Animal Science:

1. What can animals teach us? Animal Science:

2. Eagle – “Spirit” Eagle teaches us to keep our eyes on “the big picture”. Sometimes, like the Eagle, we need to “rise above” the circumstances that hold us back and soar. We need to see the “lay of the land” and the “big picture” of what lies ahead. Do you feel tired or unmotivated to meet your responsibilities? In moments like these, it helps to “take to the air”, as the Eagle does. Spend a few minutes thinking about the Big Ideas in your life that give you meaning and purpose.

3. Hawk – “Messenger” Hawk teaches us to watch, and to be observant of our surroundings. The approach of hawk is always signalled by a high, shrill cry. When Hawk’s cry is heard, one knows to stop and be aware; is there a message, obstacle or opportunity in your path? Like Hawk, watch and “read the signs” around us. See the messages Life is sending us, and make good choices that will keep us out of danger’s path.

4. Elk – “Stamina” Elk knows that the secret to reaching your goals is to pace yourself. Though Elk may not arrive first, Elk will always get there without “burning himself out”. It is Elk’s stamina and focus that keeps him safe in the wild as he outruns his predators. They tire quickly, but Elk carries on. Unlike many other animals, Elk prefers the company of his own gender. Except at mating time, Elk honours the true spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. Elk teaches us to appreciate close friendships with members of the same gender. We need close relationships of all kinds. Learn from the Elk, and discover the many gifts that there are in building strong friendships with your own gender.

5. Bear – “Introspection” Each autumn, Bear enters her den to rest for the winter. There, she will spend the snowy season hibernating or, in “reflection”. This season of quiet refuels the Bear, and prepares her for teaching and protecting her bear cubs in the spring. Though fearsome in size, Bear is shy. She is the most nurturing of all animals. Do not get between Bear and her cubs; her claws can slice you to ribbons. Is life overwhelming you? You might need to follow Bear’s lead, and take some quiet “time out”.

6. Snake – “Transmutation” Snake understands that change is necessary for an adventurous life. Snake slithers through bends in the road or unexpected obstacles. We can learn from Snake, and decide to let challenging experiences shape our understanding. If you feel resistant to upcoming changes, maybe it is time to be like the Snake, and “shed your skin” (or old way of thinking) to reveal a new one.

7. Porcupine – “Innocence” Porcupine is the model of playfulness, innocence and humility. Porcupine is a gentle, loving and affectionate creature, and will only lash out in her own defence—popping up her quills—when trust has been broken. Porcupine can spend hours entertaining herself, but also enjoys company of the non-predator kind. In today’s world, we have lost Porcupine’s playful spirit, and her “wonder” for life. See each day as an adventure of discovery. Let your imagination “come out to play” once in a while.

8. Coyote – “Trickster” In many First Nations tribes, Coyote is a trickster. With the ability to both create and to “shape-shift”, we can learn from her mistakes. Coyote is usually so focused on getting what she wants by pulling “tricks”, that those tricks backfire and get her into trouble. In the folly of Coyote’s acts, we see her foolishness…and a good example to learn from. Do you sense Coyote at work in your own life? Are coincidences happening around you in ways that make you take notice, or even chuckle to yourself? Coyote may be near, looking for someone to “trick”! You never know for sure what she might do, but that sneaky Coyote might just try to steal your nose right off your face, so watch out!

9. Wolf – “Teacher” Wolf is the “pathfinder”; the one who goes out to seek new ideas and returns to teach them to the pack. Wolf takes one mate for life, and is loyal like a Dog. Wolf has a great sense of “family”, and a strong need for independence. Wolf teaches us to be strong leaders and to put the needs of our own “pack” first.

10. Raven – “Magic” In many cultures around the world, Raven is a symbol of magic. In some North American tribes, Raven is also a trickster. Like Coyote, Raven has the power to create and to shape-shift. In Native teachings, the colour black has many meanings—but not “evil”. Black can mean the seeking of answers, or the road of spiritual development. In times when it is difficult to continue with the day-to-day routine, Raven can shake things up, and inspire many possibilities.

11. Mountain Lion – “Leadership” Mountain Lion provides lessons on the use of power in leadership. Everyone has the potential to lead. Mountain Lion leads without insisting that others follow her. Mountain Lion teaches us to stand by our decisions and to “follow our hearts”. Mountain Lion understands that the first responsibility as a leader is to tell the truth. Mountain Lion knows that “responsibility” is the “ability” to “respond” to whatever comes her way. We can learn to lead well by Mountain Lion’s example.

12. Buffalo – “Abundance” Buffalo was the source of survival for Plains people. Buffalo provided food, shelter, clothing tools, entertainment, and arts / craft materials. It is no wonder that Buffalo symbolizes thankfulness. Buffalo is among the wisest of all plains animals; when a storm approaches in the distance, the other animals will turn and run. Buffalo knows that there is no way to outrun a storm. Instead, she will walk right through it. Buffalo teaches us to face our “storms” head on. If you are facing difficulties, take courage from the Buffalo. It may be time to stand strong, and push through to the other side.

13. Mouse – “Scrutiny” Mouse says, “I will touch everything with my whiskers so that I will know it”. Things that might appear unimportant or not even noticed by others matter a great deal to Mouse. Mouse cares about sorting and storing information, but may be fearful of life. Mouse reminds us that it is good to pay attention to important things up close, and to be mindful of details. Be careful that we don’t “chew” every little thing up into pieces. Like Mouse, in times when we face big responsibilities, we can learn to get by through focusing on the little pieces that are right in front of us.

