Hawks, eagles, vultures, and falcons are in the raptor family. What exactly defines raptor? These birds are carnivorous, meaning they eat other animals. Vultures typically select dead animals, like road kill, while others go for live prey.

It was not so long ago that I stood outside my home and saw an eagle, something that is not an everyday event.  The eagle moved quickly across the sky, never repeating any portion of its path like the hawks I see more often.

Raptors and Shamanism

Raptors have been honored in the native cultures and the world of shamanism since early times. The attributes of these amazing birds such as their strength, powerful vision, and speed as virtues that man can emulate. The most common attribute is the intensity of these birds.

What stands out most with the raptors of the world, the eagles, red tail hawks, falcons, and vultures is their awareness. All attention is given to the moment – now is the key to achieving any goal. Their focus is honored in expressions such as “an eagle eye”. We’ve all heard the expression, “a bird’s eye view”. It has been found that our human brain only registers a small portion of what our eyes see. How much of our observations are vision based, and how much is achieved by conscious focus?

There are 290 Falconiformes, or raptors, worldwide. This includes the nocturnal or night hunters, such as owls. In the U.S. there are regulations that restrict the ownership of raptor feathers or other body parts. These regulations are in place to protect the population of threatened species.

My friend followed up with me later that evening with an email to let me know that the prediction we made earlier was close, with the sighting of a hawk, a falcon, and two eagles. No vultures this trip, they were currently residing in the southern states for the winter. What a great way to add a little excitement to any drive, with an unexpected sighting of a raptor in action.

Raptors and Shamanism © 2010 HummingbirdShaman.com. Intuitive Meaning Editor and Author Estee Taschereau offers clear, compassionate spirit-level insights to individuals who seek to understand their own path and heighten their own abilities. Phone sessions are available in the US, as well as sessions via Skype.

Raccoons are amazing animals. As a totem representation of qualities we hold in our own life, they can be very interesting to observe.

The word raccoon comes from the word Arahkunem, which means “he scratches with the hands.”. In Norway the translation is “wash-bear”. The raccoon is a distant relative of the bear.

The most apparent characteristic of the raccoon is its mask. Is this a symbol of hiding, or a symbol of the stealth-like, night-based pursuits of the raccoon? This nocturnal animal is a master at hands-on manipulation.

Raccoons are smart as well, figuring out how to open containers and get what they want. Raccoons are known for cleaning their food.

When we look at these traits, and hold this mirror to ourselves, what do we see within our own world that carries raccoon qualities?

Life is very “hands on”, and the appearance of raccoon energy in your world can be a symbol for this trait. Patience can be woven into this tapestry as well, for the raccoon will persist to figure out the puzzles in life, in a very hands-on way, and will give their full attention to achieving their goals.

What about the nocturnal side of the raccoon, and that mask? It can be a symbol of hiding, or sneaking around, but it can also be a sign of privacy. Some of us like to work undisturbed by the world around us. Does this trait serve you, or restrict your ability to create the world you seek to create?

Every totem can show you strength as well as an area of life you seek to balance. The raccoon totem gives us a glimpse at several powerful abilities we share with this bandit of the night.

Author Estee Taschereau offers intuitive sessions for recognition of your own abilities and the steps you are taking toward self empowerment and success in life. The Healing Drum Retreat in the Pacific Northwest is an opportunity to learn more about totem animals, energy healing and get hands-on experience with native style crafting.

The past few days certainly have had that early spring-like feel. Though its only in the 50′s it feels warm. A breeze blew the night before, with a light tropical feel to it. Could spring be just around the corner?

As I type I catch glimmers of movement out the corner of my eye. A hummingbird rests at the feeder, head darting back and forth before drinking any nectar. Suddenly another approaches, and its clear to see that an intruder had been discovered. Off they fly, the territory once more secured.

At the rate that this nectar is disappearing I would say that the population of hummingbirds in this area has increased. I appreciate these high-populations times, though keeping the feeders full is challenging on some days.

As I fall deeper into my thoughts, eyes on the screen, I pick up movement at the window. From the initial impression I thought a raptor was ready to knock on the door. No, it was the hummingbird for another belly full of nectar. His presence was huge! He turned to me, then quickly flew away. “I’m living”, was the message in his movement, “What better way to understand what life has to offer”.

Hummingbird Shaman Editor and Author Estee Taschereau offers clear, compassionate assistance to individuals who seek to understand their own path and abilities. Phone sessions are available in the US, as well as sessions via Skype. Visit IntuitiveMeaning.com for more articles on totem spirits and shamanism.

“Lunch would be good”, I reminded myself, and decided to bring the remaining homemade soup along with me to share with Kaye, my healing drum retreat co-organizer. We will have a little work ahead of us preparing for tonight’s drum making class.

While my soup was heating I loaded my car. I’m a little more organized this trip, packing by room instead of a mish-mash stuffed in the back. As I brought bags and boxes to the car I heard the chirping of the chickadees and sparrows. “Feed us before you go”. That message was clearly stated. There was another familiar voice in the vicinity as well. I looked around but did not see her yet. Then as I locked the car (city girl that I am) and returned to the house I saw her, my little hummingbird friend that so often greets me at my office window.

“Say hello to everyone for me”, she shared, “Give them my love”. The love that radiates from a hummingbird is amazingly clear and nourishing to the soul. “Of course I will”, I returned. Then she continued on, sharing images and thoughts with me. “Let them know: Be gentle in your quest”, she offered, “The doorway opens so easily, you never have to force it”. I thought about those times I have stepped forward to glide quickly through a door only to find resistance, but the door could be so easily opened if only I stopped and pulled it toward me. Ah, a wonderful lesson came from this little bird in a simple note.

Sometimes we push away the things we don’t understand, or the parts of us that feel bigger than we perceive our spirit to be. There is grace in drawing closer those parts of us, embracing each moment of our lives. As we do so we have opportunity to find whatever is contained in that challenge. It could be a special part of us that is swirled within the chaos. We never want to throw away a part of us. What we seek is a clearer perspective and an accepting light. Be gentle with your heart, for your heart is your greatest ally.

Estee Taschereau is a clairvoyant counselor and consultant providing live, private sessions via phone. Each session brings insights with the gentle tone of the hummingbird shaman.