Heron Totem Symbolic Meaning

The Heron is not only a beautiful bird, but has wonderful symbolic meaning.

The Heron has the essence of a free spirit. They represent an air of multi tasking and ability to accomplish things in ways that others may not be able to. He has a confidence in his uniqueness.

Their legs are symbols of balance and adaptability. They are self reliant and determined, not easily swayed by the opinions of others. They remind us to trust our own instincts and that we can provide for ourselves, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
They symbolize transformation and a peace within the changing.

"The Relief of Transforming Change" a Heron Animal Totem Painting by Jeanne Fry

The above Heron painting has been sold. You can view some our other animal totem artwork at our website.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Fox Totem and it's Meaning

The Fox Totem is often misunderstood. His meaning and symbolism is quite complex.

Fox Totem Gourd Art Bowl by Jeane Fry

The Fox teaches the need and benefits of learning to camouflage in order to walk around unnoticed. This allows you to hear and see things that you might not otherwise be aware of, bringing a better clarity to situations.

 His fur is very thick, making him appear larger than he is, which is another lesson he teaches..the ability to have a larger "presence " in life when needed. It gives the illusion of a greater stature, making adversaries think twice about engaging, that Fox would not be easily overpowered judging by size alone.

 The fox is monogamous, living alone for some months and then in a den, and are comfortable with being alone AND with their partner. He teaches to enjoy one's completeness, to enjoy self, allowing for a comfort level when they are on their own.

 Their hunting style is similar to feline, and they carry great feminine energy.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3955972

Animal Totems and their Symbolism in our Lives

Animal Totems, or Spirit Helpers as they are sometimes called, are considered to be

guardians and teachers in many Native Cultures. It is their knowledge of skillful living, and their physical and social characteristics  in Nature that we study.

Night Vision - Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

 Within this process of learning  we strengthen our connection with the Earth and create an Inner Balance.

Animal Medicine affords an awareness of our own personal strengths and weaknesses, and a wisdom for life lessons.

Turtle: Motherhood, Longevity, Awakening to new opportunities, Nurturing of the Earth
Snake: Rebirth, Transformation, Wisdom
Wolf: Guardianship, Loyalty, Spirit, Community
Bear: Power, Healing, Decision-Making, Strength
Rabbit: Fertility, New Life, Defense, Spiritual Growth
Otter: Laughter, Happiness, Awareness of surroundings
Butterfly: Dance of Joy, Faerie Realm, Joy, Gentleness
Deer: Gentleness, Innocence, New Adventure, Grace
Raven: Magic, Creation, Vision, Messages and Intuition
Frog: Abundance, Creative Power, Cleansing
Jumping Antelope: Freedom
Elephant: Strength, Loyalty, Knowledge of Earth, Strong Family, Society Ideals
Spider: Creativity, Weaving of Fate
Buffalo: Abundance, Nurturing
Ant: Teamwork, Community
Dragonfly: Light, Transformation
Lizard: Dreamtime, Intuition, The Ability to Leave Behind things that are no longer needed
Owl: Vision, Wisdom, Omen, Magic
Grasshopper: Leap for opportunities, The Opening of Doors
Heron: Grace, Transformation, Loving of Self
Duck: Relationships, Calming
Giraffe: Grace
Dolphin: Intelligence, Communication
Bat: Magic, Perception
Mountain Lion: Leadership, Fairness, Balance, Power
Thunderbird: Servant of Great Spirit, Messengers
Beluga Whale: Creativity, Listening to Inner Voice
Phoenix: Power, Transform, Fire Element
Hawk: Vision, Power, Synchonstricity in Messages
Eagle: Victory, Responsibility of Power
Beaver: Builder of Dreams
Raccoon: Dexterity, Disguise
Seahorse: Emotions, Magical
Ladybug: Good luck
Snail: Patience, Serenity
Hummingbird: Joy, Happiness, Energy
Flamingo: Good luck
Moose: Majestic, Wise, Stands up for beliefs, Inner Wisdom
Salmon: Returning home, Spiritual Journey, Determination

We offer handpainted totem stones here on our website

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/AnimalTOTEMStones.html

Perseverance ~ We're all in this Together

I have been reflecting this past week on the economic slump our country (and world community) has been in these past two to three years. A lot of focus and debate has been had by the experts on why it has happened and how to improve it, but not as much attention has been paid to the effects it has had on us mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

I have watched people close to me over this period of time go through a series of changes to their spirit, that sometimes I don't even think we are always aware of consciously. I have seen some of the most amazing artists step away from their art, feeling a loss of inspiration and drive. I have watched friends with a strong and secure base have it yanked out from underneath them leaving them in shock. I have watched teachers put under extreme stress of keeping their jobs while at the same time trying to be an inspiration to their students. People losing their homes, that place where you go at the end of the day to rejuvenate and heal the soul. The loss of jobs, homes, careers, financial security, and faith has been widespread and harsh.

So, what now? I can't even pretend to know, except that we take it one day at a time, one moment to the next. That we reach down to the deepest core within us and know that this to will change, maybe not in the way we think, but it will.

This is the time to truly connect with our own intuitive sense, to connect with your passion, because I feel like it can guide us through this leg of the journey. Along the way, take the hand of your friend, and assist them. We need one another, now more than ever. We're all in this together.

Perseverance : Mare and Maiden ~ For Strength and Free Spirit

I look to Nature to help with a grounding balance when the world seems overwhelming. It can change your perception of things in a moment, quieting the mind so that you can re-focus. I look to the animal totems as reminders of attributes that can be helpful. And I Create in order to release, inspire, and share. Find those things that can help you find the balance you need, urging you to take the next step.

It is usually the simplest of things that can help us take that deep breath in and out and center.

Some of the easiest joys for me personally to experience that help me STAY me...

Walking Meditation

Visiting Gardens

Music

Painting

Potluck Dinners with Friends

Laughing

Writing

The Smell of Lavender

Movie Marathons

Connecting with Animal Totems

Helping those Around me

My hope when the economic tide turns for the better...that we find a renewed sense of ourselves and a closer human connection to one another.

Namaste

**My original painting of Perseverance is available in my Artfire Studio here Perseverance Original Painting

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

 

Animal Totem Wisdom

It's always amazing to me what we learn from one another, not only from human to human, but also from animal to human. For as long as I can remember, animals were significant in my life and as I grew older and studied more about them, I became more fully aware of how relevant this study was.

I personally believe that there is much wisdom to be learned from the animal kingdom, because of their purity. They are not clouded by so many of the hurdles that we place on ourselves through life, such as low self esteem, or building walls around ourselves to protect our feelings. They are of pure heart and represent this wonderful Circle of Life that we are all a part of.

Knowing your life-long totem is like having an added perspective. When you are in the midst of confusion, trying to make sense of an issue, often you can look to your animals totem's attributes and gain another perspective to view the situation in. That other perspective can be very helpful to us in our personal growth.

Totem meanings may vary slightly from culture to culture, but they can all have somewhat universal meanings if you are deriving them from learning about the animals social and living skills.

As an added bonus, we can have transitional totems. Transitional totems appear when we going through life changes, such as a marriage, a career change, a birth, etc. Transitional totems are prevalent for a short time while we go through our changes.

I recently revised a small guidebook on the meaning of some of the more popular animal totems, called "Animal Totems in our Daily Lives". It is a good introduction to Animal Totems, what they mean to us, life long totems, transitional totems, and symbolism. The guidebook is helpful to carry with you when you are out and about for a quick glance at meanings. And of course, the more you become familiar with totems I encourage you to study further.

 http://www.consciousartstudios.com/AnimalTOTEMStones.html