Category: Animal Wisdom Speaks (English) - GREEN TENT - LA TENDA VERDE

GREEN TENT - LA TENDA VERDE

Butterfly Medicine

6/11/2024

The butterfly is an incredible teacher and companion. It flies on silent wings, never disturbing the peace, always being in the moment, for the butterfly has shed its past and left it behind.

The caterpillar changes into something entirely new, a chrysalis, and the fire within, kindled by trust in its path, melts the ice away that had covered its heart. It is reborn as a butterfly, transformed completely.

It does not speak with its mouth, for it its one with all of creation and sees no need in manifesting any riches for itself. Instead, it sings its beautiful song from the heart, greeting all of creation with unconditional love, sharing its wealth.

The butterfly has known hardship and learned to survive on sheer will. As a caterpillar the butterfly has its skeleton on the outside, using it as protection, shielding itself.

"Shadow Butterfly", black pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

"White Peacock Butterfly", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

While growing it rapidly sheds the old skeleton time after time, expanding until all its learning is done and its heart tells it to let go of the past completely.

The caterpillar changes into something entirely new, a chrysalis, and the fire within, kindled by trust in its path, melts the ice away that had covered its heart. It is reborn as a butterfly, transformed completely.

It carries its healing wisdom to all the flowers and herbs, even the ones, that are hardest to reach, the ones not visited by bees, now showing its true colors and healing wisdom openly.

The butterfly is the faithful companion of the raven, the secret keeper. It will never betray a secret, but keep it, for it sings with its heart and not its tongue. Whenever the raven needs nourishment and a trusted friend, the butterfly will guide it to safety and shelter.

Seahorse Wisdom

6/4/2024

Seahorse medicine is incredibly strong. Seahorses have three hearts beating simultaneously, so if one heart gets tired, the others keep the seahorse strong until it is fully recovered. They show us, that we have many resources within us and that when the heart that has been wounded in the past, is tired, the one being in the here and now and the one dreaming our highest good into being, our future, will be able to keep us whole until the wounded one is mended.

Seahorse knows that it is vulnerable, but it knows its vulnerabilities are not weaknesses. It acknowledges them and teaches us that recognizing our vulnerabilities is a way to empower and protect us and others.

Seahorses are poor swimmers, yet they are able to rest even in the roughest of seas with their tails wound around a stationary object. They swim along their path, one stroke after the other, resting and securing themselves when needed and continue on their path, when they have regained their balance, showing us how to navigate the stormiest of emotions and situations.

Their eyes move independently, they can see what lies behind them in the past, their present state and even glimpse into the future and see what lies in front of them at the same time.

"White Seahorse", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

All while being able to anchor themselves to any object, while being completely at peace within themselves, finding their balance again if needed.

Seahorse knows that it is vulnerable, but it knows its vulnerabilities are not weaknesses. It acknowledges them and teaches us that recognizing our vulnerabilities is a way to empower and protect us and others. Instead of lamenting over the fact, that it is a poor swimmer and thus not able to speed along its path, it uses the time needed to anchor itself to reflect and rebalance, thus gaining insights and wisdom, learning.

Squirrel Wisdom

5/28/2024

Squirrel is a quick-witted and resourceful mento, taking you by the hand showing you, that every challenge comes with a solution deep within and that there is no nut, that cannot be cracked. Impossible? Well, think again!

Hustling and bustling, squirrel reminds you playfully, that there are – indeed – only two days over the course of a year, where you can truly do nothing: yesterday and tomorrow. Instead of living in yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s fear, she embraces today, experiencing the world around her with an open heart.

"White Jumping Squirrel", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

"White Squirrel", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

Sometimes squirrel collects a nut, a well-earned treat, to be eaten later, and forgets, where she has stowed it away, but she does not feel regret about it, for any seed you plant with good intention, will grow into a gift for everyone and may very well become the tree, that will shelter you down the road, when you need it the most.

Hustling and bustling, squirrel reminds you playfully, that there are – indeed – only two days over the course of a year, where you can truly do nothing: yesterday and tomorrow. Instead of living in yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s fear, she embraces today, experiencing the world around her with an open heart.

Koala Wisdom

5/21/2024

The Koala is a peaceful and patient companion and mentor, who knows about the strengths of the beings around it and helps them to blossom, bloom and thrive. It never puts itself above others, but listens calmly to what each and every one has to say. Though it is quiet, it does not shy away from speaking up, but is always mindful of not putting anyone down.

