Turkey ~ Give Away

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Wednesday's message of generosity and service is echoed by today as we're joined by the majestic Turkey, who tells us that generosity is the highest form of service. Giving of our time, energy, money or posessions so that another may succeed is a truly magnificent gift. Turkey advises that now might be the time to get involved with a local charity, to clean out your closets and give away those things that you do not need anymore or to find a way to help others in some small way. Your gift does not need to be large, expensive or extravagant - it just needs to come from your heart!
~ Lady Wolfdreams

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Turkey is actually called the Give-Away Eagle or South Eagle of many Native peoples. The philosophy of give-away was practiced by many tribes. Simply stated, it is the deep and abiding recognition of the sacrifice of both self and others. People in modern society, who have many times more than they need, should study the noble turkey who sacrifices itself so that we may life. In Turkey's death we have our life. Honor Turkey.

Spectators unfamiliar with the cultural phenomenon of the potlach or give-away ceremony are often mystified by it. A tribal member may gladly give away all he or she owns in order to help the people. In present-day urban life, we are taught to acquire to get ahead. The person with the most toys wins the game. In some cultures, no one can win the game unless the whole of the people's needs are met. A person who claims more than his or her share is looked upon as selfish or crazy or both. The poor, the aged, and the feeble have honor. The person who gives away the most and carries the burdens of the people is one of the most respected.

Turkey was the medicine of many saints and mystics. Celebrate if you have Turkey medicine. Your virtues are many. You have transcended self. You act and react on behalf of others. You aspire to help those who need help. This is not out of some sense of self-righteous moralism or religious guilt. Help and sustenance are given by Turkey out of the realization that all life is sacred. It is knowing that the Great Spirit resides within all people. It is an acknowledgement that what you do for others you do for yourself. Turkey medicine rests in true ego, in enlightenment. Doing unto others and feeding the people is the message of all true spiritual systems.

When Turkey appears, you may be being given a gift. This gift could be spiritual, material, or even intellectual. The gift may be great or small, but it is never insignificant. Congratulations! You have just won the lottery. Or the gift may be a beautiful sunset, or the smell of a fragrant flower. On the other hand, you may feel the "spirit of giving" growing within you and wanting you to share with others.

~ From "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams & David Carson ~

Raccoon ~ Generous Protector

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If you are struggling with your Life Purpose, whether you are unsure of what your Life Purpose is or whether you are unsure where to begin, the answer is the same. Simply set aside some quiet time for yourself and ask God, the angels and the Universe to show you how you can be of service as your Life Purpose always involves being of service. Pay attention to your intuition. What is the first thing that comes into your mind? This is usually a good indication of the answer. If you are still unsure, continue to ask for clarity until you understand. Today's totems of Raccoon and Weasel tell me that this is the path to true fulfillment in this lifetime.

But, even though we have been called to be of service, Raccoon and Weasel caution you to maintain healthy boundaries. When acting as a servant or healer, it is common to begin to put others ahead of yourself or to be taken advantage of. They tell me that one-sided relationships ultimately serve no one. They will leave you feeling angry and resentful, and they will leave the other party handicaped and unable to proceed on their life path without continuing to victimize others. Learn to take care of yourself first, because in caring for yourself you ensure that you will be able to take care of others in the future. Learn when to say 'no' and when to give generously.
~ Lady Wolfdreams

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Raccoon carries the medicine of the protector of the underdog and provider for the young, infirm, and elderly. Often called "little bandit" by southern tribes, this Robin Hood of the animal kingdom teaches us about generosity and caring for others. When Raccoon comes your way, you are being asked to contact your inner warrior, to become a protector and generous provider for those in need. Raccoon medicine people have the uncanny ability to assist others without allowing them to become victims or dependents. Like the tribal chiefs of old, Raccoon tends to the needs of the tribe before taking for itself.

A troupe of Raccoons scouting for food is often a hilarious exercise in generosity. After rolling in the cornmeal and flour, they finally settle on their favorite morsels, giving the best tidbits to their lookout. Raccoons leave a watcher behind when raiding a campsite or mountain cabin, usually the dominant male. He is always fed first by the other raiders to honor his vigilance as the group's protector. This uncommon lack of greed is as rare in the world of humans as it is in the animal kingdom. While other creatures fight one another for the best of a kill, Raccoon teaches the universal law of giving back to the source of your strength, guidance, and protection. You are also reminded that benevolence and generosity come around full circle to the reward giver.

Raccoon may be telling you to look around and see who needs your strength at this time. Speak up in defense of another instead or remaining silent when others are gossiping. Maybe it is time to share the bounty of your time, energy, or possessions with the less fortunate. But remember to help those in need to develop their own protector and provider skills within. In all cases, Raccoon asks that you honor yourself and others equally. Provide for your own needs or your well will be dry when you choose to give generously.

~ From "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams & David Carson ~

Fox ~ Camouflage

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Today's message from Fox and contrary Salmon is that of observation. Both of these powerful totems advise that now is the time to look before you leap. Allow yourself to blend into the background and observe what is going on around you. People let their guard down when they believe they are unseen and will reveal their true motives. This is the key to your present situation.
~ Lady Wolfdreams

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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. This flora is Fox's ally. The ability to meld into one's surroundings and be unnoticed is a powerful gift when one is observing the activities of others.

Another natural gift of Fox is the ability to adapt to winter by changing color like the chameleon. Its rich, white, winter coat allows Fox to blend into the snow when the leaves no longer linger. 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.

Fox's ability to be unseen allows it to be the protector of the family unit. If danger arises, Fox is Johnny-on-the-spot. Great Spirit honors Fox with the duty of keeping the family together and safe. This is accomplished through Fox's ability to observe undetected without making others self-conscious. Fox is always concerned with the safety of family members and is an excellent talisman for those traveling far afield.

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.

While learning from Fox, you might also gain confidence in your ability to know instantly what will happen next. After observing for a while you will become aware of a certain predictability in given situations and be able to quickly make your move.

Much like the clowns at the rodeo, Fox can keep the raging bull from stampeding a friend or family member. Fox can use silly tactics as a brilliant camouflage. No one could guess the sly power behind such ingenious maneuvers.

~ From "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams & David Carson ~