The other day a friend asked me how I felt the eagle totem related to him. I found an interesting website featuring the Native American descriptions of the meanings of the animal totems. The description of the eagle totem fit him very well and I used it as a reference for my response to his inquiry.
My main animal totem is the white lion. They have appeared to me several times in dreams. The Native Americans never encountered the mysterious white lions of the Sahara, instead there was a description of the mountain lion or puma. I began to read, and was shocked to find that it seemed as if it were written especially for me at this time in my life. However, at the time I was distracted.
Today I was chatting with, and helping another friend locate a torrent he'd been searching for. At the same time, I was upset upon feeling the brunt of my eagle friend's insensitive nature. And while I cursed him in my head on the side of the screen appeared the face of a mountain lion. So I decided to get my study on... anything to distract me from shooting down that poor eagle, they are an endangered species you know.
The following is reposted from
http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com
Role: Leader
Lesson: Proper Use of Power
Element: Earth
Wind: West - The Quest Within
Medicine: Emissary
Keywords: Leadership, Standing Behind Convictions, Confidence, Clever, Awareness, Learning Proper use of Power, Messenger between Humans & The Divine Beings, Balance, Steadfast, Responsible, Dependable
Leadership
Watching the Cougar/Puma/Mountain Lion, one is keenly aware of the formidable grace and power that is reflected in every stride taken or leap made. And yet the sense is that the Cougar has a conscious awareness of her strength and the potential to inflict great harm with very little effort, a fact that is reflected in the tenderness with which the female cougar treats her young as a mouth that can easily crush bones is also capable of exceptional gentleness as she bathes her cubs.
Adults can weigh in anywhere between 100 - 200 lbs., with an average length of 48 - 60 inches with an additional 28 inches of tail. They are renowned jumpers, possessing the ability to leap 30 feet horizontally and up to 18 feet vertically, a testimony to the powerful leg muscles of these magnificent creature beings.
For the two-legged beside whom Cougar strides, there will exist an inherent power and strength that is the very core of their being. These are incredibly powerful individuals, though such power is gifted via a process of trial and error as the Cougar soul learns the difference between using such formidable power, and abusing it.
Most Cougar individuals have an inner respect and understanding of their own abilities and hence, will generally not throw their weight around unless they are either backed into a corner from which there is no obvious escape, or unless they are operating from an extremely damaged or non-integrated personality center. Yet for those who begin wielding such a gift in a reckless manner, many painful encounters and situations will arise that may initially perplex the one who walks with Cougar, bringing losses in fortune, falls from positions of leadership or even public humiliation and/or scandal. Eventually, the non-integrated Mountain Lion will reflect upon the choices that have led him/her to such losses and embarrassments and, in new found humility, they will recognize the lessons behind such experiences and (in most instances) modify their behavior and beliefs accordingly.
One of the hallmark characteristics of the Cougar Soul, is an innate quest to reach the best within themselves. It matters not whether they reach the top of the corporate ladder, excel academically, or are the leader of a cherished cause, these individuals will exude the sense that they are meant to be in the role of leader.
Interestingly however, most two-leggeds beside whom Cougar pads, will be reluctant leaders and will often find themselves at the top of the chain of command during an emergency or crisis when less capable individuals collapse around them. Seeing what needs to be done and acting accordingly, the Mountain Lion will stabilize the unbalanced situation and perform damage control. This capacity to calmly assess and rectify problem situations will not go unnoticed, and here again may lie a challenge for the Cougar soul.
Because they generally make reluctant admirals (at least initially), the one that journeys with Mountain Lion may appear somewhat unimpressed with gaining the same promotion that may be jealously coveted by their peers. Such apparent indifference is often misinterpreted as arrogance, and petty envy amongst co-workers often surfaces as a result.
When Cougar Soul can embrace in humility and grace his/her gift of leadership and wield such power with compassion and strength, the leap is made to a higher plane of unity with the soul’s unique purpose for incarnating.
Standing Behind Convictions
Most cultures that have Cougar as one of several key figures of their lore recognize this beautiful cat as a creature of great strength, cunning and power. And in observing the Mountain Lion in the wild, it is easy to see where such tales of prowess stem from as they utilize not only their strength alone, but also employ their intelligence and stealth.
