Native Symbolisms in my work - Danielle Wise Baxter's Blog

I often write about fields of wheat. It is not because I love wheat but being half Native I am all about symbolism and this is what wheat represent:

In Shakespeare’s time, sheaves of wheat were carried in the wedding procession and sometimes tucked into the Bride’s veil? Wheat, while synonymous with Fall and all its bounty, is also a symbol of fertility. It is referred to as the “Giving Grain”, and because wheat was historically a sign of bounty and prosperity, it was also the incubus for the advent of the Wedding Cake. Wheat Sheaves To early agricultural people, a good wheat harvest assured plenty of the bread that would keep the community alive throughout the winter. Wheat sheaves became symbols of the successful harvest, associated with all that is truly nourishing and life-affirming. A small sheaf of wheat would be a good choice for your home if you would like to feel more secure So to write poorly about wheat is unhappiness with my bounty or even my love life as it represents a fertile couple or even a motivated couple. It represents life after death through bread. So I may meet loved ones passed in fields of wheat, meaning they change form to live or help me live. If I ever write about a subject you think is odd, ask me it has a symbolism. People think I am quite random when in fact I am not. I come from a place where even the animals and wind mean certain things. My poems unless a vent or rant have deep meanings from my Native roots. Just like ocean water's mean to cleanse the body and soul of evil. Bathe in sea salt water and see your life and mental state repair. Silly to most but why do you think the swine drown in the ocean? More than just drowning the sea salt water rid the demons. This is also in your bible, just like lighting candles in prayer. People think it is an evil magic and it was merely part of a ceremony and offering to God. I am a split symbol, of spirit in Native lore I am a calico fox and a silver horse People think I am a person who does not think which it so not true. I study everything and blend in. You do not survive abuse for 40 years by drawing attention or over reacting. When people get to know me they find I am NOTHING like what they thought. They may believe gossip but when they deal with me one on one the see. If you want your animal let me know and I will help you find it. It is good to put their likeness in your home. FOX Overwhelmingly, cultural consensus on fox animal symbolism deals with: cunning strategy quick-thinking adaptability cleverness wisdom It is noteworthy to observe the fox while it is on the hunt. We see its entire body is pointed like an arrow - straight and tightly aimed. This is a symbolic message for us to set a determined, and powerfully focused mindset in order to "hit the target" of our desires. The red in the fox is representative of a solar emblem. As a solar emblem the fox animal symbolism deals with: passion desire intensity expression The fox encourages us to think outside of the box and use our intelligence in different, creative ways. The fox also brings us a message to try to approach our circumstances differently that we normally would. Be aware of some of our habits, and try a different angle of action. The fox also a reminder that we must utilize all of our resources (seen and unseen) in order to accomplish our goals. Sometimes this means calling upon some unorthodox methods. Furthermore, the fox is a sign to be mindful of our surroundings. Phenomenally effective shapeshifters and incredibly adaptable, the fox beckons us to not make too many waves but rather, adapt to our surroundings, blend into it, and use our surroundings (and circumstances) to our advantage. Other generalized fox symbolic meanings deal with focus determination right-action It should be obvious from this summary that fox animal symbolism goes far beyond what we may see on the surface. On the contrary, the fox has an incredible amount of knowledge and wisdom to share with us if/when we are willing to be still for the teachings. Spend some meditative time with the spirit of the fox - odds are you will be amazed at the powerful insight this regal creature has to offer you. If you found these fox symbol meanings helpful on your path, you may also be interested in Horse I fall under white Horse is by far one of the largest contributor to the enhancement of civilization. With such recognition and accomplishments, a vast and diverse trail of symbol meanings is sure to follow the Horse’s rich history with humankind. A summary of prevalent symbol meanings for the horse: Power Grace Beauty Nobility Strength Freedom The Horse symbol meanings of power are widespread through most cultures, and it is linked as an emblem of life-force. Many cultures assign the attributes of the four elements to the Horse: Earth, Fire, Air, and Water. As a Celtic symbol,the Horse was associated with war. With war, comes attributes of victory, conquer, longevity as well as procurement of territory and other spoils that come with triumph in battle. All of these heady aspects of valor were associated with the Horse in Celt animal symbolism. In fact, so much so, the Celts hailed the Horse as the beast belonging to the sun god, and assigned it a place with the goddess Epona (see Celtic Gods & Goddesses for more information on Epona). The Greco-Romans also associated the Horse with the spoils of war and attributed it to symbolism such as power, victory, honor, domination and virility. In Greco-Roman myth the Horse is said to be created by Poseidon (Neptune) and is devoted to Hades (Pluto) and Ares (Mars). Romans also believed the Horse to be a symbol of the continuity of life, and would sacrifice a horse to the god Mars every October, keeping its tail through the winter as a sign of fertility and rebirth. In Hindu Brihadaranyaka, the Horse is linked to Varuna and as such, is equated to the cosmos. Additionally, a white horse is believed to be the last incarnation of Vishnu. Buddha is said to have left this physical plane riding a white horse. Also in Buddhism a winged horse is often depicted carrying the Book of Law. As one of the symbols in the Chinese zodiac, the horse in Chinese culture is equated with Gemini, and represents practicality, love, endurance, devotion and stability. As a Native American symbol, the Horse symbol meanings combine the grounded power of the earth with the whispers of wisdom found in the spirit winds. The Horse has long been honored has helper, messenger, and harbinger of spirit knowledge to the Native American. Considered wild and an emblem of freedom, the Native American sees many potentialities in the symbolic nature of this noble creature. Another aspect of Native American symbol meanings of the horse comes with the understanding that the wild freedom of the Horse can be harnessed and used to the benefit of the tribe. This understanding comes only when man and beast enter a silent contract – acknowledging mutual respect and awareness of responsibility to each other. (follow this link for other Native American Symbols on this website). What about a horse of a different color? The color of the Horse is also steeped with symbol meanings. Here are the most common color meanings for the Horse: Black Horse: Mystery, death, night, secret, messenger of esoteric knowledge White Horse: Light, sun, day, vitality, illumination, resurrection, messenger of birth Just as in ancient culture, the symbol meanings for the Horse are just as strong in dreams. Carl Jung observed the Horse to represent the intuitive aspect of human nature, and also thought it was a symbol of the human body in certain dreams. Seeing yourself riding a Horse in your dreams may indicate you will see a project or event to successful conclusion. Falling off a Horse in your dreams indicates you’re nervous about a project or event you have scheduled. Dreaming of a Horse with reins, pulling a wagon, tied with ropes, etc., indicates you are feeling restricted and desire more freedom in your life. A bucking Horse in your dreams indicates a need to break old habits.

