Symbolism

Totem Women and Pathfinders are inspired by Native American Animal totem mythology. 

“Our fellow creatures, the animals, exhibit habit patterns that relay messages of healing to anyone astute enough to observe their lessons on how to live.  Each lesson is based on one major idea or concept, and for the sake of simplicity, each animal has been assigned one of these lessons.  In reality, each animal in creation has hundreds of lessons to impart, and all those lessons are powers that can be called on. ”  ”Medicine Cards” by Jamie Sams & David Carson, St. Martins Press

The following is a list of some of the animal medicine that has inspired pieces of my work.  This is not a comprehensive list of all the animals and their respective medicine. 

Bat – “Rebirth”
Bat symbolizes the need for a ritualistic death of some way of life that no longer suits your new growth pattern.  This can mean a time of letting go of old habits, and of assuming the position in life that prepares you for rebirth, or in some cases initiation.  The universe is always asking you to grow and become your future.

Bear - “Introspection”
Be willing to enter the safety of the “womb-cave.” If you believe there are many questions to life, then you must also believe that the answer to these question reside within you.  Each of us has the ability to quiet the mind, enter the silence, and know.

Buffalo - “Prayer & Abundance”
Buffalo medicine is a sign that you achieve nothing without the aid of the Great Spirit and that you must be humble enough to ask for that assistance and then be grateful for what you receive.  This may be a time of reconnection to the meaning of life and the value of peace.

Butterfly - “Transformation”
Butterfly teaches us that we are always in a cycle of self-transformation – the egg stage, larva, cocoon, or birth.  When you know where you are in this cycle, Butterfly can help you decide what your next step should be.  Remember there is a totally different world outside the cocoon.  It demands that you use your new wings to fly!

Eagle – “Spirit”
Take heart, gather your courage and take the opportunity being presented you to soar above the mundane levels of your life.  Recognizing this opportunity may come in the form of a spiritual test.  In being astute, you may recognize the places within your soul, personality, emotions, or psyche that need bolstering or refinement.  Eagle you to broaden your sense of self beyond the visible horizon.

Grouse – “Sacred Spiral”
The sacred spiral is one of the oldest known symbols for personal power.  Use Grouse medicine to learn about how you move through your world, what kind of energy you send into the universe, and to figure out if your movement is compatible with your desires and goals.  Dancing or walking will put you back in touch with Earth and your body.  Grouse may then teach you how to notice the energy flows that put you in harmony and balance with body, mind and spirit.

Horse – “Power”
The power of horse lies in a balanced life and the wisdom that comes from remembering your total journey. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways to power.

Hummingbird – “Joy”
Use Hummingbird to relax, laugh and enjoy the Creator’s many gifts.  Drop the judgemental attitude and be ready for a flash of spirit, and a burst of energy.  Hummingbird embraces the highest aesthetics – beauty is the target.  Follow Hummingbird and you will soon be filled with joy, and experience a renewal of the magic of living.

Mt. Lion - “Leadership”
Learn the lessons on the use of power in leadership.  It is the ability to lead without insisting that others follow. The use and abuse of power in a position of influence are this cat’s medicine.  Learn to balance the mind, body and spirit.  Stand on your convictions and lead yourself where your heart takes you.

Otter - “Woman Medicine”
If you are drawn toward Otter it may be telling you that now is the time to become a playful child and simply allow things to unfold in your life.  Do not hang onto material things that become a burden.  Be open to receiving gifts from others and giving gifts of yourself to others.  Otter lets us rejoice in others and accept them for who they are.

Rabbit - “Fear”
Use Rabbit to stop talking about the horrible things that may happen and get rid of the “what if” in your vocabulary.  Write your fears down and be willing to feel them, breathe them, then let them run through your body into Mother Earth as a give-away.

Snake – “Transmutation”
(one of my favorites!) The transmutation of the life-death-rebirth cycle is exemplified by the shedding of Snake’s skin.  It is the energy of wholeness, and the ability to experience anything willingly and without resistance. It is the knowledge that all things are equal in creation, and that those things which might be experienced as poison can be eaten, ingested, integrated, and transmuted if one has the proper state of mind.

Turtle - “Mother Earth”
You must honor the creative source within you, be grounded to the earth, and observe your situation with motherly compassion.  Use the water and earth energies, which represent Turtle’s two homes, to flow harmoniously with  your situation and to place your fee firmly on the ground in a power stance

Wolf - “Teacher, Pathfinder”
Wolf helps you to share your gifts with others.  Wolf’s desire to bay at the moon may be an indication of our desire to connect with new ideas just below the consciousness.  Empower the teacher within you to come forth and aid the children of Earth in understanding this great mystery of life.

Pathfinders
Incorporating animal totem messages, these woman/animal sculptures also include staffs to help guide you along your path.  The staff comes from branches a “pathfinder tree” used by the Alsi Indians in the Oregon Coast Range to guide them on their journeys from the coastal mountains to the Pacific Ocean.  The Natives bent the branches on this tree to create a distinctive and recognizable trail guide that continues to survive today.

Adinkra/Spirit Shields
The rich graphic symbols used on these shields come from the Adinkra symbols found in Ghana, Africa.  Traditionally the symbols were used to decorate fabric for royalty.  Modern times have seen the symbols used for many different purposes.  My shields use the Adinkra symbols to convey welcome messages to those who pass by.

Some of my favorite symbols are:

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