Animal Medicine

There are many correspondences for each direction including gemstones, colors, animals, season, etc. Here, we will focus on animals. Though there is usually one animal whose spirit defines the qualities of each direction (Eagle/East) choosing your own animal for each direction can make the use of the Medicine Wheel very personal. It is important to realize that one animal is not better than another. Choosing your animals by random/blind selection can be more valuable since it allows the Great Spirit, God, your guardian Angels, or whom ever you ask, to choose for you. It keeps the ego in check. It may be hard, at first, if one of your animals is not as powerful or glamorous as you’d like. However, most people soon realize that their animals are perfect for them. Understanding the deeper meanings can take time so do not be discouraged.

The simplest way to choose your animals to to use animal cards (avail @ Amazon or in bookstore) of preferably just North American animals. (If you live in North America, that is.) Shuffle and place the cards face down in front of you in a “fan”. Now, quiet your mind and ask for the right animal for you, the animal which will best teach you about the lessons from the East. You may read the brief description by clicking on “The East” to get the idea in your mind or create your own prayer based on your individual religious beliefs that run parallel to the East. Do the same for each direction. Write them down, save them.

To help you understand Animal Medicine, here are some pointers:

Learn as much as you can about your animal. I really like Ted Andrew’s book called, “Animal Speak”. (see rec. reading) Especially for those of you who are new to this, Ted’s book is quite thorough. Read about your animal to learn about it’s basic qualities, diet, habitats, mating and raising young, gestation periods, peculiarities, responses to danger, means of defense, and it’s enemies. It’s fear’s can be particularly revealing. Reading children’s animal books can keep it “light”, less threatening. Or, consult an encyclopedia or the web. Beginning this way builds a solid foundation for your understanding.

Identifying your animals’ qualities in yourself is the goal and this can take time. It is a process which depends on your level of awareness, how honest you can be with yourself and how strong your desire to learn is. Your animals will speak to you directly as an individual, symbolically and metaphorically. Over time, the process becomes easier and SO strengthening!

Honor each animal and be thankful for their Medicine (energy). Then, give back by hugging someone close to you or offering any random act of kindness.