Monthly Animalscopes

EAST Card Number 6 Snake—Transmutation, EAST on the medicine wheel teachings holds an understanding of the powers of the four directions, the Mother Earth, and the Father Sky. EAST is the direction of our spirit road or path that leads one to illumination. The entrance to the sacred wheel is in the EAST, in the direction of the daybreak sun. EAST element is fire; EAST color is yellow. EAST signifies the dawn. Snake says to follow your inspiration and bliss–visualize, meditate, flow. Do not clutch. Everything changes. Energy constantly moves. Transmutation is the morphing of one form into another–the process of changing in kind, appearance, or even in worth. Our world is in constant flux and change—and one thing becomes another—and this is Transmutation. You can see changes in society and norms. Snake can show you how to release an enormous amount of focused energy, be it physical, mental, or emotional. Snake medicine practices lift your reality to another and better one. Put on some new clothes and get ready for life to Transmute. Don’t neglect your intellect. Be happy. Walk in the sunshine and trust your inner wisdom. Learn to discover and see your life in various novel ways. Snake medicine offers several opportunities to be propelled beyond self-imposed boundaries and move into highly spiritual states. Snake medicine gives you a boost–the ability to wrap your mind around any problem and understand the best approach and method to solve it. Snake can give you a quantum leap forward in terms of vitality and energy—a personal Transmutation. Snake medicine can enhance your life in countless ways. You may have been through some fiery ordeals lately. Time now for healing, to put out the fire and let go of the past. Flow better–do better. Let your bygones be gone. Forgive and forget is good advice. Ask yourself what now must be Transmuted. For instance, Snake is said to be able to Transmute the weather, to bring rain. With the rain, hardy crops, and harmony and happiness. That is another reason to respect and honor Snake spirit. Snake is also a universal symbol for doctoring and healing medicine. In any case, Snake energy is profound. You can be sure of that.

SOUTH Card Number 40 Dolphin—Manna. The SOUTH quadrant of the medicine wheel is the summertime of life, the time of adolescence. The SOUTH element is air. The SOUTH color is red. SOUTH is said to be the place of trust and innocence. SOUTH is a place of involvement with the world. It is a time of idealism. Dolphins are highly social creatures, and you may feel a pull to do more socializing yourself. You may find you need to be creative this month. You may want to leap like a Dolphin into some new activity with others. The lesson here with Dolphin in the SOUTH is to become fully integrated with the totality of self. Dolphin is the keeper of our sacred breath. Dolphin teaches deep breathing, filling one with with divine energy—Manna. Manna is our life force, and it is also a force that permeates the universe. Dolphin teaches one how to acquire and use living Manna. Manna revitalizes us, every cell and atom of our body. It gives one joy. Dolphin advises you to obtain Manna by paying attention to your breathing and doing Dolphin breath work—conscious control of your breathing. There are various methods you can look up and use for doing this. Focus on deep, rhythmic breaths.  Exhale slowly and evenly, relaxing body, mind, and spirit. If you feel like you need to do some body tapping in certain spots, such as the top (crown) of your head, then by all means do so. Be grounded and feel the Manna energy moving along your spine. Keep your movements and breathing fluid. Think of your breath as an ocean wave. Inhale as the wave comes in, and exhale when it goes out. You may soon find yourself being playful like Dolphins.  Dolphins teach peace and tranquility. They keep it fun and positive. Let yourself enjoy each happy moment. Dolphin in the South this month is telling us to take a breath, remember we are spiritual beings in organic bodies. Breathe and become one with Dolphin.

