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SNAKE
The Freeze Up Moon (October 24 to November 21) position on the Native
American Medicine Wheel is the
middle of Mudjekeewis of the West. The stone honoring
this time is placed midway between the western and
northern stones in the outer circle of the Wheel. The
mineral totems are copper and malachite, the plant is the
thistle, and the animal is the snake. The color is orange
and the Frog clan is the direct elemental influence.
Copper teaches people experiencing the Freeze Up Moon
about how to focus their energies and malachite teaches
them to be more sensitive to all energies. The thistle
demonstrates healing abilities and versatility. The snake
teaches adaptability and the capacity to silently travel
to places others might fear to go. This is the position
to learn how to travel between the different realms of
creation and how to become a messenger for the spiritual
aspects of life. The snake position will teach you about
the extent of your own energy, and your keen sight. When
working with the Freeze Up Moon you must be careful to
keep yourself grounded and not to become too suspicious
of people. |
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ANIMAL:
 Snake
is the animal totem associated with the Freeze Up Moon.
The snake, or serpent, is that old, mysterious, maligned,
and misunderstood member of the vertebrate family. In the
world there are close to 2,500 species of snakes. In the
United States there are 114.
Snakes are carnivorous, limbless reptiles with
expandable jaws. They mostly eat small animals such as
rats and frogs. They will also eat insects. Because of
their dietary preferences, snakes are an essential part
of the balance of nature. When man has wantonly murdered
snakes rats and mice have usually overrun him.
Snakes are very adaptable to their environment and are
exquisitely sensitive to touch and vibrations. They are
cold blooded so depend on their environment for warmth
and hibernate in winter. They can chance their color to
blend with the land that surrounds them, and shed their
skins. Snakes have no voice, but some hiss. Rattlesnakes
buzz their rattles. Despite their reputation for being
emotionless, the courtship of snakes can be a very warm
affair. Most snakes, even those of the poisonous
varieties, avoid humans and strike only in self-defense.
The snake was respected in most Native cultures. The
feathered serpent, an ancient symbol to South and Central
American tribes, represented justice and transformation.
The Hopi people believe the snake is a messenger to and
from other realms and has the power to bring the
life-giving rains. The Ojibwa people have a Snake clan,
which is a medicine clan. They believe the snake
represents patience, because he is so slow to anger. Many
Native peoples used the snake to represent the life
energy that flows through humans. Snake is also a symbol
of the feminine powers, and of healing.
Working with the snake can teach you about mystery,
the realms of creation, deep transformation, the balance
of nature, adaptability, sensitivity, communication,
sexuality, regeneration, patience, self-defense, justice,
healing, the feminine within you, and your own life
force. |
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PLANT:
Thistle is the plant associated with the Freeze Up
Moon. Thistle is both a healing and sustaining plant. All
parts of the thistle are rich in minerals. The young stem
or root of the thistle can be peeled and eaten raw or
cooked. The fruit-like seeds can be eaten raw or roasted.
Thistle tea is good for curing stomach and digestive
problems, for reducing fever, expelling worms, increasing
milk in nursing mothers, and strengthening internal
organs. thistle is said to increase alertness and make
the brain function with more activity. Thistle can aid
you in understanding and working with the many different
levels of reality.
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MINERAL:
 Malachite
and Copper are the minerals associated with the Freeze Up
Moon. Copper is excellent for purifying the spirit and
blood. It is a conductor of energies, spreading them
evenly over a surface or person.
Copper fosters strength, power, balance, and the
ability to understand your energy. It discourages
weakness. It fosters healing for arthritis, rheumatism,
stiffening of joints, and strengthening of the body,
particularly if worn as a wrist or ankle bracelet.
Malachite has spiritual powers and raises a person's
sensitivity to the voice of spirit. It increases
receptivity to all forms of subtle energy and helps to
cultivate your psychic powers. |
