| Personal Pilgrimage |
[Sep. 7th, 2011|10:48 pm]
Artist Shannon Kringen
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Shannon Kringen
Personal Pilgrimage
Summer 2011
I set off early in the morning on my trip to the Point Defiance Zoo for an all day journey. It took 3 buses from Seattle to arrive there and about 3 hours each way. My first obstacle came when the bus driver neglected to tell me to get off at a certain stop just before be got back on the freeway despite the fact that I asked him twice to warn me when my stop was. I ended up looping around on the freeway before finally arriving in Tacoma getting off at a different stop that I planned which I considered a blessing because I then got to hike on a trail on the woods for 15 minutes before finding the entrance to the zoo. I came from the back side of the zoo and found my way to the front in my own intuitive way.
On the way I took this photo of myself reflected in two side by side reflective surfaces at the bus stop which symbolizes how I feel “split it two” much of the time. Conflicted about choices I make and dynamics in my personality. I am part introvert part extrovert. I like being on stage and taking acting classes and yet I do not like parties and loud social gatherings. Yet I love to photograph music concerts and participate in performing arts. I enjoy talking in groups in the classroom/healing/learning context but don't enjoy small talk or casual social gatherings. I like being quiet and reading and writing and photographing alone and yet also love being the solstice parade or world naked bike ride in body paint. I also see this image as a symbol of my awareness of my whole self. Part male, part female. I think everyone within them has both male and female aspects.
While on the bus I noticed my own reflection in the seat in front of me and took this interesting image:
to me, this image symbolizes the wisdom of being flexible with your life and your plans and ideas. I was lost and disoriented on this bus and thought we were going back to Seattle ans that I would change my plan ans visit the Aquarium instead of the Zoo. Life bends and shifts and changes unexpectedly sometimes I thought to myself on the bus. Then I realized this bus was going back to the place where I could transfer to a bus to the Tacoma Zoo. So my plan was back on track. As I got off the bus at not quite the right stop I had a longer walk ahead of me than I planned and ended up at the back side of the Zoo and noted the symbolism of this. Often times I do things sideways and backwards and different than the standard way. Maybe that is part of being left handed, or dyslexic or just being an aRtist in general? Seeing things differently and wanting to try different approaches instead of the standard conventional way of doing things. So I laughed to myself I was walking around the Zoo trying to find the front entrance. On the bud I noticed things were slower in Tacoma than in Seattle and I enjoyed that change of pace. People smiled at each other and an older man got on the bus with a big bouquet of flowers that made the bus smell wonderful. He was happy and smiling. The bus driver was very patient and kind.
As I entered the Zoo I began walking without looking at the map. I just wanted to allow myself to wander and intuitively find what I needed to see.
Snow Leopard
One of the first animals I was drawn to was the baby snow leopard. I was able to snap this photo and feel very moved by the small creature. I looked up the animal medicine of the Snow Leopard and found it means “Self Reliance”.
Self Reliance
Snow Leopards (like all members of the Leopard or Panther Family) are solitary creatures that hunt, feed and live mostly alone. In fact, the only time that a Snow Leopard will interact with another of their kind, is when the female is in estrus, or when she is raising her cubs. Yet as soon as the female is no longer in estrus, the mating pair will disperse with each going their own way. Likewise, once the cubs have reached sufficient maturation, they will be driven off by the mother (generally the next Spring, around one year after their birth) to face life on their own, and the she leopard will once more return to her solitary existence.
***Snow Leopard Souls are here in part to learn the lesson of Self Reliance. Like this Totem Spirit that has a mostly solitary life, the Two legged beside whom Snow Leopard strides, will face many encounters and situations in their current incarnation which develop the ability to rely upon and trust the inner Self.
This does not mean that these individuals are devoid of the desire to have a mate, what it does suggest, is that they often do their best thinking and problem resolution alone, and in fact do require some time alone with their own thoughts and feelings. If this ~Solitary~ time is not taken, there is the tendency for the Snow Leopard Soul to feel a stifling of the spirit, which in turn may leave them snappish or short tempered with their mate.
The lessons experienced that assist in the development of Self Reliance, can take many forms, though the most common manifestation is is through abandonment as a repetitive issue. This sense of "rejection" can come in either the form of actual abandonment (as in a partner leaving), or with the physical ~transition~ of loved ones.
Regardless of how this manifests itself, the end intent behind these lessons, is to teach Snow Leopard Soul the importance of trusting their inner Self.
