Monthly Animalscopes

Medicine Cards Reading for May 2023.

The card reading uses a simple four-direction Medicine Wheel Spread with an East card (1), a South card (2), a West card (3), a North card (4), and a Centering card (5), which is placed in the center. The random card selections were Hummingbird, Horse, Otter, Ant, and Bear. The question: what are the best medicines to consider for the month of May 2023?

EAST Card number 44, Hummingbird—Joy. East is where the dawn breaks and marks a fresh new beginning–the young day sun and the possibility of reaching your spiritual aspirations with Hummingbird’s help. Spirits enter through the Eastern door. East is the place on the Medicine Wheel of new light, the place to look for inspiration and a restart. Hummingbird represents love and heart. Spirituality has been defined as a Joy that transcends understanding, a deep Joy that defines the true nature of the universe. Hummingbird paints the world with effervescent and beautiful colors just as one can circulate beautiful colors through their body during mediations. It is no wonder that Hummingbird is one of the most ancient love medicines and as we all know, love conquers all, meaning, love is the ultimate power. Hummingbird in the East signifies a joyful beginning or start of a new cycle or project. Hummingbird in the East reminds us to use Joy as a tool for discovering parts of ourselves that need a reboot; Joy is hopeful, a fresh start.

Hummingbird medicine is the best remedy for overcoming drudge and to brighten things up in your life. Change your routine every now and again and quit doing the same thing over and over. As you go your way notice the newness and sweetness that is around you. Be kind and help others. Help animals. Do it in such a way that it makes you pleased with yourself so it boomerangs and comes back to you and contributes to your own well-being. Hummingbird asks you to rediscover the Joy within—that Joy which is good, true, and beautiful.  You may have turned away from Joy because of complications or fear. With Hummingbird hovering around you, take any worry or sorrow you are embracing to a higher vibration.  Delight in your love of life and your responsibilities and your personal journey. Go to the nourishing medicine flowers, keep to the beauty road, and always choose Joy.

SOUTH. Card number 35, Horse—Power. South is the place of the child discovering the world—chewing it to pieces, playing, doing, delighting, and growing. Horse teaches you not to be afraid of your own Power—to learn how to enjoy it and use it to your advantage. Let Horse be your magical benefactor, but as with all Power, be careful. Don’t get thrown. With strong Horse medicine in the South, call upon Higher Power and fast-forward. Jump the hurdles that are obstacles in your path and do it effortlessly.  Horse can take you to where you want to be. Horse has many powerful medicines in each direction. Horse spirit can help you carry your heavy burdens when needs be. Horse medicine will be there for you beginning in early May.  Horse in the South brings power to everyday endeavors, to the viscous reality of the day-to-day. Horse in the South signifies that the power is there to accomplish something big in the world, in your world. This could be the month to tackle large projects and be successful.

In Native American stories, Horse shrank the world many times over and made it manageable—made life easier for almost everyone. The art of stealing Horses from an enemy was a highly developed skill, respected, and honored in many Native American cultures. Stealing Horses was stealing Power. Dance your Horse-spirit-medicine with a passion and be as free as the wind. In Native America, a many-Horse person was a person of great wealth. Use your Horse medicine to complete some specific project or objective you are pursuing. You may soon become a many-Horse person yourself and increase your Power and status immeasurably.

WEST. Card Number 8, Otter—Woman Medicine. West is the looks-within place on the wheel—a place to examine what is hidden within you—seeing yourself with no guile, no judgment, simply being in the swim of life, being in the moment. Otter is the female adept who carries Woman Medicine. Otter goes with the flow in the river of life. Otter is keeper of the spiritual sisterhood and speaks of balanced female energy—playing, sharing, and approving. Without Woman Medicine there would be no unity of spirit. Otter medicine allows you to enjoy yourself much more fully and be receptive and grateful for your many blessings.  Otter in the West may be saying to apply your women’s intuition to an inner issue or problem. Think things through using a different energy. Try play, lightness; deep inner wisdom does not have to be heavy and dramatic. Perhaps Otter meaning in the West is about applying lightness and laughter to an issue to transform the energy.

In Native America, there was a Council of Grandmothers. The grandmothers had the respect of everyone. Grandmothers were the old ones who had lived long lives and had much experience in living. They had faced many of the very real day-to-day problems of survival. The Grandmothers gave counsel and advice and were concerned for the earth. They were given final say and their word was the highest law. They always took into consideration, when making their decisions, the quality of life for the seven generations to come. They were the ultimate Otter Power Medicine.

