Native Americans believe that each creature on this planet is equipped with qualities and potentials that the individual creature will need in order to face the situations and circumstances it will face during its life on Earth. These qualities and potentials are aspects of, and gifts from, the Great Spirit or God.
They believe that at birth energy patterns within a creature's genes formulate the creature's personality traits and potentials. These traits and potentials culminate with the natural forces that are influencing life on Earth at the creature's time of birth; namely the seasons. They believe that each cardinal direction; north, south, east, and west has its own presence that affects all living things. Because these 'cardinal directions' cannot be seen they are likened to winds. And when these winds blow, the Native Americans believe that messages are being brought to them from the presence or power of the direction from which they come.. Each directional wind - north, south, east, and west - is represented by a spirit keeper - an animal totem. The Buffalo - The direction of North is associated with the power of renewal, quickening, purity and clarity. It is associated with the mind, our thoughts and intelligence. The animal totem used to represent the North is the Buffalo. Buffalo used to provide Native Americans with everything they needed for survival; food, fat, skin, medicine and so on. The Buffalo indicates compacted orderly power. The Bear - The direction of West is associated with the power of transformation, introspection, consolidation, and grounding. It is associated with our physical body and to endurance and stability. The animal totem of the West is the Grizzly Bear. The Native Americans respected the Grizzly Bear for its inner-strength and introspection. The Eagle - The direction of East is associated with the power that enables light to be; the power to disperse darkness and ignorance, the power to illuminate and make known, and the power of awakening and the newness of life. This direction is associated with spirit and represents far-sightedness and spirituality. It is represented by the animal totem, the Eagle. The Eagle is known by the Native Americans as the bird that flies closest to the sun, which is the source of light and radiance. The Mouse - Finally, the direction of South is associated with the power of organic growth, discovery, teachability, unfolding, and the power of intuitive knowing. This direction is associated with our emotions and represents closeness and vitality. It is represented by the animal totem, the Mouse. The Native Americans see the Mouse as a tiny animal associated with rapid growth that teaches us the difference between power and size. The Native Americans thank the Great Spirit for manifesting its wisdom through these animals which are, therefore, seen as sacred creatures. They turn to these animals and others for their wisdom. They connect with them when they need to, knowing these spirits will be with them and help them through their difficult times. To learn more about your personal animal guide, totem and spirit, see Animal Totems & Spirit Animals - The Shamanic Approach.
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