***Through these lessons in Self Reliance, we are reminded that it is our Inner connection to the Divine that is the true source of our Strength. Then, in listening to that still, small Voice that speaks volumes to our Soul, we come to realize (through tuning into that Inner Knowing and following its urging) that we will never be led astray, nor are we ever truly Alone.***
Source:
http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/snowleopard.html
I find this need for solitude to be very true. I sometime am very lonely and yet need my space from others to really center myself. The fact that the snow leopard is a baby I think means I am to remember to be gentle with myself and take baby steps in accepting my path in this life. I am 42 years old as I write this and feel like I need to do grief work on the fact that I am slow to learn certain lessons in life in regards to family and close relationships. Most of my time has been spent doing artwork and living in my creative realm and I have not had as much success with personal relationships working in a traditional sense. The baby cat reminds me to mother myself and nurture and not rush myself into learning. Respect my need for solitude and let go of beating myself up for being a “loner” part of the time. My more social side comes out when I allow myself enough alone time. When I don't get enough time alone I get very grumpy which pushes people away. But when enough time to myself I can then enjoy the company of others and connect with them more fully.
Tiger
The second animal I was drawn to was the Tiger. This one was a young male with his mother. Tigers are mostly solitary animals aside from when they mate or when young ones are with their mothers. It was a rare treat to see two tigers together. I take this to mean that my need for solitude has another side to it. I have a need to mother myself and have friendships with others that are more nurturing to both me and the other person and I also have a strong desire to find a life partner. This tiger medicine seems to compliment the baby snow leopard medicine.
Tiger:
Striped terror of the jungles,
Walker of secret paths and ancient ways,
Give me the strength and courage to do what is necessary.
Teach me not to cringe from actions that may cause pain, but must be done.
Tiger of action, lead the way that I may know how to go
confidently through my life.
Passion, Power, Devotion
The Tiger is the symbol of darkness
and the new Moon.
When a Tiger totem enters your life,
expect new adventures.
It will awaken new passion and power.
Tiger people do their best work at night.
They are very sensual and passion people and devoted parents.
Your best work will be done at night.
Tigers are associated with water and have all the properties of the element of Water –
healing, power through gentle flow, feminine energies.
In China, there are 5 mystic tigers:
The red tiger is south, summer and fire,
the black tiger is the symbol of north, winter and water,
the blue tiger is east, spring and vegetation,
the white tiger is west, autumn and all metals,
the yellow tiger is ruler of the Earth and its energies.
Source:
http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/tiger.htm
I am very nocturnal. I am a passionate person but I have a tendency to hold back a lot. I take this tiger medicine to mean I need to give myself permission to take charge of my life more fully, not hold back. Risk more and be more bold and strong in my choices with my artwork and relationships as well as my talking in classes. I can be more bold like the tiger if I so choose. I don't need to wait for someone else to give me the “green light”. I can grow into a more confident adult and see where this takes me.
Polar Bear
I waited and watched as the Polar Bear jumped in the water for a carrot and very quickly did one lap around the pool and quickly jumped out back on land to take a nap. I took this to mean “Go for it”. Follow what you desire and be brave and strong in pursuing it. Don't let fear stop you. Even if you fail to achieve your goal try anyway. It will lead you where you need to go.
Polar Bear, Power Animal, Symbol of Purity, Death, Rebirth, Transformation
By Ina Woolcott
Polar bear's medicine includes the ability to navigate along the earth’s magnetic lines , introspection, ability to find sustenance in barren landscapes, purity of spirit, strength in the face of adversity, solitude, expert swimmer through emotional waters, finding ones way back from the brink, communication with Spirit, dreams, death and rebirth, transformation, creature of dreams, shamans, mystics and visionaries, defence and revenge
Intelligent and fearless, native tribes throughout history have held the polar as a desirable ally and spirit helper. The white colour of the polar bear is very significant indeed, for it represents purity of spirit. As this bear is fearless and the universal energy only flows when fear is absent, the polar serves as a valuable ally in getting past fear, both physically and mentally.
To the Eskimo and Inuit peoples this animal is a source of both physical and spiritual nourishment. On a spiritual level, the polar bear is regarded as the embodiment of the spirit of the North, an animal who possesses ancient wisdom and has shamanic powers.
Of the bear family the polar is the most aggressive and carnivorous. They are exceptional hunters. Polar bears weigh up to 1600 lbs and are able to knock a 500lb seal out of the water with one blow. Incredibly strong, they are far more adaptable than other bear which is well suited to their excellent survival skills. Though they are one of the largest land carnivores, they are still capable of great speed on both ice and earth. They are able to swim 100 miles non-stop.
