Spirit Lodge - Totem Animals - Page 96

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Totem Animals

Page 96

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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

LYNX & BOBTAIL
By Mouse

Role: ~Knower of Secrets~
Lesson: Uncover the Hidden
Element: Water
Wind: North ~Land of the Elders & Wisdom~
Medicine: Invisibility
~Keywords~
Knower of Secrets Silence Solitary
Uncover the Hidden Clairvoyance
Invisibility

Knower of Secrets
The Lynx is a beautiful member of the cat family, distinguished by its compact body and long
legs, bobbed tail and tufts of fur that sprout out a the top of each ear. Their coats are thick and
luxurious in the winter to protect them against the icy winds that prevail in the high mountainous
environs of their Canadian and Alaskan homes.

Across centuries and woven throughout the lore of many Peoples, the Lynx has long been
recognized as a silent witness to the foils and follies of human kind, a wise and silent sage that
possesses knowledge of the secret mysteries of both ~Heaven~ and Earth. He is not the
Gatekeeper to this fountain of eternal wisdom, he is one of the Totems that possesses the
knowledge of these secrets that other Totems are assigned to protect.

***The tufts of fur that adorn the ears of a Lynx are thought to serve much like a receiver for the
secret knowledge and wisdom transmitted from the Ancestors. Like their Animal Ally, the twolegged
with Lynx as a Primary Totem will enter upon this Earthwalk with a keen sense of, or
interest in, the deeper mysteries of ~Life.~

Often, the childhood is one of heightened emotional and/or psychic awareness wherein the Lynx
Soul felt somehow distanced or removed from those around them. Their gift for sudden flashes
of Insight would have been noticed at a very early age, and either encouraged (if the adults in the
Lynx cub`s life were open-minded or metaphysically inclined individuals) or attempted to be
thoroughly squashed. As this would have taken place during that individual`s ~formative~ years,
the adult Lynx may not have conscious recollection of this squelching of their psychic/perceptive
insights, yet as adults, and if this has not been resolved, there will exist a reluctance to share their
insights with others for fear of rejection or ridicule.

And in part, this is because the one beside whom Lynx Totem pads simply ~knows~ the deeper
mysteries and secrets of Life and it is this inner Knowing that guides and directs their decisions
and choices as they walk their Path of Physical Life. They are not necessarily here to divulge that
knowledge on a broad basis, unless other Totems walking, flying or swimming beside them
dictate otherwise. For example, if one were to have Power Totem of Lynx, yet have Mission
Totem of Crow, then not only would Lynx provide the Knowledge of Universal ~Secrets,~ Crow
would be present as Mission Totem to carry the message of such secrets to ~Others.~ Hence,
when examining ones Animal Allies, it is crucial to take the entirety of the Animal Spirits into
consideration, as well as examining the Medicine and Lessons unique to each Totem.***

Uncover the Hidden
The Lynx has been well equipped by Mother Earth to survive in climates and seasons that
demand only the "fittest" will survive. ~She~ has gifted the Lynx with a thick coat to protect
against the ice and snow of a bitter winter, as well as having outfitted this graceful creature with
large paws that serve much like snowshoes that keep the Lynx aloft on drifts of snow, in order
that he/she may easily chase the fleet and sure-footed snowshoe hare that is the primary source of
the Lynxes` diet.

It is the ability of the Lynx to blend in with his/her environs and move silently and swiftly across
varying terrain, that are the primary factors in this cat`s ability to approach prey nearly unseen
and unheard.

This beautiful animal is a species soon to be threatened with extinction, and hence is awaiting a
listing on the endangered species list, so encounters in the wild in this current age is, tragically,
highly unlikely. Equally, these illusive creatures have always been difficult to catch sight of due
to the fact that they have an uncanny ability to slip unnoticed long before a human has the
opportunity to realize they were even present. The Lynx however, will often observe the twolegged
with a mixture of caution and curiosity, staying hidden in bushes, shadows, or any other
form of concealment that is available.