Danielle Wise Baxter Date: 5/30/2012 6:32:00 AM The dolphin is so cool, and dead on. It is to teach you how to breathe in a spell. That is so cool. I am an abuse survivor, and mine is all about safety, hiding, freedom, and my children, also beauty but me thinks it lies there. lol Ask Nabisco Login to Reply

Danielle Wise Baxter Date: 5/30/2012 6:28:00 AM Joann, an eagle is a wonderful totem. Type in spirit animal eagle and read. See if it applies. Our totems change through our lives but not our basic main one. I am rare I have 2. But my lower totems change with circumstance. Like lizards may come and be in my garden. Never had them before, so I need to learn what God is telling me with a lizard. lol Sounds odd but God put us over beast and we are to protect and learn from them. What to do and not to do. The message is not always nice but rewarding if we apply it. My mom recently had crows. I had dragonflies last summer. Everyday things that bombard you at once. Login to Reply

Danielle Wise Baxter Date: 5/30/2012 6:22:00 AM It is truly interesting. We all have a totem of many animals that make up who we are. But usually one/two main ones is our spirit guide. Like I am horse and fox, so when I come into your life it will be to help show you it is okay to be free to do some things you want, carry you when you are weary, charge you to safety. etc... Fox is about helping stealth yourself. Hiding out spiritual, lover of children, etc... You can type in the animal you are drawn to most or is in your life the most. Do not forget insects. Type them in as spirit guides/ animal (you have) We each have an entire totem so write down the animals in order of most to least. Reptiles too Login to Reply

Joann Grisetti Date: 5/25/2012 1:37:00 PM Interesting blog. I have been told I am an eagle, but alos of the water sign. They do not seem tobe the same, so must be different aspects. Login to Reply

Tracy Edwards Date: 5/25/2012 4:36:00 AM I love anything Native American..I do Native American spirit stone readings and Medicine cards, I find it all fascinating..My Native American Spirit guide is Dolphin, symbolizing breathing, which is quite ironic because im asthmatic.. My 9 totem animal that walk my path with me are wolf at my East, protector and teacher..Butterfly at my South, bring change and transformation..Swan at my West for Grace..Black Panther at my North, embracing the unknown..Frog above for Cleansing..Bear below for Introspection and Turtle within for Mother Earth.. Thanks for the read Danielle it was very interesting .. xx Hugs Login to Reply

David Williams Date: 5/25/2012 1:32:00 AM Red, I found this very interesting, I would love to know what animal I am... Login to Reply

Danielle Wise Baxter Date: 5/25/2012 12:51:00 AM I have no idea what happened. It was this tiny thing about some personal things. OMG this is horrible. I even had paragraphs. Do not worry with this. lol Login to Reply