Gentle Rain Crow, harbinger of hope
Solace and comfort in the cycle of life
Eternal love, connection to the divine
Focus and healing, letting go of strife

When I was young, occasionally during the summer, I would hear a haunting call of a bird that I did not know.  These birds would show up occasionally in the small town where I grew up and would often call as a storm was coming in.  Their soft and mournful coohoo pulled at the strings of my heart and at the edges of my subconscious.  My father called this the call of the Rain Crow.

It was a couple of years before I actually connected the call to the bird.  This bird looks nothing like a crow (at 10, I was looking for a black bird) and is one of a handful of bird species that are known as a rain crow.  The rosy grey-brown back and peachy breast of the Mourning Dove is just as beautiful and haunting as its call to the storm.  These beautiful members of the dove family are a little more common now than they were when I was a child.  They seem to prefer spaces that have been "tamed" by humans.

As a child, I interpreted the name of this bird as "morning dove".  And in reality, the two most common times to see and hear these birds is in the morning or before a storm.  The real names of the bird, Mourning Dove and Rain Crow, give some insight into the symbolism of this bird.

The primary energy and symbolism of the Mourning Dove is of healing after loss and the ability to move forward with your life.  This bird is a symbol of being in harmony with the cycle of life and the solace and comfort that is needed for healing to occur.  They bring hope, renewal, and gentleness to the broken heart when it is needed the most.  They encourage new beginnings with peace and tranquility.

The Mourning Dove brings with it a deep connection to water, the cycle of life, and nature.  This works in the physical realm as a bridge between nature and people in the "tamed" spaces and as a signal that water or rain is near.  Emotionally, these birds connect us to our deepest emotions that we tend to hide from ourselves and others.  They are believed to be a connection to the divine and the Spirit realm.

Like all doves, the Mourning Dove is a bird of peace, love, and connection.  It is a reminder of innocence, devotion, and faith.  The Mourning Dove asks us to let go of anger, conflict, and negativity so that we have hope of a new beginning.  They are a simple bird of joy, contentment, and connection.

In some cultures, the Mourning Dove is a symbol of the spirit realm and is seen as a messenger between humans and spirit or the ancestors.  To some, this is a messenger f the divine and a connection to the Earth's Sacred Feminine.  In most cultures, the Mourning Dove brings wisdom, understanding, and compassion.

Even now, as someone who has been ancient for a long time (in my children's eyes), the Mourning Dove pulls at my heart strings with her bitter sweet song.  Hearing this bird's call or catching sight of her searching for seeds reminds me to slow down and savor life.  I breathe deep and enjoy the simple grace of the interactions of a mated pair.  Life is a ceremony, after all.  Take time to savor those special moments before they are gone.
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Puck, Jester, Pan, Loki
Hermes, Fool, Kitsune, Anansi
Eshu, mime, Krishna, Saci
The Sacred Clown, Heyoka, Coyote

The Sacred Clown is an archetype that is found in virtually every human culture on Earth.  It is even found in some non-human cultures.  This archetype has been embodied by a number of characters and in slightly different ways depending on the culture involved.  The list above is just a few of the names by which the Sacred Clown is known.  It is an archetype that seems to predate civilization and fulfills a critical role in every society.

In general, the Sacred Clown is the contrary trickster who uses humor to take people out of their comfort zone.  The trickster uses the art of satire, entertainment, and foolery to poke at the absurdity of societal norms that become strait jackets.  The clown uses the ridiculous extremes and opposites to mock self-importance and hypocrisy.  He tells the difficult truths by coating them in the sugar of comedy.

In North America, this sacred clown is embodied in the human form as the Lakota Heyka Medicine Man.  This person, or society, was the backwards character of the Northern plains tradition.  He healed through humor, encouraged others to find truth through his opposites, and encouraged the acceptance and tolerance of difference by doing the opposite of accepted norms.  Part of the Heyoka's function was to restore balance and break up calcified beliefs and fear through irreverence, rediculousness, and poking fun.

The Sacred Clown is the crazy wisdom keeper that exposes the truth behind the pompousness.  He balances wisdom and foolishness, and the sacred and the irreverent.  He breaks taboos and societal norms to shatter preconceived notions of what should be.  He encourages flexibility and tolerance and works to reduce fear.  The Sacred Clown asks us to stand on our heads in order to see things differently, so that we can grow as an individual, a community, and a society.

