Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron: Balance

Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron
The relationship BALANCE required between SELF + OTHER
It is not uncommon to see a Great Blue Heron standing with one leg drawn up in a resting position, and balancing like a seasoned acrobat on the other leg. Herons are often spied 'dozing off' while standing on one foot ... demonstrating their internal sense of balance, willingness to meditate anywhere, and their ability to tune out the disturbing noise found in the distractions of LIFE.

One of the dominant physical characteristics of the Great Blue Heron are its long, spindly legs. Like all members of the Stork family, Blue Heron utilizes these elongated limbs to wade through the marshes and swamplands that constitute their natural environment, in search of the food that swims in the water or crawls along the spongy banks.

You will always find Herons near wetlands because they know how to GO TO their source for the ABUNDANCE that they seek.

Seldom, you will see them standing, dozing off where they cannot maximize their abundance....a good lesson to learn for all of us.

For those who share this Earthwalk with the Great Blue Heron in their Totem, you will have many experiences to learn to operate independently ... AND... to trust and rely heavily on the yourSELF.

This can be a dual-edged sword because as much as the Heron must find the proper equilibrium to balance on one leg, the two-legged beside whom Heron flies must also learn that delicate balance and counter-balance between independence and cooperative loving and living with Others.

Often times there are likely two distinctive scenarios which contribute to the development of the Blue Heron individual.

The first such set of circumstances is where the human counterpart enters along the Sacred Hoop of Life as a very peaceful and sensitive person that seeks out the company of Others, yet is often rejected by the very souls he/she loves and trusts the most. This may establish a fear of rejection, and often effects their later interactions in adult relationships, as there is often the inherent fear or expectation that as soon as a bond of love or trust is formed, they will be rejected or betrayed.

Until the Blue Heron individual can heal from these painful episodes, examine the lessons that they have been present to teach, and integrate the experience to find a better center of balance, they will often either shut themselves off emotionally to avoid future hurts, or they may become lost in a repetitive pattern of choosing partners that will ultimately fulfill their expectations of abandonment.

SELF-COMPLETION is the KEY to this first lesson.

The second grouping of Blue Heron individuals are often highly independent(seemingly from the moment of birth), and they tend to prefer the solitude and comfort of their own company over interacting with family members and friends.

There is the sense about these souls that they are capable of handling any task so long as they are left alone to their own devices to accomplish it.

The difficulty surfaces when they ignore the interactions with their fellow human that is a vital and integral part of our life in flesh.
Until these individuals are fully able to embrace the understanding that we are all here to interconnect with our fellow two-leggeds and the animals of the Mother Earth, there will be an underlying restlessness and general dissatisfaction with life.

For these folks, their challenge becomes learning to find the HARMONY between time spent alone and time spent with their fellow Earth inhabitants.

In both instances, the primary focus is upon gaining enough SELF-confidence (SELF-completion) that they are well capable of relying upon their own highly developed sense of timing and action, and tempering IT with embracing loving relationships that operate within healthy parameters. This involves the requisite sharing and co-nurturing with the respect of each individual's sense of freedom and independence.

AND when this fine balance is struck, the end result is a beauty to behold which often leads these souls down the pathway as impartial judges, counselors and artists who convey through their choice of medium a world in which all live in true Harmony.

Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron; uniqueness

Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron

Uniqueness

As a member of the Stork family, these large birds are distinctive in appearance in part due to their blue feathers which can range in color from a dusky slate-grey to a deep blue.

Their long legs, which serve them well as they wade through the shallows of swamps and wetlands, and elongated neck are also distinguishing characteristics of these splendid birds.
When wading through water in search of prey or standing and observing their surroundings, these birds are the picture of grace and stateliness, yet when in flight their appearance is a bit gangly.

Herons fly with their heads supported between their shoulders, rather than stretched out before them as is typical of their White Crane cousins.

Their blue feathers are also a feature that distinguishes them from other members of the Crane family. These separating characteristics suggest that those beside whom Great Blue Heron flies will also be individualists who will utilize their own differences to elicit change in the world around them.

For the two-legged with Blue Heron as their Totem, there will be a desire to establish themselves as a unique and independent Being, often making these souls the revolutionaries that disrupt the status quo of society in order to elicit change and evolution.

Although this is a trait with many challenges, when operating from its Highest Vibration, the Blue Heron souls teach the rest of us the value and importance of each individual contribution to the Whole.

When young, the Blue Heron individual will be quite unusual in either appearance or mannerisms in ways that they may often find themselves ostracized by peer members.

In extreme circumstances, even their own family members will tend to distance themselves, forcing the Blue Heron individual to establish separate and independent lives at an early age.
The teen-age years which are often met with a sense of awkwardness for any human maturing and evolving, are particularly painful for the one beside whom Blue Heron flies, as their appearance and/or behavior will tend to set them apart at a time in their growth when they seek the most to integrate and blend-in.

Often, there will be long limbs, above average height and a uncoordinated gait that may be the object of ridicule during the angst of their emerging from childhood toward adulthood.
With sufficient maturation (and as these individuals grow into their height and distinguishing characteristics), these very souls that were once considered "odd looking" suddenly blossom into stunning adults that may quickly find themselves thrust into the attention and admiration of many suitors.

More than a few fashion models and actors/actresses have Blue Heron predominately placed amongst their Primary Totems, as the very characteristics that once set them painfully apart, becomes an attracting force of beauty and grace that pulls others toward them.

Even in those instances when there is not great "physical beauty," there will be a special spark to these individuals that will later draw positive attention with a great deal of magnetic force.

