BUFFALO / BISON

[Terri Benning]

SPIRIT of the BUFFALO/BISON: Prayer and Abundance, Endurance, Hidden Talents & Adaptability

LINKS:
http://web.archive.org/web/20100918194102/http://wolfs_moon.tripod....
http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/power/poweranimals/buffalo.html
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/american-bison/
http://www.shamanicjourney.com/article/6221/buffalobison-power-anim...
http://www.manataka.org/page236.html#BUFFALO
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-buffalo-meaning.html

Native American Buffalo/Bison – Symbolic of Prayer and Abundance

http://suite101.com/article/native-american-buffalo-bison--symbolic...

Spirit of the White Buffalo:
http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/whitebuffalototem.html

White Buffalo Prophesy:
http://www.crystalinks.com/prophecyanimals.html

White Buffalo Calf Woman:
http://www.merceronline.com/Native/native05.htm

Buffalo/Bison's Wisdom Includes:

* Earth Creativity
* Feminine courage
* Abundance
* Knowledge
* Generosity
* Hospitality
* Sharing work
* Courage
* Strength
* Challenge
* Survival
* Giving for the greater good
* Formulating beneficial plans

Buffalo: sacredness, life, abundance

Buffalo is considered by many tribes as a symbol of abundance: its meat fed the people, skins were used for clothing and covering, bones and sinew were crafted as survival tools, hooves were converted into glue. According to Lakota tradition, White Buffalo Calf Woman gave them the Sacred Pipe, promising abundance as long as they prayed to the Great Spirit and honored All Their Relations, that is, all other creations of nature. Buffalo's Medicine symbolizes an honor, reverence or special love for all the things that Mother Earth offers her children. It is also knowing that abundance is present when all relations are honored as sacred, and when gratitude is expressed to every living part of Creation. Buffalo signals a moment to reconnect with the meaning of life and the value of peace, to praise the gifts you already have, and to recognize and honor the sacredness in all paths, though they may be different than yours.

The Buffalo

The buffalo is a symbol of abundance and manifestation. Their large heads represent intelligence of a higher order and their strong bodies ground them to the earth. They are the uniting force between the mundane and the divine and hold the teachings of right action joined with prayer.

Both the bulls and the cows have horns as well as humped shoulders. Horns grow out of the head and extend to the sky indicating a connection with a higher intelligence. Humps are often symbolic of stored energy locked within the body.

The buffalo's humps are located at the shoulders. In man the shoulders hold our personal energy which expresses itself through our hands. Whatever we touch or hold onto is connected to the energy stored in the shoulders. Shoulders carry responsibility or joy. What we carry within is manifested outwardly. The buffalo teaches us how to eliminate our burdens by directing our energy in a balanced way.

When defending against danger, the cows will form a defensive circle around the calves and the bulls will form a circle around the cows. This symbolizes the buffalo's mutual respect for one another as well as their protective instincts to defend and honor life.

To the Plains Indians it was a symbol of sacred life and abundance. It gave the gift of life to others by sacrificing its own. It provided meat for food and hides for clothing and shelter. When tribes prepared for a buffalo hunt prayers of gratitude were offered up to great spirit. After the hunt ceremonies were performed that honored the buffalo's spirit. Without the aid of buffalo these tribes would not have survived the harsh winters.

Buffalo's can be unpredictable and dangerous when provoked. Those with this totem need to remember to see the good in all things and not let their frustration store up inside them. Tai Chi or martial arts would be of benefit on a daily basis.

The buffalo reminds us to give thanks for what we have, to respect all life forms and to honor the integrity of our own divine essence. It is a symbol of equality, sacrifice and service and can show us how to live in a state of understanding, acceptance and joy. It helps us release our self pity and awakens abundance within our consciousness. Buffalo is a powerful medicine to have and serves as a stepping stone towards healing our imperfections and reconnecting with mother earth and father sky.

GO TO: WATER BUFFALO ~ (SWAMP BUFFALO) or EUROPEAN BUFFALO (WINSET)