Hummingbird Shaman - Symbols of Divine Presence » Totem Animals

Crow Life Sweet and Good Wherever I am

Hummingbird Shaman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:32:25 +0000

It is our nature to be seen at times but to also blend in with the crowd at other times. The secret of life is to find that happy medium, working with that ever-changing flow to find a little balance between hard work and happiness. Today we turn to the crow to show us how to live as though “life is sweet and good wherever I am“.

Learning from the Crow Totem

Crows are plentiful in my region, and often overlooked when overshadowed by the bald eagles, red tail hawk, and even the hummingbird. The crow offers us some interesting concepts to ponder, though. They are smart as a whip, able to figure out how to use a stick to get food from a container. They know the concept of teamwork, and when food is spotted they broadcast this information to their circle. They go about their business, as usual, taking advantage of whatever situation they face. We can all learn something from this, learning how to make the best out of whatever situation we face, knowing when to adapt or improvise, and when to take flight.

Another great concept I see “planted” in this story is the idea that sometimes things happen in our lives, but they may work for us in the long-run. This is a concept that we can integrate into our lives just about every day: using the stepping stones created by others as a catapult toward our own success, following the rise and falls of industries to make wise choices in our investments; watching the world around us, and applying productive thinking to “turn lemons into lemonade”. It’s a gift, our ability to study and respond, sometimes in some very creative ways.

A Crows Story: Life is Sweet and Good

This thought was written by John Burroughs, American naturalist and essayist (1837-1921):

Several crows are walking about a newly-sowed wheat field we pass through, and we pause to note their graceful movements and glossy coats. I have seen no bird walk the ground with just the same air the crow does. It is not exactly pride; there is no strut or swagger in it, though perhaps just a little condescension; it is the contented, complaisant, and self-possessed gait of a lord over his domains. “All these acres are mine,” he says, “and all these crops; men plough and sow for me, and I stay here or go there, and find life sweet and good wherever I am.”

Crow Life Sweet and Good Wherever I am. © 2011 Estee Taschereau, HummingbirdShaman™ and WalkWithWings™. Estee brings 30+ years of focus on soul-expression and spirit-vision into her books and individual soul-defining sessions to guide individuals into greater recognition of their own life-sustaining passion and purpose.

The Turkey and the Eagle – Status and Meaning

Hummingbird Shaman — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Birds have often been seen as a symbol of the powers above, serving not as ‘gods’ in any sense, but more as messengers and intermediaries for the Divine. Delving deeper in this symbolic view we find that each bird has its own interpretive meaning, and we have learned by our observations. The Eagle has been granted great status in the U.S., a status given in our early times as a symbol associated with purpose and guidance offered by our “founding fathers”. We can laugh at the idea that another choice considered as our national bird was the wild turkey. Today the status of the turkey lies mostly in a more self-directed thought of a full belly and in those olden days of our own survival.

Turkeys and Stigma

The turkey also gives the appearance of lacking in common sense, with stories that a turkey will look upward in the rain, drowning itself in the process. Perhaps this story is directed at the farmed turkey, sadly molded in ways to produce more meat while in the meantime the bird lives a miserable life. Wild turkeys are very different in appearance, and also in taste. There we go, right back to turkey’s as a food source.

Status of the Eagle

The eagle is offered protection from our own predatory ways, and holds great symbolic status as a sign of freedom, power, and commanding presence. The turkey is not offered such reverence, instead it is farmed and hunter, given honor as the centerpiece only long enough to carve and consume its meat. In many cultures the turkey has been seen as a symbol of fertility. Hako rituals told the story of why the turkey lost status to the eagle, for the turkey did not have the wisdom to guard its own nest. Still the turkey does hold a place of honor, both as a food source and in its ability for abundance and survival. The Hopiused the feather of the turkey to communicate an prayer for rain. This may seem insignificant, but in desert environments a rainfall can be the pivot between feast or famine. The eagle feather served with a completely different meaning, symbolically used for the purpose of war as an expression of strength and power.

Animal Symbols in the Mayan Calendar

We will find the honor offered to the Eagle in many cultures. In the Mayan Tzolkin, a spiritual calendar that has been used to explore spiritual empowerments, today is the day of 10 Men, the Eagle. The next appearance of the combination of the number 10 and the Eagle will be in 260 days. Of the thirteen different instances of the Eagle found in the Mayan Tzolkin this specific combination speaks out of our ability to create great things within the physical world, bringing our consciousness and physical abilities together that could only be described as “walking with wings”.

