Active at night, the tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia. Animals of the night time have long been associated with magic. Within the blackness of  night creatures from the underworld awaken. The underworld holds the power and the magic of shape shifting realities. Physical and non physical entities congregate together in ritualistic practices. Ritual when used appropriately can have profound benefits.  Ritual used inappropriately can be disastrous. Those with this totem are often attracted to shamanistic practices as well as various forms of witchcraft.  Although those with this medicine are powerful healers caution is advised.  The right use of power is one of the main  lessons you are learning.

The tasmanian devil has a large powerful head with a wide jaw and sharp teeth.  The head symbolizes higher consciousness and the jaw represents verbal communication.   Because those with this medicine have past life ties associated with the mis use of power the devil offers you the components necessary to clear past life mistakes.

One of the most interesting features of this totem is its pointy pink ears that turn red when it is angry.  This is due to an increased blood flow.  Proper care of the circulatory system is essential for those with this medicine.

Found on the island state of Tasmania it lives in coastal scrub and eucalyptus forests.  The devil is a solitary creature,  relatively shy and prefers to live alone.  They spend their days sleeping out of sight and conserve their energy by going into a state of 'tupor' where the body heat drops to match its surroundings. This ability is similar to the art of slowing down ones heart beat practiced by select yogi masters. Yoga breathing exercises can benefit those with this totem.

The tasmanian devil is non aggressive unless fighting for food in which it will become very protective and kill other devil's if necessary. They prefer to eat dead animals and their powerful jaws help crush bones so they can devour the whole carcass, meat, fur and bones leaving nothing to pollute the environment. They remind us to honor and care for the earth on which we stand.

Devils are very loud especially in groups ranging in sounds from barks to snorts to screams. If the devil screams into your life ask yourself how you are using your energy?  Do you have power issues that need to be addressed?  If the devil quietly slips in the back door your personal power is probably being manipulated by another.  The tasmanian devil is a no nonsense totem pushing and prodding you into the right use of your personal power.  Although a challenging totem to have the rewards it offers are great!

Tigers are magnificent animals that hold an air of independence and confidence. Solitary animals,  males and females come together only during the mating season. The cubs stay with the mother into their second year partly because they are born blind. To compensate for this their inner sight is fully operational. This is symbolic for those with this medicine. Children born into this medicine are natural clairvoyants and prophets.

Mysticism and mythology surround this animal.  The Chinese believe that the tigers head often carries the chinese "mark of wang," or king, on its forehead.  This is can be seen within the patterns of its fur.  One vertical line with three horizontal ones passing through it.  Because of this Tiger is one of the 12 signs of Chinese astrology.

Muscular, powerful and agile the tiger can travel great distances in search of food. The distance they cover depends on how much prey there is to eat.  The less prey the further their territory extends. Walking on their toes with the back part of the foot raised tigers stalk their prey or lie and wait and then spring unexpectedly on them. Tigers are nocturnal hunters and hold the teachings of focus, patience and surprise.

Tigers are also known for their healing properties.  Their body parts are sought for use in traditional Chinese medicine and exotic herbal remedies. Their orange gold coloring symbolizes vitality and regeneration.  Those with this medicine heal quickly.

The tigers sight, smell and hearing is excellent.  They have round pupils and yellow irises, except for the blue eyes of the white tiger.  Due to a retinal adaptation that reflects light back to the retina, the night vision of the tiger is six times better than that of humans.  Tiger teaches us how to see into the world of the extraordinary.

Those with this medicine have a strong sensitivity to touch and make excellent body workers.  Creating sacred space where others cannot enter, spending time alone in order to gather the energy required to move tirelessly throughout life is advantageous for those with this totem. When tiger appears get ready for adventure, challenge and change. The power, passion and vitality of tiger will activate the same components within yourself.

The tortoise is a land bound creature and is exclusively terrestrial. In myth and folklore the tortoise represents determination and longevity. Tortoises have high domed shells and heavy elephant like hind legs. The weight of its shell keeps it from moving too fast. The heaviness of its hind legs gives it the strength to carry heavy loads. Those with this totem often carry the loads of others as well as the burdens of self. They make good therapists but must be careful not to take on the problems of other people.

One of the most ancient and adaptable creatures, the tortoise holds the energy of patience and perseverance. They are very sensitive to the environment in which they live and have a strong psychic connection to mother earth. Extreme changes in climatic conditions can affect their overall disposition. Tortoise medicine people need a stable environment for their overall well being. Without this stability they are prone to mood swings.

The tortoise feels vibrations within the earth and reacts strongly to them. By observing the tortoise's behavior we are forewarned of any imbalances within the earth's core before an actual change occurs. This helps us prepare for geophysical changes in a balanced way.