14. Owl – “Deception” Owl is called Night Eagle by many First Nations tribes. Night is Owl’s friend. Owl can see in the dark, and accurately pinpoint and identify any sound. This gives it a great advantage when hunting. Owl is silent; you cannot hear it when it flies, and its attack is sudden. Owl’s beak and razor-sharp talons strike quickly, accurately and quietly. Owl is sharp-minded and observant; nothing escapes or surprises Owl. People who are like Owl notice everything. It is almost impossible to deceive them, because they “see” right “through” others.

15. Fox – “Camouflage” One of Fox’s greatest “allies” is the forest foliage. Fox is able to disappear among the lush undergrowth. The ability to blend into your surroundings without being noticed is a great gift when observing others. Another natural gift of the Fox is her ability to change her coat with the seasons. Fox’s rich, white winter coat enables her to blend in with the snowy landscape when the leaves are no longer there to hide in. Fox “medicine” involves adaptability, cunning, observation, and swiftness in thought and action. To be like Fox, learn to be wise and to observe the actions of others, rather than their words.

16. Squirrel – “Gathering” Squirrel teaches you to plan ahead; to prepare for the winter long before the trees are bare and the nuts have disappeared. Like Squirrel, we can store something valuable for future use—whether it be judgement, an opinion, a savings account, or extra food. To practice being like Squirrel, honour your future by getting ready for change right now. Love yourself enough to “gather” the things that will meet your needs in times of need, even if that time never comes. “Lighten” your load if you have gathered too many “things” that do not serve you well. Negative thoughts, worries, pressures, stress or bad habits are not worth holding on to. It might be time to let those things go.

17. Dragonfly – “Illusion” The rainbow colours of Dragonfly’s wings reminds us of the creativity of Creator, and the display of colours not found in our everyday lives. Dragonfly’s wings shift colours as the sunlight bounces off them, giving us the impression of “change”. Dragonfly’s visit communicates a message of change, wisdom and understanding. Dragonfly teaches us to seek out habits that we need to change, and to be aware of what might only be “illusion”. Remember: things are not always as they “seem”.

18. Badger – “Aggressiveness” Badger can be vicious, and attacks with powerful aggression when she is provoked. Badger’s power lies in her willingness to fight for what she wants. The thought of facing Badger’s wrath makes other animals run. Badger’s hissing fangs can tear less-aggressive opponents to shreds. Badger is quick to act in a crisis, and she does not panic. Badger is certain, confident, and is always sure to get the job done. Badger teaches us that power comes with responsibility: do not cut others to pieces, but use power aggressively to benefit others and to achieve your goals.

19. Grouse – “Sacred Spiral” The movement of Grouse’s dance follows a spiral, the symbol of birth and life and its spiraling pattern of knowledge and experience. Grouse dances with great care and observation, and teaches us by his example to be cautious and aware of how you move through the world. What kind of energy do you set into motion when you enter or leave a room? How do you approach others? What words would you use to describe the way you move? Is the way you move and speak compatible with your greatest desires and goals? Benefit from Grouse’s example: think about your “journey” in life, and what energy you set into motion by how you move through the world around you.

20. Lizard – “Dreaming” Lizard is the medicine of dreamers. Lizard spends time in the shadow of big rocks, dreaming about the future. Lizard practices imagining and reviewing his dreams before he puts them into action. Lizard teaches us to pay attention to your dreams. These dreams can be much like a “shadow”, following you from place to place. Maybe it is time for you to stop and look to see what is “following” you; is it your fears? Your future trying to “catch up” with you? Or is it that part of you wants to ignore what you must do to achieve your hopes and dreams? Dreams are very important; pay attention to them, and follow your heart.

21. Dolphin – “Breath of Life” Air is the only thing humans can go without for more than a few minutes. Oxygen—or breath—is the source of our existence. Dolphin teaches us how to release our emotions through breathing and play. Dolphin creates rhythm with her swimming and breathing. Taking a deep breath before submerging, dolphin holds her breath then rises to the surface, blowing her breath out in one big swoosh. She takes another breath, and slips under the water again. Dolphin teaches us to be mindful of our own rhythm and energy. Imitate Dolphin and “ride the waves” of laughter in your life. Spread joy in the world; have fun, and don’t forget to breathe.

22. Spider – “Weaving” In some First Nations, Spider is “Grandmother”; she visits and asks to set up a home in our space, and in return, offers to watch over and protect us, and to keep us safe from flies or bugs that carry sickness or disease. Spider is the symbol for the endless number of possibilities. Just as Spider spins her web, each one different than the last, she whispers to us of our own creativity. Grandmother Spider teaches us to be open to our imagination, and to allow ourselves time to create.

23. Hummingbird – “Joy” Hummingbird symbolizes Love as no other animal does. It is said that Hummingbird feathers open the heart. If Hummingbird is your “teacher”, you love life, and you love its joys. Your very presence brings joy to others. You build relationships with other people that brings out the best in them. You seem to know instinctively where beauty lives in others, and in the world around you.

24. Prairie Dog – “Retreat” Prairie Dog teaches that strength and inspiration can be found by retreating into stillness. Prairie Dog knows how and when to run for the tunnels when danger is near. The strength of Prairie Dog is in knowing when to take “time out” to refuel, and to “hide away”. Taking time out to gather your energy is never a sign of “weakness” or “laziness”. Prairie Dog knows that pushing ourselves too hard can have negative consequences. Learn to be like Prairie Dog, and take time out to “hide away” when you need to.