Crane:

The crane is an ancient bird with great symbolic meaning. In Oriental cultures it is revered in paintings and poems and symbolizes good fortune and longevity. When it appears in our life it indicates that good fortune is at hand. This can be physical health, emotional stability, mental clarity or spiritual awakening depending on the situation and the individual.

Graceful, terrestrial birds the cranes call can be long, harsh and penetrating. It helps us connect with our primal origins and teaches us how to utilize the power of sound appropriately. it holds the medicine of self expression and shows us how to vocalize our truth. Those with this totem benefit from all types of voice therapy including singing, speaking and chanting. When this medicine is fully developed those with this totem make lasting favorable impressions on others. If it is underdeveloped they are often misunderstood.

There are about 15 species of cranes. The whooping cranes call is audible for up to 2 miles. If this is your totem your personal sound can impact a larger radius then other crane medicine people.

Cranes pursue small prey and sometimes each other by running. A running crane takes one to three steps per second and may use its wings for balance and to gain speed. They typically run into the wind to achieve the life necessary for flight but if alarmed they can spring directly into flight. This is symbolic for those with this totem. Bucking a headwind can throw us off course. The challenge is to stay centered and focused on our destination.

Aggressive when fighting the crane uses a complex system of threat behaviors including physical postures and vocalizations. They ruffle their wings, drop down and crouch with the head bend back towards the body and when the time is right spring into action. Proper timing and physical flexibility are part of its teachings.

The crane is a soaring bird and like that of the human spirit it knows no limit. They fly with their neck and head outstretched as if they were seeing into the future. Their legs extend out behind them holding them to the past. When the past and the future meet wisdom awakens.

This beautiful bird helps us release our fear as we move into uncharted territory. It helps us discover our personal grace and agility. It teaches us to express ourselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly it restores our faith in ourselves and in spirit.

Heron:

The heron is a long legged wading bird. There are about 60 species of heron including several species called egrets. Most egrets have white plumage that is highly prized as ornaments in oriental ceremonies.

Herons are often seen standing motionless, as if in a meditative state, on its long thin legs. This stance symbolizes its ability to maintain balance through proper focus. Its inner foundation is secure although not fixed.

When the heron feeds it stands in water. Its neck is bent in an S shape. The flowing pattern of the letter S reflects the rhythm of this bird. Understanding your personal rhythm and responding to it accordingly is imperative for those with this medicine.

Water is associated with the mysteries of life. It is connected to the emotional body of man. When you see a heron standing in water notice how deep the water is. This depth can symbolize the depth that needs to be explored within self. The deeper you go the more you discover. Whatever is discovered take the time necessary to stand in silent reflection. In this way clarity of understanding is known.

Those with this medicine have strong emotional natures. They feel things deeply and with passion. The challenge here is to keep passionate thoughts and feelings under control in order to maintain a balanced emotional nature. The advantage of this energy indicates the passion and ambition needed to complete tasks and accomplish goals.

Herons are seldom seen flocking together. They are solitary birds that enjoy their own company. Heron medicine people are independent and willing to make changes when the need arises. They do not need a lot of people in their lives. This can sometimes lead to challenges in personal relationships especially if the other person has needs that require constant attention. Maintaining some type of social interaction and not withdrawing from others completely is helpful.

Herons stand out in their uniqueness and know how to take advantage of things and events for their own benefit. By observing the heron, its actions and its lack of action we learn how to perfect out personal flight through life. Herons hold a silent power, their grace, agility and majestic presence reflect balance. This balance is
the gift they offer to all who choose to receive it.

Blessings, Naomi