Although they have the same characteristics as other bears, the polar does have specific traits inherent to it. If this is your power animal you should read up on the information available about bears in general for a deeper understanding of this powerful medicine. If polar bear is (one of) your guide, you will have challenges linked with flexibility, change and stubbornness and should ask the polar for assistance in overcoming these obstacles.
Prior to acting the polar will observe the situation beforehand. They know how exactly how preserve their energy and strength and use both at the most appropriate time for the best outcome. This is just one of the lessons to be learned form the polar. Perhaps if this is your power animal, you would benefit by learning the art of energy management.
Within the animal kingdom the polar has no enemies. However, they do have but one enemy - the human hunter.
The polar is known as the "Ice Man" amongst some native tribes due to its preference for hunting on sea ice. How the polar appears to us is symbolic. If the polar were seen walking on ice, the message would be connected to the frozen, blocked, emotions stored within us and the need for allowing those emotions free flow, to express themselves. If seen looking for food, nourishment and replenishment of the body, mind and spirit would be the message. It is very important to watch the polar to get the right message.
Source:
http://www.shamanicjourney.com/article/6130/polar_bear_power_animal_symbol_of_purity_death_rebirth_transformation
I relate to this: “If polar bear is (one of) your guide, you will have challenges linked with flexibility, change and stubbornness and should ask the polar for assistance in overcoming these obstacles. “ After reading what others say about Polar Bear medicine I realize it's also telling me to be mindful of my stubborness and how it keeps me stuck even though I use that trait to be “strong” and feel safe it does not serve me anyway. I need to loosen up and swim around more and risk failing but the point in goals is not success or failure but in learning and experiencing life to the fullest. The purity of the white bear and getting past fear also resonates with me. I have so much fear at times and yet I am so brave and need to give myself credit for that and keep going with it. The bear shows me again that I can give myself permission to go forward and dive in for the carrots of life and don't need to wait for someone else to tell me it's ok for me to live more fully and taste life.
Arctic Fox
I walked up and the fox looked right at me. This animal seemed a lot more curious about the humans and seemed to respond when each person walked up. He was sniffing the air and seemed to want to know about the people around him. He has a skunk like smell which I actually find pleasant! I wasn't sure what he symbolized to me aside from that I felt peaceful around him and hypnotized by his beautiful warm amber colored eyes.
Arctic Fox
The Fox is one of my favorite magickal creatures. It is said that very old foxes have pearls of wisdom in their heads, according to Anna Franklin in The Sacred Circle Tarot. Pearls are another Sacred White Object, having the ability to cleanse one of negative emotions.
The Fox is a creature of Magickal times, being seen at dawn and dusk, the magickal times of day, or, the in-between times, which are the times of great power for working magick, and the daily times of the thinning of the veil between worlds.
Fox is also known for his ability to camouflage himself, a form of shape-shifting. He can hide in broad daylight, in a crowded room, or blend in with his surroundings any place in nature. In this way, Fox teaches us how to be invisible. The white fur of the Arctic Fox enables him to blend in with the snow in his Arctic habitat, virtually invisible in the Land of Snow and Ice.
Fox is also said to be a guide to the Underworld, emerging at Winter Solstice, with the return of the Sun. And while Arctic Fox does not hibernate like Fox, he does build tunnels of warrens underground, with many entrances and exits, showing us other ways to enter the Underworld.
Learning to blend in with your surroundings, practicing invisibility, shape shifting, and magick are all a part of Fox Medicine. Arctic Fox adds in the teachings of wearing different colors for the different seasons, to better blend in, and building a nest egg for the future.
The red fox is the familiar of the Queen of Wands, She of the hearth fires and Keeper of the family home, linking Fox to Fire and it’s energy. The Aurora Borealis of the North is called Fox Fire, reminding us of the magickal world of Fox.
“A fox can teach you to control your aura so that you can be more in harmony
with others and the world.” –Linns Domain
After reading what others have written about fox medicine I think it's to remind me that my ability to adapt and be chameleon like is a gift and not something I need to beat myself up about. There is a line I have in one of my poems that goes “Fragile sense of self, intangible desire for wealth”. And now I realize that the fox is telling me that having a flexible self is good and not 'lacking' in self. It's a wise way to be. Bend and change and adapt when needed. As long as you balance that with having a “center” being adaptable is a talent. I can learn from being around different kinds of people. I do have a tendency to be interested in many things and kinds of music and people and art both visual and performing. I sometimes feel like I am scattered all over and am too fuzzy about who I am but this fox medicine is telling me it's a gift to shape shift like that. When I do self portrait photos the same thing happens. I have taken 100's of photos of myself and I look like a different person In many of them. Being multi-faceted like that is a gift and not something I need to be shame about. Perhaps also the skunk like scent that I like is a sign as well that I have acceptance of that wild odor the fox has and that I am sure some people do not enjoy that scent and that is ok too. Just like some people like anchovies and some don't. I like the smell of the arctic fox and I realize that this opinion is perhaps not a majority one? And that is ok! I don't need to feel strange about having that opinion.
