.:|:. Dove Love’s .:. Points and Passions .:|:.

By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  Wow, a lot of magic going on right now.  I pulled up an MS Paint pic I did almost exactly a year ago (amazing that I’ve been doing these that long).  It was one of the first ones… I wasn’t that thrilled with it, so I played with it this morning.  I really like the new version, it indicated it was “Goddess.” 

I was about to post it just now when I heard a guy in front of me (my reception desk) talking about a rattlesnake experience.  So I felt it was a totem for me.  It also reminded me that a guy about an hour ago was also standing right here talking to me, and he mentioned “cobra” (speaking of a vehicle).  So it seemed clear that I was getting the snake totem in general.  Here’s a link to my snake totem post. 

This rattlesnake interpretation (below) intrigues me because it mentions the number 16 (and “Mother Goddess”), a number I’ve been getting prolifically this week (I spoke of it in one of my “Jesus” posts).  It ties to the “Tower” card in the Tarot…  But I feel this is pointing to something that is a positive, unlike the rough-ride Tower experiences usually bring. 

Another part of all of this is a multitude of “lightning” messages this week…  It all seems to be a strong message about creativity (Cobra is the King of Wands in the Animal-Wise Tarot and this has been a message about significant creative ventures for me in the past) and it also seems to be about healing and clearing away of the old ways… 

Another sync with this totem, I showed a recent MS Paint pic, “Wild Elephants and Hollow Cake” to a co-worker, he said the cake reminded him of a rattlesnake’s tail.

Here’s the pic I did this morning, “Goddess.”  It’s interesting that the previous eyeball had been something that looked like the Earth, but it’s now become a spiral.

Peace,
Dove

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“Goddess” by Dove, March 7, 2008

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Rattlesnake Totem

Rattlesnake is one of four venomous snakes native to California. Rattlesnake belongs to the pit viper family. There are 16 rattlesnake varieties and numerous colors, with distinct shape patterns. Rattlesnake is approximately four feet long and its body is covered with small scales. It has no eye lids and no legs. All rattlers are positively identified by the jointed rattles on the end of their tail. Rattlesnakes are dangerous and when disturbed, coils up and rattles a warning. If it is cornered, it will definitely strike. Rattlesnake hibernates in winter in deep dark crevices and ledges. When temperatures begins to warm in early spring, snake crawls out to hunt for rodents, lizards, squirrels and small rabbits.

All snakes are symbolic of death and rebirth because they shed their skin as they outgrow the old. In ancient times snakes signified the mysterious; they were primitive symbols of the Great Mother Goddess. If rattlesnake is your power animal there will be significant changes in some area of your life. You are going through a major transitional period. Try to make conscious choices and pay attention to your dreams which may contain valuable information about those changes. Make sure of the intention of others before you strike out at them. Rattlesnake’s message is change and renewal. Perhaps you need to take time out to digest new information or knowledge. Attend a Goddess workshop and get closer to nature. You are most powerful when you meditate, or spend some (quiet) time outdoors.

Source:  http://www.lilytherese.com/POWER1.HTM

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com  MS Paint pic…  Well, this seems to have come from the “darker side” of That Which We Are.  Was feeling a lot of anger this morning, and it was so intense, it concerned me.  I’m not even sure it was all mine… 

Painting this helped me to release the anger.  I first heard “Adam’s Eve,” and then was hearing “I am” a lot during the process.  Adam’s Eve = Adam is Eve.

“Dark side” or not, I see truth in it.  I almost feel like this was that Higher Power within me feeling very pissed, heh ;)  Like it’s saying, “dammit, you’re God, what the hell?” lol ;)  That is, why aren’t you acting like the Magician that you are, why are you allowing others to disrespect you, why aren’t you creating the life you desire!?”  

Well, alrighty then, lol…  I dunno, but I feel better now :)

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“I Am…Adam’s Eve” by Dove, February 2008

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Update:  I feel a need to ramble a bit on this.  I know there are people out there that freak about such things, er, this kinda pic…and maybe my ramblings too, heh ;)

I was thinking about it yesterday, all the BS we have in our brains…that spur reactions like:  “Oh-ma-gawd, look at the wicked black, the red  –  the snake!  All that evil, scary-looking stuff!  The DARK SIDE!!  EEEEEK!”  

LOL ;)  Sorry, but it is funny to me, ’cause I know that reaction is just plain goofy, lol.  The reason we shouldn’t fear anything (Fear not, remember?), is because it’s ALL within us.  Everything.  Everything is One Thing.  So, of course, “Adam is Eve.”  We are “Adam,” we are “Eve” and we are also the snake…and the apple :)  And this is why we should embrace (love) it all…fear not…and judge not.  Because it’s ALL us. 

Oddly enough, the “evil” comes about when we don’t embrace it all, and most potently when we fear/hate it.  When religion teaches that our precious sexuality is “sinful,” it creates a hatred and fear of it in us and from that a twisted (”evil”) version of sex is born (rape, incest, …)  But it is not our beautiful sexuality that is evil, but our hatred/fear and denial of it, which manifests these wicked things.  It’s interesting that the snake can also be a phallic symbol, aka, a penis :)  Now why would ya’ think the same symbol would be for both “God” and a penis :)  Again, our sexuality is a most beautiful thing, sacred, it dances with our spirituality…  It is defiled only by our fear and hatred of it.