This ability to move so silently and pass unseen was noted by indigenous peoples who
understood the ~Medicine~ of the Lynx to be one of slipping effortlessly between planes and dimensions.

***For the Two-Legged with Lynx as a Primary Totem, there will exist the inherent ability
within these souls to uncover all that which is "hidden" from the eyes of a less observant
individual. This is not necessarily an immediate or intuitive sensing, but rather a gradual process
of uncovering hidden corners and shadows through silent observation, much as the Lynx in the
wild will quietly observe prey, trespassers into their territory and potential mates.
Lynx Soul will be able to see right through the outer appearances and what Others might chose
to present to the outside world, to the very heart of all that is ~Hidden~ beneath. This means that
the one beside whom Lynx pads will have an uncanny ability to recognize the fears, secrets,
agenda and feelings of ~guilt~ or remorse that are all but invisible to most other souls.

There are other Totems (such as Black Panther) who possess the ability to see into the hearts and
minds of their fellow two-legged, yet where part of the Black Panther Soul`s Medicine is to point
these areas out, it is not the Medicine of Lynx to do so. Lynx Souls merely uncover the hidden
and store the knowledge away, perhaps transmitting this knowing to the one whose hidden
feelings and thoughts he/she has successfully uncovered telepathically, yet they remain silent on
these things until such a time that they are approached for "assistance."

Even then, the Lynx soul is very cautious about how much is revealed or shared of their Inner
Knowing, as they are not here to point these areas out to Others, nor does this knowledge
necessitate they must share it, they are purely and simply the Detectives of the Animal Spirits
and uncover Hidden Truths.

If there is another Totem within the individual`s Personal or Primary Totems that is a relater of
such information (such as Crow), or a "counseling" Totem (such as Dolphin), then the
information Lynx uncovers will be utilized for therapeutic reasons by that other Animal Ally.
The caution for the Lynx Totem however, is that the Uncovered Hidden Truths must never be
shared with anyone other than whom that truth has been revealed, and certainly never used as a
weapon against that soul, or as a means to exert control or power over them. Revealing unhidden
truths for such willful and egotistical purpose would be an example of the ~Contrary Medicine~
(Shadow element) of the Lynx."

Solitary
Like most cats, the Lynx will spend much of its life alone, and it is typically only when the
female is in estrus that Lynx will seek out a mate. Then, once the mating is complete, the pair
will part and go their separate ways, with the female raising any kittens that might be produced
from the coupling. The kittens (generally born in the late Spring months) will stay with their
mother only until February or early March, when the female will once more go into estrus.

***For the two-legged beside whom Lynx pads, they will find themselves alone at intermittent
intervals throughout their Earthwalk, via either desire or design.

In some instances, this is a literal "aloneness" that comes with separation by either ~death~ of a
loved one, or the disintegration and parting of a relationship. Yet in other instances, the Lynx
soul will feel separate from ~Others,~ even while sharing the same physical space, a trait that
can often be misunderstood by loved ones.

It is not that these individuals do not desire companionship, and this tendency may be
substantially reduced if there is another Primary Totem that is either ~Mate~ or ~Group~
oriented (such as Wolf, Hawk, Eagle or Dolphin), it is simply that the area of Partnerships and
emotionally intimate encounters will either be a highly charged area of their current Earthwalk,
or it will be next to non-existent.

In the instance of the former, the Lynx individual will meet many of his/her ~Life Lessons~
through disappointments, disillusionment or losses in love that will leave them with the desire to
be alone, or feeling abandoned and rejected. And in the case of the latter, this may either be an
extremely sore spot for the two-legged with Lynx Totem, or will simply be an area of non
concern. Much depends upon the other Primary Totems that surround the individual.***

Invisibility
Each Animal has its own Medicine which is unique to that specific ~Creature,~ as gifted by the
Great Mystery. For the Lynx, it is the Medicine of Invisibility, or the ability to slip
unseen/unnoticed between planes.