The tortoise is self-reliant and self determined. Its ability to survive for as long as it has is partly due to its talent to stay focused. When this medicine is fully developed within us we use these gifts efficiently. If this medicine is underdeveloped staying centered in spite of the constant distractions that appear in our day-to-day life will be our greatest challenge.

Tortoises are vegetarians and are very terrestrial. Those with this totem can benefit from a similar diet and often place a great deal of importance on a stable home environment. The tortoise carries their home on their backs and reminds us that although stability in our life is important true stability lies within ourselves.

Moving slowly through life the tortoise observes and processes everything efficiently. This movement compliments its inner wisdom. When the tortoise shuffles into your life it is ready to share that wisdom with you. All you need to do is slow down, pay attention and begin to move with patient persistence. In this way longevity, inner strength and a harmonious lifestyle are attained.

The toucan is a large billed bird of the tropics. Their thick bills can be up to a third of the length of their body. It is saw edged and distinctively colored. Most toucans have similar body patterns, mainly black with a bold breast color. The bill is believed to have a frightening effect on other birds, including hawks.

Although it is rare for both the hawk and the toucan to fly into your life simultaneously, it can happen. If it does ask yourself why you are frightened of the message spirit has for you.

In feeding the toucan will juggle pieces of fruit in its bill and then abruptly toss the head back before swallowing. Its theatrical movements and strong presence suggest natural talent in the acting field for those with this medicine. Its wings are short and rounded and the tail is usually long.

The characteristics of this bird have strong significance. The large colorful bill is an attention getter. Those with this totem are often colorful speakers. They have a good command of language and can use words to their advantage. They know what to say and when to say it.

On the other hand, sharp-tongued individuals will need to tone down their speech and those that have difficulty expressing themselves will need to speak up. Words have a great impact on us and care needs to be taken when we communicate. Toucan medicine people are either heard loud and clear or completely misunderstood. Balancing these extremes can be a constant challenge in their life.

Toucans are somewhat gregarious, tending to roost high in tree holes. They are one of the noisiest birds in the forest. Their repertoire of sounds include loud barks, bugling calls and harsh croaks. Those with this medicine would benefit from sound therapies of any kind.

Because the toucan represents speech and its proper application, those with this medicine need to pay attention to how their words affect another. When the toucan flies into your life ask yourself the following questions. Are you are using your gift of communication in a constructive way? Are you saying things you shouldn't? Are you speaking without thinking first? Are you keeping quiet when you should be expressing yourself?

Toucans can be a bit unpredictable. They do what they want, when they want to. This trait can be both a blessing and a curse for those with this medicine. Appropriate action, proper speech and a strong sense of self are the teachings this bird holds.

Wild turkeys are opportunistic feeders with broad tastes. They eat nuts, berries green foliage, grasshoppers, lizards, salamanders and more. The turkey can fly powerfully for short distances but has difficulty maintaining that power in longer stretches. For those with this totem it is important to learn how to channel their energy in a balanced way. Quick bursts of energy can lead to undesirable results. A person can tire quickly and have no energy left for other activities. Tai Chi or other forms of martial arts would be beneficial. In addition, variety in diet is advised for optimum health.

Female turkeys lay an average of 12 eggs. One plus two equals three. Three is the number of reoccurrence and those with this medicine often have reoccurring themes or situations to deal with in life.

The medicine power of the turkey is renewal. To the native peoples, the turkey was a sacred bird because of the abundance of them and because of their good tasting meat. Wild turkeys were an abundant food source for the early European refugees, as well as the native peoples. But uncontrolled hunting virtually wiped them out in several central and northeastern states. When reintroduced, they renewed their populations very rapidly, growing to many thousands. If turkey has gobbled its way into your life, its message may be that you need to cultivate and care for those renewable resources that benefit your life.

Wild turkeys were almost eliminated because they were taken for granted. Those with this totem need to remember that nothing is an endless resource if it is not honored and nurtured. Remember to ask yourself if you are relying on something in your life that you always expect to be there, but are taking no steps to treat in a sacred way? This can pertain to a human partner as well as a resource. If so, learn from the turkey and realize that everything has limits.

The turtle is a creature of the water. Because of its great age and its slow metabolism the turtle is associated with longevity. Turtle medicine can teach new perceptions about time and our relationship to it. It can also help us grow old gracefully and in harmony with our environment. When the pace of life becomes too hectic the turtle shows us how to slow down and go with the flow.

Turtles have amazing survival skills and strategies. They sense vibrations in the water through their skin and shell. Turtle totems hold the mystery of awakening the senses on both the physical and spiritual levels and can stimulate clairaudience.

