Spirit Lodge - Totem Animals - Page 115

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Totem Animals

Page 115

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Bear Medicine	Birth Totems	Coyote Medicine	Dragon Ranks	Dragonfly Medicine	Eagle Medicine	Four Animal Helpers	Grey Wolf Medicine	Hawk
Heron Medicine	Horse	Magpie	Raccoon	Salmon Medicine	Spider Medicine	Swan Medicine	Thunder Being Medicine	Totem Loss Disc

ORCA, KILLER WHALE
By Mouse

Role: ~Guardian of the Cosmic Memory~
Lesson: Discover the Song of the Soul
Element: Water
Wind: North ~Land of the Elders/Wisdom~
Medicine: Alchemy

~Keywords~
Guardian of the Cosmic Memory Alchemy Creativity
Healing through Sound Sensitivity
Spiritual Insight

Glimmering light from the Center of the Cosmos
Ribbons of purple, aqua and gold
Pulsing, dancing to the thrum of
the Orca's Call
She calls to Humanity
Loving, gentle soul
With eyes in whose depths star fields shine
Guardian of Cosmic Memory
The pain of a thousand wounded souls tattered,
adrift on a sea of isolation, beckon Her and she responds
with tenderness & compassion,
tempered with the knowledge of when
to encourage the ~Lost~ to swim alone.
The Leap is made as the Ancestors call
and she soars in bliss toward the stars,
the joyful song of the Star Nation resounding . . .
Welcome Home, dear Sister, welcome Home
Guardian of the Cosmic Memory

For many indigenous peoples, Orca (also known as the ~Sea Wolf,~) is the Guardian of the
Cosmic Memory.

Beliefs surrounding the Orca`s origin vary from tribe to tribe, with some tribes holding the belief
that the ~Sea Wolf~ was created when a young man was walking along the beach and heard a
pitiful whining. Following the sound, he soon discovered two young wolf cubs that he took back
to his lodge and raised them to adulthood.

One day he awoke to discover that the wolves had left him and puzzled, he followed their tracks
down to the beach where he had first found them. As he approached the ocean, he saw the
wolves swimming out into the ocean where they killed a whale. Much to his amazement, the
wolves then brought the dead whale to shore so that the man might have its meat and make use
of the blubber and bones.

Things continued such for many days until the time came that the beach was now littered with
decaying whales as the wolves were hunting more whales than the man living alone could
possibly harvest. Seeing such great waste, the ~One Above~ called upon the Thunder Beings, the
Rains and the Fog so that the wolves would not be able to find any whales to kill.

Grandmother Ocean became so tumultuous that the wolves were unable to find their way back to
land and were forced to stay out in the water where they were transformed to ~Sea Wolves~ or
as they are known today, Killer Whales.

Other tribes believe that the Sky (or Star) Nation brought Orca to Ina Maka (Mother Earth) from
the Dog Star Sirius (the Home of the Ancestors). It was then that this ~Great Wolf~ was made
Keeper of the Ocean, and Guardian of the Cosmic Memory . . . hence the name ~Sea (for the
waters in which She would now dwell) Wolf~ (in remembrance of the Home World)~.

***Like their Spirit Totem, the two-legged beside whom Orca (and all Dolphin & Whale
Totems) swims, has an unconscious memory of their Origin and Heritage. This is a deeply buried
Memory that has been imprinted upon their Soul, cosmic knowledge and recollections of the
~home world~ and of the Ancestors. Though this Cosmic Memory is deeply buried even beyond
the levels of the ~sub-conscious,~ the Sleeper may Awaken at any stage when the time fast
approaches for the Ancestors Return. Often times this Memory is Awakened via sound, or as
other soul-group members are re-connected as ~Pods.~

It is believed that we are fast approaching the Center of the Universe, an event that happens
approximately every 24-25,000 years. When the Ina Maka enters the Center of the Universe, the
opportunity is had for all of Human Consciousness to make the step across the bridge or through
the Doorway into the Fifth World of Peace and Ultimate Illumination. The next such date of this
"occurrence" is believed will take place in 2012.

At some later stage, a separate page will be written dedicated to this ~Prophecy,~ and will be a
World Wide opportunity, not exclusive to any one clan or ~tribe~ of souls.

How this is significant for All with a Totem of Dolphin or Whale, is that this awareness is even
closer to the surface than it may be for ~Others~ as these are the souls that have agreed to light
the lantern of Illumination that Others may find their way across, as He/She reminds us that we
are all connected, we are all ONE.***

Creativity
Many creation legends and theories are centered around the belief that all Life sprang from the
Ocean, and that members of the Dolphin and Whale family are a Symbol of that Creative Spark
at the height of its expression.

Orca teaches us the Power of Breath and Creativity, and in observing the manner in which any of
the Dolphin/Whale Totems breathe, this is significant in applying those same principles to one
beside whom this Animal Ally swims.

