Part 3 of the Totemic Series ~ The Eastern Totem - The Illuminator/Challenger In our next section on totems I want to introduce to each of your totems - again, do not be concerned if a totem does not approach, because they will come in their own time. For this I want you to create a sacred space, either by casting a circle or settling into a special environment. If you have the ability to, go for a walk and settle into a place that feels right. For the next few totemic journeys I will be asking you to repeat this in different ways: you may feel lead to the water, to the woods, or even to the cities: remember that cities are FILLED with wildlife, even if its not obvious. Bees build in eves and fences - falcons roost on buildings and deer are even known to frequent areas. The last time I was in the city I saw an amazingly HUGE raccoon cross my path. There is always life, even in the most urbanized of areas. As Ian Malcolm said, Life will find a way. Like the native traditions imply, look to the East: In the east there is a totem who is here to challenge you and create illumination in your life. Fox is my illuminator: he offers a challenge for me to be strong within my place of solitude - to be mindful always of my home. He wants me to know myself - to learn, and through his illumination, to follow my ancestors paths. Be aware, he says, be cunning and be aware. The east is the direction of the new sun and new beginnings, and it is this that the Eastern Totem offers. When you enter into your sacred space, sit and breath, focusing on the roads that are ahead and the challenges in your life. Call out for direction in these things and let an image form in your mind. Breath and relax and allow the shape to take a form. Meditate upon the form and listen to its wisdom. The first animal to appear may or may not be the totem you seek: sometimes it may be a guardian or a messenger, come to show you the way or to show you a lesson that must be learned before you can find the totems which you seek. That does not mean to ignore them: they are there for a reason and all spirits have lessons to offer to you. Breath, be at peace, and open yourself to the universe as you explore the eastern road and the places that it carries you. Once you rise, thank the spirits for their appearance and ground. The Southern Totem - Humility/Truth Continuing in our series on totems we turn our eyes from the East to the South. Again, as you did with your Eastern Totems you want to create a type of sacred space either by casting circle or exploring your world. Do not be surprised if this journey takes you to new places or pulls you in a different direction: this totem may be nothing like the last, and may take you on a journey that tests your ability to handle your own demons. It is a totem that offers a power often overlooked: humility through truth. The southern totem is a totem that offers an inner transformation which allows for greater understanding. There is no shame in being humble and this totem reminds us that it is the little things that matter. For me, this is the stag who tells me that I must be able to change and shift. He tells me that I am not here to conquer nature, but to understand it and become a part of it. He tells me that I may kill, but that I must also show respect as the divine spark is in all things. He tells me that I am a part of something more. The south is a direction of fire and personal change. When you are in your sacred space, be it in your home, or in the wilds sit and breathe. Sometimes this meditation is assisted by a candle as the watchtowers can be called for this. Call out for an understanding of your place as a servant in this world; for you to see the things in yourself that you need to overcome - or even for an understanding of the things that make for a stronger personality and attitude in yourself. Ask yourself what humility means to you and what place it has in your world. Allow them to take form, either in the flame or in the world - you may see them in your minds eyes, or sense them in your heart. They are a loving totem that reminds us of much and can lead to a very lost feeling if you are not prepared to meet them. Some people are immediately humbled by their presence or their whispers - listen to them, but do not dispair, for they are here to help you. They appear to show you your place and your desires. They are here to lead you to truth and light. Like the totem before it the first animal may not be the one you seek, but listen nonetheless, for they will all have truths to share with you. Inner truths that will be laid out before you. This journey is not the easiest, but the serenity that it can offer makes it worth the time and the effort. Breath and take in the peace as you walk the southern road - opening yourself to the world and the spirits within it (but do not forget to remain protected). Once the journey is complete (or once it has been truly struck) rise, thanking the spirits for their appearance and picture yourself as being cleansed by the fire of their love. It is this totem especially which may lead you on, bringing lessons to your path. Some lessons might be uncomfortable, but their rewards are great. There may be things lost along the way, but this is a journey of purification and understanding. Love to you all on your journeys, and Blessed Be! ** Mabigonia **
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:40:04 +0000