 Now you can look at almost anything and see the negative in it, because both “good” and “bad” is in everything.  This pic may have come from my “dark side,” a side we all have :)  … but I endeavor to see the good.  The snake is no different, it has a light and dark side, a light or dark symbolism.  The snake can represent “God” (”good” … our “kundalini”) or “Satan” (”bad”).  I see it as “God” in this pic, the different colors representing our seven chakras. 

I considered the “X” to be my denying that which I am, “God,” the ”Magician” (Tarot reference).  I am Adam and Eve (male and female, left and right-brained, logical and spiritual).  But the “X” is also a rune called “Gebo,” and I recently learned that it can be a symbol of love.  I found the following interpretation for it:

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Gebo (X) Gifts, both in the sense of sacrifice and of generosity, indicating balance. All matters in relation to exchanges, including contracts, personal relationships and partnerships.

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Denying our “gift”?  It’s also interesting that this mentions “balance,” and there’s sort of an abstract version of the yin-yang symbol (balance) in the pic.  And that’s the issue.  Balance.  That’s what our world, what we as individuals, are in need of.  A balance between our “Adam” and our “Eve.”  We have long been living in Adam’s mediocre, “logical” world, “cursing Eve” (oppression of, devaluing, and hatred of women, along with our ”Eve” side — emotions, creativity, intuitiveness, non-religious spirituality) all the while.  And, strangely enough, ”Eve” is the most powerful part of us.  We are “Eve” :) 

When Adam stops fearing Eve, we will take back our power.  And that goes back to the original issue here.  My anger, feeling angry because I allow myself to continue to feel as most, powerless.  We must embrace “Eve.”  It’s the only way we will take back our power…our freedom.  We are not powerless — we never have been.  Think “Dorothy” in the Wizard of Oz  …  It’s all been about the journey, and discovering that we had “it” all along :)

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By Dove, www.TarotwithLove.com    Years ago when I discovered my Skunk totem via the Medicine cards, I remember saying upon seeing it in the spread, “Geez, that’s not very sexy.”   LOL!  Seriously, that was my exact thought.   And what an irony, because I then learned that it is indeed a very “sexy” totem :)  Of course, lol! ;)  It represents, among other things, “sexual magic.”

I think the skunk is a little cutie, but yet another irony that despite it’s small stature, it has a, um, power about it that ensures others respect it ;)  And consequently that’s a key message that the Skunk totem conveys. 

Note, sometimes our totems are with us to teach us about or strengthen in us their specific characteristics, so it doesn’t mean that we are already necessarily highly representative of them. Although often that is the case ;) lol

Here are a few interpretations I found via Google … see source links below.

Peace,
Dove

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SKUNK TOTEM

I will not tolerate abuse in any form.
I have power!
I will not let others use me.
I am a divine child!
I will sift out friends, keeping the good.
That is my responsibility!
Like the skunk, I will learn when to be disagreeable.
That is my right!

Sensuality, Respect, Self-Esteem

The skunk is a very powerful totem
with mystical and magical associations.
It teaches how to give respect,
expect respect and demand respect.
This totem helps you recognize your own qualities
and assert them.

Skunks are fearless but very peaceful.  These are two wonderful qualities which you can learn from your skunk totem.

If you have skunk medicine will find that the use of fragrances will elicit dynamic responses in the people around you. Your sexual response will be heightened and you will have a greater ability to attract people.

Individuals with a skunk totem must learn to balance the ability to draw and repel people.  Skunks remind us that there is a time to be with people and a time for solitude.

The skunk’s stripe is the outward sign of kundalini or life force. When you receive a skunk totem, your kundalini or life force activates and amplifies. You must learn to use this force effectively.

Skunks are silent animals and through their silent, they teach us not to brag –
it will push people away rather than attract.  People will notice you without any help.

When the skunk appears, opportunities will open to bring self-esteem and respect.
There will be increased sexuality: physically, psychically and spiritually.

Source:  http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/skunk.htm

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SKUNK

Skunk: reputation, presence, strength

Skunk’s Message and Medicine

Reputation , Respect , Sensitivity , Confidence

The skunk is a powerful small mammal about the size of a house cat. It is easily recognized by its long black fur and double white stripes, which go from its head, to the back of its legs and bushy tail. Skunk is a peaceful warrior, fearless and friendly. It appears nonchalant as it moves slowly but deliberately towards its goal. However, do not interfere with skunk’s medicine. Skunk has a distinctive behavior trait, which sets it apart from other animals. When skunk feels threatened it will turn its back on you, raise its tail and emit a smelly , irritating, chemical spray , which numbs the senses and stings the eyes. You will never forget an encounter with skunk. Skunk’s message teaches you how to get respect without being overly aggressive or domineering. Skunk encourages you to raise a ” stink” if you are threatened, or being pushed around by a bully. Do not be afraid to speak up in order to defend your space. If you are involved in domestic violence you need to inform the proper authorities. Don’t worry about causing a ” Big Stink” when you expose these tyrants. Respect yourself and others will respect you. Be aware of your reputation. What is your self-image and how do people respond to you ? If you ” smell” something bad, make sure that it is not you, dumping negativity on others , or being dumped on. Take a class in aromatherapy.

