The guardian of the South Gate in many Native American traditions is errant Coyote, the ever present trickster known as Shawnodese. Coyote, is one of the most maligned spirit keepers, and probably our greatest teacher. S/he demands that we be vigilant, conscious and present in our earth walk. When we are not, we are apt to feel the contrary effects of Coyote and are likely to loose or misplace objects or forget our intentions.
Other notable totems for this south quadrant are Mouse and Rabbit. Mouse teaches us to take care of the little things, as the big things can then take care of themselves. Rabbit on the other hand, teaches us that “what we resist, persists,“ and that which we fear, we draw to ourselves. It is the Law Of Attraction!
This south quadrant of the medicine wheel is known as the "growing times" It is the middle of the summer season when everything ripens and grows to maturity. Not only is this reflected in the fauna, flora and animal life around us, but also in our earthly desires, emotions and relationships.
The emphasis here is on matters of the heart, family, home, business, money, power, play, passion, and obsession.
In the Sun Bear tradition the element for south is Water; its mineral is Serpentine; its plant totem is Sagebrush and the colors are Yellow and Green. In other traditions the color is Red and/or Yellow, representing the heat and power of the element of Fire and the noon day sun. Traditions and totems change according to tribes and geography. Working with them helps us gain understanding and insight.
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FIRST MOON OF THE SOUTH
The Strong Sun Moon - Moon of the Dogwood
This moon is appropriately called in the Sun Bear (Chippewa ) tradition, the Strong Sun moon. We enter into the longer, hotter days of summer, time of growth, play, passion, and obsession. In Cherokee this called the moon of the Dogwood. Other tribes call it, Thunder Moon, Frog Clan Moon, Honey Moon, Hot Moon, Berry Ripening Moon, Strawberry Moon, Partner Moon, Wild Rose Moon to name a few.
This time speaks of presentness, of an open heart and the ability to love without condition. This means that it is important to accept things as they are. We may not like them, but accepting what IS is first cause. Then we can move forward into what we might wish to have or become. Perhaps it is this acceptance and presentness of spirit that Coyote is seeking to teach us. He reminds us not to take things so seriously but rather to move vigilantly forward with joy, love, and good expectation! The energies here in the south gate can be wild and frenetic like the hot noon sun in summer. We need to allow ourselves flexibility and agility. It is important for us not to overdue rather than risk "burn out". We are asked to remain grounded and steadfast in our endeavors.
The animal totem for this moon is the Flicker, the woodpecker, the great drummer of the bird kingdom who teaches us about communication and self-expression. In Cherokee it is the Red Hawk, a totem good for business affairs, able to see good prospects from a high vantage point. Hawk teaches about adaptability, survival, clarity of vision and business.
The plant totem here is the Wild Rose, having to do with all matters of the heart; the sweet smell of the rose to the prick of its thorn. The Rose is master healer of the plant world and offers medicinal use such as Rose hips which give us vitamin C. The plant totem in Cherokee is Yarrow, considered the herb of Venus; the wound herb as it can be used as an astringent. It is used in the I-Ching for divination.
The mineral totem, here is Carnelian Agate (same in Cherokee.) It has everything to do with the healing of the heart, protecting it, and helping to balance the emotional love centers while allowing our hearts to be open. In extreme cases it is said to help stop bleeding.
The color totem for this moon is Pink, as in the pure pink of the rose, of little girls, of immaturity, and of healing and innocent love. It teaches about the heart, open to receive and to give love; about sensitivity and growth.
Totems vary geographically from tribe to tribe. They are symbols which offer us the opportunity to understand the subtle communication of spirit through nature. Hopefully these will draw to you a deeper understanding and experience of the "magic," of the Mitakuye Oyasin, (all is related; all is relative; all is in relativity.)
Aho! Mitakuye Oyasin, all things are related and all is our relation.
Blessings of light and love abound.
Zan, Butterfly Deerwoman
Ai Sv Nv Wa Do Hi Ya Do (walk in peace)