The Turkey and the Eagle – Status and Meaning © 2011. Author Estee Taschereau brings over 30 years as a spiritual counselor to help individuals gain a more fulfilling and purposeful focus in their personal and professional world, guiding them in their own awareness and appreciation of their life path and abilities. Sessions are available via phone or Skype, by appointment. Please use the contact form for scheduling.

I Yield to Raccoons

Hummingbird Shaman — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:01:25 +0000

This morning’s activity began long before the sun rose in so many ways. I was awake in the early hours, and nestled within my electronic world of emails and websites. Many tasks were in the queue for the day, and I left home while it was still dark. Within a block of my home my drive was already interrupted by a young raccoon crossing the road. I yield to raccoons, choosing to allow my nurturing nature to live more dominantly, at least in the moment, than that part of me that in such a big hurry.

What’s the Hurry?

It’s easy for us to get wrapped up in what we “have to do”, as though anything could be more important than our awareness, our breath, and our experience in life. Yet we do just that, finding discontentment in the traffic that takes our time away from more important things.

The appearance of that raccoon give me cause to remember an earlier thought, long before my trek out into the “river that doesn’t flow”, aka traffic. One thought leads to another, and before my first stop sign of the journey I gave thought to the two ways of business.

There’s the strip-mine style, where anything that creates a smile or brings a breath of relief is discouraged because it may interfere with productivity. Then there is the style of nature, to build and replenish. It’s easy to get lost in what we “do”, but what we do is the place where we bring our soul into the world. Our acts are the canvas and our creative nature is the palette full of the colors of life.

I yield to raccoons, those simple reminders to slow down and remember that life is far too precious to hurry on by.

Nothing to Crow About

Hummingbird Shaman — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:35:32 +0000

Crows are abundant in my area, but even as common as they are they still are commanding in their presence. The examples are many, such as the many crows flying quite intently over the treetops in a northern direction, clearly with purpose. Their direction took them nearly over my head, and I could not help but watch to see if their destination was close by.

Nothing to Crow About

The expression “nothing to crow about” is associated with boasting, making something a big deal. We might look at it as egotistical, self acknowledgement and gratification, or worse, waggling our accomplishments in the faces of others. Let’s step out of that perspective for a moment, and talk about crowing from a different angle.

Crowing – A Sign of Strength and Intelligence

Crows are amazing communicators. Just a few days ago I took a walking food break, and as I crossed through a parking lot toward my pathway I saw a crow hopping across the lot in search of food. I could not resist tossing him a piece of my own food, which he glanced at and soon carried away. At the other end of the lot another couple of crows perched on a light, apparently watching the exchange. I tossed out a couple more pieces, thinking they would not touch them till I passed, but these crows made it clear that time should not be wasted. One of the crows called out, then flew down to take what was offered. Soon there were 10 crows, all happy to take part in the offering. One made me smile as he grabbed not one but many pieces within his beak, displaying his skill and intelligence.

Nothing to Crow About?

When the crows talk they talk about things of value, something worth noting. Isn’t it amazing how humans can be, with our abilities and extensive means of communicating? We can express great brilliance, or just as easily be taken for a fool, with the dividing line being found somewhere in-between our clarity and the perception of others.

The expression “nothing to crow about” speaks of boasting, making something out of nothing. Every time I think of that expression I picture children and their cutting-edge ability to tell it like it is. Then I look around at the “real” world around me, and I see so many examples in advertising, media, and politics where the hocus-pocus stories are told to make whatever is being sold to us appear to be “the right thing” or “for our good”. It’s no wonder we’re confused and turn in so many directions to find our answers.

Crow Way or “Show” Way?

Which side do we take when it comes to having “something to crow about”? Do we take the crow’s perspective of sharing what is valuable and worthy of attention, or the smoke-screen, stage-show attitude that manipulates our thoughts and re-directs our attention? Perhaps it is time for us to ask a few solid questions and find our own answers, and demand facts instead of just a pile of “shiny objects”.