This Medicine serves the Lynx to observe in silence, the foibles, follies, falsehoods and triumphs
of the Human Spirit. This information is then carried to the Elders that they may determine the
course of Humanities spiritual progress.

***The two-legged beside whom Lynx walks will have the ability to slip unseen into any
circumstance or environment. Once "there," they will quietly observe all that is around them and
often appear either extremely shy to the casual observer, or are labeled as "aloof" and/or
"arrogant." In both instances this is usually not the case, it is simply that the Medicine of
Invisibility requires the Holder of the Medicine to remain a part of the backdrop unobserved,
rather than to take center stage and be noticed. Difficulty sometimes arises when they become
conspicuous in their inconspicuousness.

In some tribes, the Shaman are well versed in the Medicine of the Lynx, which assists them as
they quite literally disappear into other planes and dimensions. Yet this is a Medicine that is
perfected over many lifetimes and with due work, diligence and sacrifice of will and desire to
dominate either circumstances or ~others.~

As the Ultimate Responsibility of this Medicine is to serve as a sounding board and silent, nonjudgmental
witness to friends, strangers, family and co-workers who find the Lynx soul to be
comforting in their ability to listen without offering advice, and to offer support free of
judgment. When following this pathway of Proper Silence, the Lynx individual is answering
his/her Higher Calling to be of benefit to both their fellow two-leggeds, and to serve the Purpose
of the Elders.***

From: wolfs_moon.tripod.com/LynxTotem.html

CinnamonMoon:
From my notes… Lynx/Bobcat represents vigilance, subtlety, and silence; knowledge, ancient
wisdom, and is the Keeper of Secrets; astral projection and magnetism.

Lynx has the ability to see by both day and night and thus discover the mysteries of ancient
wisdoms, secrets that are hidden, and maintain that knowledge. As the Keeper of Secrets Lynx
does just that, he keeps them. It is not easy to get this creature-teacher to break his silence;
however, he will teach you his methods so you may gather your own insights. He is suspecting of
eeryone knowing there is a secret in each of us to be discovered. With patience, he demonstrates
the skill necessary to lie in wait for the answers to come. he hunts secrets and mysteries as he
hunts his prey. There are secrets in other dimensions as well and he has the ability to slip the
boundaries to these realms to discover many things. Look then to Lynx to teach you astral
projection and occult knowledge.

The senses of Lynx are keen and speak of maintaining an altered level of consciousness at all
times. He is able to teach you to be aware of your immediate environment and all that is taking
place. Through these perceptions you will develop the intuitive skill to be discerning in your own
actions. Your psychic levels will become increased when you are chosen by this totem spirit.
Lynx tells you that through you may be a stalker in your own right, someone is likely stalking you
so always be alert to that possibility and guard your own words as well as your actions.

This creature-teacher possesses the ability to mesmerize others with its eyes. He will charm and
seduce with his intended focus on a flattering presentation of its own charisma. Taken in by such
wile, Lynx knows that soon his patience will pay off and reward him well. As a very protective
and territorial creature he will guard your well-being teaching you to recognize deception. Lynx
is a creature that is quite content with its own company finding it preferable to that of others in
most cases. He will know when the time is right to enter into a social arena--always with a
purpose. Even in social settings he seems to naturally attract those who have a secret they are
needing to reveal. There is great power in the silence of Lynx that imparts an air of dependable
confidence. He will teach you when to speak and what you should say. From the time Lynx is
born its wild spirit seems to appear as free and aware. When this creature-teacher appears you
know that something is about to be revealed.

Lynx's ability to move between the darkness and the light then back again speaks of its ability to
penetrate the depths of all levels of consciousness. He will instruct you on the finer points of
discovering methods that will serve you in this area. He will bring you visions to show you the
truth others try to hide and he will show you it is time to face your own fears and secrets so that
you can master them before they become dysfunctional. Lynx is one who knows and is content
with that. He does not feel the need to share or reveal his kno9wledge, just to gather more.
Showing respect for the knowledge Lynx holds will part his tight lips and help you to discover
your own sacred wisdoms, but not until he is certain you are worthy of that trust.