WEST. Card 14, Dog—Loyalty. WEST on the medicine wheel is the direction of introspection. The element of the WEST is earth. The color representing WEST is black. The WEST season is autumn. West represents maturity. WEST is associated with looking within and realizing a deep inner knowing. WEST is representative of the mature human. Death is represented in the WEST direction and so is the heart—our ability to communicate love and appreciate blessings. Dogs were domesticated on Turtle Island about 10,000 years ago. Dogs were not simply pets in Native America. Dogs were esteemed family members who were deeply connected with humans and their mutual survival. Dogs are Loyal, which begs the question, who and what are you Loyal to? Loyalty is a good habit to cultivate, knowing your Loyalty and being scrupulous in that regard. Loyalty makes life meaningful. Dog appears in the WEST to tell you to be steadfast, and to be Loyal to self and to your inner truth. As the “great bard” put it, “This above all: to thine own self be true and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” Be ever alert to your responsibilities this month and be Loyal and respectful to yourself and others you love. Be loyal to your highest ideals and be faithful to your extended circle. Dog medicine is deeply spiritual, so be mindful of your allegiances and commitments and be sure to honor them. Loyalty is brave and often requires determined action. Be grateful for the life you have and all the people in it. Hold your Loyalties tight. Loyalty during difficult times is more precious than gold. Spend some quality time with your Loyal best friend, be it Dog or Human.

NORTH Card Number 19. Buffalo—Prayer and Abundance. Life has its seasons, and the season of NORTH is winter. NORTH color is white. NORTH on the great wheel represents elders and wisdom keepers—those old ones with long white braids who are stooped from carrying many winters on their shoulders—the ancestors, grandmothers, and grandfathers are put in the NORTH segment of the sacred wheel. NORTH represents the mind and intellect—and those old people, historians, keepers of ancient bundles, custodians of culture, storytellers, and wise elders. NORTH is night. Buffalo’s teachings are not materialistic. Prayer brings renewal and the medicine of Buffalo is Prayer. Buffalo energy is in alignment with the giveaway—the human heart. You may well feel a newfound gratitude for the many gifts you have been given. Pray often. Without Prayer your heart will fall down. With Buffalo medicine you may discover a great inner strength and know that Abundance is not far away—more likely than not, it has already arrived. Buffalo reminds one to send Prayers on the wind to wherever they need to go—in other words, Pray for others. It is said that Prayer brings protection, lessens anxiety, and brings calmness if you are stressed. Buffalo is a sign your Prayers are being answered. If you are traditional, you know that tobacco smoke is a visual Prayer. And of course, it was White Buffalo Calf Woman who brought the sacred pipe and its teachings of Prayer and Abundance to the people. Walk with the Buffalo spirit and walk your walk in a sacred manner. Let your life be a prayer to Mystery. Look to Buffalo for resiliency, honor, guidance, humility, and a contented, prayerful life. If you need to push through on something and don’t seem to be getting anywhere, Pray, and ask the mighty Buffalo spirit for help. Buffalo not only endure, they overcome. With the appearance of Buffalo, you may need to make peace with someone because you are wasting too much of your energy and are obsessive about it. Buffalo may mean for you to seek out trusted spiritual help if you feel you need it. Conversely, you may need to pay attention, be alert and aware that you may need to be the answer to someone else’s Prayers. Some self-sacrifice may be in order here.

CENTER Card Number 30. Rabbit—Fear. Put away all distractions and be CENTERED in the medicine wheel where the four directions and four quadrants meet at sacred CENTER—a special and mindful place to find strength and to be calm, cool, and collected—CENTER is a place where one can focus mentally and physically and be CENTERED. CENTER is the magical place to find your power stance, equilibrium, and balance with the inner and outer world. With Rabbit as your CENTERING medicine, you will gain many new insights. Each one of us has our own set of Fears. Nightmares may come calling, and if not nightmares, you may feel a tight sensation in the pit of your stomach–becoming aware that you are Fearful. CENTER often speaks of Fear you may have repressed and hidden—Fear deep inside from the time of your early childhood. You may have forgotten about it, but your body hasn’t. Face your Fear. Do not let Fear keep you from personal growth. Do not Fear Fear. Look right into Fear’s scary face. When Rabbit is in the CENTER, be aware. Don’t fall into destructive habit patterns. Try to understand Fear and not run away from it—see through it. Embrace your Fears and make each one your ally, giving you the courage to go about your business and do what is right for you. Rabbit to the rescue. Rabbit gives you bravery in this case. Try to live in the truth of the moment. Rabbit can help you. Don’t become overconfident when Rabbit energy is around. Rabbit can be a great trickster, a master manipulator. Rabbit can open a big bag of tricky tricks and surprises. Rabbit has hopped into this Medicine Card reading to teach about Fear. But also, Rabbit often brings good luck and the power to jumpstart your life. You may soon be rolling in clover. Rabbit can enhance your life in many ways. If you are stuck, ask Rabbit to break you free. Be quick like a Bunny, and Rabbit will help. Take off for higher ground. Clever Rabbit will clear your path so you can overcome any Fears you are having. Go ahead and crawl out of your Rabbit hole and pull that Rabbit out of your hat. Go for it. Leave your Fear behind.