It is a peacekeeper, whose mere presence soothes the minds and ailing hearts of others. It takes much to upset a koala, because it finds joy in the smallest of things and peace even in the harshest of storms.

The koala joeys are very vulnerable and as a result, the koala is very protective around them. It is also able to see deep into the hearts of its young and knows about their inner strength and inner fire. It trusts them fully, showing patience and foresight, and helps them grow into independent and strong adults, who stand tall and proud on their own two feet.

The koala is a natural born leader and nurturer, it senses, when someone in its tribe needs help and offers a helping hand without strings attached.

"White Koala", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

Its wisdom lies therein, that it knows, that help can only be given to those, who are willing to help themselves, and that change cannot be called forth, where there is no open heart to welcome it. Its instincts tell it, when to take someone’s hand and walk with him and when to patiently wait.

It is patient and gentle, filled with peace. It is able to calm down even the most restless mind and the greatest of storms with its loving and soothing embrace. It is a peacekeeper, whose mere presence soothes the minds and ailing hearts of others. It takes much to upset a koala, because it finds joy in the smallest of things and peace even in the harshest of storms.

Fox Wisdom

5/14/2024

Fox is a great companion and teacher. It never gives up or complains, but adapts to its surroundings and circumstances and turns them into an advantage by using its creative and resourceful way of thinking. Fox is a playful trickster, cunning and able to react immediately in tricky situations thus escaping even the direst circumstances with ease.

It is able to see through any illusion or deception, even the ones, it created itself. After becoming aware of them, fox quickly changes its point of view and is able to do things in a completely different – and sometimes - unexpected way and uses its quick wit and energy to get out of any unfavorable situation.

"White Fox", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

Fox is a shapeshifter, a jack-of-all-trades, but a master-of-none. It is able to become whoever it wants to be or needs to be to blend right into its surroundings and camouflage itself perfectly.

"White Reynard", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

Fox teaches you to see a situation for what it is and not as you wish to see it and to take a step back and become still, until you are able to see a way out.

It is not attached to its identity or any label put on it, for it knows, that once you let go of who you thought you were, you are free to become whoever you want to be and leave all limitations behind.

Fox is a walker of the in-between, a being of dusk and dawn. It understands the unspoken and is able to view any situation with complete detachment. It teaches you to see a situation for what it is and not as you wish to see it and to take a step back and become still, until you are able to see a way out.

Bellbird Wisdom

5/7/2024

The bellbird is mentor and companion, whose heart is singing the song of eternal hope, bearing the message that harmony and balance will come to those that do not give up and persevere through adversity. It has been chosen as a messenger, a bearer of prophecies and tidings of the Great One, travelling freely through the veils.

The bellbird knows how to unite even the most diverse group of beings, for its presence is soothing, calming and brings harmony. It uses its unique call to call to prayer and to stand united as one. Its heart knows about the connection between the hearts of all beings of creation.

It is shy and secretive, but it will speak, whenever it is called to. It has one of the most unusual and distinct voices among the flying ones. The call of the bellbird is the loudest call on Earth. It sounds like a bell and it wards of evil spirits and offers protection. It carries tones of healing and love, soothing the hearts of the beings it is protecting and bringing peace to their minds.

Young bellbird chicks do not sing instinctively, but learn their songs from their elders and practice them until they can bring together all the different tones in harmony.

"White Three-wattled Bellbird", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

The bellbird knows how to unite even the most diverse group of beings, for its presence is soothing, calming and brings harmony. It uses its unique call to call to prayer and to stand united as one. Its heart knows about the connection between the hearts of all beings of creation. Since the male and the female bellbirds differ greatly in color and looks, it knows that the color of your feathers or skin is not important. It is your heart, that shows your true colors.

It loves fruit and plays an important role in seed dispersal in its habitat. It knows exactly where the seeds will be of the greatest use and rather than letting digestion take its natural course, it regurgitates the seeds exactly where they will find the best soil to blossom, bloom and thrive. It teaches us to spread our seeds of wisdom wisely and to ponder where they will fall on fertile ground.

Starling Wisdom

4/30/2024

Starlings are great mentors and companions, harbingers of spring, that fly together in murmurations of thousands of birds, protecting each other. They sing of unity and purpose and the power of collective strength. The power of the collective is transformative and many voices united create a beautiful choir, when there is balance in cooperation.

“Who are you, when you are walking in your shadows? Who are you, when the sun is shining on you? Let your true colors shine and embrace, honor and celebrate who you are!”

