Diviner Tales and beliefs 3.

~*Diviner tales and beliefs*~
SACRED LORE and POEMS

RABBIT [Faith and Intuition or Fear and Timidity]
Rabbit is a possessor of faith, quick wits, strong intuition, and guile. She is an element of paradox and contradiction. Rabbit lives by her own wits, and can receive hidden teachings and intuitive messages. She also moves through her fear.
�I am in tune with the pulse of the universe. In my quiet and solitude I hear the melodies of the soul. I float above commonplace dissent and decay. I subdue by my ability to conform. I color my words in delicate pastel hues. I epitomize harmony and inner peace. I am the Rabbit.�

SQUIRREL [Prudence in times of Change or Greed]
Squirrel's qualities include those of change, discovery, and warning. He has balance in giving and receiving and rest during unproductive times. Squirrel stores for the future and moves to a higher level of consciousness to avoid harassment.

DEER [Grace and Sacrifice or Martyrdom]
Deer understands physical pacing and what is necessary for survival. She possesses gentleness, grace, body awareness, and a connection to the woodlands. She has the ability to listen and to sacrifice for the higher good. She appreciates the beauty of balance and can travel alternative paths to a goal. Deer is a power of gratitude and giving.

RAT [Defender, Ambition or Covetous]
The Rat King is a secretive foe. His caves are filled with vermin of all sorts. Yet, to find the heart of the cave will bring you the herb of life. A mystery� why are there squirrels in the deep caves?
�I am the self-proclaimed acquisitor. I am a link yet I function as a complete unit. I aim at encompassing heights and I strike my target sure and steady. Life is a joyous journey for me. Each search must end with a new quest. I am progress, exploration and insight. I am the womb of activity. I am the Rat�

OX/COW/BULL [Nurturing, Patient, Strength of Character or Slow, Stubborn, Violent when Angry]
In the Buddhist tradition, the process of obtaining enlightenment is likened to a herding boy's search for his lost ox. Many temples feature murals depicting the boy's search for his ox, a mirror of our own quest for enlightenment.
�Mine is the stabilizing force that perpetuates the cycle of life. I stand immobile against the test of adversity, resolute and unimpeachable. I seek integrity, to bear the burdens of righteousness. I abide by the laws of nature - patiently pushing the wheel of fate. Thus, I shall weave my destiny. I am the Ox.�
What a nice shape the ox has, but how about its color?
The color of peach blossoms in spring's full bloom?
The rich red of the autumn leaves
after summer's lush green fades?
The yellow of wheat on the south wind in spring?
The red of Poun jujubes in the green mountains?
--From the Yangju Ox Rite