Lizard ~ Dreaming (Contrary)

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Tonight, we find ourselves bidding farewell to the old year and embracing the new. Traditionally, any place or time your reach a boundary, the veil between the worlds becomes exceptionally thin, allowing for magical and wonderful things to pass through or for dreams and manifestations to take shape almost instantly. Contrary Lizard and contrary Weasel are telling me that tonight is the time to embrace your dreams and view them with hope and possibility. Make a plan for how you will help these dreams to take shape in the new year. This might mean saving money so you can go to school, beginning to search for a new job or making a commitment to spend more time on a project you've been putting off. If you feel stuck or are unsure what to do, ask the Angels for help and listen for their guidance. Now is a truly magical time! Ask for assistance in reaching your dreams and it will be given!
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

If Lizard has turned up in the contrary, you may be having a nightmare. This is a sign of inner conflict. Look to the nightmare for a clue of the nature of this conflict. Look to the feelings for your causes. Breathe through these feelings and let the sensations flow out of your body. See the truth in what your nightmare is suggesting. It could be the simple message that you are confronting your fears and therefore do not need to experience nightmarish events in your day-to-day life.

Another message of Lizard reversed is that you may need more sleep or dreamtime. It could also imply that you have a lack of dreams for your future.

Imagination is the door to all new ideas and creations. As you examine the dreaming process, you will find that the subconscious is processing ALL of the recorded messages it holds concerning the events you experience during the day. These messages can be suppressed feelings bringing inner conflict, or they can be new ideas or goals, other dimensions of awareness, future events, warning signals, or desires and hopes.

In one sense, contrary Lizard is insisting that you look to your imagination for new experience. This is necessary when life becomes dull or full of boredom. On the other hand, contrary Lizard may also imply those who dream too much, refusing to use the dreams as tools to manifest the same vision in their lives.

All levels of awareness are accessible through dreams. Remember, life is not always as it seems. Are you the dreamer? Or are you the dream?

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

Jaguar - Integrity (Contrary)

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As we begin the weekend, many people find themselves preoccupied with the coming 2012 shift. Television is running "end of the world" marathons detailing all the ways that the world could possibly come to an end, doomsday prophets are on every news network talking about the collapse of world governments and financial systems, survivalist camps are popping up everywhere promising to teach people how to survive "when the world ends," and on and on and on in a maelstrom of fear and specualtion.

Contrary Weasel and contrary Jaguar arrive today to tell us NOT to get sucked down with the fearmongers! They ask us to look beneath the surface of what these people are saying. What is the motivation behind their words? Remember, fear sells more newspapers, magazines, and television ads than hope and joy. It is thus in the best interests of these news outlets to spew doom and gloom.

I am being given the strong message that the only way out of this cycle of fear and despair is to hold on to the light, embrace your joy, hold positive thoughts about the future and release all negativity and fear. When we think positive thoughts, we feed the light that is coming into the world and shift the energy toward positive change.

Jaguar and Weasel tell us to avoid the media if we can, not to give too much thought to the conspiracy theorists, doomsday propheteers and fear mongers. If you need to, these two powerful totems advise you to take a media diet, avoiding the news networks and end-of-the-world specials. Keep your words and thoughts as positive as possible!
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

If Jaguar is hanging upside-down from the tree limb today, you may have created an enlightenment trap for yourself. Has the misuse of authority kept you from walking your path with impeccability? Have you betrayed your personal integrity to accommodate others? Are you engaging in some activity that lessens your potential? If so, call your spirit energy back. Integrity requires a forgiving and open heart. Compassion and mercy are also needed. Self-blame or pointing fingers at others only shows your own lack of integrity.

In the contrary, Jaguar always warns you to correct any need to control others, any abuses of influence, any form of manipulation, moralistic judgements, dishonesty, hidden agendas, envy, greed, or victim-like jealousy that may be affecting your life. If you have slipped, allowing a temporary lapse in impeccability to compromise your integrity, you need to rectify your misdeeds. Jaguar reminds us, "Become impeccable, use integrity, and you will thrive!"

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

Deer ~ Gentleness

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As we head toward the weekend, we find ourselves joined by Porcupine and Deer, who bring the message that now is the time to really embrace Unconditional Love within ourselves. Deer advises that it is high time we stopped seeing ourselves and others for how we want them to be and love them for who they are! Pushing, hammering, badgering, forcing and blackmailing will never get someone to change - not really. All these tactics will do is cause hurt, anger, resentment and a feeling of rejection on both sides. Instead, embrace the path of compassion. Treat them with love and kindness. Even if you don't agree with the path of another, accept that this is their path to walk and that you cannot change it. Deer reminds me of the Serenity Prayer:

"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference."

