Fimo

Southwestern Expressions

The haunting and penetrating howl of the Wolf has the ability to reach into the deepest recesses of our souls. Touching emotions ranging from adoration and reverence to intense fear and even hatred. No other animal has inspired lore and mythology such as Wolf.

Considered by Native cultures as a protector, the Wolf is indeed wise, cunning, strong, courageous, gregarious and mysterious. Wolves are much like humans in their commitment to community, loyalty to family and integrity to themselves.

The Wolf lives predominately in family packs with an established dominate male and female. The packs are peaceful as every animal knows their individual responsibilities and the alpha pair are rarely challenged. They prey predominately on hoofed animals and prefer the old and sick. Wolves avoid human contact at all costs and because of this, research into their intricate social lives is quite difficult

Originally the most widespread of all land mammals, wolves are now threatened with extinction stemming from centuries of misconception as well as habitat destruction. Through understanding and appreciation of these magnificent animals, we have the opportunity and obligation to become more compassionate than our predecessors in allowing wolves to again populate our wilderness.

Wolf epitomizes the true spirit of the free and wild and if America is sincere about preserving our environment, it will clearly be reflected by whether or not the wolf remains protected and it’s successful re-introduction onto public lands continues.

Bear is regarded as the most sacred of all animal totems, embodying strength and power.
Bear is the spirit keeper of the west, the direction of adulthood, the strongest phase of life. Autumn, the sunset, the harvest and the physical aspect of our own nature are also from the west. The magic of the west is shape shifting and Bear is known to walk the path between spirit and the physical, unafraid and unrestricted.
Fearless and courageous, Bear’s gifts include not only strength, but introspection, wisdom, insight, healing, protection and self knowledge, helping us to clear away the barriers to inner progress and allowing us to make clear decisions from a position of power.
Nanook (in Eskimo) has always been associated as kin to humans and shows us the courage to live with an open heart. Bear understands that only those things accomplished with love truly have lasting value.

	For people of the Far East, Turtle’s shell represents Heaven and it’s underside the Earth, making Turtle the keeper of the gateway between all dimensions. A reminder of constant and unnerving progress, perseverance and patience, Turtle teaches us the consistency of Nature’s rhythm and the irrelevant perception of time. Regarded as the ancient animal symbol for Mother Earth, turtles are considered healers and protectors. Turtle can grant us long life, wisdom, and the good health that comes from an honest and focused mind.
The Dolphin has been a guide for humans since ancient times. Dolphins are of the water, the common element for all life forms, and were thought to be a symbol of salvation for the early Christians. Long the friend and comfort of mariners, Dolphin shows us the joyful harmony of being in balance with community and each other. Dolphin spirit is that of compassion and of sacrifice, of inspiration and of kindness, for it is said that if you posses no other qualities than these, you have everything.
	To the Native Americans here in the arid Southwest, Frog is revered as very powerful medicine because it is believed that he has the ability to bring rain. Metamorphosis is their spirit as they transform during their lives from eggs to tadpoles and finally frogs, always showing us the beauty of adaptability to and acceptance of inevitable change. Frogs are symbols of fertility and abundance. They are associated with healing and are claimed to hold knowledge of the forthcoming weather. The Frog medicine opens our emotions and creativity, and allows us the sensitivity to detect even the most delicate changes to our environment.
The animal expert at subtle perception, Lizard can sense the slightest vibrations and detect the minutest movements. A symbol of clairvoyance and psychic intuition, Lizard teaches us that in order to be fully aware of our surroundings and maintain our belief in harmony and peace within, we must be able to practice the detachment of distasteful and unnecessary situations. Representative of stillness and rest, Lizard is the messenger of lucid dreams, the bridging of the unconscious with the conscious. Lizards are the bearers of insight as well as the protectors of babies and children, therefore it’s a good sign when Lizard decides to share your home.
	One of Earth’s oldest animals, the snake has been both revered and reviled since the beginning of time. Snake is a sign of death and rebirth, of transformation and initiation into new realms. Snake is healing medicine and a symbol of both health and alchemy. The Kundalini or Serpent Fire lies at the base of our spine and can activate many internal energy centers, opening new dimensions of healthy awareness and creativity. According to the Chinese calendar, Snake also symbolizes clairvoyance, compassion and charm. It is believed that Snake can foretell imminent challenges, and as guardians of secrets and treasures, can show us the ability to transcend from our pasts to our futures.
Aviary symbol of the vast Southwest, the Roadrunner is a totem of intellect and mental acuity. Roadrunners are almost flightless members of the cuckoo family and can sprint to speeds of almost twenty miles per hour. The distinctive crest reflects the activation of our mental faculties and the agility of rapid decision making. Roadrunner can help you to think and react quickly to current situations and gives the ability to alter your inner thought processes. Contrary to popular belief, Roadrunner is neither blue in color, nor says “beep beep”!
	In the depth of night we find not only dreams, but mystery, sensitivity and seduction. Owl is a sign of all this wonderment as well as being considered a messenger from the underworld. Hopi culture describes Owl as the teacher of night medicine, a great guide through the perils of darkness and fear. Owl shows us that when the powers of silent observation are in balance with those of assertive defense, we create an environment of wisdom, philosophy, and introspection. The quintessential symbol of awareness, prophesy and magic, Owl will always reside just beyond our realm of light.
The Horse is so rich in legend and spirit as no single animal has contributed more to the growth of our civilization. Horse is symbolic of our disdain for constraint and our desire for stamina and speed. They show us the power of independence and the passion of freedom. At the same time always remaining, gentle trustworthy and true. Horse is of the Wind and inspires us to travel in new directions and explore not only the wildness in our environments, but the magical fires of our souls.
	Cat, both the domestic as well as the wild are by nature solitary creatures, secretive and seductive. Cat releases passionate sexual magic all around by completely silent and discreet means. Believed for ages to be the guardian of the astral planes and having the power of many lives, Cat shows us that flexibility and resilience are keys not only to absolute survival, but are important aspects that allow one’s quick response to opportunity. Long symbols of curiosity and adventure, the Cat’s keen powers of observation, adaptation, perseverance and cleverness can serve us as strong reminders that our own longevity may someday depend on such awareness skills. Even with all of these recognizable traits, Cat always remains elusive and unpredictable.
Water is the creative element of life as well as the natural shape shifter. Ever moving, ever present and ever formless. The Sea also is the home of emotion, intuition and inspiration. The creatures of this realm come to symbolize birth, death and creativity itself. Long a sign of prosperity in business and lasting achievement, the Fish also provides us with clairaudience and the innate protection associated with that state. Bali Fish can teach us much about the union of our inner male and female selves as well as helping us to evaluate the extreme spectrum of outside influences. Allowing for the openness to find previously undiscovered realms of curiosity, we eventually arrive at a balanced and settled consciousness.
	The Horned Toad, or Horney Toad actually isn’t a toad at all but a flat bodied and fierce appearing lizard whose habitat ranges from the Great Southwest to the Texas Chaparral. Horned Toad has been a part of Pueblo lore since the beginning of the spoken word as he has always been looked to to facilitate the tasks of Native people. Comanche tribes would use Horned Toad to help in the search for Buffalo, letting him scamper off after capture, always in the direction of the nearest herd. Coyote learned a tough lesson about greed by eating Horned Toad and his corn, and the medicine of self reliance and longevity has always been associated with Horned Toad. Thought of by Zuni culture as the conservator of native beauty and bearer of good luck, Horned Toad populations are quickly dwindling and this signal of change doesn’t feel lucky for the southwest.