On a spiritual level, there will also be a phase of awkwardness and groping for identity.

Many revolutionary ideas are first conceptualized by the Blue Heron individual, as they will not be content with watching society operate in the same mode it has done for generations.

As a child this independent thought will be a great consternation to parents and guardians, yet as the body, mind and soul of Blue Heron grows and develops, this same ability to think independently may serve them in professions such as exploration and research, politics and scientific discovery and invention as these souls once more learn to transform what was once viewed as a liability into an asset.

Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron

Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron

Peace
As with all of the Creature Beings of the Earth Mother, the coloring of the Great Blue Heron’s feathers is significant, as each color carries with it special attributes unique to that Creature.

Blue in nature is connection to Father Sky and also represents Peace and Tranquility.

In Esoteric thought, deep blue is also the color of the sixth chakra which corresponds to the third eye. Hence, insight and psychic vision are also emphasized here.

Although the Great Blue Heron is by nature a predominantly solitary bird, during mating season, Herons will gather in clusters to nest and raise young in what are called colonies. It is remarkable to witness the peace and harmony that abounds in these colonies, and is a testimony to the ability of a highly independent creature to adapt to communal life.

Just as the Blue Heron must find within herself the ability to live in cooperative peace with other members of the colony, so does the two-legged beside whom Heron fly enter the Earthwalk with the theme of Peace.

This may either be a natural state of Being for one with this bird as a Primary Totem, or in the instance where Great Blue Heron has surfaced as either a Messenger or Lesson Totem, the Lesson then becomes about finding Inner Peace and Tranquility.

If Great Blue Heron is one of the Primary Totems, then, throughout life much interest will be focused in establishing and maintaining Peace.

Initially however, this quest for harmony may manifest as the Blue Heron Soul attempting to direct Others to such a state, preliminarily failing to recognize that Peace must first come from Within.

Consider the following quote by the renowned Sioux Holy Man, Black Elk:

"The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of the people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the Universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us."

When Blue Heron soul finds that Peace within the Self, then the lesson gained in the journey will be shared as a means of guiding Others to finding that same Peace within. We call this Conditions of Deliverance!

It is also true that when in peaceful attunement and harmony with Self, the two-legged beside whom Blue Heron flies will also emit a powerful and profound tranquil vibration that will effect all around them...thusly, inspiring burgeoning souls to come into balance and harmony with One and All....priceless Gift to give indeed!

Another great lesson from the Great Blue Heron: Self Awareness

Another great lesson from the great Blue Heron: Self Awareness

"Heron medicine is the power of knowing the SELF by discovering its gifts and facing its challenges. It is the ability to accept all feelings and opinions without denying emotion or thought... If the great Blue Heron has flown into your cards today, it is urging you to dive into the watery world of feelings to seek your truth..."

"Heron medicine people are willing to look at themselves and see the truth of their motives, actions, feelings, dreams, goals, inner strengths, and inner weaknesses.

In balancing those truths, Heron's medicine shows you how to meet the challenges of your personal weaknesses and how to continue developing the skills that lead to inner strength and certainty of purpose.

Are you willing to dive into the watery depths of your own feelings and discover the role of your spiritual essence? Heron is now calling you to delve deeper, to know yourself, and to trust your path.

. . . . cards available from http://www.jamiesams.com/medicinecards.html
Like the Phoenix, who rises from its own ashes, Heron emerges from the unseen worlds of spirit into a new balanced sense-of-self in order to embrace its potential again and again.

The magnificence of your human spirit lies waiting for the joy of discovery, if you are courageous enough to follow the Waterbird throughout the journey because the heron is a long legged wading bird.

There are about 60 species of heron including several species called egrets. Most egrets have white plumage that is highly prized as ornaments in oriental ceremonies.

Herons are often seen standing motionless, as if in a meditative state, on its long thin legs. This stance symbolizes its ability to maintain balance through proper focus even in moving waters. Its inner foundation is secure although not fixed.

When the heron feeds it stands in water. Its neck is bent in an S shape. The flowing pattern of the letter S reflects the rhythm of this bird.

Understanding your personal rhythm and responding to it accordingly is imperative for those with this medicine.

Water is associated with the mysteries of life. It is connected to the emotional body of man. When you see a heron standing in water notice how deep the water is. This depth can symbolize the depth that needs to be explored within self.

The deeper you go the more you discover. Whatever is discovered take the time necessary to stand in silent reflection. In this way clarity of understanding is known.

Those with this medicine have strong emotional natures. They feel things deeply and with passion.

The challenge here is to keep passionate thoughts and feelings under control in order to maintain a balanced emotional nature.

The advantage of this energy indicates the passion and ambition needed to complete tasks and accomplish goals. Herons are seldom seen flocking together.

They are solitary birds that enjoy their own company. Heron medicine people are independent and willing to make changes when the need arises. They do not need a lot of people in their lives. This can sometimes lead to challenges in personal relationships especially if the other person has needs that require constant attention. Maintaining some type of social interaction and not withdrawing from others completely is helpful.

Herons stand out in their uniqueness and know how to take advantage of things and events for their own benefit. By observing the heron, its actions and its lack of action we learn how to perfect our personal flight through life.

Herons hold a silent power, their grace, agility and majestic presence reflect balance. This balance is the gift they offer to all who choose to receive it

Lesson: Balance between relating and standing alone
Element: Air/Water
Wind: East ~Peace and Illumination~
Medicine: Uniqueness