Research sources:
osu.edu
samwoolfe.com
lonerwolf.com

Mother Maple please guide me
To where I need to be
I am uncertain of what to do
Other than to purpose be true

Blue Bird comes to say hello
Sea Gull searching for a way to grow
Squirrel on the pole seem to know
Falcon hunting sees high and low

The knowledge I need is right at hand
The law of the crow rules the land
With the stealth of the weasel clan
The courage of heart leads the hand

When most people think of the spirit guides and symbols, the weasel doesn't usually make it to the top of the list.  When it does, it is usually in a negative light.  However, it is my firm belief that even a challenging symbol and a challenging energy has a positive lesson.  So, let's take a look at the clever little weasel.

There are over 60 members of the weasel family across 8 sub-families.  16 of these species are the Mustalids or weasels.  The weasel family is found throughout most of the Northern Hemisphere, including three species of weasel, mink, ferrets, and fishers and others in the United States.  All of these species are voracious predators, playful, clever, and adaptable.

Weasels are often seen in their negative light.  When someone "weasels out" of something, it is seen as a deceitful and manipulative way of diverting responsibility and consequences to others.  A weasel is often seen as sneaky and underhanded.  Sometimes it is seen as a thief, untruthful, or deceptive.  The Greeks saw the weasel as bad luck.

But is this actually the case?  That is a matter of perspective.  The symbols of nature, earth, and intuition are often given a negative spin by cultures based on colonization.  The weasel is all of these.  The other side of sneaky is stealth.  Was the weasel a thief or taking advantage of opportunity?  The perspective is based on which side of the equation you are on.

Here is the more positive take of this spirit that was used as a spy by both Native Americans and Europeans.  The weasel is the silent, stealthy observer.  It seeks out and exposes deceitful information, actions, and lies.  It will expose the truth that is hidden behind the deceit.  The weasel has a way of "weaseling out" what is beneath the surface and hearing what is not being said.  If you want to discover the strengths and weaknesses of your adversary, send the weasel.

The weasel is a symbol of concentration and focus.  It looks to the future and uses its intuition and power of observation to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to serve its goals.  It is an earth element, connecting to the mystery and energy of the earth.  It is both the savvy medicine worker and the naughty trickster, seeing and hearing what others miss.

So the next time, instead of cursing the weasel, it might be time to step back and see what this royal pain is trying to tell you.  Who is manipulating?  What are you not seeing or hearing  What instinct  or intuition are you ignoring?  What are you leaving open to manipulation and theft?  The weasel is a reminder to develop your own self-esteem and intuition so that you can trust your own instincts.

Along with my usual sources, I used the following for this article:
native-american-totems.com
native-languages.org
magicallyeccentric.com

Int the South flies the King of Birds
Sky Spirit aiding the cycle of life
Bird of prophet and prophecy
When she flies with the Eagle
Heart and Mind do unite

The condor is a bird of almost mythic proportions.  The species found in South America has a ten foot wing span.  Closely related is the California condor.  These scavengers are of the same family as the vultures found around the world, including the Tibetan condor, the Egyptian condor, and the turkey vulture.  These scavengers help to keep our environment clean, healthy, and vibrant by cleaning up what has died and recycling those resources into new growth and vitality.

While vultures and condors have symbolic and spiritual significance where ever they are found, I am going to focus primarily on the significance of the American condors.  There are a number of species or subspecies of these birds that are found from the mountains of California and into Utah, Arizona, and Mexico.  They are found in Central America and in the Andes of South America.

While most European descendant cultures see these birds in a negative light, the indigenous view is generally much more nuanced if not positive.  In general, they are seen as a symbol of freedom and escaping the bonds of old patterns.  They are a symbol of flying above obstacles and the freedom  of spirit.  The condor is a symbol of the cycle of life.  The Mpache see the condor as the King of Birds, embodying the virtues of wisdom, justice, goodness, and leadership.