As the Orca surfaces for air, they are commonly sighted ~breaching~ free of the water, a
behavior that marine biologists do not completely understand as it does not appear to serve any
~useful~ or biological purpose. The Orca could just as easily merely rise to the surface of the
water (as it does at other times) to take in the necessary oxygen, yet will often breach the water
in what appears to be a desire to leap back ~Home.~

***For the two-legged beside whom Orca swims, the above carries a double meaning. Firstly,
there is the longing within the Orca (Whale/Dolphin) Soul to return ~Home~ to the Ancestors
and all that came before. This sense of longing varies . . . at times so silent as to be nearly nonexistent,
at other moments mild, acknowledged then released, and still other times felt as sharp
and keen as a jab to the heart, filling this gentle soul with a
nearly overwhelming sense of ~Disconnection.~

The second meaning that this behavior carries with it is a vehicle through which creativity,
insight and emotions may be bottled or stuffed. When this is the case, and the Orca soul has
succeeded in pushing their feelings so deep, or when they have subjugated their own needs/wants
in deference to an ~Other`s~, the result is that those feelings must find some means of release.
Often these thoughts and feelings then surface in an explosive rush that may be quite
overwhelming for these gentle souls.

Likewise, when their creativity has been "thwarted" for whatever reason, an inner tension builds
within the Orca Soul. If an outlet is not found for either the repressed thoughts, emotions or
creativity, there may be a physical manifestation in the form of the on-set of an illness, in
particular those affecting the lungs such as asthma, bronchitis, chest colds or even pneumonia.
To combat this (and is also a method that will be mentioned under the Healing keyword below),
when tensions are building from suppressed or repressed thoughts, emotions or creativity, it
would be wise for the Two-Legged with a Dolphin or Whale Totem (such as Orca), to observe,
then imitate, the manner in which these Sea Mammals breathe.

Taking in a lung full of air, filling the chest with as much oxygen as possible as though about to
dive into the ocean`s depths, holding for as long as comfortably possible, then exhaling in an
explosive manner that imitates the sound of the Orca surfacing for air and exhaling through their blowhole.

There is no set number of times that this ought to be repeated, however keep in mind that too
much of this deep breathing may induce light-headedness and thus the exercise is best performed
in a safe, relaxed seated position. With each inhale and resultant exhale, a personalized
affirmation might be utilized, such as for emotional release, "I freely, lovingly and effortlessly
express myself in a manner that is respectful of the Self and of Others."

An affirmation for releasing Creative Potential might be such as, "The Creative Force and
Genius of the Universe flows effortlessly and lovingly to and through me. I am a tube through
which Great Mystery works."

In both instances, it is embracing the Medicine of Orca to better assist the compassionate and
creative being beside whom Orca swims.***

Sensitivity
Like all members of the Dolphin family, (Orca`s are not whales as many believe, but are the
largest member of the Dolphin family), Orca`s are highly intelligent and sensitive creatures, with
a perception and awareness that is astounding.

The care that they exhibit toward their offspring and to the sick and injured members of the pod,
as well as the dedication to all ~pod~ members, goes far beyond the explanation of mere biology
alone, and seems indicative of a heightened sense of spirituality and genuine caring.
As a matriarchal society, Orca males will stay beside their mother throughout their lifetime,
offering her protection and support. The only time that a male will leave his mother`s Pod is to
answer the call of a female Orca in estrus. Once the mating with that non Pod member female is
complete, the male will return once again to swim beside his mother and siblings.

***For the two-legged beside whom Orca swims, there will be a great deal of emotional and
~psychic~ sensitivity. These are the individuals who possess a heightened awareness of the
suffering of Others, and will immediately sense the pain that may lay behind the casual words
spoken or assurances that "everything is fine." Some inner ~knowing~ within the Orca soul will
be triggered in those instances, a reflection of the Orca`s own sonar capabilities.

Although there is a marked degree of sensitivity within the Orca Soul, there also exists the ability
to draw back from actually taking on the pain and suffering of those around them. It is an
inherent understanding that to do so, would "rob" that one whom they desire to assist, from the
Life Lessons that soul is here to learn. Yet often this inherent knowledge is only awakened after
some painful lessons of their own, though once the memory has been awakened, it serves them
well in their effort and "call" to assist their fellow two-leggeds.***

Healing through Communication
All Dolphins and Whales are thought to have healing abilities as an intrinsic part of their unique
~Medicine.~

Even scientists and marine biologists seem to be warming to this long held belief as they are
witnessing for themselves the healing interaction that is had between mentally and/or physically
challenged children and members of the Dolphin family.