Meerkat appeared and held still for a while. They mostly move a lot very quickly building and digging in the dirt. I felt joyful as I watched them all work near each other digging holes. They seemed more playful and cooperative/group oriented than the other animals I was photographing.
Meerkat
Watchfulness
Group Dynamics
A Meerkat totem teaches how to live within the dynamics of a group,
even to sacrifice oneself for the good of the group.
It teaches how to be alert and watchful.
Meerkats are a female dominate society; therefore the female is very important.
If you are a female, Meerkat will show how to find your strength;
if you are a man, this totem will show you how to honor your female partner
and support her endeavors for the good of the family.
Source:
http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/meerkat.htm
Meerkat seems to be teaching me to know I am a part of the group. I do belong despite feeling like an outsider most of my life and the “left out one” I realize this is not reality unless I choose to make it so. I can choose to join in more fully. I had to face this in my acting classes and really every class I have taken at Antioch has shown me that I project onto others and feel 'excluded' but really I am the one choosing to not speak as much. I am great listener and perhaps I could expand this to be a great speaker! Share more with the group my unique perspective so that all may benefit from whatever I share including me! It feels good to honor myself as equal to everyone in the group.
The Walrus seemed to be the most powerful totem for me on my all day walk. I watched three of them swim around and around in their pool very gracefully. They seemed vulnerable despite being so large. Somehow they seem fragile to me. Maybe it's their small eyes? Or the way they swim rather slowly like that is their only way of getting around. This one I took a portait of stayed in this pose for a long time. His whole body was standing up in the water. I was able to get very close and look at him for a good twenty minutes. I felt moved and touched by his presence. He somehow reminded me of my step grandfather. This comforted me.
Walrus as an Animal Spirit Guide
Keywords:
Physical Closeness, protection, paying attention.
When walrus crosses your path:
– Hug someone you care about
– Get together with close friends
– Join a group of like-minded people
– To take the path of least resistance
Think about Walrus:
Walrus is an interesting animal. Gregarious & physically social, Walrus is slow moving & clumsy on land (they store fat) but they at home in the water (water=emotions.)
Use walrus energy when:
– You feel the need for more physical affection
– You need to be more aware of your physical surroundings
– You want to relax & feel more positive about a financial situation
Walrus medicine teaches us:
–To be aware of our surroundings, yet not be so cautious as to push people away
– That we, too, are social animals & need others for hugs, comfort & to keep us grounded- in addition to physical protection
– To prepare & store for the future
Moving effortlessly in the water, Walrus can teach us to ‘ride the emotional’ waves inevitable in our lives, to pick our battles wisely when in defensive mode, and that as long as we are close to the people we love, we will be protected from a cold and lonely heart.
Uncovering the Hidden
Psychic Touch
For those to whom the Walrus is a totem,
there will come opportunities to uncover what is hidden,
to find hidden treasures in the things around us.
Walrus people have a need to be among likeminded people.
They feel safe and comfortable with their own kind (mental and spiritual not physical).
However, they must be careful not to become insolated and anti-social.
Walrus people often have a form of psychometry –
the ability to sense objects through touch.
However, instead of using their fingertips,
they should place the object against their cheek or forehead.
Trust in your inner senses.
After reading the official meaning of Walrus Medicine I am struck by the sweetness of embracing the need for more affection and hugging with those I love and care about. Uncovering hidden treasures and finding the balance of being social in a group or one on one and being in solitude. Swimming in watery emotions and trusting my inner senses also ring a bell inside me. Being sensitive and trusting what I sense seems to be the key. Love and nurturing also seems to be the message. Honoring the self and being connected to others at the same time is the essence of this medicine.
The polar bear swimming away on it's own is an image that reminds me to in the flow, playful, strong, alert knowing that I am capable of living a brave life and moving forward. Growing, healing, learning along the way. The fact that the water is very greenish in this image (my favorite color) is a symbol of “you have the green light” go forward.
I will end with a collage I made of a self portrait photograph thus reminding me I am many selves. Life is flexible and I want to taste as much of it as I can and learn, grow and heal along the way hoping I can also have a good effect on others and feel more connected to the larger community around me knowing I have a place in it as part of the whole. |
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