The starling says, “Be careful about who you let into your inner circle!” A murmuration of starlings is a gathering of smaller circles working together. In those circles, there is absolute trust and seven birds fly together in perfect unison.

The starling is a shapeshifter and mimic, constantly learning from the beings and nature around her, absorbing new sounds and energies. She says, “Be careful that you don’t lose yourself when trying to make yourself into someone’s image! Fly side by side, heart to heart, but never follow blindly. Observe, how the words and actions of those around you influence you and your behavior.”

Starlings are both, the void between the stars and the stars sown into the fertile grounds of the in-between.

"White Starling", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

When you look at them from afar, their feathers look grey and colorless, but as soon as the sun shines upon them, their feathers are shimmering and glittering purple and emerald green, showing their heart. Starling says, “Who are you, when you are walking in your shadows? Who are you, when the sun is shining on you? Let your true colors shine and embrace, honor and celebrate who you are!”

Every heart knows a sacred song, bears a medicine within. Starling says, “Be still and listen! There is a song in your heart, sung with the voice of love and truth. Embrace your true voice and let it be heard loud and clear.” Starlings communicate and vocalize their needs without shame and are not afraid of speaking their truth. They know that relationships require clarity in communication.

Yak Wisdom

4/23/2024

Yaks are gentle giants, who build their friendships on trust, equality and reciprocity, stay balanced and calm amidst raging storms. No matter, how harsh a winter might be, they keep on walking their path step by step, until the first snowdrop blossoms and blooms and a new spring is dawning.

“There is no guilt in taking your time in healing and nourishing your soul and walking in solitude for as long as need be.”

They stay and walk in the truth of their souls and are tirelessly working towards, what they want to bring into this realm. Yaks do not expect from others, what they are not willing to do themselves, and neither will they ever force someone else to do their bidding or sacrifice, what they are not willing to sacrifice themselves.

Yaks patiently take one step after the other, for they live in the here and now, using the gift of the present moment. Yak says, “There is no guilt in taking your time in healing and nourishing your soul and walking in solitude for as long as need be.”

"White Yak", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

When Yak is walking with you as a companion and mentor, she will never pressure you, but warm you and huddle with you, when you get tired amidst the storms of winter, until you are ready to take another step.

Yaks allow no pressure. Their herds split to avoid unnecessary fights or to end a looming conflict in the most sensible way. They form groups of true friends, with friendships built on trust, that has grown over time, and equal give and take.

Peacock Wisdom

4/16/2024

The peacock is a great companion and teacher. It is not afraid of being itself and showing its true colors. It is standing tall and proud, its feathers glistening in the sunlight, showing its talents and gifts openly for everyone to see. Its inner light is emanating from its heart, nothing is hidden away. The Peacock teaches us to show our true colors, to shine and be ourselves, for standing in our power and shining our light has nothing to do with being arrogant but everything to do with daring to be the unique gift we are.

The peacock was asked to guard this realm and protect the peace. Nothing goes by its eyes; it finds the viper among a thousand snakes and calls it out. There is no place in his heart for lies and deceit, it is incorruptible and will keep those under its protection from harm.

It sees true beauty in every being and everything. Like a swan it has grown into its precious colorful feathers after a long time of learning and experienced and seen the beauty and uniqueness of the beings around it before the sunlight has touched its own beautiful feathers for the first time.

It has gotten to know its inner strength and power by taking one step after the other on its path and thus it knows, that whatever is needed to achieve its dream, is already inside its heart and growing and will see the light of day at the right moment in time.

The peacock does not hide, it shows its true colors. It has never learned to sing, a songbird it is not. It has no heart for shallow and fake compliments and flattery does not stop it from speaking its truth. It knows, when it is time to speak up. It does not mask its words; it speaks with a loud and clear voice.

"White Peacock Thinking", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

It sees through a thousand eyes, what was, what is and all the paths that lead into tomorrow. The Peacock knows its past lives and can see through any falsehood and deception. It sees true and is able to mend the eyes of those, that have seen, what they should not have had to see, so they can see the beauty of the world around them once more.

The peacock was asked to guard this realm and protect the peace. Nothing goes by its eyes; it finds the viper among a thousand snakes and calls it out. There is no place in his heart for lies and deceit, it is incorruptible and will keep those under its protection from harm.

"White Peacock", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

Parrot Wisdom

12/20/2023

The parrot is a colorful mentor and teacher, playful and curious about the world surrounding him, travelling freely through all the realms, yet never going anywhere uninvited. He is a natural born diplomat, often called to protect, guide and accompany others on their journeys within.