NORTH. Card Number 32, Ant—Patience. North is the place of wisdom on the medicine wheel, the place where the elders stand—a place to find knowledge and experience. Ants and elders are both wise and all can profit from Ant medicine. Ants are committed and they represent hard work and persistence. Ants will bring you good luck and good fortune as long as you honor and emulate their medicine. Ants have a well-developed social system. Though they are many, they are one. The individual Ant is a tiny part of the collective, but their work as a whole is powerful. They think as one. Ants have synergy and working together with others of their kind, they are able to accomplish seemingly impossible feats.  Ant in the North talks of the wisdom of patience and the inevitable power of the whole to move mountains. Ant reminds us of the wisdom of working hard for the greater good and being patient for the results.

You may have to have trust and be patient because of some situation or problem that occurs in May. You may be aggravated or on edge for a time but stay with the Ant medicine. Know that what you need is coming to you. Ants know how to wait–so should you in May. Let Ant medicine untie each day for you and in just the right moment, seize an opportunity you have been waiting for—something you have wanted for a long time. Wrestle it to the ground and get it done. That’s Ant medicine. Patience–the short and sweet of it.

CENTER. Card Number 5, Bear—Introspection. The Center tells us that we have descended from spirit into material form and we must find a balance between these two distinct worlds. Center yourself in Introspection and Bear medicine. Bear is a hibernator, a visionary, a dreamer, and is able to know their own strengths and weaknesses. We have assumed an identity, an individual consciousness, and the freedom to act. Bear Medicine tells you to pay close attention to your Intuition and hunches during the month of May and when it feels right, act on them immediately.

Bear has many powerful medicines. Bear is the animal medicine keeper of seeking within and knowing the inner territories. Bear asks you to examine the whys and wherefores of your inner life.  In Centering in Bear medicine, you may find you have many options. Bear has great physical strength and you can put the boundless inner strength of Bear to work for you. Introspection makes Bear versatile so look at your own versatility. Bear is a renowned and noted shaman, a hunter, tracker, warrior, and healer, and Bear is held in esteem for their mothering abilities. Listen to your Bear medicine to solve problems. Take some time to meditate in May because Bear is surely pointing the way to using introspection to create positive change in your life.

Medicine Cards Reading for April 2023.

The card reading uses a simple four-direction Medicine Wheel Spread with an East card (1), a South card (2), a West card (3), a North card (4), and a Centering card (5), which is placed in the center. The random card selections were Grouse, Buffalo, Whale, Spider and Hawk in that order. The question: what are the best medicines to consider for the month of March 2023?

EAST Card number 34, Grouse—Sacred Spiral. East is the spiritual direction and symbolizes a new beginning, especially so if you are a spiritual seeker and on that path. Grouse is also a symbol for personal power, in this case, suggestive of both personal and spiritual power. It is the whirlpool, the tornado that is propelling you inward. Grouse may be asking you to seek the spiritual way existing right in front of you so close you are not recognizing it—your way. In any case look closely at all your activities, your dance upon terra firma. Are you making the right moves and are you in sync with the delicate music issuing from the cosmos? Are you being empowered by your activities—your dance?  Within Sacred Spiral is the hidden secret of endless vitality, a vortex that unlocks your passion and the unbounded joy at the core of being.

Grouse is inviting you to the dance of dances, the spinning dance of life itself, the dance that transports one to divinity. Grouse may be sending you medicines in April to greatly enhance your spiritual walk–your personal journey to the East. You may find yourself hit with sudden thunder bursts of energy. You may become limitlessly productive and creative and see new ways to fix problems or make them disappear. You may have revelations on how outward movement effects inward self-understanding. You may have to slow down and meditate on your life and personal journey–what it actually means to move through time and space.  Grouse has many spiritual teachings not the least of which is to organize your earthly space and get creative.

SOUTH. Card number 19, Buffalo—Prayer and Abundance. In the South, we find substance and growth—substantive Abundance. South is related to summer and the fullness of the heart. Buffalo in the South is the great provider and is linked spiritually with the prayer pipe. The following prayer was originally inspired by the creation of the Buffalo Medicine Card in 1988. Buffalo was the central medicine of the plains people of Native America giving them most of the necessities of life–food, shelter, clothing, and their spiritual way. BUFFALO PRAYER, A PRAYER TO THE ANIMAL SPIRITS was used in the opening of events such as seminars, talks, ceremonies, and various rites of passage. Here’s the prayer:

Grandfather and Grandmother of all spirits, we know that you have given us all that is good and we acknowledge Your love which surrounds us. We call all the animal powers to be present and send powerful medicines to protect us, heal us, guide us, and teach us.

