Focus(hawk)

Hawks are predatory birds with remarkably sharp claws (talons) and whose size greatly varies within the 250 species. Female hawks are usually larger than the males. These raptors hunt during the day employing the use of their fierce talons to tear apart their prey.

Most hawks live in prairies, marshlands, forests, or open savannas. In these habitats they use their acute vision to hunt their food and raise their offspring. Hawks are fearless birds who will even face off with poisonous snakes if necessary.

Hawks piercing shriek tears through the air. In its shrill cry lies an important message which represents illumination. Hawk teaches us to scope out the situation and focus on our talents, trying to draw them out. Hawk learns to see the big picture in order to understand the past, present, and future. Hawk asks us to be observant of surroundings so we won't get distracted from our path by others. It also reminds us not to get caught up in minor annoyances so we can maintain our inner balance.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Animal Spirit Guides and Guardians

Worldly Wisdom Can be Achieved

Native American medicine features animal guides such as bear, butterfly, coyote, dog, eagle, hawk, horse, snake, spider, and wolf as elements in healing and self-knowledge.

Wisdom traditions teach that worldly wisdom can only be achieved when you first learn to know thyself. One of the most popular elements of Native American symbolism is the role of animal spirit guides-animals that represent parts of ourselves and can teach us to integrate, heal and develop both our weaknesses and our strengths.

What is an Animal Guide?

Most Native American tribes believe that our ancestors watch over us and guide us. Our grandparents and great-grandparents act as spirit guides, lending wisdom, support and spiritual protection when we need it - or when we remember to ask.

In addition to the ancestors and other sprit guides, everyone is born with a connection to one or more animal guides.

Animal guides are spirit guides that are animals. They may be animals we have known in life (such as a deceased pet) or they may be personal symbols that represent the qualities of an animal. The characteristics of our animal guides are qualities that we possess or that we need to learn from in our lives.

How Can I find My Animal Guide or Guides?

What's your favorite animal? Most people’s guides include animals they are drawn to and care about. Your favorite animal is usually the one to which you have the strongest connection.

Other animal totems may be animals that you resemble or that you are particularly drawn to. An animal bites you, in a dream or in real life, it is said to be one of your most important animal guide teachers.

Meditation, guided visualizations, and astral travel can all be good ways to meet your animal guides. Some shamans and healers who work with animal medicine guides may be able to "see" or sense some of your guides, and point you in the right direction to learn more.

Nine Animal Guides in Action

Bear -- is the part of the self that needs to retreat into its own space.

Butterfly -- stands for our ability to accept the beauty of growth and change in our lives

Coyote -- is the trickster totem. He created confusion, self-sabotage, humor, and that delightful sensation when you aren’t sure if you've gone crazy.

Eagle -- represents wisdom and power on a spiritual dimension.

Hawk -- is the messenger and represents perspective.

Horse -- represents power, personal power and permission to be oneself.

Snake -- is a powerful guide for healers. The snake enables shamans to transmute poisons of the body and mind.

Spider -- is the creative totem of artists, crafter, writers and painters.

Wolf -- is the animal guide of true teachers. They are also connected to the moon and feminine energy.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2008 CraftyCritters Newsletter