CAMEL
(See HORSE and ELK)

---

CARDINAL
--SELF-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT--

      In most of Cardinal's habitats, He is non-migratory. As such, Cardinal is present year-round - the way you should be self-aware every day of your life.
      Cardinal's call is piercing. He calls you to recognize your accomplishment and acknowledge your importance in the scheme of things - to toot your own horn!
      We often take upon ourselves so much societal, familial, religious and institutional blame and guilt, we forget we came into this life with our own valid set of goals, as worthy of our efforts as anyone one else's are. We are asked, "Whose life is this, anyway?"
      Both male and female Cardinal vocalizes. In this, we are reminded of both natures within each of us - the balance of life, the inner self and outside world. We are being called to balance ourselves within this world, so we can see what we have accomplished for ours soul's spiritual goals - rather than always being focused outside of ourselves on the goals which others (parents, teachers, friends, clergy, administrations, "emperors") think we should feel should be our goals.
      Cardinal is named for high-ranking members of the Roman Catholic Church.
      Cardinal's arrival in your life may be a reminder of past lives, dedicated to spreading religious/thought systems.
      Cardinal may be warning you to allow others to have their belief systems, their own accomplishments, their own goals.
      Cardinal reminds us that we each have a path. You can't walk mine, nor I yours! Find your path and walk it. And allow me to find mine, to walk or stray from as I shall.
Return to top of page.

---

CARIBOU
(See BUFFALO)

Return to top of page.

---

CAT, DOMESTICATED
--ARROGANCE AND "PERSON"-ALITY--

      People have asked me about domesticated, pet cats. There is little to say about them or any other form of domesticated, bred animal in relationship to the spirit of the wild animal from which they were bred.
      Man manipulated the animal to produce something specific. In doing so, man imposed his will on the animal. The spirit of the original animal did not care for the human spirit interference, and chose to let the man-made animal fend for a being-ness in man's world.
      Only when Cat goes feral, does the spirit of Her ancestors return to Her.
      If Cat remains pet, She tends more toward "person"ality. This is the influence man has placed on Cat. As such, to attach Animal Spirit messages to the appearance of Cat in your life would be a mistake.
      It is more appropriate to look at Cat, as you would look at another human coming into your life. Watch the specifics of that Cat, and find Her personality.
      When Cat enters man's life, Cat often attaches Herself to an individual. She will tolerate others WITH ARROGANCE, but Her "person"ality ties Her to one person, as if She had a mission to be with, and do for, that person.
      Cat especially attaches Herself to a human child. She will be there for the child, and seems to provide a very special energy to that child.
      Many studies show that petting Cat reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, calms the spirit, and provides a source of healthy emotions.
      Many people who have been graced by Cat's companionship through life will tell you that Cat chose them, rather than their making a choice in the matter.
      Some people report that Cat reminds them of someone they knew, but who has since passed on, or was in another life. If this is your case, accept that energy and memory. Once you have stepped over that barrier, be surprised at NONE of the messages Cat brings you.
Return to top of page.

---

CORMORANT
(See CRANE)

Return to top of page.

---

COYOTE
--TRICKSTER--

      Coyote medicine is similar to that of Uranus - the unexpected.
      Coyote brings lessons about yourself. You may not like the lesson, but you are almost sure to get a laugh from it, if not immediately, sometime in the future when you look back on the situation.
      Not always does the trickery of Coyote turn out as He plans it. Think of Wiley Coyote chasing the Roadrunner in the cartoons... His schemes are known to backfire on Him from time to time. It must be remembered, though, that even when the trick backfires on Coyote, He survives. Sometimes it would be nice if He would learn from those tricks which backfire, so He would stop tricking, but He doesn't... ("That rancher's gun couldn't have been pointed at me. Maybe I better step back out there and take another look." BANG!) Then He'll move off to His next "great effort".
      In the foolishness of Coyote's actions we see our own. As we often say, "No one could be that stupid!" But Coyote has raised shooting one's self in the foot to an art-form.
      Coyote also warns us against self-delusion. Coyote is the Tom Sawyer energy which can convince someone that they are having fun whitewashing that fence.
      If Coyote crossed your path, OPEN YOUR EYES! Here comes the pie in the face - even if it isn't always your own face it is in. Immediately examine what is behind your experiences. Ask yourself what you are really doing and why. Are you the source of the jokes being played on you? Are you trying to trick an opponent? Is someone trying to trick you? When did you last do something just because it was fun?
      Coyote may remind you that you are unaware what you are doing to yourself. Take time to look at how you are deluding yourself and those around you. Look, laugh, and learn! Laugh, then move to correct your ways. The medicine is in laughter and joking so new attitudes may be acquired.
      If Coyote is around you, you may be the one to crack the joke that breaks the tension, or gets the sad person to smile. You'll be the one to say the unexpected.
      Beware the con artist with the Coyote medicine.
Return to top of page.