We ask for the powers of Swan so that we may gracefully and peacefully glide through whatever challenges we face.

We call on Prairie Dog power so that we can go deep inside and pay attention to our intuition.

We ask for Ant medicine so that we cheerfully, enthusiastically, and competently complete the tasks before us.

We ask for Eagle medicine so that we can see far, understand and release negative patterns holding us back from self-realization. We ask that we may touch with the Great Mysterious.

We ask for Spider medicine for catching power to attract the people and situations necessary and important to our continued spiritual growth and development.

We ask for Moose power so that we may learn to love and honor ourselves more completely and that we openly and honestly share love with others.

We ask for Badger energy when we must stand our ground and speak up for ourselves in a timely manner.

We call on Deer energy so that we can better understand and share universal love and so that the gentleness within ourselves can touch with the gentleness within others.  Let us be loving, kind, and peaceful.

We ask for Buffalo power so that our way will be cleared to abundance on this earth plane.  We ask that our hearts remain open and that we receive guidance to wisely share that abundance with others.

Bring us Wolf medicine so that at the appropriate time we will meet and recognize our inner and outer teachers.

We ask for Hummingbird medicine so that we can taste the sweet nectars of life and have great happiness while dwelling on the earth mother.

Lastly, we call out to the old yodeler, Coyote, so that we can laugh at ourselves and not be overly serious.

Grandmother and Grandfather of all spirits, we offer our talents and our time in trust to you. Please guide us and help the veil to drop from our eyes so that we can clearly see Your pathway.  Give us the power, strength and will to move forward on Your road, Your good and sweet medicine road. We are yours—ah ho!

WEST. Card Number 41, Whale—Record Keeper. West is the direction of the long shadows, of the obscured and the hidden, the direction of introspection, going inward and seeking your personal truth. Whale can show you the way and take you there. With introspection comes clarity and new potentials. Whale has a higher consciousness. Whale keeps an ocean of memory but must come up for air once in a while and take a look around at what is happening to them in the immediate. Whale is a good medicine for searching outwardly and inwardly. Whale are said to have empathy with those who need them. If you have a blank or missing portion of your personal history, consult with the swimming library, Whale medicine. Whale keeps the knowledge of the Earth’s past history including the personal history of everyone. Whale is said to have total recall of the Akashic records, past, present, and future. Trust your soul purpose as shown to you by Whale. Like the shaman of old who sang the answers to questions, Whale is a shaman singing to you with the answers you need now.

A world without song would be a dreary place. With Whale’s appearance in the West, ask Mystery for a power song to be given to you—a song that can be used in rituals and rites, a song giving you inward vision, a song you can use to summon spirits or to bring harmony and success into your endeavors, in short, a power song that belongs to you and no one else. Be open. You may be able to find your authentic spiritual voice in song, a song reverberating from within—a song full with power that opens a portal to a vast new consciousness and new abilities. You may find your authentic spiritual voice, an impeccable song—a song that empowers you. Discover your spiritual voice in song, your song, a song bringing you good medicine powers. Whale offers you the discernment to know the medicines that are coming your way. On the simplest level Whale could be telling you to get your personal records organized—a good idea in April.

NORTH. Card Number 43 Spider—Weaving. North on the medicine wheel signifies old people, elders, and wisdom keeping–the various remembered oral histories of a tribe or nation often Woven in memory belts. Weaving is a sacred art form. If you happen to be Weaving with yarn or even if you are Weaving a yarn, that is to say, spinning a tale, you are using Spider Medicine. Spider medicine can be subtle with its near-invisible silken threads going out in all directions. Spider often means a new awareness is coming into your life showing you new ways to catch what you want in the personal web you are knowingly or unknowingly Weaving.

Don’t kill Spiders. It’s bad luck for one thing. An important event may occur in the direction you see a Spider. More often than not, Spider is an omen that often concerns money. Your wallet may be getting a lot fatter in April. Or perhaps you will receive a love letter or a gift. Spider has long been associated with gain, a fortunate portent. Spider spirit may be telling you to persevere and be persistent in your efforts to get a certain task accomplished. Use Spider medicine. Be like a Weaver at their loom, an artisan, a maker of beautiful designs—stay focused in pulling the threads of your web together in the creation of your individual masterpiece–whatever it may be. Weaving is a sacred art form. Weavers are the keepers of ancient and often secret traditions. Weaving teaches unity and realization of intent. You may accomplish an important goal in April.