The condor is seen as a spiritual messenger from the ancestors, bringing ancient wisdom and knowledge.  It is believed to bring healing to the body and spirit.  It is seen by some as the shaman's aid to vision and prophecy.  The condor speaks of change and the cycles of life.  It invites solitude, awareness, and spiritual understanding.  Some see this bird as a symbol of the sky and creator gods.

Like the Eagle in North America, the condor is the Spirit Animal of the East in the Great Medicine Wheel.  It represents one aspect of illumination and enlightenment.  It is seen as one of the  guides to the golden gate of the East.  Both the Eagle and the Condor have a part in the Q'ero Andean prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor.

The Eagle represents the North, the masculine, and the materialistic intellect.  The Condor represents the South, the feminine, and intuition.  The condor carries the spirit of the divine feminine, ancient forms of wisdom, and the traditions of community.  The condor represents the ability to see the connections and the cycles that flow through all life on Earth.  The Eagle and the Condor seem to be two perspectives of the polarity of divided points of view.

According to the prophecy, "When the Eagle flies with the Condor, an era of harmony and peace will come into being."  There are a number of interpretations and essays on this simple statement.  The resources at the end of this article have more information on this.  For me, this simple statement works on a number of levels.  When the scientific and spiritual unite, we find wisdom and understanding.  When the East and the West unite, we find solutions.  When the North and the South unite, we find that we are not so different after all.  When the masculine and the feminine unite, we create sustainable potential.  When the heart and the mind unite, we accomplish miracles.

I encourage you to find the prophecy and the essays.  

When the Condor flies with the Eagle, I find hope.

Resources used for this article:
whatismyspiritanimal.com
native-languages.org
volenteerlatinamerica.com
symbosity.com
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Flying high all around the world
With the courage of spirit connection
Seeking freedom and independence
Hold hope in honor and truth with devotion

Eagles are found in many parts of the world and have captured the imagination of people where ever they fly.  There are species of these beautiful raptors in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and in Australia.  Most Eagles are primarily fishers, but will do some scavenging and hunt other prey.  These high flying birds have incredible eyesight that allows them to both see the broad view from great height and the minute detail of the land below.

Where ever eagles are found, they hold great symbolic significance to the people and cultures where they are.  In general, they represent courage, leadership, and hope.  They are birds of strength, freedom, and independence.  They are symbols of seeing the long view and the ability to soar over obstacles.  Eagles are a reminder to live with truth, honor, and integrity.

It is believed that the Eagle's call brings messages from the divine.  They bring new beginnings, stamina, and the ability to soar without limitations.  It is a reminder to live bravely in truth and honor.  The Eagle may be telling you that you have everything that you need to overcome obstacles.  Most cultures see the Eagle as a good omen and as a message of being on the right path.

According to some Native American teaching, if you have a spiritual connection to the Eagle, you are blessed.  It is a signal to take courage to soar above the mundane and that you are protected.  It is a reminder that you are to live fearlessly in truth and integrity.  You may have unusual intuitive ability or psychic awareness.

​Being gifted with an Eagle feather by the bird or by a person of authority is considered to be a great honor that marks service, bravery, or great accomplishment.  The Eagle feather is considered to be a sacred tool of healing, power, protection, and cleansing.  The feathers are believed to connect the care of the feather to the Eagle and to the spiritual realm.  They are to be worked with in reverence, honor, and service.

Where I am staying right now, near Lake Erie, there are several mating pairs of Bald Eagles.  One of the pairs is nesting at the river near the house.  I regularly see the pair flying over the river.  Their mating flights in winter are a sight to behold, and the eggs seem to be in the nest at the time of this writing.  They should be hatching soon.

The American Bald Eagle starts off as a large brown bird.  At about 2 years old, they start getting white spots and complete the transition to adult plumage at about 5 years old.  Over the past couple of years, I have watched as one of the juvenile eagles started its transition into adulthood.  Its white spots against the background brown were becoming pronounced.  The last time I got a good look at her, I was wading in the river without my phone.  She flew right over my head, twice, at tree top level.  Alas - no phone, no pictures.  I look forward to seeing her again this coming summer.

