EAGLE
--THE GREAT SPIRIT--

      The medicine associated with Eagle is that of the Great Spirit. Eagle represents our ability to live on the earth and spirit plains simultaneously. Eagle keeps us connected with our higher selves, despite the fog brought across our vision by the mundane shell we occupy during our time here. As Eagle flies, He soars through the expanses of the heavens nearer to the Great Spirit, looking down upon this earth.
      Eagle reminds you to permit yourself to HAVE the freedom to fly, to create, to be; and then to exercise that havingness. You can collect your energy, efforts, power, courage and will, and can leap skyward, joining Eagle. Eagle reminds you that the petty details of the mundane world should not keep you grounded all the time -- you have the chance to return to your awareness of the Great Spirit. Eagle encourages you to make this leap to your higher self.
      Eagle also challenges, tests and helps you in examining your inner self for areas that need cleansing - areas of self-doubt, guilt, ignorance. Eagle enhances your problem solving ability, encouraging you to look beyond your currently perceived, self-imposed limits. Eagle pushes you to overcome fears which have robbed you of accomplishments.
      If old concepts hold you back, Eagle teaches to release fear, to learn from past mistakes, rather than walking away from them as if they did not exist. The lessons we fail to learn, we are doomed to repeat. Accept the old with the new, accept that it has been a part of you, forgive yourself for the fears, so that you can recognize when you are advancing.
      If Eagle has flown into your life, the lesson may be to remember to love yourself as much as you are loved by the Great Spirit.
Return to top of page.

---

ELEPHANT
--PONDEROUS--

      Because of Her size, Elephant is not threatened by much. As such, Elephant can take Her time to ponder a situation, make a well-considered decision, then act.
      Elephant may not appear to you often, unless you drink a bit much; but even then, the significance of the apparition may be that you should take some time to give more consideration to what you are doing, before you act. (Pink Elephants are warning a driver to think twice before getting behind the wheel.)
      In the same way Elephant has little to fear from others because of size, She reminds you that you have little to fear, considering the size (and indestructibility) of your spirit. Nothing threatens you spirit, although your body can be hurt. Perhaps you should keep this in mind when being pressured by someone to make a snap decision.
      Now, remember that Elephant also has the characteristic of attacking something which threatens Her or Her calf with very little warning. Elephant does not hesitate to react to danger, and She does not recommend that you should, either. Elephant can differentiate between things which require slow consideration and those which require spontaneous reaction.
      Elephant may be telling you to stop, plant your feet firmly on the ground, and think another time or two.
      Elephant is renowned for Her memory. That's because She takes the time to remember!
Return to top of page.

---

ELK
--STAMINA--

      Elk has the ability to go long distances and to pace self for the trip. Elk reaches the goal with steady effort and pacing, making the trip seem effortless because the energy is balanced - no energy wasted by starts, stops and spurts.
      If Elk appears, have you assumed a heavy burden. Elk reminds you to pace yourself, if you intend to complete the task. Find time to relax, care for your health and feed yourself properly. Alternately, Elk may be telling you to check the burden and see if it is yours in the first place!
      Elk teaches honoring the company of your own sex. Except during the rut, Elk remain in groups male, separate from groups female - and each sex enjoys the company of its own. In such groupings, competition and jealousy are minimized. Elk's visit may signal that it is time for you to find a group of your own sex with which to spend time, to communicate, to express feelings, without the threat or pressure to perform.
      Along with honoring the company of your own sex, Elk reminds you to honor the company of the opposite sex, just as Elk does during the rut. For us, however, such encounters do not have to be sexual; the exchange of energy in companionship may be the lesson. There is a time for everything.
Return to top of page.