Elements (2)

Rabbit (European): Earth

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

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

Raccoon: Water

Denning in trees, Raccoon feeds along the waterways, hunting as she swims. What people think is Raccoon washing her food is actually a form of hunting. All she needs is water to help her find her food by touch. Called arakumen, by the Algonquin Indians, Raccoon, “the little hand scratcher”, picks up things in her hands to examine them by feeling.

Many Native Americans held a deep regard for Raccoon since she also was connected to magic. The Aztecs called female Raccoon, see-oh-at la-ma kas-kay (Cioatlamacasque), “She who talks with the Gods”. If she had cubs, they called her, ee-yah-mah-tohn, “the little old One who knows things”. Because Raccoons handle everything, the Aztecs referred to male Raccoon as mapachitli, “One who takes everything in his hands”.

Moose: Water

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

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

Deer (Red): Spirit

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

Stag and Hind (Doe)

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

Stag: Spirit

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

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

Hind: Spirit

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