It’s funny how my thoughts have turned to the tales told about crows being attracted to “shiny objects”. This may be true for crows, and it is also true for people. But those who speak of the crows from such a superficial perspective only show their own limits, offering nothing of value about their topic and backward messages hidden within their words.

There is intelligence that goes far deeper than what we are shown on the outside, and that statement applies both to crows and to people. We all have the choice to crow about nothing, or having something of value to crow about.

Nothing to Crow About © 2011 Estee Taschereau, HummingbirdShaman™ and Walk With Wings™. Estee shares over three decades of experience as a spiritual counselor, helping individuals build their own bridges between passion and wisdom. Sessions are offered by appointment via phone or Skype.

When Crows Cross Your Path – Intuitive Meaning

Hummingbird Shaman — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:50:53 +0000

Today’s posting focuses on the crow, inspired by a crow who moments ago captured my attention by pausing for a moment on the wires outside my house. The crow’s dark feathers made it appear more as a silhouette. I paused as well, remembering my experience the day before with many crows crossing my path.

The tree full of crows as I round the corner, the crows dancing across car roofs in the parking lot, and drive along the empty highway with rows of crows perched on either side, all these interaction with the crows have lead me to ask, “What have I missed?”

When Crows Cross Your Path

Crows have often been seen as bad news, bringing a message that misfortune will strike. In a world in which things “happen to us” and we must take whatever comes our way then yes, we would be watching for signs of what is to be. But we are creative and powerful beneath our day-to-day impression, and we have the ability to choose to accept, struggle within, or to change.

The sighting of a crow could be a sign to turn within and find what is creating the silhouettes within our lives. Symbols within our lives and sightings that appear to hold meaning are not necessarily offered as a warning. These attention-getting sparks of attention could also be a reminder of something left behind, or a possibility that lies just beneath the surface that longs to be awakened.

Crows in a Time of Change

Change happens, and we can choose to wait for events to happen, or we can heed the signs and signals of the change as it grows into tomorrow. Whether it is a crow in our path or a gut-level feeling, we can use those messages as an opportunity to ease our way into our ever-changing next step in life.

When Crows Cross Your Path – Intuitive Meaning © 2011 IntuitiveMeaning.com. AuthorEstee Taschereau is a metaphysical writer and clairvoyant counselor, guiding individuals to interpret the messages from their soul and higher self, and understand their own purpose and meaning.

Eagle Owl – Pure Strength and Determination

Hummingbird Shaman — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:39:11 +0000

The owl is an amazing creature, so observant, still, and determined. In this video we get a first-hand look at the eagle owl swooping in with talons extended.

The Owl as a Totem

The owl is a popular totem because of its size, strength, and keen perspective. Because of its visionary abilities it is identified with clairvoyant, the ability to “see clearly” or perceive on a meta-physical level. The owl is also a night-bird, and is often associated with the shadow side of self. It is full of determination and silent power.

The Shadow Self

The shadow-self, when mentioned, usually raises a few eyebrows. We rarely like that deeper look into ourselves, expecting to find things that are bad or at least unpleasant, or uncovering our flaws.

This “place” or “self” isn’t a place where we hide our wrong-doings, it’s a place that is unseen. This means that when we are attracted or drawn toward the shadow-self, or a symbol like the owl, that we could just be looking for a part of ourselves that we put into safekeeping many years back. Eventually our desire to be whole, complete, and happy will over-ride our hesitation to delve into the unseen. Because of this the owl could be seen as a healing totem.

My Own Owl Stories

I’ve had so few owl encounters, but each has peaked my attention. My first was during a walk along the creek nearby my home. I could see a creature perched on a fallen tree just over the creek, and from the distance thought it might be a cat. My dog at that time, a small dog, was far ahead enjoying her off-leash freedom. This “cat” turned its head and watched the dog, and in hindsight I realized it was sizing up the dog for a good meal. As we grew closer the most amazing wings came out, and the owl took flight. Much like the video without the claws and “in your face” contact.

Years later I found an owl feather on the estate of a friend, and when I offered it I was told, “No, that feather was gifted to you”. I took the feather (cleaning it with diatomaceous earth), and placed it in the bag with my native american tarot cards. Some time later I wondered about the readings I did for myself, they seemed so dark, all about the healing work I was focusing on around past events I was ready to face. Then I realized that the owl feather was setting the tone, bringing me to that healing place as quickly as an owl swoops down on its prey. The feather now resides elsewhere, away from the cards as well as sleeping spaces.

