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We begin this week with contrary Heron, who warns that we may have been spending too much time studying and scrutinizing ourselves. She says, "Self-reflection is a good thing. It allows you to see the places in your life where you are doing well, and those places where you need to improve. This is how we learn and grow. But focusing only on those places were we feel that we are falling short only leads to a diminished sense of self-worth. It is a false reflection because it is out of balance." She continues, saying that it is important to acknowledge our successes as well as the places where we have fallen short. She says, "Do not fall prey to perfectionism. Even the 'perfect' people in magazines aren't actually perfect." She tells me that to right this unbalanced medicine we must make a point of acknowledging our successes and our strengths. She says, "Start and end each day by recounting what is good with your life, what is improving, and what good things you have to look forward to. This will keep you from becoming stuck in negative thought patterns." She continues, telling me that if you have been spending a lot of time alone, dwelling on your shortcomings or other negative thoughts, that now is the time to get out and be with people. She says, "Introspection and quiet time are wonderful tools - but all of this alone time must be balanced by joyful time spent with friends and family to ensure you don't become isolated." She finishes, telling me, "In all things, seek balance."
Heron's message of negative thought patterns and self-criticism continues into the middle of the week as we are joined by contrary Weasel. Weasel says, "We are all in the midst of great change right now. The stagnant energy flows of Winter are giving way to Spring, and we feel the need to move forward, make changes and get moving. But, at the same time, we may be finding ourselves mired in doubt and worry, unsure if we are following the right path." Weasel continues, saying, "In order to right this confused energy, take the time to make an action plan. Don't feel like you have to reach your goal tomorrow. Change is a process. It is a journey, not a race. Breaking down your goals into small steps allows you to focus on one thing at a time so that you don't feel so overwhelmed."
We end the week with Fox, who tells me that now is a time to sit back and observe. He says, "If you are building a new business or beginning a new project, it would benefit you to observe what other people who are doing similar things are doing. If you are unsure if you should trust someone in your life, observe how their actions match up with their words. If you are unsure if you are on the right path, look back and observe where you have been." Fox tells me, "In all things, the answer right now is to watch and learn."
~ Lady Wolfdreams
~*~*~
Monday, March 18th and Tuesday March 19th: Blue Heron ~ Self-Reflection (contrary)
It may be time to come up for air if Heron arrives in the contrary. Too much introspection can lead to self-obsession or a morbid sense of humor. If you have been looking within and criticizing yourself, watch out! It is imprudent to drown the sense of joy that usually accompanies the journey of self-discovery. You may have assumed the attitude that perfection is desirable. That may be what advertisers sell you, but that attitude leaves no room to be human. You learn some of your most valuable lessons through your mistakes. Wouldn't life be boring if everyone was a plastic clone of the ideal human?
Contrary Heron reminds you that self-improvement is best accomplished by balancing the desire to change with gentle discernment. There are many layers of truth to understand and wholeness is impossible to attain in one dive. You do belly flops when you become judgemental, rigid, and flat. Diving deeply into your feelings, you may emerge renewed. But, being too critical, merely floating on top of the water, you will callously break your spirit in the process. Heron reminds you to dive deeply, do not hold your breath while waiting for that instant of total enlightenment. If you do not resurface for air, the collective feelings of humanity and the infinite depth of eternity can drown you.
Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st: Weasel ~ Stealth (contrary)
Is contrary Weasel in your cards? If so, look out for intrigue. Someone may be using covert tactics to Weasel into the hen house. Perhaps you should lock your doors and dress your teenager like a nun. Or, perhaps, you may be lying to yourself about something you know to be true. This can be a lie on any level.
Another message or reversed Weasel is to acknowledge why you have been doubting your feelings. When you don't know how you feel or what is occurring around you, doubt becomes the barrier to your progress. Then you may find a bit of paranoia seeping into your life.
Friday, March 22nd to Sunday, March 24th: Fox ~ Camouflage
Wily Fox has many allies in the woodlands, including the foliage, which offers powerful medicine. Fox is seemingly able to vanish amidst the lush undergrowth of the forest. The ability to meld into one's surroundings and be unnoticed is a powerful gift when one is observing the activities of others.
Fox medicine involves adaptability, cunning, observation, integration, and swiftness of thought and action. These traits may also include quick decisiveness and sure-footedness in the physical world.
If Fox has chosen to share its medicine with you, it is a sign that you are to become like the wind which is unseen yet is able to weave into and through any location or situation. You would be wise to observe the acts of others rather than their words at this time. Use your cunning nature in a positive way; keep silent about who and what and why you are observing.
** Weekly totem forecasts are completed using the MEDICINE CARDS by David Carson and Jamie Sams, published by St. Martin’s Press, copyrighted 1988 and 1999. **









