ANIMAL TOTEMS - The Moose
excerpts from the book Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
As the warmth of summer begins to wane, and the daylight
hours get shorter,we are reminded that the Equinox is not
far away. A day of equal day and equal night. Being
curious, I looked at how several traditions viewed this time
of year. Let me share some of these with you.
In North American native folklore and healing, the Moose is associated with primal feminine energies and the magic of life and death . Its cycle of power is late fall and early winter – the time of Approaching Shadows.
It is one of the most ancient and most unique of the power totems. For anyone who aligns with the Moose, a unique and sacred energy is opened.
The moose is an animal of contradictions. It is strange, yet majestic. It seems awkward, but is graceful. It makes us smile, yet catch our breath. It is predominantly solitary, except during mating season. It has a unique ability to make use of its territory. Those with Moose as a totem have these qualities too.
Despite its size, the moose has a unique ability to move silently and speedily. Its appearance of ungainliness is misleading and deceptive. It is this deception which enables it to survive so well. It has excellent depth perception and can accurately judge the negotiability of an area. It has speed and grace at negotiating territory that others could not. This same ability can be strengthened, awakened or taught to anyone who aligns with the medicine power of the moose.
The moose is often associated with the feminine energies, the maternal forces of the world; those with Moose totem will find these forces awakened. Part of this is due to the association of moose with water as it is the primal symbol of the feminine forces of the universe. Water is the symbol of creativity and dynamic forms of intuition and illumination. The sea is the point from which all life comes and to which all life returns. It is the great womb of the universe. The moose is often seen in marshy areas and standing in lakes – moose is comfortable in these areas. Additionally, the female moose is extremely protective of its young.
Moose calves are born with their eyes open . Those who have Moose as totem, came into the world with their “inner eyes” open. It is not unusual to have these people feel discouraged when they “work” to awaken their own psychic and intuitive capabilities. There will be no “a-ha!” moment, for they came in with their inner lights already on. Learning to trust what they so often think is simply their imagination is part of the task of maturing into full Moose power.
They can plunge to the bottom of lakes and remain there feeding for a full minute before surfacing in a burst with fresh greens dangling from their mouths . This reflects the ability of the individual to learn to go back into the depths and draw new life and nourishment from it. The moose can teach the ability to move from the outer world to the inner. It can teach how to cross from life to death and back to a stronger life. It teaches how to use the thin thread that separates life and death to one's advantage.
Late October to early November is the time for honoring the Moose . The hunting season is over; mating is being completed; a new cycle is about to begin. Those with Moose medicine find the Autumn is a powerful time. Moose medicine is aligned with many of the season's traditional holidays and rituals.
When Moose appears in a dream, it is said to reflect a long, good life . It was known to give strength. Almost all northern tribes have legends and tales of the Moose, reflecting its universality and its great mysticism. When Moose comes into your life, the primal contact with the great Feminine force and the Void of life is being awakened. It is an invitation to learn to explore new depths of awareness and sensitivity within yourself and within your environs.
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