My totems

Today I saw a large bird carrying what looked like a snake in its mouth.  My oldest and I both saw it.  It was long and curved, and I could see no reason to carry a stick that long, and it was an unusual shape for a stick, hanging down on both sides.  In any event, I decided to take it as a sign of something, in my current state of mind, which in part involves trying to integrate some deep emotional and–who knows?–maybe even spiritual realities.  I had felt for some reason a day or two ago that I should write more on these totems, but could not rationalize it as other than a bit of self absorption likely to be perceived as weird.

Well, fuck it: here we go.

The Garuda is the essence of speed and of ferocity.  It hunts demons and snakes.  It hunts darkness and destroys it.  It feels like a bird, but it is essentially formless.  By the time a target sees it out of the corner of its eye, it is far too late.  To a great extent it is invisible, and felt only by the emotions it produces, particularly that of fear in those it targets. It is not cruel, but an aspect of the justice of this world, one hated by those who refuse to obey the laws they understand but do not respect.

It is portrayed by the Tibetans as soaring in the sky, carrying a snake.  Perhaps if I want to be mystical, this was a sign that the snake has been caught.

The whale and dog are both snow white.  The whale symbolizes deep joy, tenderness, strength, and wisdom.  It is patient and kind.

The dog is relentlessly curious.  It wants to know everything about everyone and everything.  It is in constant movement, and really enjoys the quest of learning, knowing, doing.

There you go. I can check that off the list.