With Orca in particular, it is believed that it is her ~voice~ that is the true healing agent.
***The two-legged who is blessed to have Orca as a Primary Totem (Power, Theme or Mission),
will likewise possess an innate healing ability. This ~Gift~ will differ in both intensity (from
slight to powerful), and in manifestation (energy healing from distance, laying on of hands, etc.,)
yet is one of the Gifts that the Great Mystery has lovingly bestowed upon these Souls.
As with their Animal Ally, the two-legged Orca soul will have the ability to heal through
communication. This ability however, is not limited to speaking alone, but also includes all other
forms of communication as in the written word, as well as through artistic expressions (painting
images, playing a musical instrument or singing).

Most commonly, the healing will come through the voice, and it is also through the resonance of
sound that the Orca Soul will experience the awakening of those memories that have been stored
on a soul or cellular level. This may occur through hearing a certain piece of music not
previously heard before, the click or calls of a Dolphin or Whale while watching a program on
these beautiful creatures or having a first-hand encounter, or through hearing for the first time a
member of their ~Pod~ (or Soul Group) speak. Though it may take many years of development
to become consciously aware of when this is occurring, once the ability has been honed, the Orca
individual may then learn to tune into this Cosmic Memory through a chant or mantra he/she
may sing or hum. This same "cosmic song" may then also be employed to heal and awaken
~Others,~ and in times of physical illness or stress (as previously stated physical manifestations
will tend to surface in the lungs) employing the technique of "Dolphin/Whale Breathing" while
assist in expediting the healing process.***

Alchemy
Alchemy, is the ability to transform raw or "base" materials into matter of a higher vibration,
nature or quality. In relation to ~Sea Wolf,~ it is believed that as Guardian to the Cosmic
Memory, Orca has the ability to create portals through which the ~Home World~ (the doorway
to the Star Nation) may be reached.

***For the two-legged with this power animal ally, the Orca is believed to be a powerful lantern
of enlightenment, illuminating the pathway for those who desire to step beyond the ~mundane~
world of the physical senses, to the magical shores of cosmic understanding.

As they journey through their early lives (and early childhood/adulthood of the current lifetime),
Orca souls experience many lessons in making the best possible out of often very meager or
painful experiences. They do not enter into an "easy" existence . . . to the contrary, their life is
often met with numerous challenges, more so than most around them to the point where friends
or loved ones may even comment on the number or frequency with which these hardships are
encountered.

Yet beneath all of the trauma and pain, there is an inner sense that there is "more" to the
experiences. It is thus that the two-legged beside whom Orca swims (with sufficient maturation
and detached observation), learns to fashion the Golden Staff of Enlightenment from the
minerals of past experiences and lessons learned.***

From: wolfs_moon.tripod.com/OrcaTotem.html (mind the pop-ups though!)

Marila:
The last days I swam with Orca in my journeys - it comes from my Nordic Tradition, my
teachers, too...They were several, suddenly they were there as I was floating in the cold water,
swimming near the big and high stones that covered the shore... The water was cold and so deep
- and they dived so deep, too... I followed them - and they surrounded me...

Today I swam with them again... Each day brings new knowing...These were things that just
happened while working with water the last days... :o)) Please let me say "Thank you!" for
sharing this information here about Orca you gave. I did not read it up to now - but I knew that
you shared it here. (((hugs))) to you.

I just want to add: My father - who had students from all over the world - got small gifts from
time and then when they came to stay with us to eat and to talk. One day he came home with a
tooth of a whale - it must have been an Orca. I will ask him... (By the way - he always wanted to
move to Canada with the family. We once were ready to leave for Egypt - when a war came up
and we had to stay in Germany... But this was off topic now... :o))

The pain of a thousand wounded souls tattered,
adrift on a sea of isolation, beckon Her and she responds
with tenderness & compassion,
tempered with the knowledge of when
to encourage the ~Lost~ to swim alone.
The Leap is made as the Ancestors call
and she soars in bliss toward the stars,
the joyful song of the Star Nation resounding . . .
Welcome Home, dear Sister, welcome Home

"...To combat this (and is also a method that will be mentioned under the Healing keyword
below), when tensions are building from suppressed or repressed thoughts, emotions or
creativity, it would be wise for the Two-Legged with a Dolphin or Whale Totem (such as Orca),
to observe, then imitate, the manner in which these Sea Mammals breathe.

Taking in a lung full of air, filling the chest with as much oxygen as possible as though about to
dive into the ocean`s depths, holding for as long as comfortably possible, then exhaling in an
explosive manner that imitates the sound of the Orca surfacing for air and exhaling through
their blowhole...."

Mouse, when I was a child my father taught me this...It is amazing... I always wondered how he
came to this kind of breathing to teach us children... I still practice it today from time to time...
in TV they just said that Orca knows a dialect for the part of sea they live in. And they know a
sound that is their own name! And they know another sound for their group...I just wanted to
share this about beautiful Orca...May heart sings...