This is the final installment I have for you in the First Women Foundation Retreat. If you have enjoyed these posts, consider coming to the next retreat. It’s scheduled for May, 2010. I know that’s a long time away, but it’s worth the wait!
We started the festivities Friday evening with a drumming circle. Master drum maker, Doris Issendorf of Red Eagle Drums, created most of the drums, drumsticks and rattles. I tested a couple of drums, and then my drum found me. Did you know that could happen? A ‘non-animate’ object could pick you? It does happen! I picked up a 20 inch buffalo hide drum with a pine rim, gave it a thump, and it was love at first thump. The vibrations oscillated through my hands, up to my skull and down to my feet, and kept vibrating, vibrating, vibrating……..
Saturday morning I had my friend Becky take a picture of me with the drum, the new drumstick and the new tote bag for the drum. Notice anything unusual in the center of the drum? Do you see Turtle? I now have Buffalo drum with Turtle in the center.
Interestingly enough, whenever anyone else plays the drum, Turtle is not there. When I play the drum, Turtle is there. I know! I keep checking ~ it’s an anomaly!
OK, that statement about it being an anomaly may be true in the ‘real world’, but certainly is not true in the world of animal communication. Animals don’t have to show up physically to be in our lives. They can come in many different ways and forms to help us.
Buffalo is all about prosperity and abundance. Buffalo shared his life & body with the Native Americans on the Plains. Buffalo continues to do so, even though our life styles are far different. Buffalo reminds us that when we integrate the spiritual and the ordinary of our lives, we succeed on our path. Buffalo looks for the easy path, not pushing, striving or forcing.
Turtle is Mother Earth Spirituality, again, not pushing, striving or forcing. Turtle goes at her own rate, which is consistent with who she is and what is around her. Turtle is secure in herself, carries her home on her back.
Whenever animals appear to us like this, it is up to each person to take away the unique message the animal(s) have for that person. So, as you’re reading this, you may discern a totally different message for yourself than what I discern for myself. That’s OK. We each hear the individual message the animal has for us. That is the wisdom of the animals.
Thank you Buffalo and Turtle for your guidance and words of wisdom.
Harmony,
Janet Roper