EAST Card Number 39 Swan—GRACE, EAST on the medicine wheel symbolizes a new beginning, a new endeavor, a new day, and in this case, a new year as well—2026! Medicine wheel teachings hold an understanding of the powers of the four directions, the Mother Earth, and the Father Sky. EAST is the direction of our spirit road or path that leads one to illumination. The entrance to the sacred wheel is in the EAST, in the direction of the daybreak sun. The future is boding wonderfully well with Swan appearing in the EAST. What could be better than for the first card of the first reading of the New Year to be Grace? Swan is a powerful animal. Swan has a faultless beauty and poise, and commands attention. Swan is transformational. Swan is often considered a medicine to attract love in various Native cultures. Swan may foretell romance or a sweetness that is approaching you. January should be a happy month. Swan medicine reminds us to see the inner beauty of all creatures great and small.  Swan is a mirroring, a magnification of self-love. Grace is a powerful medicine and can be cultivated. Grace comes from meeting challenges with courage, poise, and refinement; “Grace under fire” is a meaningful statement. Swan medicine tells us that Grace is ours this month, and it may be Grace under fire—that is to say, the need for  Grace in a challenging situation. There is the Grace of God when Swan medicine is with us. Swan energy can bring a new enchantment into our ordinary life experiences.  You may well notice that your intuition is strong when Swan energy is present.  Swan may be asking us to simplify, to live with simplicity and Grace in our lives. You may well find yourself more and more prone to living a modest, easy-going lifestyle, seeking peace and tranquility. Grace is a powerful attribute; with it, we can become examples to others in how to live and behave in these challenging times.

SOUTH Card Number 1. Eagle—Spirit. SOUTH on the medicine wheel signifies substance. It is the time of adolescence. It is the time of balanced development. The SOUTH element is air—the four winds. The color associated with SOUTH is red. SOUTH is the home of the little people, spirit helpers, and animal spirits. Eagle is the medicine representation of the Great Spirit, nothing is higher. Eagle is revered by Native America and has deep spiritual significance. All is Spirit and Eagle comes to remind of this truth. Eagle symbolizes freedom and is often a messenger bringing spiritual insights. Eagle represents the highest perspective. This month, you may find yourself becoming much more observant, with clear vision—seeing the little things most people miss. Eagle speaks of your soul’s journey and its connection to the Divine. Eagle brings healing into your life.  Eagle is tells us to reclaim our lost power and to be centered in the Spirit. Exalted Eagle in the SOUTH tells you to remember Great Mystery’s power and protection in our everyday world, and know that you can experience happiness in the most commonplace of activities. Try a little compassion. Be kind. Reach out to help others. Gather your spiritual courage. Treat everyone as if they are holy because they are. Open your Eagle-eyes. You will clearly be able to see into spiritual realms and experience Eagle’s gift of SPIRIT. Eagle may be opening the way for a vast opportunity.   Eagle in the South may be telling us that our material world will become fruitful and abundant, but to remember that all is Spirit, which is the most important focus. If you have a goal, now is the time to pursue it with Eagle’s help. Set aside feelings of frustration or anger or injustice and open to SPIRIT. Eagle soars to great heights and is near to Great Mystery. And so may you be in January. Eagle is a sacred avian. If you need courage, ask Eagle medicine power for it. If you have adversity and great problems, ask fearless Eagle to lift you above them and give you the vision and courage to resolve them. Ask Eagle for resilience. Eagle is telling you to rise above all impediments blocking your spiritual development.