CENTER. Card Number 2, Hawk—Messenger. The Center of the wheel is the place of healing and enlightenment. Center is the mindful place of the real you—the eternal consciousness of right now in the present, in this very moment in time. The Center is always there. It is your stance. It is the here and now of your deep inner self. But in a certain sense, there is no Center. Before you can catch the moment, it is gone—moving on. You may or may not be able to catch the moving Center but you can always catch the Message if you pay attention and that’s the important thing. You must listen and contemplate and find synchronicity with your inner and outer knowing—Hawk’s lesson.

Anchor yourself to Hawk medicine in April. Let Hawk initiate you into the magic of seeing and being. Let Hawk be your guide. Hawk illuminates and spikes your awareness of Messages coming to you from a higher plane and in non-ordinary ways. Let the keen-sighted feathered companion, Hawk, help you engage your awareness—all of your senses. Hawk is a bright spirit-light and Hawk will help you find the truth of every situation. See beyond appearances. With Hawk medicine powers burgeoning,  you may open the third eye of your sixth-sense chakra, the pineal eye, the eye in the center of your forehead that provides an understanding that is light-years beyond our normal way of seeing.

Medicine Cards Reading for March 2023.

The card reading uses a simple four-direction Medicine Wheel Spread with an East card (1), a South card (2), a West card (3), a North card (4), and a Centering card (5), which is placed in the center. The random card selections were Black Panther, Turtle, Eagle, Dragonfly and Otter in that order. The question: what are the best medicines to consider for the month of March 2023?

EAST.  Card Number 52, Black Panther—Embracing The Unknown. East indicates a beginning, most often a new start in a spiritual direction and Black Panther in this position reinforces the power of the Unknown in our everyday and spiritual lives. We are living in interesting times. Everyone seems to know that this March is a significant month. It has a lot of uncertainties and Unknowns. We sense that we are at an axis of change. Astrologers and other diviners are all over the map in their differing predictions. Black Panther is telling you to watch out for negativism.  No matter what March brings Black Panther is telling you to trust Black Panther medicine to help you go beyond any anxiety you may be harboring or projecting. You don’t have to figure everything or even anything out. Black Panther tells you simply to Embrace the Unknown so you won’t get pushed around unnecessarily by your own distress and so your life will always be on a strong footing.  It is important to embrace the impermanence of life and thereby be free of attachments.

Black Panther is a protective medicine.  Ask Black Panther to help you discern what is involved in your personal shadows. Our shadow self is that part of us that we have repressed and buried in our subconscious. There is no better guide than Black Panther to escort you through your personal shadowland. Embrace the Unknown, the Mystery, the shadow self in order to have the courage to start out in new directions.

SOUTH. Card number 10, Turtle—Mother Earth. South denotes substance and growth– the summertime of life. Turtle in the South position may emphasize matters of home, physical being our stability. Turtle in the South reminds us that we take our home with us wherever we go, the home of our inner being, our beliefs, and our sense of security in knowing that we are more than our body, our circumstances. South is the time of the happiness of the child. Be happy because we live on Turtle Island, the North American continent. Be aware and listen to our sacred Earth at all times. Turtle medicine teaches a deep understanding of the wisdom of our planet. Seek healing balance from nature. Your equilibrium will help to heal the planet. Be in harmony with the Earth’s cycles. Be aware of her natural rhythms. Earth is our spiritual and physical home, it is the source of life and healing, our power, the essence of life for all sentient beings. True power comes from Earth wisdom and Turtleway will take you there.

If you have great anxieties give them to Mother Earth. Let them go deep and be transformed. It’s no wonder that Turtle teaches grounding also known as Earthling. Grounding makes contact with Earth energies and one is stabilized in the moment, the here and now—the state of happiness and contentment. Turtle energy enhances creativity and gives one the patience to bring thought into form. Turtle medicine is slow and steady. It focuses talents and abilities where they are needed and we are able to achieve remarkable results. It may be that you hit a snag and have to alter your directions on a project you are working on in March. Turtle tells you to slow down considerably and enjoy the land or cityscape—your environment wherever or whatever it is. Turtle always reminds you that when you walk upon the Earth you walk upon sacred ground. When you are standing with your bare feet on the Earth the place you are standing is holy.