You cannot change other people. The only one you have power over is ourselves. Deer and Porcupine advise that you use that power to embrace Unconditional Love within yourself. It is the dawn of a new year and a new beginning. Make this the year that you banish harsh and hurtful words from your vocabulary, replacing them with words of love!
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

Deer teaches us to use the power of gentleness to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings who are trying to keep us from Sacred Mountain. Like the dappling of Fawn's coat, both the light and the dark may be loved to create gentleness and safety for those who are seeking peace.

You are being asked to find the gentleness of spirit that heals all wounds. Stop pushing so hard to get others to change and love them as they are. Apply gentleness to your present situation and become like the summer breeze: warm and caring. This is your tool for solving the present situation you are facing. If you use it, you will connect with Sacred Mountain, your centering place of serenity, and Great Spirit will guide you.

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

Prairie Dog ~ Retreat (Contrary)

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Today, Porcupine and contrary Prairie dog are giving me the strong message that it is time to cut back and de-stress our lives. This may mean finding a less stressful job, cutting back on the number of hours we spend on work-related tasks, getting rid of or drastically reducing the time we spend using electronic "gadgets" that keep us constantly plugged in to the outside world, cutting back on the number of activities we or our children are involved in or making the conscious decision to make time to pamper and care for ourselves every day.

Porcupine reminds me of the quote, "Unless each day can be looked back upon as one in which there was some fun, some joy, some real satisfaction, that day is a loss." If you are not finding these three things, every day, in your work, in your home life and in your personal free time (if you still have any), now is the time to change. You may feel like you have to put yourself last, like you have to work all the hours that you do, that you are the only one who can handle the emergencies that you handle, but Prairie Dog gives this strong warning, "pushing too hard can have dire consequences. The cemeteries are filled with people who once believed that they were indispensable. Take time for yourself now, while you still can."
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

Oops! The worry bug may have bitten Prairie Dog and it has appeared in the contrary. Has the workaholic syndrome gotten the best of your inner knowledge and sensible outlook on life? Have you been tunneling in a nonproductive direction because you forgot to come up for air, look around, and get your bearings? Have you become addicted to the adrenaline created by scurrying to catch up? If you get sick from the chaos of over-activity you may have an unwelcome and enforced rest period at hand. Constant stress can steal your inspiration and ability to think on your feet.

Another contrary message of Prairie Dog is believing that compromise or retreat is a sign of weakness. Goodbye lie! You can get stuck in this one-way tunnel if you let your head get too big. If you cannot be still, be comfortable alone, and/or if you cannot delegate responsibility you need a reality check. Do not be afraid to take a break, to refill your resources, and to adopt a healthy, more relaxed viewpoint. Contrary Prairie Dog also teaches that pushing too hard can have dire consequences. The cemeteries are filled with people who once believed that they were indispensable.

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

Alligator ~ Integration (Contrary)

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Today, contrary Alligator warns that lack-based thinking and fear have made us judgemental, rigid and critical on some level. Alligator and Turkey advise that the only way out of this situation is to unblock the flow of abundance into our lives through practicing love and compassion. Take a step back and view others through the eyes of compassion and love. This will allow you to realize that not everyone in your life is out to get you - or your money. This is not to say that you shouldn't have healthy boundaries, but it does mean that you shouldn't say "no" as a knee-jerk reaction when someone comes to you in need of help. Instead, Alligator advises that you integrate all the facts before making a decision.  View the person for who they are - a friend, a neighbor, a loved one - who is in need of help in some life situation. Ask yourself if you are able to provide the help that they need. Ask if you have helped this peson in the past and been repaid. Ask if you even NEED to be repaid. Think your decision through and act with love and compassion.
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

Contrary Alligator often signals a time to laugh in the face of conflict in order to survive. If Gator's belly is floating exposed on top of the water, it could mean that rash actions or thoughtless words have put you in jeopardy. Gator's treacherous jaws warn you not to fall prey to quick-fix solutions or schemes. If contrary Gator's bite has severed an artery that fed your life force, a Band-Aid will not cure your present situation. Integrate stable, long-term solutions and options.

If you have become inflexible or judgemental, detach from the muddied thinking or clouded feelings that have imprisoned your progress. In all cases, Gator reminds you to scan more than the surface, integrating all possibilities, potential risks, unexpected outcomes, and ultimate rewards. If you integrate all these viewpoints, it becomes easier to roll over and come out on top.