Your sense of smell is a great gift from the Creator. Honor and be thankful for all of your senses.

Source:  http://www.angelfire.com/weird/LT/totems/totemmain.html

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Dove:  I found this great, but very lengthy article on the Skunk totem, so I’ll just post a few excerpts here…

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SKUNK TOTEM

“‘I am ze locksmith of love, no?’ Pepe Le Pew”

“An individual skunk can claim a territory of about 30-40 acres. Skunks are a favorite food of Great Horned Owls, so Owls are the balancing totem for Skunks and should also be examined by Skunk people. To find any totem’s balancing energy, look at what they eat or who eats them!”

“‘They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.’ ~Mahatma Gandhi”

“‘If I despised myself, it would be no compensation if everyone saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not trouble me if others hold me lightly.’ ~Max Nordau”

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?”

“Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.”

…

“The wisdom of Owl makes an excellent balancing energy for the bold Skunk. It is important that Skunks understand how to develop a good reputation without being ruled by having a reputation. In other words, don’t become so enamored of yourself simply because others find you such good company.”

“The simplest way to cultivate this is just by being true to one’s self, doing what you know is right in any given situation irregardless of what others think… in essence, living a good life.”

…

“Balanced or not, Skunk people will not tolerate abuse of any sort and will take action if their warnings to desist do not meet with the desired results, often with a dramatic result. When a Skunk puts someone in his or her place, everyone remembers it! Powerful yet peaceful, Skunk is, nonetheless, not someone you want on your bad side.”

…

“One of my favorite cartoon characters ever has to be the breezy and romantic Pepe Le Pew. He never hurried, never doubted himself, was multi-talented, optimistic, and was even content with himself when he failed in his objective! It is their basic self-confidence that makes Skunk people so sexy to others, not necessarily for their looks.”

“Skunk people make enthusiastic, energetic and inventive lovers, having an innate understanding of all things “sexy”. All the better for Skunk people then if they can develop a solid and balanced relationship with someone who understands their need to be solitary on occasion, their independence and flamboyant nature; someone who truly revels in them simply being themselves, warts and all. If your going to leave bite marks on someone, it ought to be someone you love. ~wink~”

“‘Being a sex symbol has to do with an attitude, not looks. Most men think it’s looks, most women know otherwise.’ ~Kathleen Turner”

“‘You know, it is possible to be too attractive.’ Pepe Le Pew”

…

“Consider the phrase, “I smell a skunk” which is commonly used to mean, “my intuition is telling me something is wrong with this person or situation.” Listen to these intuitions! Skunk people need to develop a trust in their instincts, as they will have a strong intuitive sense that will allow them to “smell” trouble.”

“Skunk can help anyone learn to recognize, accept and properly react to warnings of all sorts. Like most of us, the challenge here is for Skunk people to learn to trust their instincts without their mind’s many logical arguments getting in the way. Skunk will often appear to deliver a warning, and one should proceed with caution whenever she appears.”

…

“Black is the color of wisdom, the void, mystery, death, sorrow, extremes, everything and nothing in balance, power, strength, earth, sexuality, and is considered both grounding and calming in color therapy. White can also represent death, but it more commonly represents purity, innocence, femininity, peace, harmony, security, blessings, hope, virginity, and surrender.”

“In color therapy, White is commonly used to provide energy, achieve balance, stimulate the production of serotonin, to cleanse, and refresh. Skunk’s black and white self is a visual reminder of both his strength and the need to find and maintain a balance in life.”

“Think of the typically black and white image of YinYang energy and imagine it swirling into Skunk’s vibrant form. If you need help in communicating, self-esteem, confidence, developing a good reputation, charisma, developing your sensuality or finding balance, Skunk is an excellent Teacher to ask for help.”

“Just remember to approach him with respect and you should get along just fine. Powerful, protective, a living example of extremes in balance…”

“How does Skunk appear in your life?”

“‘It is better to rise from life as from a banquet - neither thirsty nor drunken.’ ~Aristotle”

“‘Enough is as good as a feast.’ ~English Proverb”

“‘Even nectar is poison if taken to excess.’ ~Hindu Proverb”

Source:  http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=uspa&c=words&id=11818

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It intrigues me that the Great Horned Owl balances the Skunk, because the Owl is one of my main totems, and I’ve always suspected, among the various types of owls, that mine was of the Great Horned variety :)

Ha, I used to love to watch Pepe LePew as a kid :)   …”ze locksmith of love.”  lol

Oh, I also was just remembering how when I was much younger, and not-near-so mellow as now ;) I would sharply say that if I had to choose between love and respect, I would take respect in a heartbeat — because there is no real love without respect.

Peace,
Dove

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