WEST. Card Number 1, Eagle— WEST. Card Number 1, Eagle—Spirit. West signifies introspection and seeking higher truth within so turn your Eagle eyes inward. Eagle in the West is telling us March is a time for going within, scrutinizing our connection to Spirit, and fine-tuning our inner lives. Eagle is big medicine as almost everyone well knows. Eagle nests in the highest branches of the tree of life. Awe-inspiring Eagle gives us divine courage. Ask Eagle to bring higher medicine powers into your life. Eagle gives us a strong and direct connection with Great Mystery. Because of Eagle’s often high and circular flight, the feathered creature has been associated with the powers of the warrior sun. Possessing Eagle medicine, you stand out. You shine brightly.  If you are a Spiritual seeker, the majestic Eagle can transport you to the above world into the realm kept by this great feathered raptor—the place of the mysterious powers of Spirit. Eagle is a cosmic visionary and is pointing the way for you.

Eagle brings Spiritual renewal and may be bringing you a new beginning and new powers of Spiritual understanding. Eagle touches us with the divine. Eagle is the freest and most sovereign of all birds and an Eagle in flight is a marvelous sight to behold. You can be certain the Eagle sees you as well as you see them. Eagle has near panoramic vision and can view a vast territory yet Eagle sees the most minute details—they see six times more than humans and have the most powerful eyesight in the animal world. Eagle doesn’t miss a trick. Let Chief Eagle show you the Spirit roads. Eagle is a high warrior. Eagle does not waver nor should you.

NORTH. Card Number 27, Dragonfly—Illusion. North signifies the mind, the intellect, the place of the elder—wisdom. Dragonfly may be telling us, reminding us that the product of the mind is our thoughts. Thoughts are often illusions. How are thoughts shaping our realities and are they in fact reality or are we under the Illusion of fear about something? Fear is an illusion in itself. All is well, which in our world today seems a ridiculous thing to say – but know that it is true. Dragonfly lives in or near water. Examine your emotional state and keep it fluid. Look to the deeper meaning of your life. Old Fools-The-Eye, Dragonfly, is the ephemeral mystifying shapeshifter. Dragonfly is a magical being that carries the medicine of Illusion. Good luck usually accompanies a visitation by this enigmatic creature.  Dragonfly is a master of space and can fly in all six directions. Some elders have said that Dragonfly has the power to distort space and even time.  Dragonfly can foretell travel to a different area or even a move to a foreign country. Count on Dragonfly’s help if you need it. If you miss home, it is much easier now to communicate—there are myriads of ways to phone home.

Dragonfly signifies change and transformation. Dragonfly, the prophets, and medicine people have told us that our physical life is an Illusion – we can use this thought to help us stay light and shirk drama. You may need to spend some time near water– a river, a spring, a lake, an ocean, or even a simple water park someplace close by. Dragonfly needs to be near water and perhaps your spirit requires the same. If nothing else, enjoy a hot tub or go for a nice swim. Water is rejuvenating and has many special powers. Dragonfly may bring new insights or the fulfillment of a wish. Dragonfly may also bring new friendships or resurrect old ones. Enjoy Dragonfly medicine while it is around.

CENTER. Card Number 8, Otter—Woman Medicine. The Center is a constant, where we are at all times—the locus of what we think about now. Otter medicine speaks of feminine energy. Otter in the middle position this month indicates a time of centering female power. What needs a more intuitive touch? What is not working because of too much yang, or an overstepping of force?  All women have a component of masculine energy and all men have a component of feminine energy. Feminine energy is life itself and the life force within you. It is intuitive, heart-centered, empathetic, and nurturing. Otter tells you to seek your true nature and to have fun and enjoy life. Otter medicine will give you a strong energy boost. Extract and put good things into your life. Otters find joy at every turn. Flow with the waters of sensuality. Otters can be a bit mischievous and teasing. Otter brings a contagious exuberance and oftentimes good fortune. Otter Is a life-affirming and happy creature and signifies balanced female energy—in other words, Otter holds the powers of Woman Medicine and with it essential and profound Insights.