SisterCyber:
From Jamie Sams' & David Carson's "Medicine Cards" (Revised, Expanded Edition)
Lynx...
You know the secrets
So very well,
The Dreamtime and the magic,
But you'll never tell.
May I learn to hold my tongue,
Observe like the Sphinx,
Powerful, yet silent,
The medicine of Lynx.

LYNX: SECRETS
It is said that if you want to find out a secret, ask Lynx medicine. Unfortunately, it is difficult to
get the silent Lynx to speak. To be confronted by the powerful medicine of Lynx signifies that
you do not know something about yourself or others.

Lynx is the keeper of the secrets of lost magical systems and occult knowledge. Lynx has the
ability to move through time and space, and to go into the Great Silence for unravelling any
mystery. Lynx is not the guardian of secrets, but the keeper of secrets. The problem lies in
getting Lynx to instruct you. He or she would rather be off chasing a bird or kicking sand in your
face than running circles around you.

Lynx medicine is a very specific type of clairvoyance. If this medicine is strong in you, you will
get mental pictures concerning other people and the exact things they have hidden, either from
themselves or from others. You will see their fears, their lies, and their self-deceptions. You will
also know where they have hidden the treasure, if there is any. You never speak of these
revelations ~ you simply know.

The only way you can coax information about yourself out of a Lynx medicine person (in case
you have forgotten where you hid the treasure) is to respect the practices of his or her tradition. If
you go to a Gypsy with Lynx medicine, you must show your respect by paying with money after
the reading. If you go to a Choctaw medicine person, he or she will reach into your midsection,
or use other traditional methods to help you. A blanket or tobacco should be given in exchange
for the medicine he or she has performed for you. This maxim is known as the law of the Lynx
people, and is practiced by Native American, Gypsy, Sufi, and Egyptian cultures, among others.

If you have pulled the Lynx card, you can be sure that "secrets" are afloat. If this is your personal
medicine, you should listen to your higher self. Be still and pay attention to the revelations you
receive either in the form of mental pictures or through a high singing voice in your inner ear.
Perhaps you will receive information in the form of omens. YOu can be sure that Mother Earth is
signaling to you in some manner.

If Lynx is at your door, listen. Brother or Sister Lynx can teach you of your personal power and
of things you have forgotten about yourself. Lynx can lead you to lost treasures, and connect you
to forgotten brotherhoods or sisterhoods.

Some medicine people believe that the Sphinx of ancient Egypt was not a Lion but a Lynx. This
Lynx does not say much. With an enigmatic smile, the great cat watches over the sands of
forever.

CONTRARY
If Lynx has appeared in the reversed position, it is time to shut your big mouth. Something you
are jabbering about has let the "cat" out of the bag. Are you defiling a sacred trust, or have you
broken a promise to a friend? If not, you may have pulled a good prank on yourself by blabbing
your latest idea to the friend of a competitor. Watch your tongue and see if you are able to refrain
from gossiping, or talking about your latest romantic conquest. Look and see if, in your present
state, you are able to listen and truly be interested in someone else's stories or ideas. On this
level, Lynx is telling you to become worthy of trust. Then the secrets will be available to you.
You might look at choosing to have your brain in gear before your babble starts, or your foot
may have to replace your tongue. This is the "know it all" syndrome. Fine ~ if you want to talk,
just sew up your ears. After all, talking leaves no room for hearing or learning. Lynx is a tough
teacher, and if you have let the cat out of the bag, be ready for the consequences.

