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THE BIG WINDS MOON

COUGAR 

The Big Winds Moon (February 19 to March 20) is the last moon of Waboose, the Spirit Keeper of the North. The mineral totem for the Big Winds Moon is Turquoise, the plant is the plantain, the animal is the cougar, the colors are blue and green, and the elemental clan influence is that of the frog clan.

Turquoise can teach people in this position about the real meaning of value and about protection, the plantain can teach them about their healing abilities, and the cougar can teach them about mystery and the need to establish safe territory. The big Winds Moon can help you discover your own natural medicine power and the depth of your psychic abilities. In this position you will learn about your deep sensitivity, your yearning for spirituality, your hesitation to express your true feelings and your need for grounding on the earth. People experiencing the Big Winds Moon can be prone to moodiness and to melancholy. They need to learn to temper their sensitivity and to have a greater sense of reality.

ANIMAL:

Cougar is the animal totem associated with the Big Winds Moon. The cougar, the lion of this continent, has not been given the same respect as its African counterpart. The cougar has been misunderstood and feared, often resulting in its wanton slaughter. The cougar- also known as the mountain lion, puma, panther, screamer, painter, and ghost cat - is the largest member of the feline family on this continent. Cougars measure between seven and nine feet, and weigh 150 to 300 pounds. Their black or brown tipped tails and ear tufts never seem to stay still. Cougars were found all across the United States before the spread of this current civilization. Now they are found in the western United States, Florida, Canada, and Mexico.

Cougars are the belt climbers of all felines. They are swift runners who have large individual territories. Their social structure does not allow these territories to overlap.

Cougars are hunters. They like the chase and will often join efforts with their mates or relations to obtain better results. They do not hunt for more food than they eat. They only hunt livestock when their natural food supplies have been depleted. Females are better hunters than the males.

When cougars mate, the female frequently is the aggressor. Most litters are born in the spring and consist of only two kits. Although the mother cougar is very loving to her kits, male cougars do not have much to do with them.

Cougars can teach you about speed, grace, territoriality, sensitivity, mystery, communicating without words, stalking and initiative. 

PLANT:

Plantain is the plant associated with the Big Winds Moon. Plantain is a master-healer plant. It can be used internally as a tea or externally as a compress to cool, soothe, and heal. Plantain is known to be an excellent blood cleanser and helps to alleviate pain. In some cases, plantain is said to reverse the effects of poisons. Used as a tea, compress, or in a bath, it can help heal sores, strings ulcers, and inflammation. It also helps heal kidney and bladder troubles. Being a harbinger of spring, plantain is a reminder of the eternal promise of new life. Its deep roots demonstrate the importance of tenacity and stability and help to ground you in the earth.

MINERAL:

Turquoise is the mineral associated with the Big Winds Moon. Turquoise provides excellent protection on all levels of being. Many Native people believe that turquoise can keep the wearer from injury and danger. In the past they used it on shields to ward off weapons. It has been used extensively in religious ceremonies, and has been carved into fetishes and inlaid into other objects. Turquoise has been used in rainmaking ceremonies.

The stone promotes healing, and strengthens already inherent healing abilities. Turquoise is a good preventive healing stone that creates natural medicine to help you understand some of the mysteries of life and the universe. Such understanding can help you avoid the perils of disease.