Woman Medicine is compassion itself. It is easy, soft, and encouraging. It is the energy of the ever-changing flow and harmony of existence. Otter energy may be telling you to be more open, childlike, and playful–to be happy and receptive to what life is bringing you. Otter heightens your power of intuition. Intuition is a sort of instant knowing. No thought or reasoning is required. Intuition holds the essence of divination. It is a good idea to listen to your intuition as it is your higher self trying to remind you of something important you already know.

Medicine Cards Reading for February 2023.

The card reading uses a simple four-direction Medicine Wheel Spread with an East card (1), a South card (2), a West card (3), a North card (4), and a Centering card (5), which is placed in the center. The random card selections were Bat, Horse, Dog, Snake and a centering card Lizard in that order. The question: what are the best medicines to consider for the month of February 2023?

EAST.  Card Number 42, Bat–Rebirth.  Bats are flying mammals and the only mammals capable of flight. They know how and when to hibernate and Bat is adaptable to most situations. Bat has always been associated with reincarnation by various differing cultures.  Bat is an appropriate animal to be showing up in the East.  You may have a sudden life-changing understanding that brings you close to who you are—you may see yourself in a startling new light—a sudden passage from the mundane to the cosmic.  At least open yourself to that possibility. Let yourself go in that direction. Bats symbolize connections between life and death, an understanding one must master in order to obtain shamanic powers—so it is told.

Bat medicine brings the certainty of new opportunities. Bat can launch you into the fantastical and the magical. Bat may bring you a glaring huge gift. They can shake up your mindset and reshuffle the cards you are given to play. Bat can give you a better hand. Bat may harken an initiation into a new consciousness—a jarring of identity and the assumption of new personal powers. You have no doubt heard of an atom smasher. Well, Bat can be an ego smasher. You may have an unexpected visionary experience that gives you power and purpose. To achieve this realization, you may have to die a little to your old self. One thing is sure. You will be shaking hands with a new person— and that person is you!

SOUTH. Card number 35, Horse—Power. Keep on good terms with Horse medicine, with Power. Have a good balance with Horse but watch it–don’t let yourself get Horsed around by anyone. Horse was once a migratory herd animal. With strong Horse medicine, you may want the freedom to go places and do things. Horse may increase your confidence to take on important work. The gifts and medicines of the Horse are enormous. Horses transformed our world. They made goods easier to move. They sped up progress. They reduced distances. They allowed people to travel far and wide and interact and trade with each other—to exchange ideas and share knowledge—“cultural expansion” is another way of putting it.

Certain shamans and medicine people often called their drum a Horse. And like the Horse, the drum has many beneficial attributes. The drum was the Horse of compassion. It was used in many native rituals, sings, and healing ceremonies and knitted the people together in harmony and intent. Both Horses and drums are related to mother earth’s energy and the drum makes one aware of the heartbeat of the world. By using the Horse, and the drum, a medicine person could facilitate altered states and movement through non-ordinary reality.  One can ride the spirit Horse, the drum, into many beneficial realms and experiences. Let Horse send you galloping to great success this month and consider adding the drum to your spiritual practice—harnessing the powers of the magic Horse.

WEST. Card Number 14—Dog—Loyalty. Dogs are just about everywhere there are people. Dogs are the oldest domesticated animal, most often tamed and trained by women. Dogs have had close interactions with humans for eons. The Dog nation is vast but they all have one trait in common—Loyalty.  It may be that your Loyalties get tested during the month of February. With strong Dog medicine, you may need to sniff things out. Loyalty exists at the bedrock of culture—it is a given. Loyalty is what binds us together. If you are tempted to be disloyal to a certain individual or group, don’t. That is not the best way to go. The Dog nations teach us to honor our commitments to one another and to be Loyal. Loyalty is active, a verb–it’s what we actually do. Loyalty fosters an unbreakable trust.

It’s nice to know that you have a Loyal friend by your side who is always there for you. Dogs are faithful. Dogs are vigilant and devoted. Dogs instantly pick up on one’s emotional state. You can’t fool a Dog—the tail tells it. Dogs can even sense something coming toward you from miles away. They have a certain kind of hyper-awareness. Dogs give and expect Loyalty. Don’t be wishy-washy about it. Loyalty is a decision you make and it may at first be a difficult one. When Dog appears it is a good idea to get your loyalties straight. True Loyalty never wavers. It is steadfast. It goes the distance. We all know on some level that we must be Loyal to friends, family, clan, and country or culture. Not having this internal compass is risky. Be Loyal.

