Being on a spiritual path often means that you are reaching out to try new things and seek out new ideas. Native American symbols work well with magic and nature, and they are often recognized in different spiritual areas, such as Native cultures. They take spirituality, and they make it part of everyday life.
There are traditional Native American cultures that look at life and see the oneness that is connected with nature. This is how life is honored, and every living thing is something that has power and is sacred for its qualities. Even the animals are teachers, and the Native Americans recognize this. They also recognize God as a Great Spirit and believe he speaks to them through the birds, wildlife, and nature. They also think he gives them the food they need and changes the weather to know when to stay and when to leave.
They know that war and hunting are important, and they consider animal traits their medicine. They believe that they can embody certain animals to give them power. Because of this animal power, David Carson created Animal Medical Cards, which are oracle cards. These are often called just medicine cards. They each have different meanings.
Animal Medicine Card Meanings
Animals, insects, and birds are seen as teachers to the Native Americans, and they look at the characteristics and the behaviors, and they know that there is power and wisdom that can be learned through these things.
Since the cards were created by David Carson and Jamie Sams, there are 44 different cards on the deck, and animals, insects, and birds guide the cards. These are called Guidance of animal medicine, and they are a good way for someone to tap into the power of nature and grow.
The cards are often defined as medicine because they improve one’s connection to life and its mysteries. They were created and empowered by Choctaw, Seneca, Yaqui, Cherokee, and other Indian traditions and by the elders within the group. These cards are meant to open people’s minds and guide them with the philosophies and ways of life for animals and nature.
Each medicine card has an insect, bird, or animal, and they are on a medicine shield. The shield is not a war shield and does not represent war but represents protection and power. You can connect with the cards, and you can even create your own medical shield by painting one or drawing one. This can help you to amplify your powers.
Using Animal Medicine Cards
The cards can help you to connect with the divine and help you to connect with yourself. If you are on a life journey and you are looking for truth, you can call on nature to help you. You can see which creature has what you need, and then you can use this as a tool.
Find a sacred place to you and say a prayer or create an altar that you can use for a reading and a place where you can do rituals. The spirits will connect with you and your power. If you don’t have a place for an altar, try sitting in the same spot, playing music, and lighting a candle. As you meditate, you can pick up the medicine cards.
Ask a question you are wondering about and keep it in your thoughts. Then, ask the question out loud so that the spirits can hear it. Write down the question, and shuffle the medicine cards once you focus on it.
You can pull one card out of the deck, or you can shuffle until a card falls out by accident. Then, you can look at the card and see how it answers your question and gives you clarity.
The medicine cards will usually contain a book explaining the cards and their meanings. Take time to review the information and learn about the animals represented by the cards you’ve selected. The information can help you become aware of the question you’re asking.
The cards that Jamie and Dave created will tell a story and bring you messages in a fun and symbolic way. You can understand yourself by looking at the cards. The spreads that you do will offer themes that you can explore, and each spread will represent an issue that you have or give you the wisdom that you need.
Medicine Card Spreads
You can decide to use a Nine Animal Totem spread, and here are some more spreads to use:
- Medicine Wheel spread shows the wheel of life and represents your journey.
- Medicine Shield spread can be used when starting something new and needing growth.
- The Pathway spread is one that shows your life journey.
- The Sun Lodge spread is when you see how others look at you.
- The Moon Lodge spread shows who you are inside and what your conscious says about you.
- The Butterfly spread shows the outcome of projects or journeys you are taking.
- The Father Sky or Mother Earth spread will show you how to get balanced and not to be confused.
What Do Animal Medicine Cards Mean?