Become Lynx and wear the Mona Lisa smile. Only you will know what you are smiling about.
The cat will not have your tongue ~ you will ~ as well as the power over it.
From Time Magazine's August 23, 2004 Issue: on "Saving the Big Cats"*

Range 1978-88 (Spain; 1994-96 (Portugal)
(Lynx pardinus)
Length: 26 in. to 32 in.
Maximum Weight: 35 lbs.
Est. Pop.: Fewer than 200
Status: Critically endangered
Threats: Illegal hunting and trapping, depletion of rabbit prey by disease
Habitat: Forests and scrubland
Man Eater?: No
The World's most endangered wild cat
Relies on rabbits for 85% of its diet
The Spanish government paid a bounty as recently as the 1950s for killing lynx, considered
vermin

*Source: IUCN, Cat Specialist Group
Pardon my ignorance, but are Lynx and Bobcat two different but similar types of big cat? Or is
"Bobcat" just another name for Lynx?

Katt:
They are similar but the Lynx is larger than the Bobcat. I've included at the bottom a few
websites I found. Information selected from Animal Wisdom, the definitive guide to the myth,
folklore and medicine power of animals, by Jessica Dawn Palmer.
The Latin name for Lynx is felis lynx, for Bobcat is felis rufus. The lynx is native to both Europe
and America. The bobcat is exclusively American.

Appearance: (B) smaller, and live further south than its Canadian cousin. The bobcat has a
tawny coat, which gives it a ruddy appearance, and sports mottled black spots. It also has a
winter phase, when the coat turns slightly grey. Its short tail, from which it gets its name, has two
or three black bars, with a black tip above and white underneath. The face has thin black lines
that extend to the cheek ruff. (L) Similar in appearance, but larger. The lynx has longer legs and
big padded feet, which act like snowshoes in the Arctic winters. It is buff or tawny, with blackish
hairs intersperse throughout its coat. Its belly is a cinnamon brown. The short tail is tipped with
black. It has long black ear tufts and large cheek ruffs, with black barring, which form a double
pointed beard at the throat.

Medicine and Power Directions: Northwest, Northeast Elements: Fire (bobcat), Snow (lynx)
Traits: Silence, excellent hearing and vision, the predator Associations: Lynx-stealth, invisibility,
independence, mystery, and adaptability; Bobcat-secrets, discretion, inner vision, camouflage
Bobcat is the keeper of occult knowledge and guardian of secrets. Thus, the individual who has
bobcat as a totem is a mystic rather than a shaman, for this person would prefer to keep such
knowledge to him or herself. This person is a hermit and may be aloof and uncommunicative. As
one of the smaller cats, bobcat in particular often finds itself under attack from other predators
such as bear, wolf or badger. Therefore, this medicine carries a penalty of retribution. Birds,
jays, and crows will attack bobcat if it gets too close to their nests.

Brief information from Animal Speak by Ted Andrew: Lynx is known for secrets and vision of the
hidden and unseen cycle of power: winter Bobcat, known for silence and secrets, cycle of power:
late winter and spring The bobcat is a solitary animal, and those with it as a totem often find
themselves in the same situation. Coming to terms with that-learning to be alone without being
lonely, is part of what the bobcat teaches.

The tail is very symbolic. Tails have a long connection symbolically with the sexual energies and
the kundalini. The tail or the tail end is the seat of the life force. The tip of the bobcat's tail is
black, and its underneath side is white. This is part of the medicine of the bobcat. It also ties the
bobcat to some forms of sexual magic and mysticism. Using the cloak of darkness and secrecy,
the bobcat can teach how to project and utilize the life force in a silent but powerful way. The
bobcat's magic is always most powerful when others do not know of it. Speaking of it dissipates
its power. For those with this totem, learning when to speak, how much and to whom will be
essential. Bobcat people must be cautious about what they share with others. Things will have a
tendency to be distorted or blown out of proportion. What may be white to the bobcat person can
be mistakenly perceived as black, and vise versa.

groups.msn.com/RememberTh...icine.msnw
www.geocities.com/willow1d/anim.html
www.lilytherese.com/POWER1.HTM#Bobcat
hotcakencyclopedia.com/ho.Wildcats.html
www.angelfire.com/tx3/bea...omens.html