By looking at the solid and long form of the Cougar, it becomes apparent that these cats are designed for multiple tasks, as their large paws bespeak of an ability to traverse a wide variety of terrain from grassy paths to high granite walls. Their long, thick tails assist them with balancing in precarious positions and heights, while their muscular legs propel them higher and longer in leaps than any other cat. Such a diverse design hints at the ability these animals have to gain dominance over their environment and maneuver in areas virtually inaccessible to other creatures of the wild.
As Cougar is sure-footed atop their canyon and desert perches, so is the two-legged beside whom Cougar strides, certain of his/her approach to life. Much like their totem spirit, the human counterpart will exude an aura of quiet strength that will make an impression upon others.
The impression made will almost always be one of respect and/or admiration, though the Cougar soul seems to elicit extreme responses in others. While some peers encountered take an instant liking to the Cougar individual, others will feel immediately threatened by the strong presence and hence an immediate and vehement dislike may ensue.
Yet all who come to know the individual beside whom Mountain Lion journeys will tend to agree that these are souls that stand firm in their beliefs and convictions. These are the sort of people who appear to have a moral fiber made of bedrock as they will seldom waver or be badgered from their beliefs.
Although their moral/spiritual beliefs may not necessarily be “traditional,” they will have a set of self-imposed code of ethics and morality that they will stand firmly behind. These granite philosophies are part of what makes these individuals so highly trusted by friends, family and those who know the strength of character the Cougar soul exhibits.
Conversely, there will be an equal number of detractors that would love nothing more than to see Mountain Lion tumult from a position of great height, as perhaps their own honesty and conviction pales in comparison to the Cougar’s lofty spirituality. Such individuals who are operating from a point of insecurity deeply rooted in a non-integrated personality center, will tend to project their own unresolved issues off onto the Cougar soul, rather than examine where they may improve and enrich their own lives by living in closer accordance with their own belief system.
When challenged on their morals or beliefs, the Cougar individual will become much like the Mountain Lion defending his/her territory, and an ordinarily placid two-legged can come out with fangs bared when backed into a corner. Such attacks on their beliefs are capable of cutting right to the core of the Cougar soul, as these are honorable people that do their utmost to be trustworthy, dependable and honest.
If a two-legged with Cougar as a Totem is operating from the Shadow or contrary medicine, there may exist a tendency to be dogmatic in their practices or beliefs, holding very little patience for philosophy or belief systems different from their own. Yet this is rare, as most Mountain Lion’s respect the “spiritual territories” of others almost as much as they guard their own right to think and believe as they see fit.
For the two-legged operating from the higher octave of cougar medicine, the men are the knights in shining armor of eras long past that live and defend the values of trust, honesty, faithfulness and honor. The female Cougars are the Earth Mothers that exude an aura of oneness with the all and a deep reverence for the environment. In both the male and female, a profound connection and respect for the ancient customs and traditions of indigenous people will be felt and expressed, though they themselves may not have been born with Native American blood and they remind others of the importance of respect for the Wisdom of the Elders.
Balance
As previously stated, the Cougar is the top cat when it comes to leaps of distance and height. This is due to both the strong leg muscles these felines possess, as well as the balancing weight of their tails. Most often, the Mountain Lion, true to one of its names, dwells atop lofty perches in mountains and canyons, as well as high desert mesas. Such heights as these animals dwell requires surefooted-ness and grace of movement. Herein their long and thick tails are employed to assist with balance as is required of those who exist in such precarious terrain. Acting as a highly effective counterbalance, the Cougar’s tail assists in steadying them as they walk along the narrow pathways and crevices etched from the granite and sandstone cliffs in which these beautiful creature beings call home.
For the two-legged with Cougar as a primary totem, the keyword of balance becomes crucial in integrating a holistic mind/body and spirit approach. Although these individuals are by nature very sensual and “earthy” types (and as such there will be an emphasis on their physical self), they are also keenly aware of the needs of the mind and soul as well. If the Cougar Soul is in good physical shape yet is not developing his/her spiritual side, or conversely, if the one beside whom Mountain Lion stalks is involved in spiritual learning and growth but they don’t exercise their body or mind, the unbalance will be more keenly felt than it would be for other individuals. The result is that there will be much inner turmoil and stress with the questioning of “what is missing in my life?” becoming a predominant pondering.