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

Grouse ~ Sacred Spiral (Contrary)

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Turkey and contrary Grouse send the message that we may have become so caught up in the material world of work, bills, money, acquisition and more work that we have lost touch with Spirit - our own and the infinite Spirit that is all around us. We may have become like Ebineezer Scrooge, unwilling to give to others for fear that we will not have enough. Or we may be lost in the Rat Race, trying to keep up with the Jonses by buying all the latest toys and gadgets. When we become so bound up in material things, we block the flow of true abundance in our lives and trap ourselves in Lack Mentality, always worrying that there is never "enough" - never enough time, never enough money, never enough creativity, never enough new ideas, etc.

These two noble birds send the strong message that now is the time to STOP. Remove yourself from the Rat Race. Stop chasing the need to have the "next big thing." Get some real perspective on life. This may mean transitioning to a lower stress job, making the decision to pay off your bills instead of charging more new toys on your credit cards, or choosing to spend time and money supporting a cause you are passionate about instead of holding on to every penny.

Grouse advises you to get grounded in the real world and in your body through walking or dancing, preferably in nature. This will help reconnect you to Mother Earth and will help clear your head and your inner vision so that you can see what changes need to be made right now.
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

Grouse in the reverse position signals a dissipation of energy and lack of control and discipline. It is symbolic of a lost connection to the Source and signifies a lack of clear intent behind an outpouring of energy. You may feel like you are in a tailspin or going down the drain. Confront confusion either in yourself or in others who may be causing friction, sparks, or a convolution of a situation that needs clarification. Work toward harnessing your energy and directing it toward clearly defined goals. Such is the nature of the Sacred Grouse Dance.

In using the sacred dance as a tool to right contrary Grouse, you may also find that it is a tool to center and ground you. In ground, you are once again connecting to Mother Earth and balancing out the spinning in your head. If you have become so involved with an idea or problem that you no longer see it clearly, you may feel dizzy or lacking in concentration. This is a sign that you have entered the thought-universe and are not connected to physical reality. You need grounding if this occurs.

Dancing or walking will put you back in touch with Earth and your body. Grouse may then teach you how to notice the energy flows that put you in harmony and balance with body, mind, and spirit.

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

Weekly Forecast ~ December 26 to January 1

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This week we are given a wonderfully positive reading advising us to refocus our lives and take a look at what is really important to us, what we REALLY need in order to have happiness and feel successful, as we head into the new year.

The week begins with Turkey, who advises us to live our lives in gratitude and service to others. He tells me that the holiday season can be a difficult season for those trying to live a more spiritual life. It has become a season of buying and consuming with the ideals of giving and loving getting lost in "Black Friday" brawls, 5 AM shopping stampeeds, "After Christmas" sales and the driving message that we must have more, more, MORE! This week, Turkey says, it is time to refocus our lives and take a look at what we REALLY need in order to be happy. Turkey gives this advice, "Give more, take less. Help more, complain less. Your heart and soul will thank you!"

This message of refocusing our lives continues into the middle of the week as we are joined by Porcupine, who gives the advice that it is time to stop being so serious. He says that the coming year should be a year of embracing your inner child. Allow yourself to play, to dance in the rain, to indulge in flights of fancy and to nurture the childlike side of yourself. He says, "This past year has been filled with fear and uncertainty, and as the 2012 shift approaches, there will be many more people who will fear monger by spouting doomsday prophecies and end-of-the-world speculation. It is up to you to STAY POSITIVE! Don't give in to fear! If you stay in the light and hold on to positive thoughts and beliefs, this gives strength to the positive shift that is coming. Remember that all endings are only new beginnings in disguise."

At the end of the week, the energy shifts a bit as we are joined by contrary Weasel, who advises us to spend some time confronting our beliefs abour ourselves and the world around us. If we have been lying to ourselves or others in our lives, now is the time to stop. Weasel tells me that little white lies may save you in the short run, but they will always trip you up at some point. He advises us to take special care to speak the truth in the days to come, to be as honest as we possibly can with ourselves and others, even if speaking your truth is uncomfortable. He tells me, "The more honest you are, the more natural it will become."

Wishing you all a new year filled with wonder, magic and blessings,
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

Monday, December 26th and Tuesday December 27th: Turkey ~ Give Away

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 live. 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.

Wednesday, December 28th and Thursday, December 29th: Porcupine ~ Innocence

Porcupine has many special qualities, and a very powerful medicine: The power of faith and trust. The power of faith contains within it the ability to move mountains. The power of trust in life involves trusting that the Great Spirit has a divine plan. Your task is to find the pathway that is most beneficial for you and that uses your greatest talents to further the plan. Trust can open doorways to the creation of space. The space thus created allows others to open their hearts to you and to share their gifts of love, joy, and companionship.