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See the world without deception
Magic, prophecy, and intuition
Night Eagle brings transformation

Beautiful, mysterious, and intriguing, the owl is a class of 240 or so species of birds worldwide.  Every continent except Antarctica ha owl species.  They range from the very small elf owl found in the south west of the United States, to the 10 pound Blakeston's fish owl from Japan and China.  No matter what the size, these birds are a critical balancing agent in the ecosystem.  They are talented hunters, mostly of rodents and other species that breed quickly and would get out of balance without the owl.

We humans have given the owl a number of symbolic meanings that vary from culture to culture.  In Japan, the owl is a symbol of good fortune and protection.  In Egypt, the owl is a symbol for courage.  In Greece, the owl was the symbol of the goddess, where the Celts saw the owl as the symbol of the crone.  Some cultures saw the owl as a harbinger of death.  Most cultures see the owl as a symbol of wisdom and the ability to see what is hidden.  The Native American view of owl varies from a harbinger of death to the messenger of wisdom from the ancestors.

No matter how the owl is seen as a symbol, the owl is always a creature of magic and mystery.  The owl is a creature of the night and able to see what seems to be hidden.  It is believed that the owl brings the gift of sight on every level.  This includes the gifts of prophecy, truth, and intuition.  It is believed that the owl flies the void, or the quantum field.  The quantum field, or void, is the place of change, transformation, shape shifting, and magic.  It is in the energy of the field where anything is possible and everything exists.  The owl sees everything in all directions and it is believed that the owl cannot be deceived.  Also known as the Night Eagle, the owl is believed to bring messages from the ancestors and spirits, bringing wisdom, knowledge, and insight to the current situation.

The owl is the spiritual aid to the medicine worker, shaman, and other energy workers.  It is important for anyone who draws on the owl's energy to do so with integrity and truth, and to draw on their inner wisdom and the wisdom of the ancients.  All owl energy is the energy of change, spiritual gifts and the ability to see the whole truth.  It is the wisdom to observe silently, to discern the truth, and act decisively and courageously.

The owl in the study drawing is a snowy owl, which spends most of its life on the world's tundras.  They do migrate to more temperate environments during the winter, becoming an occasional exciting visitor for those of us lucky enough to spot them.  This large white owl has a slight variation on the owl's general meaning.  The snowy owl is the energy of transformation and intuition.  She is magic.  Now you see her, now you don't.  She is a gatekeeper between dimensions.  She is the guardian of the ancient mysteries and the divine feminine.  The snowy owl encourages you to take your solitude time for introspection, self reflection, and to find your own magic.
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Music and rhythm from the bones
Teacher of true self-expression
Keeper of the ancient records
First song of wisdom and communication

Beautiful, gentle, and graceful, whales have captured the imagination of humans as long as humans have walked the earth.  With over 90 living species of whales identified on earth, 10 are classed as the worlds largest animals:  Blue, Fin,Sperm, Right, Bowhead, Humpback, Sei, Grey, Bryde's, and Minke by length.  Whale can be found in every ocean, so it is no surprise that most cultures have some legend or myth around these mammals.

While some of these beliefs and legends are less than uplifting, there are a number that are quite positive.  The Maori see the whale as a water spirit bringing good fortune and happiness.  In Australia, the whale protects the people.  According to the Salish, the whale is wisdom and spiritual awareness.  Supposedly, the first harp was made from whale bones.

It is believed that the ancestors of whales once lived on land.  For some reason, these ancestors returned to the sea and evolved into the whales that we see today.  there are a number of scientific theories for this and I will let you look those up if you like.  I personally enjoy the myth that is reflected in several cultures around the world.  According to this myth, the whales were born from the inhabitants of Lemuria when the continent sank below the waves.

All that said, The whale has great symbolic and spiritual significance.  They are creatures of incredible intelligence and wisdom to teach.  The whale is a symbol of communication and self-expression.  They remind us of the rhythm and flow of life.  They are believed to bring wisdom, protection, and good luck.  Many cultures see the whale as the bringer of divine blessings.  Many people believe that whales are psychic and intuitive energy beings.

To me, the whale is an ancient spiritual energy and wisdom.  The song of the humpback whale both calls and calms.  According to Jamie Sams, the whale is the keeper of the ancient records of wisdom and knowledge.  I do believe it.  The whale song may be the key to unlocking the ancient knowledge that is buried in your DNA.