The best form of physical exercise for the Cougar individual would be one that takes into consideration the Whole Self (again, Mind/Body and Spirit). An excellent example of such well targeted exercise for the Mountain Lion, would be Yoga, or perhaps Tai-chi, as these are both forms of exercise that employ all levels of the self; the body is in movement, the energy centers are being stimulated and aligned, and the mind is in deep focus or meditation.
If you are a Cougar Soul and are currently feeling “out of alignment,” pay attention to this feeling and heed it, for this is precisely what is occurring. Stop and take an honest evaluation of your life and your approach to this journey. What are you neglecting, or what areas of your life and expression are you over-indulging in? Because balance is such a key for you, it is crucial for your development that you become aware of your keen need for a WHOLE approach to life.
Are there certain individuals that are draining you of your energy, freedom or right to express yourself in a healthy and meaningful manner? If so, then those relationships need to also be evaluated in detached honesty. Because of your powerful, yet unassuming nature, there will be those that will seek to undermine your confidence and balance. If this is the case, confrontation, restructuring of relationships or even some “endings” may be in order.
The art of balancing your life ought to be approached in stages however, as it is also quite characteristic of the Mountain Lion individual to immediately leap into action and attempt to take on too much at once. The key here is moderate and progressive steps forward. No matter how long the journey takes, and regardless of the occasional step or two “backward,” so long as more movement is made forward than back, the journey is being walked and the goal is drawing ever nearer. Remember, we all arrive exactly where we need to be, exactly when we need to be there.
Messenger between Humans & The Divine Beings
Native American lore holds the Cougar as the champion of the two-legged who presents the humans “case” to the One Above. Acting as the emissary on behalf of we of the two-leggeds, Cougar asks for forgiveness for our follies and misbehaviors while carrying messages between human and the divine.
Because Humans are capable of intentional and unprovoked violence, spite, hatred and other emotions and behaviors not witnessed in the creature beings, the task of emissary for Cougar can be a challenging one. He/she must find the Light at the center of the darkness, the beauty and grace that lives beyond the sometimes tangled core of the human personality center.
For his faithful guidance and support of we humans, he is revered amongst many tribes, and given thanks for acting on our behalf. His belief in us a faith that may best be reciprocated in acts of kindness to all life, compassion and embracing in understanding the surface and transitory differences of spiritual beliefs, race or economic background of our fellow two-leggeds. In this manner, we show our thankfulness for his faith and trust in us.
Cougar Spirit will travel beside a two-legged who possesses a keen insight and perception. This insight may surface via an extra-sensory perception, or it may firmly rooted in a more practical understanding of the human psyche and subconscious mind. Both mediums and psychotherapists are often found with Cougar as a primary animal ally.
The Mountain Lion Soul will often be a bridge of understanding between two diametrically opposed individuals, factions or groups as theirs is the medicine of emissary. As such, others will often turn to them for their non-partial perspective as the Cougar individual is quite capable of seeing all sides of any given situation. Then, when he/she becomes connected with a cause or belief, they make excellent, out-spoken proponents of such a cause and hence are outstanding spokespersons for a variety of ventures which capture their attention.
While such medicine brings the gift of harmony between opposites, the individual with Cougar as a totem will often find him/herself in the middle of an argument, attempting to bring understanding and equilibrium to both “sides.” This is a beautiful trait when it is the Cougar’s conscious choice to become involved, yet the challenge is that the two-legged beside whom Mountain Lion walks may often find themselves immersed without a conscious decision to do so. Friends, family even strangers may take advantage of their inherent drive to be a mediator, and in those moments, the Cougar Soul may suddenly find themselves the target of attack from either side, becoming the “middle person” in an entirely uncomfortable sense of the word!
By establishing clear boundaries and guidelines with others as to when and by how much, they are willing to act as a “go between,” the Cougar individual is fulfilling his/her principle medicine of messenger without falling victim to the unresolved issues and grievances of others. As the Cougar grows from cub to adult (spiritually/metaphorically speaking), the lessons learned in defining boundaries assists as they fulfill their medicine of messenger and teach others the power of understanding and harmony.
