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Native American Lore

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The Native American Indian tribes had varying belief systems. They all display a strong influence of Earth worship, the use of herbs and mind-altering substances. Beliefs often follow tribal customs. I could never hope to adequately cover the depths of Native American Lore, so instead I will focus here on one aspect I found personally interesting.

Power Animals of the North American Prairie
Information taken from Talismans and Amulets of the World By Felicitas H. Nelson

Power animals live in the reality beyond. Their being, which lives in the world of our imagination, can affect our daily lives. Each of us has or can acquire them, in order to enhance one's physical or emotional energy and to withstand outside influences. In addition, thry endow us with their capabilities so that we make them essential elements of our being.

These are the animals significant to me.

Dolphin - Vitality
This animal lives in the water but is also a mammal. It is the keeper of breath. The dolphin is the embodiment of the collective conscience. It tells us everything about the We. It does not know an individual personality. It is in tune with the rythm of life.

Owl - Clairvoyance
The owl has different meanings according to the Native American tribe. On one hand, it is honored for its wisdom and its ability to fly at night. It can find lost objects and has healing powers. On the other hand, the owl is uncanny; its cry warns of death and is an ill omen.

Wolf - Teacher
The wolf is a restless wanderer. It travels the land with speed and returns to his pack with many experiences. The wolf's sense of smell and his instincts are so refined that he can sniff out danger from miles away. It lives in a close relationship to its partner, remaining true all life long. The wolf can teach us to lead a well balanced life and to have the courage to defend it.

Hummingbird - Love
This animal is tiny and can fly as it likes; it can even hover. Its long, pointed beak draws nectar from the blossom. Its colourful feathers and buoyant flight make this creature the embodiment of joy and happiness. The hummingbird radiates beauty and love. Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of war, and Quetzalcoatl, an important Mayan deity, wore its feathers as a coat because of their magic qualities.

Coyote - Rogue
The coyote has two faces; on the one hand, he is the creator of the world with all its inconsistencies; on the other hand, he appears to be the rogue, the knave, who wants to outsmart others but often lands on his face. He is always making the same mistakes, because he himself is obviously not able to recognise what can be known. The coyote leads us into situations that are impossible; even so, these experiences help with our development.

Eagle - Healing
The eagle rises higher in the sky than any other bird. It can see the sun directly. Some Native American tribes believed that the eagle could fly as far as the heavenly houses. It connects us with the Great Spirit and with our own souls.