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Spirit of the plains
Spirit of the North
Gratitude and prayer
Provisions for life

The American bison is a species of the Bovidae family of animals that is native to North America.  Bovidae is a family of about 100 species of herbivores that include antelpoe, gazelles, sheep, goats, and bison's closest relatives, buffalo and cattle.  The bison was erroneously called "buffalo" by European colonists because the American bison has a superficial resemblance to the Asian water buffalo, Bubalas bubalis, and the African cape buffalo, Synceras caffer.

The American bison's closest relative is the European bison or wisent.  It is believed that the ancient common ancestor of both American and European bison migrated across the Bering land bridge about 400,000 years ago to become the American bison.  The American bison then split into two distinct populations.  The plains bison is Bison bison bison.  The woods bison is Bison bison athabasae.  Realistically, they can be seen as the equivalent of different "breeds" of the same species, almost like the difference between a hereford and a jersey.

Even though these beautiful animals are often called "buffalo", and some of the symbolism is similar, they are not buffalo.  So, in this article and in my life, I will refer to them by their proper name, bison.  This article is specifically about the symbol of bison and the bison's function in the environment and in the lives of people.

In the past, when bison roamed much of North America, the massive herds played a critical roll in the environment of the grasslands and great plains.  These great herds would migrate into an area, graze the herbaceous cover to a short stock, stir up the surface with their hooves, and fertilize the ground.  They would then move to the next area and start the cycle over.  This process, along with fire, was pivotal to keeping this environment healthy and vibrant, and to keep the energy cycling.  This cycle also acted as parasite and pest control for a balanced ecosystem.

Both the humans and the predators in the area thrived with the presence of the bison.  this animal provided much of what the human community needed to thrive in the sometimes challenging environment of the northern plains of the United States and southern Canada.  Bison was a primary meat source for many Native Americans.  The hides provided shelter, clothing, shoes, bags, and more.  The bones provided tools.  a glue was made from the hooves and some parts of the animal were used for adornment.  The coming of the bison into the territory truly did mean wealth, abundance, and survival to many Native Americans.

This brief discussion of the physical significance of bison explains, in part, the spiritual significance of bison.  This animal represents abundance, prosperity, and wealth.  It is the ability to manifest what you want and need for yourself and your community.  the bison represents courage, strength, and respect.  The bison teaches balance and the importance of staying grounded in this life.  Like the bison, we should use our energy wisely and act today in ways that protect the children and the community for the future.

As one of the most significant animals in Native American spirituality, the lesson of the bison is that of the sacred path and the sacred cycle of life.  Everything that we need to survive and thrive is provided by the Earth.  We are to treat her and all life with respect, honor, and balance.  We are a part of this cycle, not set apart from it.  When we honor the sacredness of this cycle with gratitude, prayer, balance, and harmony, abundance is available for all.  When we choose to disregard this cycle and dishonor it, the cycle breaks and all suffer.

As a final thought, the prophecy of the white bison is relevant at this time.  The appearance of white animals of any kind holds prophetic significance, and many of the prophecies are similar.  There have been a number of leucistic animals born recently of many different species.  I have personally seen a leucistic hawk in my area.  The white bison prophecy tells of a time of challenge followed by a time of peace and harmony.  It is a signal that prayers are being heard.  It also signals a choice point.  Which path are you going to follow?

I have an earlier article on The White Buffalo Calf Woman.  Here is a link to that article.
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When she chose to follow a new path,
One that had not been seen before,
The unknown mystery was before her
With the moon as her guide.

Even though this pen and ink is called "THE LONE WOLF", an actual lone wolf is very rare.  Wolves are pack animals.  They are very much family and community oriented, tending to put their family, community, and territory above all else.  Another misconception is that wolf is a male dominated society.  In actuality, the dominant mated pair leads the pack and produces most of the pups, and the dominant female gives direction to the pack's movement.  That said, let's get into some of the symbolism of wolf.

In Euro-centric societies, wolf often has negative connotations.  They are seen as a harbinger of danger and destruction.  Sometimes, wolf is seen as evil.  The wolf is seen as deceptive and manipulative, preying on the week and vulnerable.  They are often depicted as destroying everything in their path.  At the very best, in this framework, the wolf is aggressive and muscular in his approach.