WEST. Card Number 35, Horse—Power. WEST on the sacred wheel signifies introspection. WEST is the looks-within direction–turning your eyes inward toward understanding and self-knowledge. The color of the WEST is black. The WEST element is earth. WEST represents the adult and maturity. Horse has big medicine for you in the WEST and represents your personal Power, in this instance your inner-Power. Horse is inspiring, evoking spiritual and mystical energies. In the past, Horse completely transformed Native America. Tribal people no longer had to go on foot and walk or run from place to place. In many tribal cultures Horse is considered the bringer of good fortune and Power. Horse may be telling you to make the key moves you need to make right away. Horse frequently indicates you will be receiving honors and recognition. Horse medicine speaks of freedom and independence. Horse is courageous and has steadfast determination. This medicine signals new resolve. Horse in the West is telling us to recognize our own wisdom and Power. It tells us to move and operate from a place of inner confidence and knowing. Horse in the West brings us to new levels of personal Power and progress. It shows us that we are on the right path, the path of Power and knowledge. Horse in the West is serious medicine and assures us that Power is with us. In every aspect of your life, your Power will be enhanced by Horse medicine in January.

NORTH Card Number 26. Squirrel—Gathering. Elders stand in the NORTH. NORTH’S season is winter. The color associated with NORTH is white. The NORTH element is air. NORTH represents intellect and wisdom—NORTH is the place on the sacred wheel to celebrate our elders and their teachings. Squirrel in the NORTH tells you to analyze your future needs. Listen to Squirrel and plan ahead. Know, as best you can, what changes are coming your way and get ready for them. Find your highest guidance. No one knows exactly what the future holds, but you can make an educated guess and plan to meet the unplanned. Squirrel is nimble and can scurry up and down a tree with ease. Squirrel tells you to get creative, practical, and adaptable. Be prepared, in the NORTH, in wisdom. Be prepared for likely eventualities. Be like Squirrel. Gather what you will need., but not selfishly or greedily. Fill your heart with the spirit of Squirrel and get busy, have foresight and resourcefulness, and be ready for contingencies. Be prepared to meet and handle them with ease. Squirrel is a delightful, exuberant, and curious creature. They are easily pleased and playful—they have fun and make a game of their life. They continually find amusement in the environment. Squirrel in the treetop has a direct connection the upper world, but not only that, Squirrel has an earthly wisdom as shown in their day-to-day activities–in their wise Gathering. Squirrel in the North tells us to use our wisdom and to “gather for a rainy day.”

CENTER Card number 51, Jaguar—Integrity/Impeccability.  Put away all your distractions and be CENTERED in the medicine wheel where the four directions and four quadrants meet at sacred CENTER–a special and mindful place to find strength and to be calm, cool, and collected—CENTER is a place where one can focus mentally and physically and be CENTERED and at one with Creation. CENTER is the magical place to find your power stance, equilibrium, and balance with the inner and outer world. With sacred Jaguar as your CENTERING medicine, you will gain many new insights. Jaguar is one of the most magical and powerful of all the animals. Jaguar gifts shamanic qualities to you this entire new year and is telling you to stand in your power. Jaguar is an Impeccable and honorable shaman— one of the most powerful of all the animals. Jaguar exemplifies Integrity and Impeccability, a veritable icon traversing the physical and spirit world with ease. Jaguar tells you to reaffirm your shamanic powers. Jaguar is a shapeshifter and is a force connected to all worlds and places between. The beautiful creature will be gifting you with master shaman Jaguar Powers in January so be open. Jaguar is near extinct. They live in hidden places such as swamps or impenetrable rain forests. They are rarely seen, and it is a great thrill and honor to see a Jaguar in nature. Jaguar is a symbol of change and transformation. With Jaguar, important activities are going on unseen underneath the surface appearance of your life. Jaguar is aloof, an outsider. You may feel like you are somewhat of an outcast yourself in January. Jaguar signifies the spiritual and physical world together in perfect harmony. Jaguar medicine implies communication skills and leadership qualities. Jaguar tells you to be present. Walk your talk and do your very best at all times. Bring love, compassion, and Impeccability into your actions and day-to-day activities. Be virtuous, straightforward, and true—be a Jaguar to the core.