Turtles carry their homes on their back. The shell is actually the backbone and ribs of the turtle and serves as home and shelter for it. Those with this medicine should remember not to acquire more possessions then they actually need. The burden of responsibility can become a heavy weight for you to carry.

When turtle is flipped on its back it uses its strong neck to right itself. This can be a reminder to use your own head and inner knowledge to right yourself when your world gets topsy-turvy.

All turtles must come ashore to lay their eggs and they are usually buried. When the eggs hatch they make their way to the water. The link between water and land especially for the purpose of reproduction has great significance.

When turtle shows up in your life, it is time to get connected to your most primal essence. Go within your shell and come out when your ideas are ready to be expressed. The turtle cannot separate itself from its shell and we cannot separate ourselves from what we do to the earth. The way to heaven is through the earth and both are interconnected.

The vulture is a member of the raptor family.  They feed exclusively on carrion and perform a very useful function by disposing of potential sources of disease.  The Pueblo Indians saw the vulture as a sign of purification and the Greeks considered it to be a symbol of transformation.  As old decayed flesh was removed new life emerged.  These amazing birds are vital for the health and well being of mankind and all other life forms.

The Andean Condor is the largest of the vultures with a wingspan of up to 12 feet.  In North America, the Turkey Vulture is the most common.  The California Condor however  is now on the verge of extinction.  It once had a range from British Columbia to Florida but has now been reduced to about 60 individuals.  Some native tribes believe that this reduction is the cause behind  the increased number of diseases and viruses of unknown origins now affecting mother earth.

Vultures are adaptable and have a keen sense of smell which they use to locate food.  Because the vulture has weak feet and short talons they cannot tear or grasp their prey as other birds do and must rely on the remains of anothers kill for their food source. Their trust in the creative force to provide for them is unshakable.  This trust is one of the main teachings they offer those that hold this medicine.

Although the vulture is a somewhat homely bird in appearance they are magnificent in flight gliding through the heavens with a grace unsurpassed by most other birds.  They ride the thermals and wind borne currents with little effort soaring for hours without flapping their wings.  They know how to use what is available to them to the fullest extent and teach us how to be resourceful and innovative with what we have.

When this medicine is fully developed those with this totem can accomplish great things in life.  Resourceful and patient they have the ability to stay focused on their goal despite influences that try to distract them. They have the ability to initiate the pure force of spirit into every thought they have and every action they perform.

Many people don't like vultures because of an impression that, since they feed off carrion, they must be unclean birds.  The truth is that vultures are actually quite clean, and they perform the valuable service of eliminating the remains of decaying animals.  This is one of the gifts the vulture holds for us,  the cleaning up of messes.  Many times we create physical and psychic messes that we don't want to deal with.  The vulture can guide us to the efficient and joyful resolution of such problems.  If vulture has flown into your life you are being asked to remedy a messy situation and turn it into something positive.

If however, messes seem somehow to always be around you, eventually you will end up with a reputation for attracting and creating problems.  This can put you in a bad light, like the vulture.  Learn from vultures example and clean up your act to avoid getting an unfavorable reputation.

When a lone wolf is spotted in the wilderness it embodies the energy of freedom.  When seen in a pack it embodies a sense of community. If wolf appears to you alone or in a pack it is asking you to acquire the same within your own life.  In spite of their negative press wolves are actually friendly, social and highly intelligent.

The wolf's senses are highly developed. Their intelligence is marked with excellent hearing, sense of smell and strong feeling. They are determined as well as cunning and use these skills for the benefit of the pack. The  howl of the wolf is primal and penetrating. They howl to find other pack members or to let wolves from outside of the pack know their territory boundaries.  If you hear a wolf howl it might be telling you to stand your ground and defend your boundaries.

Wolf teaches you to have a balance between the needs your family has of you and the needs you have for yourself.  They are totally loyal to the pack but do not give up their identity to the pack. If wolf appears in your life you are being asked to look at where you are being too dependent and where you may be too independent. In both family and community there needs to be a balance.

Wolves convey much with their bodies. If they are angry, they may stick their ears straight up and bare their teeth. A wolf who is suspicious pulls its ears back and squints. Fear is often shown by flattening the ears against the head. A wolf who wants to play dances and bows playfully. Their body language is symbolic for those with this medicine.  Man also uses body language to convey messages.  The study of this art can increase perception in those with this totem.