---

CRAB
--CRANKINESS--

      Crab has various characteristics, the most prominent of which is crankiness.
      Crab, a scavenger, spends His days roaming the shores, looking for droppings and carcasses of other animals. While Crab serves the Great Spirit as the clean-up artist, He tends to get a skewed view of the world. Crab finds the best part of the world is the stuff left behind by others. Yet, Crab is cranky, snapping at anyone who comes too close.
      Many have made the association between the way a person acts and the surroundings in which a person lives. That is, if one surrounds himself/herself with negativity, it should not surprise anyone that the person develops a negative attitude towards life and the world.
      Crab, in its various species, often attempts to disguise Himself, to make Himself appear to be other than what He is. Hermit Crab borrows discarded shells, Sponge Crab plasters bits of sponge and corral to His back, all in attempts to make others think differently of what they are really seeing.
      If Crab makes an appearance to you, He could be warning that you are trying to deceive yourself. Lately, have you been trying to convince yourself that things aren't as bad as they seem? Have you been making excuses for not moving out of a situation you find unsavory? Have you found yourself making excuses for the conduct of a "friend", when you really don't care for that person's conduct, either? Have you withdrawn into a shell and tried to make yourself believe you are happy when you are miserable?
      Perhaps Crab is telling you that you have outgrown the shell you are currently wearing, the surroundings you have taken upon yourself no longer serve you, the friends with whom you associate have not kept up with your growth.
      Crab may be telling you to shed the shell you have borrowed, and which no longer fits, and go find one more suitable to the new you. Find a shell which will allow you room for growth.
      Crab spends His day eating refuse, but you don't have to, especially if you don't like the flavor anymore! And, remember, the attitude you have about yourself really is influenced by your surroundings and the people with whom you associate. Do you want to remain a cranky crab?
Return to top of page.

---

CRANE
--FOCUS--

      Crane is focused concentration. As Crane stands in the water of the marsh, there is no motion. Every cell of Crane is concentrated around Her feet. The result of this concentration is a phenomenal ability to locate food.
      Crane's visit tells you to pay more attention to your immediate surroundings. You may be missing an opportunity to discover the oil well in your own field, as you stare over the fence, marveling at the neighbor's green pasture. Or, in the opposite direction, Crane may be warning you of an opportunity walking by, as you watch your feet.
      A common reaction to Crane's presence is calm and peace. You may also be receiving the message to relax and take a break or vacation, and you should consider taking it near water.
Return to top of page.

---

CROW
--LAW AND ILLUSION--

      Crow is the keeper of Sacred Laws and knower of the mysteries of creation. Crow is responsible for protecting the ancient records. Crow is Shape Shifter, because Crow is the keeper of the law and knows how to bend it. Crow is the master of illusion.
      The laws laid down by man are not the Sacred Laws, and Crow can see the difference. It is said that, if an individual obeys Crow's Laws as given by the Creator, at death he or she goes on to the next incarnation with a clear memory of his or her past.
      If Crow appear to you, you are being given a sign of things changing. You are being told to look within and compare how you see the Great Law and the laws of humanity. You are being told to find the balance present in the Great Law. You are being told to find your truth, and to speak it. Walk the talk!
      For Crow there is no time. Where Crow exists, He sees past, present and future as one. Crow may be telling you that this moment does not matter, and you should be shape-shifting a new reality - one of peace.
      Crow also warns you of the consequences of rebellion against the Law. The slightest transgression is still a transgression! Divine Law is the balance of a mind at peace, a heart that is open, a nature that forgives, a mouth that is truthful, and a love of all living creatures. The past is your teacher, the present is your creation, and the future is your inspiration.
Return to top of page.