Owl Healing

How can we heal ourselves with the totem energy of the owl? We can approach our own healing efforts with compassion and gentleness, after all if we have hidden away any part of ourselves it was for good reason, typically because at that time we did not feel safe in sharing our beauty and light. The Owl may thrive in the darkness of the night, but it is certainly a greatly loved creature in the heart of the divine.

Hummingbird Moments – Fierce Spirits Taking Action© 2011 Estee Taschereau. To make an appointment for a private life clarity session or healing session please use the contact form. Sessions are available by phone in the U.S. and Canada and Skype internationally. Weekend times are available.

Being Here Now: Find Your Center, Stand Your Ground

A collection of simple to use tools and techniques for recognizing and maintaining your own energy “space” and finding your focus. This self-aware approach to living is offered with compassion and a light-hearted appreciation. Estee shares with us her philosophy on helping others in their path to self-realization: “The greatest motivator we have is the natural magnetic draw toward being in a place that is safe and encouraging, that is the key element I’ve woven into every page of this book.” You can purchase Estee’s book Being Here Now in paperback or ebook format. The concept is simple yet amazingly powerful: “Find your center, stand your ground.”

Pileated Woodpecker – Awareness and Teamwork

Hummingbird Shaman — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:48:21 +0000

I’ve enjoyed the times I am able to work in my home office, which for me is an ever-moving location in search of sun light and visual connection to nature. On one particular morning I welcomed an interruption to my writing when I heard the sound of the pileated woodpecker outside my door.

The Sound of a Pileated Woodpecker

The warm morning allowed me to leave the window down, and I could hear the chirping of the many birds: the chickadees, blue jays, and flickers that have been frequenting the feeders. What caught my attention was a new call, the bold and distinctive sound of a pileated woodpecker.

I looked outside but could not see much with the brightness of the sun and the contrast created by the leaves of the cherry tree, but I could see the outline of this huge bird. I carefully opened the door with camera in hand, and stepped outside. There was not one bird, but also the mate. They chose to move to higher ground, and were an awesome site as they spread their wings and so casually flew up onto a nearby telephone pole. Their placement gave them a view of me as well as a view of each other.

The Spirit of the Pileated Woodpecker

This bird is the largest woodpecker in the U.S., and the sound created by its large strong beak against the bark and wood of a snag tree can be heard at great distance. Their voice is nearly as strong as the beating of their nature-drum. My first interaction with the pileated was preceded by the sound of his beak beating loudly on a hollowed tree.

One reference I am reminded of is the association between native american flutes and the pileated woodpecker. What a natural! Who’s idea was the flute? Perhaps it was a creative connection between the resourceful bird and the inventive man. No matter what our stories the pileated flute is a wonderful addition to our world, creating sound through the management of space.

The Meaning of Pileated – Awareness and Teamwork

The cap of this woodpecker is typically what is most noticed, with a large red crown. Pileated means cap, and the pileated wears his with grace. What can we say about the crown and our consciousness? The crown energy center is the gateway between body and spirit, and can easily be equated to wisdom and purpose. The interactivity of this pair of pileated woodpeckers spoke clearly of alliance and consciousness. Even the cap speaks out of communication and teamwork, bringing awareness and purpose into the same moment in time.

Pileated Woodpeckers and Relationships

Pileated woodpeckers mate for life, and stay together year-round. In this respect they differ from the hummingbird, a bird that lives more independent, even in raising their young.

This brings a thought to mind, the idea of totem animals in relation to people. We can have a totem, a symbol of an attribute we seek to develop within ourselves, that comes to us for a moment or for a lifetime. The pileated, being such a committed, purposeful bird, may be seen as a lifetime totem, for it takes time and endurance to show our true sense of commitment and community in action. The bright red cap can be seen as a sign of higher purpose delivered in every moment of life.

Pileated Woodpecker – Awareness and Teamwork © 2011 Estee Taschereau, Hummingbird Shaman™ and Walk With Wings™. Estee brings over 30 years as a spiritual counselor to help individuals gain a more fulfilling and purposeful focus in their personal and professional world, guiding them in their own awareness and appreciation of their life path and abilities. Sessions are available via phone or Skype, by appointment. Please use the contact form for scheduling.