Wolves hunt in packs, relying on endurance to run down weak and older animals. They have been known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit. They are the epitome of stamina and strength. With an extremely well developed societal organization, they act together to hunt and raise their young. They do not fight unnecessarily and often go out of their way to avoid fighting. Sometimes a growl, a glance, a posture is all that is necessary to determine dominance. Wolf teaches those with this medicine to know who you are and to develop strength and confidence in what you do.

The wolverine is known for its great ferocity and extraordinary strength.  Indian mythology describes the wolverine as a trickster hero, a link between the material world and the spirit world.  In ancient mythology the energy of a trickster is linked to the underworld where the secrets of creation  live.

Baby wolverines are born blind and weigh less than one pound.  This prompts all their other sensory organs to awaken quickly, their sense of smell, feeling and inner sight are heightened at an early age. Small yet insightful, the new born wolverine acknowledges and responds to all its intuitive senses from the moment of birth. They  respond to life and the challenges it holds with clarity, focus and persistence giving them a deeper understanding of personal power. Those with this medicine should ask themselves if their personal power is serving them appropriately.  Learning  how to utilize  personal power in a balanced way is one of the teachings the wolverine holds.

The wolverines crafty cunning nature coupled with their perseverance and focus keeps them aligned with the energies of creation.  This alignment serves them in many ways.  They know when to act, when to retreat, how to respond to any situation and how to become invisible.  All of these abilities inherent in the wolverine are also inherent in those who hold this medicine.  Wolverines are masters at shape shifting their reality to benefit them in some way and can teach us how to do the same.  Shamanic studies is helpful for those who have this totem.

Wolverines are excellent scavengers although not the best hunters.  They are very resourceful and know how to make do with whatever is available.  They turn trash into treasure and teach us how to do the same.  Alaskan natives consider the wolverine to by a symbol of the wilderness, a survivor of the elements.  Its fur is commonly used for parka trim and hoods because of its durability.  The guard hairs of the wolverine fur resist frost accumulation helping people survive in extreme cold weather.

Solitary creatures with tremendous physical endurance the wolverine can travel up to 40 miles a day in search of food.  Because of their great strength and endurance wolverines have become the center of folklore, although its fierce reputation has been exaggerated.  They rarely attack any predator larger than itself and only attack when food is needed. They show us how to go the distance and acquire that which we seek.

When this medicine is fully developed in humans the capability to survive in any situation is common.  If underdeveloped challenges regarding survival are common. Because the wolverine is a shape shifter the art of survival doesn't just represent the physical realm.  It also indicates the challenges associated with mental clarity, emotional balance and spiritual understanding.

The wolverine is a master teacher and embodies a variety of skills.  When it appears in your life it is asking you to take a serious look at your self and your life, change anything that does not serve and utilize your personal power for the good of self and others.

There are three types of wombats.  The common wombat, the southern hairy nosed and the northern hairy nosed wombat.  All are found in Australia.  Wombats have long claws adapted for digging.  They live in burrows and feed at night on grasses and other plants.  They teach us how to dig beneath the surface to acquire the resources needed for change.

Like the beaver the wombats incisor teeth are of continuous growth.  They eat frequently to keep these teeth from becoming too large.  Proper dental hygiene is important for those with this medicine.  Over consumption of food can cause health problems in humans so a balanced diet is advised.

Strong and heavily built, with short powerful legs and strong claws the wombat holds the teachings of stability and foundation.  They stand their ground in most all situations and are not easily intimidated.  Industrious, determined and very smart they have a large brain and know how to use it. These traits are inherent in wombat medicine people yet not always active.  Wombat asks you to wake up and use the gifts that are your birth right. Use your will constructively and don't be too pushy in your determination to achieve.

Wombats are frolicsome and will play with what seems like inexhaustible energy.  They are also quite fast when they need to be. Their small ears hear sounds unknown to humans and their small eyes can see what lies between the spaces.  This indicates that their psychic vision and psychic hearing are fully developed.  Those with this totem often find themselves in situations where their psychic skills are tested, criticized, ignored or praised.  They are reminded to honor their truth and not be intimidated by others.

Wombat reminds us to play on the road to enlightenment. It teaches us how to dig beneath the surface and use our will to attain our goals. When the wombat appears it is time to reach out and grab what is rightfully yours.

The woodcock is a member of the sandpiper family.  It is often found in wooded areas crouched among dead leaves well camouflaged by its brown mottled plumage.  The woodcock has the uncanny ability to remain motionless until disturbed and then takes off in an explosive movement. It holds the element of surprise and teaches us to pay attention to the proper use of  timing in our lives. One of the lessons associated with timing is to develop patience.

