“Animal Totems”: None are More Powerful than Others

There are no animals, insects, or mammals that are more powerful than any others because just as human beings, they are ALL created equal. Some of the ones we have fun with are:

Bat – Yes, the noble bat. Most of us would run screaming from a cave or room where a bat is flying free, but you don’t have to “pet” the bat or otherwise physically engage it, just tap into its energy, it’s vibration. Ah, yes, that’s the word I’m looking for . . . vibration. Bat symbolizes vibration, tapping into the frequencies of anything you desire.

What is it you want? It’s easier to determine what you don’t want, isn’t it. “I hate being late, rude clerks, I don’t want to be broke.” What you do want and what you want to focus on is “I love how everything flows in perfect time, I appreciate all the kind and considerate clerks I encounter when I shop, I enjoy having everything I need when I need it.”

So, what does Bat have to do with that? Bat teaches us how to focus on what we want. Frankly, you can focus on what you want or what you don’t want, but it’s the focus of it that brings it to us. Bat has sharp, precise frequencies it emits to identify it’s surroundings. She teaches us to “focus our frequencies” like a laser. There is no more power than the power of your own mind to focus.

One of my favorite insects is Spider. If you’ve ever watched while a Spider weaves her web, in addition to being extremely efficient with her energy and time, she seemingly creates a web out of NOTHING. She encourages and facilitates your innate creativity. She uses only what is needed, she weaves webs strong enough to lay her eggs, to catch prey and catches what it wants to catch allowing the wind to “sift” through. Not surprising that a “dream catcher” is fashioned after Spider’s Web.

Another interesting totem is Skunk – the skunk is (notwithstanding it’s unique, er, uh, “scent”) a very powerful totem. Would you say you “respect” Skunk? Yeah, that’s a good wrod for it, right? But that respect might be because Skunk demands respects and also gives it just as powerfully. This teaches us to respect others, and expect others to respect us. Recognize your own qualities and push those to the forefront so that others can see easily see them.

Even though Skunks are fearless, they are peaceful. If you are attracted to Skunk (not necessarily due to his odoriferous [is that a word???] qualities) you might want to learn how fragrances can elicit dynamic responses in the people around you. You can also learn to balance the ability to draw and repel people or you could think of it as a time to be with people and a time for solitude.

For some reason Grasshopper comes to my mind right now. It’s medicine indicates new leaps forward in life are possible. He’s telling us to be bold and move with pride and with great movement. I guess that means I’m supposed to work in some new moves on stage! Okay, back to the totems . . . If you have trouble trusting your own instincts, maybe the spirit of grasshopper can help you. Look for something that symbolizes or causes you to think of grasshopper. A photo, a piece of jewelry, anything to help you focus on this powerful being.

Listening to our inner voice is one of the toughest things to do. Many people seem to think only religious leaders or “special people”, receive messages from the beyond or from a higher power; but our own higher power is the ONLY inner voice we SHOULD listen to . . . every time, NO exceptions. It will NEVER steer us wrong.

“Animal Totems”: Listen, Just Listen

“Nothing has changed as far as the animals are concerned, they are as consistent as the sun, moon and stars.  It’s us who have separated ourselves from animals and the rest of nature through the use of technology, our doubt or any number of negative thoughts.  I’m not saying that technology and other benefits of our contemporary lifestyles are bad or wrong, I’m just saying we don’t spend as much time in connection or communication with nature.  When is the last time you heard what the wind was telling you?  What about that big beautiful tree on the edge of your property or at the park?  How about a flock of birds or a pod of whales? Even a rock!  What??? Yes, even a rock! They all have something to offer us if we will only listen.

“What does it take to listen?  Probably less than you think.  One of the major benefits of the way Kimberly and I travel and tour is that we get to “camp” at some of the most beautiful national, state and regional parks in the country.  They are oftentimes situated on lakes, forests, oceans, bays, mountains, extinct volcanoes . . . all kinds of natural environments.  Here in Florida where we currently are, there are SO many types of birds.  Waders, fishers, raptors, songbirds, and more.  We listen, we quiet our minds and just listen.  What’s on your mind?  Is something bothering you? Got a nagging question?  Listen, just listen.  That’s your inner being connecting to the inner being of nature and providing you with answers and guidance.

“Now that we have Blackberry’s, we have had to make conscious decisions to TURN THEM OFF, even for 30 minutes during the day so we can talk to each other, go for a walk, walk the dogs, visit with other “campers” and reconnect to our surroundings.  It’s not easy, but we do the best we can.  The benefit to us has been palpable.  We aren’t near as stressed, feel pressured, or in a hurry,

“Do it for yourself, your partner, your children, your grandchildren.  I don’t believe for a moment that technology is bad.  Nothing is more powerful than “source”, “Spirit World”, “the Universe”, “God”, “Goddess”, “Allah”, whatever your word for it is and if you can just still your mind for a few moments, breath deeply, preferably outside and in nature, barefoot, touching the ground, you will hear what you need to hear.

“You are your own best counsel.  Listen, just listen.”

Arvel Bird’s two Animal Totems CDs are musical interpretations of the totem meaning of the animals and are available here.  Descriptions of the specific animals are printed in the liner notes.

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Arvel is currently in post-production with recent video shot in Southern Arizona for some of the most popular songs on his newest album Ride Indian Ride. Watch for videos on his YouTube Channel.

Although, the blues/rock album is a departure from his more traditional cultural music, this edgier sound that blends his Native American/Celtic roots with a stronger, more soulful beat is a huge hit with his fans.  Like Arvel says, “I’ve never met a genre I didn’t like!”

“It’s time for a new journey,” said Arvel Bird about his new album, Ride Indian Ride. “I’ve explored my history and Native American spirituality. Now I’m compelled to explore the blues/rock sound that sets my soul on fire. I’ve incorporated Native stories of heroic warriors and the trials of our people with harder rock feel.”

“It’s a natural progression of my music,” says Arvel. “The foot-tapping Native/Celtic sound is now rockin’, foot-stomping. It’s Native Blues/Celtic Rock.”

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