Here is a quick overview of what the medicine cards mean:
| Medicine Card | Meaning of Medicine Card | Upright Meaning of Medicine Card | Reversed Meaning of Medicine Card |
| Ant. | To be patient. | To trust what the universe tells you. | What is making you feel impatient or urgent? |
| Armadillo. | Having boundaries. | Being able to assert your boundaries. | Why are you vulnerable, and how can it make you strong? |
| Antelope. | Taking action. | Take action now. | What are you avoiding doing? |
| Badger. | Aggressiveness. | Have self-healing. | Where is your anger directed? |
| Bat. | Believe in rebirth. | Welcome endings and beginnings. | Why do you feel stuck? |
| Bear. | Use introspection. | Go with the stillness. | Are you disconnected from your inner self? |
| Beaver. | Be a builder. | Focus on your goals and have teamwork. | What is blocked? |
| Buffalo. | Use prayer. | Be thankful and humble. | Where is the abundance? |
| Butterfly. | Embrace change. | Use self-transformation. | Why are you fighting change? |
| Coyote. | Trickery. | Laugh at yourself and have fun. | What aren’t you paying attention to that you need to know? |
| Crow. | Law. | Have integrity and create a good future. | Are you being rebellious? |
| Deer. | Be gentle and kind. | Show unconditional love and accept everyone. | Are you fearful and acting in a fearful way? |
| Dolphin. | Manna. | Notice your body and what it needs. | Do you need energy healing? |
| Dragonfly. | Notice the illusions. | Use self-care. | Are you caught in some kind of illusion? |
| Dog. | Be loyal. | Show value and loyalty to others. | Are you your own best friend? |
| Eagle. | Connect with the spirit world. | Observe and learn. | Do you forget that you have power? |
| Elk. | Have energy and stamina. | Get rid of any negative energy. | Is stress holding you back? |
| Fox. | Stay hidden or camouflage. | Find your own power. | Do you feel that you are seen too much or too little? |
| Frog. | Cleanse. | Look for universal signs. | Are you negative? |
| Grouse. | Spiral. | Use a source of wisdom. | What kind of self-discipline are you lacking? |
| Hawk. | Listen to the messenger. | Have fun in life and relax. | Why are you not observing things? |
| Horse. | Have power. | Use visualization to manifest things. | Are you abusing your power? |
| Hummingbird. | Seek joy. | Embrace your own power. | Is your heart closed? |
| Lizard. | Dreams. | Celebrate your progress. | Do you have inner conflicts that you dream about? |
| Lynx. | Listen to secrets. | Look at the big picture and notice details. | Has gossip caused you to be hurt? |
| Mountain Lion. | Be a leader. | Be cunning. | Do you have a problem with authority? |
| Moose. | Have self-esteem. | Observe and be wise. | Does your ego control you? |
| Mouse. | Scrutiny. | Have joy and play. | Do you feel lost or confused? |
| Opossum. | Diversion. | Open up to your inner child. | Are you distracted by drama or making too many excuses? |
| Owl. | Pay attention to deception. | Face your fears head-on. | Is there deception showing? |
| Otter. | Feminine energies around you. | Let the mystery come. | Are you afraid of being rejected? |
| Porcupine. | Innocent. | Be self-aware. | Do you need to trust yourself more? |
| Rabbit. | Fearfulness. | Embrace shifts. | What fears are holding you back? |
| Raven. | Magic. | Make plans. | Have you lost your faith? |
| Skunk. | Reputations. | Know that you can create things. | Do you have energy that is misplaced? |
| Snake. | Transmutation. | Uphold your intuition. | Are you resisting change? |
| Squirrel. | Get medicine. | Give and receive gifts. | What makes you feel anxious? |
| Spider. | Weave something. | Ground yourself. | Are you caught up in critical thinking? |
| Swan. | Have grace. | Embrace your discernment. | Are you in denial? |
| Turkey. | Give something away. | Honor the universe around you. | Are you being selfish? |
| Turtle. | Mother earth. | Recharge. | Are you feeling victim minded? |
| Weasel. | Stealthy. | Use your hidden powers. | What are you not being accountable for? |
| Whale. | Keeping records. | Open your Akashic Records or use your Clairaudience. | Do you hear mind chatter? |
| Wolf. | Teacher. | Connect with the divine. | Are you open to new ideas? |
Working with Medicine Cards
Once you begin working with medicine cards, you will see that you can pay attention to nature around you daily. You will start to see more birds and animals coming and going around you, and you will be able to decipher messages that nature gives you.
Animal Spirit Guide and Totem
Do you wonder what your animal guide or totem animal is? Find out by looking around you. Do you have animals that are showing up or that you feel connected to? This could be the animal that is drawn to you in what you desire and what you love.
You can find out the animals that come around you the most and see if you feel connected to them. There is so much information about animals that you can find online, and you can learn more about their personalities.
Look for animal symbols and see if you keep dreaming of animals. This can be a big sign that they are your spirit animal or your totem animal. The universe always gives us signs that we must look at to guide us and show us the right way. Engage with the animals and see how they change your life.
The use of symbols and animals in spiritual practices is quite fascinating. It highlights the deep connection indigenous people have with nature.
Indeed. The cards seem to offer a profound way of reflecting on life’s questions through natural symbols.
I agree. It’s also noteworthy how these traditions have been adapted into modern tools like the medicine cards.
The notion of animals as teachers and guides is a profound insight. It encourages a more respectful and aware interaction with the natural world.
This article provides an interesting perspective on the intertwined relationship between nature and spirituality in Native American cultures. The concept of Animal Medicine Cards is intriguing as a tool for self-discovery.
It’s quite captivating how the cards are embedded with wisdom from multiple Native American traditions, enriching the spiritual experience they offer.
The cultural significance of these cards and their meanings is profound. They offer a blend of historical wisdom and modern spiritual practice.
The various medicine card spreads outlined in the article are a refreshing way to approach personal and spiritual questions.
Yes, each spread’s purpose is well explained, and it seems beneficial for exploring different life aspects.
The detailed instructions on how to use the medicine cards make it accessible even for beginners. It’s an excellent guide for anyone interested in this practice.
Using the medicine cards as described could provide a unique and meaningful way to connect with nature and oneself.
I believe so too. The card meanings and their interpretations seem to offer valuable introspection.