Native American rituals and practices are rooted in connection with all aspects of life and the Great Spirit (God). Therefore, the Native American practice of "animal medicine" embraces an awareness that reveals itself when a certain animal crosses our path. The word "medicine" in Native American practice and in the custom of animal medicine refers to the healing aspects that a particular animal brings to our consciousness. This would mean anything that supports, strengthens, restores, empowers, or revives the spiritual body, as well as the physical body.

Once we are aware of what a certain animal represents, then we can take the necessary steps to create changes in our life according to that awareness.

In the following examples, you will notice that there is reference to "crow people," "spider people" or "ant people." This is because the person who sees the animal medicine is named for the animal while they are becoming aware or when they are in the midst of changing a behavior due to the awareness.

EXAMPLE 1 - CROW MEDICINE: In Cherokee: (koga nvwati)

While sitting in my office at home, I often hear crows cawing outside the window. "Crow medicine" has the ability to shape-shift. This means they can be two places at once. When "crow people" see or hear crow medicine, it brings an awareness that they are able to be in two places at any given time.

This would be giving a lecture and jointly speaking to you through my book. It is being on the radio and speaking to you simultaneously through the website. I can also be working with a client and concurrently talking through the website. It could be a speaking to you through writing a book and through my radio show at the same time.

This gives me confirmation that being versatile will help me reach more people at the same time and that I AM doing what I love.

And sometimes Crow medicine reinforces shape-shifting for me when I find myself in a mode of lethargy or when I haven't been working as diligently as I should. Crow medicine brings me back to getting my work accomplished.

CLICK HERE FOR A: LIST OF ANIMALS & THEIR MEANINGS.

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EXAMPLE 2 - SPIDER MEDICINE: In Cherokee: (kananesgi nvwati)

For a few weeks I had been procrastinating on a few projects. I went into the kitchen to make some tea and saw a huge spider crawling across the floor. I want to make it very clear that this spider was HUGE.

This spider medicine meant business and it definitely wanted me to see it! I knew exactly what "spider medicine" represented and I said, "Alright already, alright!"

Spider Medicine represents creativity. Its 8 legs represent the 4 winds of change and the 4 directions on the medicine wheel. Its body is in the shape of an 8, which represents infinite possibilities. "Spider people" must look beyond the web of illusion of the physical world and look beyond the horizon to other dimensions.

It means, "wake up girl and get creative. You've got a lot to say. Think, create, think, create." Needless to say, spider medicine was telling me to get back to my office and start weaving new patterns for my life. I scooped up the spider medicine and took her downstairs to the garage where she would be safe and comfortable. I welcomed her to visit me another time when I start moving off track.

CLICK HERE FOR A: LIST OF ANIMALS & THEIR MEANINGS.

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EXAMPLE 3 - ANT MEDICINE: In Cherokee: (tsosudali nvwati)

One weekend I went to a seminar where the speaker happened to mention ants. He talked about their strength and determination, also how they were team players. Naturally, I sat there and thought about "ant medicine" and why I had to hear about ant life at that moment.

Ant medicine calls to our attention patience, persistence and endurance. While I sat there and listened, I thought about my level of patience and the nature of the topic at hand. "Ant people" know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It also says, "what is yours will come to you."

It told me that with trust and patience, God would provide. As I reviewed my situation, I realized that I was working very hard and hadn't been seeing the fruits of my labor. Honestly, there are no worries with ant medicine present. It also serves as a gentle reminder that patience does have its rewards.

CLICK HERE FOR A: LIST OF ANIMALS & THEIR MEANINGS.

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