Because the woodcocks eyes are set father back on its head than other birds it has a 360 degree field of vision.  Its ears are located below rather than behind the eye sockets.  Those with this medicine are natural born visionaries and see things in an expanded way.  They intuitively understand the deeper reasons of a situation and make excellent counselors and therapists. If this medicine is underdeveloped a know it all attitude can develop and caution is advised to avoid this.

A solitary bird most active at dusk the woodcock lives chiefly on earthworms.  It attracts worms to the surface by drumming with its feet and then extracts them from the ground with its long sensitive bill which opens at the tip like a forcep.  This feeding habit makes it necessary for the woodcock to migrate.  They leave an area as soon as the ground starts to freeze. Drumming is linked to shamanism and the study of this art is beneficial.  The tendency to wander through life without putting down roots can present challenges to those with this medicine especially in the area of relationships. More spontaneity and less structure  incorporated into a relationship can produce a harmonious outcome .

The woodcock nests in early spring.  Its wings are rounded and the outermost wing feathers are attenuated to produce vibratory sounds during flight. The males aerial song, a sweet varied whistling accompanies its courtship displays which are exquisitely graceful.  Its spiraling flight upward 200 to 300 feet is followed by a fluttering drop back to the starting point. Vocal expression in the form of chanting or singing is recommended for those with this totem.

The woodcock uses all of  its senses to the fullest. It responds to what it hears, sees and feels and asks us to do the same.  Skillful and intelligent this little bird  can show us how to awaken and refine our inner and outer worlds.  All we need to do is pay attention and then act accordingly.

There are about 180 species of woodpeckers in the world.  Most spend their entire lives in trees. Woodpeckers are climbers.  They climb by propping their stiff pointed tail feathers against a support while shifting its leg hold. With its body close to the trunk or branch and its head bobbing, the bird hitches upwards, back down spiraling and nimbly darts sideways at incredible speeds. Because of their speed predators have difficulty catching them.

Their flight patterns are unique. Woodpeckers fly up, coast down then fly upwards again. Those with this totem often find that their path in life wont always conform to society's standards and that their personal unique rhythm needs to be honored.  Woodpeckers teach us to honor our personal truth and move through life with perseverance and inner strength. By staying grounded in our pursuits our goals can be obtained.

Woodpeckers are opportunists. They know when to fly out from a perch to catch insects in the air or on the ground. Their barbed tongues and strong chiseled beaks symbolize life lessons associated with discernment and proper use of speech for those with this totem.

In spring the loud calls of woodpeckers often augmented by drumming on hollow wood are the sounds of males holding territories. Woodpeckers defend their territory aggressively. Those with this medicine need to be in control of their personal environment and will not tolerate others trying to change it.  Although personal space is very important for woodpecker medicine people control issues can sometimes be a problem and flexibility needs to be learned.

The woodpecker is known as the Earths drummer.  Drumming is the heartbeat of mother earth and is associated with shamanism and the ability to move into other dimensions at will. For those with this totem the woodpecker represents self discovery. As they peck into and through trees and dead wood, hidden layers of ones psyche are revealed. Those with this medicine are good analysts and  have strong mental capabilities. They make excellent psychiatrists and psychologists. Woodpeckers are active birds so caution is advised to maintain balance when reviewing any situation or issue.  Too much analyzing can result in procrastination.

Zebras are members of the horse family. They live in small family groups consisting of a stallion and several mares with their foals.  They are noted for mixing with antelope herds which offer the Antelopes  protection from predators because of the zebras alertness. Those with this medicine often take on the role of a kind hearted protector of friends and family.  They are excellent therapists and serve others with genuine compassion.

Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern similar to a persons fingerprint. This gives the zebra an individual identity.  For those with this totem  maintaining ones individuality while harmoniously interacting socially and personally is one of the messages it carries. Compromise in personal relationships can be challenging. Zebras enjoy challenge because they know that all challenges are opportunities for growth.

Questioning reality as well as illusion is common for zebra medicine people.  An over analyzing intellect can be a problem for some with this totem. For others the imagination  needs to be awakened. The zebras stripped patterns of black on white or white on black  suggests that what you see is not always what you get.  Occult knowledge both seen and unseen, dimensional shifts, new journeys and worldly endeavors are all part of its medicine.

Zebras are master magicians using the energy of light and dark to shift realities and expand a persons consciousness. They help us look beyond our preconceived ideas as they guide us into the mystery and magic of the unseen. Seeking balance in all that they do the zebra is surefooteded as it stands with confidence in the middle of opposing forces and teaches those with this totem similar skills.

When the zebra appears it indicates a time of change in one or more areas of our life.  Hidden knowledge is about to be revealed.  It asks us to stand strong, develop trust and flow with the rhythm of a new creation.