Poetry – The Otter,The Solstice, and Me

litebeing

In honor of the solstice, this litebeing decided to take a walk and remain open to any imagery that comes across my path. When I studied The Progoff Intensive Journal ® Program a couple of summers back, I learned the importance of symbolism present in all states of consciousness. While I always treasured symbology everywhere ( what astrologer doesn’t? ) I was aware of an emphasis being typically placed on dream and meditative states. I was taught at the workshop to practice mindfulness of imagery that emerges during the alpha and beta  states of consciousness. I found the exercises very illuminating and recommend that you give it a try, especially if it is something unfamiliar to you.

So on this brilliant Friday afternoon I strolled around my neighborhood on a circular route, remaining open to any and all signs that grace my view.  On the way back, an otter crossed my path. I have seen them in my back yard, but never this close up!

Here’s a picture of an Otter and some background on its nomenclature and symbolism:

Bernard Landgraf http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Otter

The word otter derives from the Old English word otor or oter. This, and cognate words in other Indo-European languages, ultimately stem from the Proto-Indo-European language root *wódr̥, which also gave rise to the English word “water”.[1][2]

An otter’s den is called a holt or couch. A male otter is a meowter, a female is a queen, and a baby is a pup.[3][4] The collective nouns for otters are bevy, family, lodge, or romp, (being descriptive of their often playful nature) or, when in water, raft.

Otter Power Animal

Otter’s medicine includes woman’s healing wisdom, sensibility without suspicion, guidance in revealing ones talents, psychic awareness, faithfulness, recovery issues, understanding the value of playtime, primal feminine energy, joy, playfulness, prognostication

There are 2 kinds of Otter, the river and sea otter. They are linked to the primal feminine energies of life – the elements of both Earth and Water are present in Otter medicine.

Otters are regarded as the masters of play by the Native American and Celtic cultures. Observing an individual otter or a family of otters shows us that it’s possible to view life as a game to be enjoyed, rather than a burden to be endured. Living is not painful, it’s a gift. Life is too short to worry so much. When you were younger, like most children, did you feel like you didn’t want to become old and didn’t want life to get serious, or maybe you wished you could grow up and then once you became an adult wished you could relive your childhood as life was too serious now? Are you now too serious? If yes then otter is just right for you for you will be shown how to play again, it will help you find your inner child.

Native American Zodiac Meanings

Otter: Jan 20 – Feb 18
A little quirky, and unorthodox, the Otter is a hard one to figure sometimes. Perceived as unconventional, the Otter methods aren’t the first ones chosen to get the job done. This is a big mistake on the part of others – because although unconventional, the Otter’s methods are usually quite effective. Yes, the Otter has unusual way of looking at things, but he/she is equipped with a brilliant imagination and intelligence, allowing him/her an edge over every one else. Often very perceptive and intuitive, the Otter makes a very good friend, and can be very attentive. In a nurturing environment the Otter is sensitive, sympathetic, courageous, and honest. Left to his/her own devices, the Otter can be unscrupulous, lewd, rebellious, and isolated.

Musings and Poem

I really am grateful for the otter symbol I received today. As an Aquarius rising, I really appreciate the zodiac reference. I can identify with many of the attributes associated with an otter as a power animal stated above. I can also benefit from the message to play more and unleash the inner child.

My plan was to find some Rumi and include it with this post. Yet, I flipped through my poetry book and landed on this piece by St. Catherine of Siena. I find it to be exceptionally fitting, enjoy!

WHEREVER YOU MAY LOOK

Wisdom is

so kind and wise

that wherever you may look

you can learn something

about God.

Why

would not

the omnipresent

teach that

way?

 

Blessings to  you on this powerful Solstice…..

references

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.shamanicjourney.com/article/6178/otter-power-animal-symbol-of-primal-female-energy-faithfulness

 http://www.whats-your-sign.com/native-american-animal-symbols.html

header image – tree in front yard by © litebeing chronicles

otter image by Bernard Landgraf at http://en.wikipedia.org    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

Published by litebeing

Seeking magic and awe in ordinary moments

31 Comments

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  6. Dear Linda – thank you for sharing your Solstice experience. What a blessing to have an otter cross your path. I appreciate the symbolism you shared in this post. Tomas and I spent the afternoon of Solstice out on a wild river north and east of our home. What an amazing afternoon we spent. We really got Mother Nature reflected exponentially — right in our faces. It was great! Although there are river otters in this area, we did not see one that day. Blessings, Alia

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    1. Hi Alia,
      I really enjoy the solstices and moon cycles as ” holy times” because they illustrate the wondrous aspects of the circle of life. thank you for your kind words and glad to hear you guys had a lovely time.

      Namaste

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      1. Hi Linda,
        Although I do not celebrate the lunar cycles but I always note them and am usually pretty aware of what phase the moon is in. Especially as relates to planting phases.Solstices and equinoxes are another matter. I do consider them holy days and we usually do take those days off (Mayan “day out of time”) and do more contemplation or go out into nature, which is all around us here. Occasionally we have seen otters playing in the rivers here — they are a delight to behold, a true blessing. Namaste, Alia

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      2. Hi Alia,
        sounds like you and Tomas have the right idea regarding contemplation and nature. quakers believe that every day is holy and I agree, yet certain time periods ( linear time) have more resonance energetically for people based on their individual chemistry, energetic vibration, etc. I will keep my eyes open for more otter visitations.

        blessings, Linda

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      3. I like the “every day is holy” attitude. Every moment is indeed precious and sacred. Thank you for you presence in this evolving world. Alia

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  10. Otters are so adorable and fun to watch. Thought you’d enjoy this:

    Also, thank you for mentioning the Progoff Intensive Journal. That sounds very interesting and insightful.

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  12. An otter. lol I never knew there were out of water otter’s. You learn something new everyday. I would have thought, “Now that is an odd looking squirrel.”

    Love the mindfulness exercise, and the otter.

    Sindy

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      1. Jamie Sams is the creator of both Sacred Path Cards and Medicine Cards. I would check her out because I have had great results. But like I told Monika, its more about the person than the vehicle 🙂

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      2. Lol I was telling Monika as I shared with her on her blog that I had buried all of my cards in the Los Angeles Cress Forest, at the same time she was posting about her friend a card reader. Another of many synchronicity happenings.

        I will check those out but I really have been wanting some Angel Cards by Doreen Virtue.

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