NORTH. Card Number 6—Snake—Transmutation. North is the place of wisdom and the direction can symbolize the mind so you may need to wisely change your mind about something. Snake is a trickster and facilitates enormous progress in metaphysical endeavors.  Snake may also be offering you transcendent power, a loss of your old tired self, shedding as it were, and the gain of new and vibrant energy. Snake symbolizes renewal. Snake may be telling you how to profitably bend in unusual ways according to your needs and circumstances in order to overcome what seem to be impossible obstacles. Snake could also be showing you how to strike with blinding accuracy and force and put a quick end to your lack of progress—Snake energy always gives balance and good health and is basically a very good omen.

Life is but a dream as is told in old stories and songs. Don’t just seek visions. It’s important to explore your dreams. Snakes and other hibernators such as bears are big dreamers. Dreams put you in touch with supernatural worlds. Know that these worlds are real. Snake may be protecting you in some way. Old Shaking Tail may be trying to warn you about the need to take care of some pressing matter you have overlooked and that is staring at you unblinkingly right in the face. Seeing a Snake may mean that change has come suddenly upon you. Be ready for it. Snake can ease your transition. Snake is an earthy animal and brings in a perfect balance of masculine and feminine energy.

CENTER. Card Number 36, Lizard—Dreaming. Dreams and visions are sacred and figure prominently in the old ways of life and Lizard can portend both. Similar to visions, Dreams can be instructors and teachers on your pathway. You can meet with your ancestors and find many a hidden truth in your Dreams. Lizard is telling you to remember them and to remember Dreams are sacred and especially so when Lizard is in the Center position. Let your Dreams nourish you as water nourishes a plant. Be with the now of the now of your Dreams. There may be something important you are missing. Be sure to have a dream journal or other writing material near you when you sleep so you can awaken and write your Dream experiences down. Later, when you are wide awake you can more fully analyze the Dream message or messages you have received.

Dream on. You may want to acquire a Dream catcher to hang over your bed to catch new and varied Dreams. Dreams often point the way to certain areas of your life that need your attention. Lizard is telling you to make Dreaming your ally. There are many kinds of dreams. They all have an impact on consciousness in one way or another–good and bad, remembered or forgotten. You may relive a former incarnation in a Dream. You may be able to solve a pressing riddle or problem that goes beyond logic in Dreamtime and manifest the exact answer you need. A power animal often comes in Dreams and could be trying to give you some much-needed medicine or power. An ancestor spirit may appear in the Dream dimensions and you can have direct contact with them—it is said that these Dreams are especially important and holy. Dreams are a gift. With Lizard medicine and Dream power alone you have the ability to shift and change most situations and greatly improve them.

Medicine Cards Reading for January 2023.

The card reading uses a simple four-direction Medicine Wheel Spread with an East card (1), a South card (2), a West card (3), a North card (4), and a Centering card (5), which is placed in the center. The random card selections were Butterfly, Owl, Beaver, Wolf and a centering card Hummingbird in that order. The question: what are the best medicines to consider for the month of January 2023?

EAST.  Card Number 9, Butterfly—Transformation.  East direction symbolizes a new sunrise—a new beginning and so it is now a new year–a year with new possibilities and new spiritual potentials. Beautiful Butterfly, a Transformer medicine is dancing on the winds of change. Elders have said that some people can get stuck. Maybe Butterfly has flickered into your January reading to encourage you to dance your own dance and to let yourself go so that the next stage of your Transformation can emerge. Now, with Butterfly, there are openings to realization. Best you go for it.

You don’t really have to go anywhere to go somewhere. Go up is often a good option. Butterfly opens many opportunities to experience the mystical process of change—finding sweetness and beauty. You may want to wander near or far—rejuvenate and replenish your energy. You may even be moved to go on a journey to a power spot that will lift your spirit immensely. Butterfly may be giving you the lightness of spirit that can find a powerful place of expansive connection with the earth.

SOUTH. Card number 21, Owl—Deception.  Metaphysically South is related to the summertime, the fullness of the heart, the joys of discovery, and a time of blossoming. Owl is often telling one to develop their personal radar, their sixth sense.  Let Owl help you to see in the dark. Elders have said that Mother Earth was once in complete darkness and that Owl has done its level best, without success, to keep it that way. Owl has now come along in the South to help you open your eyes wide in order to see and track down Deception coming at you in your everyday world. In other words, to know what is going on. You may have various “ah ha” moments when your senses detect Deception giving you the medicine to be able to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from being hoodwinked or swindled.