When I think of wolf, and work with wolf in my artwork, I am channeling the other side of the wolf energy.  It is not soft, but it is a more open energy that is rooted in the indigenous point of view.  In this framework, wolf represents family, community, and protection.  The loyalty that wolves show to their families and packs are seen as a example for tribal communities to follow.  Each member of the community uses his or her best talents to build strength and resiliency in the community.  Protecting and providing for the family and the community is the first priority for each member.

The wolf is seen as the teacher and pathfinder.  She is the seeker that is looking for new information and wisdom.  If you see a "Lone Wolf", that wolf is most often a scout or seeker.  That pathfinder is courageous and curious, bringing back information to the community, and finding safe routes for the rest of the pack.  The entire group also works together to raise the pups and teach them what they need to know to survive and be productive members of the pack.

The wolf is seen as a guide that encourages psychic ability, intuition, and instinct.  This is a feminine energy that understands that the unconscious holds great knowledge and wisdom.  She encourages us to tap into our wild side, where we find the mysteries of life.  She is an energy of self-empowerment, self-control, and self-confidence.  Wolf is an ally of the divine feminine, and the magic of the moon.

Wolves are a balancing force in the environment.  They help to keep the environment healthy and vibrant.  As a guide, the energy of the wolf is a balancing energy in the human spirit.  The wolf teaches us to balance family and independence, instinct and intellect, mystery and action, leadership and cooperation.

Yes, wolves can be fierce and quite frightening.  However, they have many lessons to teach humans as well.
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In the time before time
Grandmother Spider weaves a web
Seeing and creating
The world of flow and ebb

Spider is one of the oldest symbols used by people worldwide and one of the earliest creatures that still exists on earth.  And for good reason.  They are adaptable and resilient, and a valuable part of the environment.  Spiders have existed for at least 300 million years and exist on every continent except Antarctica.  They are very skillful in weaving their own homes, capturing food, and repairing damage to their space.  They are both patient and aggressive.  They are critical for maintaining balance in their environment.

Most cultures have stories and legends woven around the spider, from ancient to modern.  According to Native Americans, Grandmother Spider wove the web that holds all of creation.  She created the first picture of the alphabet, and taught Native Americans how to make the dream catcher.  The Greeks have the story of Arachne and the Fates.  Even in modern times, the spider plays an important role in stories from Spider Man and the Lord of The Rings, to Harry Potter and science fiction.  Many of these stories are told with more than a hint of caution, and with good reason.  So, what is the symbol of the spider?

Spider is the original weaver.  She is a symbol of creativity, weaving, cloth, and artistic skill.  She reminds us that creativity can be limitless.  Her message is to be flexible and creative as we weave the fabric of our lives.  Just as the simple act of weaving the web creates infinite variations, we need to be flexible as weave our lives.

Just as every part of the web is connected to every other part, spider reminds us that we are connected to every other part of the environment around us.  She uses that environment around her web to collect what she needs to thrive, and she creates balance in the environment by her presence.  She reminds us to stay connected like the spider.  And to understand that what we need to thrive is all around us if only we live in balance with the rest of the world.

Like the spider, who stays vigilant and aware of her environment, we should also stay aware.  Creating abundance in a life that we love requires that we stay patiently aware of how our actions impact our future.  The spider teaches patience in letting our intentions and creativity play out.  With vigilance and resourcefulness, we can create the resilience and self-sufficiency that we desire from the resources that are all around us.

Spider is also the master of creating new from the resources of the old.  Many spiders consume their old web and use it to create a new web.  There is an important lesson in this to remember.  In order to create new potential, the resources of the old often need to be recycled into new growth.  She is the symbol of this infinite cycle and the infinite potential of the cycle of life.

So, The spider is creative destruction and creative construction, weaving, and balance.  She is curiosity, patience, and growth.  She is self-aware and self-sufficient.  The spider is connected and balanced in her environment.  She is the skilled artist, manifesting her vision.  She represents the cycle of life, ancient wisdom, and the sacred feminine.

The spider, in many ways, represents the infinite.  Her body is a figure 8.  She has eight legs.  She creates her own world.  She holds ancient wisdom in her very existence.  She holds the past and the future in the present.

So yes - Treat Spiders with caution.  But also treat them with respect and reverence.

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