If you were to observe Porcupine, you would immediately notice its quills. These quills are only used when trust has been broken between Porcupine and another creature. Porcupine is a gentle, loving creature, and non-aggressive. When fear is not present, it is possible to feed a Porcupine by hand and never get stuck by its quills.

Through understanding the basic nature of this animal you may come to understand your own need for trust and faith and becoming like a child again. In today's society, this is a needed reminder to honor the wonder of life and the appreciation of each new day as an adventure of discovery.

Porcupine is a gentle reminder not to get caught in the chaos of the adult world where fear, greed, and suffering are commonplace. The medicine of this animal is that of relief from seriousness and severity. Open your heart to those things that gave you joy as a child. Remember the preciousness of fantasy and imagination, and the making of some game or toy from nothing but scraps. Honor the playfulness of spirit that lets everyone win.

Friday, December 30th to Sunday, January 1st: 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. For instance, storming the refrigerator at 3 AM and telling yourself that no one will miss the half-eaten portion of pie. If you scratch someone elses automobile in the parking lot, leave a note. Don't slink away just because you can. Honesty to self and others is of the utmost importance.

Another message or reversed Weasel is to acknowledge why you have been doubting your feelings. Weasel upright observes all actions, feelings, and situations with keen senses. In the contrary, those abilities of observation are dulled until confusion sets in. 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.

If you want to right the situation, start by shaking the dullness out of your head and observing the obvious. No one can fool you if you watch your step, honor your knowing, seek the "hidden reasons," and use discretion in the process.

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

Turtle ~ Mother Earth

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I would like to wish all of my friends, followers and readers a truly wonderful and magical Christmas!

For many of us, today is one of the most stressful days of the year. As we join in or host family gatherings to celebrate the holidays, many of us feel a sense of fear and dread at the thought of having to face parents, grandparents, siblings or other family members who may have hurt us in the past or who bring up old hurts, arguements and drama causing everyone to relive all of those past negative feelings.

Today, Turtle and contrary Deer bring the message that the best way to approach the holiday is with Unconditional Love and Compassion. Instead of feeling anger and resentment, try to view those creating holiday drama with eyes of compassion and try to love them unconditionally. Try to realize the WHY of their behavior if you can. Perhaps they feel this is the only time they can air their grievances or perhaps they have adopted a "get them before they get me" strategy of self-defense. Perhaps they are so afraid of being rejected that they feel the need to reject others first. Whatever the situation, your ability to react with love instead of anger may be the balm to ease the situation and pave the way for true healing.

Mother Turtle also tells me that, sometimes, even through love and compassion, some people are simply bound and determined to drag everyone else down into their muck-filled pond. She advises us to keep strong, healthy boundaries with these people. Do not be drawn into their drama. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back in order to care for yourself.
~ Lady Wolfdreams

~*~*~

In Native American teachings, Turtle is the oldest symbol for planet Earth. It is the personification of goddess energy, and the eternal Mother from which our lives evolve. We are born of the womb of Earth, and to her soil our bodies will return. In honoring the Earth, we are asked by Turtle to be mindful of the cycle of give and take, to give back to the Mother as she has given to us.

Like Turtle, you have a shell in the form of shields that protect you from hurt, envy, jealousy, and the unconsciousness of others. Turtle teaches you how to use protection. If you are bothered by the actions or words of others, it is time to go inside yourself and honor your feelings. If you are attacked, it is time to give a warning snap.

You are being asked to honor the creative source within you, to be grounded to the Earth, and to observe your situation with motherly compassion. Use the water and earth energies, represented by Turtle's two homes, to flow harmoniously with your situation and to place your feet firmly in the ground in a power stance.

Turtle is a fine teacher of the art of grounding. You may even be able to overcome your "space cadet" tendencies if you align with Turtle medicine. In learning to ground, you are placing focus on your thoughts and actions and slowing to a place that assures completion.

Turtle warns of the dangers of "pushing the river," as evidenced by the plodding pace that it keeps. The corn that is harvested before its time is not yet full. However, if it is given the chance to develop at its own rate, in its own season, its sweetness will be shared by all.

Turtle buries its thoughts, like its eggs, in the sand and allows the Sun to hatch the little ones. This teaches you to develop your ideas before bringing them out into the light. Look at the old fable of the tortoise and the hare and decide for yourself whether or not you would align with Turtle. Bigger, stronger, and faster are not always the best ways to get to a goal. When you arrive, you may be asked where you've been and you may not be able to remember. In that case, arriving prematurely can make you feel very immature.

Turtle signals a time of connecting with the power of Earth and the Mother-Goddess within. This is a reminder of the ally you have in Mother Earth. It does not matter what situation you have created. Ask her for assistance and abundance will follow.

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