Does Owl appear in your dreams or perhaps call to you in the dead of night? In some Native American Cultures Owls are associated with magic and powers to move through the great silence, to teleport as it were—to work wonders in far-off locations.  In western popular culture, Owls are often linked with death or approaching death. The creature is taken to be an extremely bad omen. Not necessarily so–Owl allows one to see through illusion and gives one certainty concerning their own wisdom and inner knowing. Owl teaches one to honor wisdom whenever and wherever it occurs. January may be a month of overcoming ignorance and a month of great insights and vast new awakenings. If you have lost something physical or even nonphysical, ask Owl to help you recover it. As often happens, unexpectedly, they will.

WEST. Card Number 22 Beaver—Builder. West is the self-examination place, the place of introspection. West is the place of the inner understanding of self.  Beaver is known as Grandfather Two-teeth and Spanky-tail and by many other names and carries the medicine of Builder. Beaver in the West is telling you to pay attention to the architecture of your life. Determine your goals and ambitions—your master plan. Beaver is showing up to help you in this and to boost your understanding of your latent Building skills so that you may construct, reshape, Build and/or create anything you may want or need. Beaver is a strong medicine for bringing your desires into concrete form. Of course, as the saying goes, you will have to be busy as a Beaver. Ask the Beaver power to be with you. Stay focused and do the work necessary to achieve your material objectives.

Beavers don’t say much but they have the ability to touch people at deep levels. They are always doing—being busy. Beaver is an exemplary medicine teacher so follow Beaver’s lead. Shake off apathy. You can accomplish great feats now. Beaver urges you to get going while success can flow your way. Beaver is saying not to muddle around—but be decisive and creative. Then take the proper steps to engage and complete your construction. Beaver works hard but never regrets the hectic pace of their life—up and doing is a part of their medicine, their motto, and they plunge into work having a great deal of fun along the way. Beaver may also be telling you to drink lots of pure water and to stay hydrated. After all, Beaver mostly lives in water so quench your thirst and keep your emotions flowing by having a positive attitude all the while pursuing new and innovative experiences. Beaver medicine helps you transmute negative emotions into optimism.

NORTH. Card Number 15 Wolf—Teacher. North is indeed the top of the world. It is the place of culmination and maturity—the place where stands the wise elder, the place of courage and strength, deep spiritual knowledge and understanding—not from a textbook but experiential knowledge. According to oral history, it was at the beginning of the world when Great Spirit told Wolf to go and explore the world, each trail, and every terrain. Since that time a long time ago Wolf has been understood to be a Teacher of measure and order. If you have fallen from your path, there is no better medicine than Wolf to set you right back on track because Wolf has been down every trail of earth and always knows the way. Wolf can never be fooled because they have been there. Wolf is willing to share their knowledge.

Wolf, the great Teacher, has a mystic understanding of all environments. Ask Wolf to be your guide on the learning road and cut the trail that leads to your destiny. Make plans to get educated, not necessarily in a formal setting. Remember that a Teacher is a transformer. If not, you may be wasting your time. Remember that real learning can be painful and push you light years from your comfort zone. Learning can be the passing of a torch that can light the world. Some knowledge is forbidden and must be stalked and captured. Questions and answers often coexist in the most unlikely places and a guiding Wolf can take you there where you can learn the true secrets of creation and be worthy of wearing the mantle of Teacher.

CENTER. Card Number 44—Hummingbird—Joy. Center. The Center of the medicine wheel is a spiritual and ceremonial place of balanced personal power—the intersection of all the directions and a spirit portal. Moving always from your center is an ancient concept to continually be in your highest self—alert and aware. Hummingbird in the Center augurs well for the month of January.  Hummingbird has an expansive spirit embodying endless rainbows of Joy and light. Hummingbirds love medicine and is often called upon to lift spirits and increase enjoyment of life. Hummingbirds’ beauty puts one in touch with the magnificence of all creation.

Center yourself in pure light. Practice this and you will light up a room. Seek beauty. Sacred Hummingbird’s energy this month brings in an abundance of Joy, the resilience of spirit. Hummingbird can hover and move in any direction. Let Hummingbird show you versatility—new and similar ways to move. Open your heart to the beauty of little things in your everyday world. Call on Hummingbird to help jump your vibration to a higher level. Hummingbird in the Center brings Joy in the immediate. So enjoy. Do what you need to do to make yourself happy and you will automatically make other people around you happy—a good way to begin a new year.