Before he speaks, the parrot draws a breath deep into his heart and listens to its words of wisdom. He knows about the power behind all words spoken and unspoken, boon or bane. He says, “Be mindful of your words, spoken and unspoken, for they are the sparks that nourish the fire that creates your dream.”

"White Macaw", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

"White Parrot Dreaming", white pastels, Kristin Raphaela Otti (2023)

The parrot is a great listener, sharp-witted, who takes note of every little detail. He uses his heart to listen, not his mind, for he knows his heart to be able to hear the truth behind every word uttered. It is his heart that answers and speaks, his true voice from deep within, his very core, boldly showing his true colors, while he is spreading seeds of wisdom and inspiration.

“Practice, practice, practice!”, the parrot repeats over and over again, “Follow yesterday’s steps with all the wisdom and skill of today!”

Before he speaks, the parrot draws a breath deep into his heart and listens to its words of wisdom. He knows about the power behind all words spoken and unspoken, boon or bane. He says, “Be mindful of your words, spoken and unspoken, for they are the sparks that nourish the fire that creates your dream.”

The parrot keeps repeating the words that were born in his heart, until they become a mantra and a chant nourishing his fire and the fires of those around him.

He uses his own colors to create his dream, never taking away anything from anyone else, for he knows, that all he needs, he already carries within his heart. He finds joy and magic in every moment, each place he visits a part of a world filled with endless wonders and magic.

How the White Parrot Got His Grey Feathers
A Yorùbá myth retold by Kristin Raphaela Otti

One morning, when the sun rose and bathed all of creation in its golden light, the Great One called all the birds to him and looked at them with a loving smile. “When Father Sun rises on the morrow and his healing light greets Mother Earth, I will call the bird with the most beautiful feathers to me.”

The birds started chattering excitedly, wondering about who would be chosen by the Great One. They talked about what they could do to make their feathers even more beautiful, even shinier and more colorful and very slowly their energies started to change. At first, they had been talking about each other’s beauty, now they were looking at each other with envy. Their words of encouragement turned into long tirades about the imperfection of others, they spoke behind each other’s backs and starred daggers at one another.

“You are indeed the most beautiful of them all, for true beauty is found within the heart and not on the outside. Much harm has been done to you and yet you answered my call unwavering, sharing your heart’s light without hesitation.”

All of the birds sought to improve their beauty by bathing in fresh spring waters, diving through rainbows, singing to Father Sun and asking Mother Earth for jewels, they could brighten up their feathers with. All but one. Odide, the white parrot, sat on a tree, his eyes closed, enjoying the sun and the mild breeze.

At first, the other birds thought nothing of Odide simply sitting there, then they became uneasy and started wondering, why he was doing nothing, while they were trying with all their might to improve their looks and appearance. Fear began creeping up in their hearts and they decided to play a trick on him. They flew up to a volcano and gathered some of the ashes, that were lying on the ground near the top. Grandfather Magma was watching them with knowing eyes, sighing.

Then the birds hid in the trees of the forest, Odide called home, and when he flew by later that day, they dumped the ashes on him, laughing and cackling. Now they had spoilt his beauty for good, or so they thought. Odide, meanwhile, did not seem to care nor did it have any effect on him. He kept flying around, talking to all of creation, a merry song accompanying him.

The other birds grew even angrier than they had been before and flew to a sorcerer, who lived in the darkest part of the forest, the one, where the only light, that is ever seen, is the one cast by the fire, the ancient sorcerer uses to brew his concoctions and prepare his charms. They told the sorcerer about Odide and asked him to turn his shiny white feathers blood red. The sorcerer looked upon them with ancient eyes, that did not remember the light of day, and did what they had asked of him.

The birds started singing triumphantly. Now that white parrot would not dare to show himself before the Great One. Feathers heavy and grey with ashes? Blood red tail feathers? He would not be courageous enough to come. He would not show his dirty feathers to the Great One.

When Father Sun rose to give Mother Earth a good morning kiss, the birds sat down on the trees around the Great One. One by one they came and when Odide flew in and landed on the Great One’s knee, the other birds gasped. “There you are, Odide!”, said the Great One lovingly. He looked at the parrot. “You are indeed the most beautiful of them all, for true beauty is found within the heart and not on the outside. Much harm has been done to you and yet you answered my call unwavering, sharing your heart’s light without hesitation.”

Author

Kristin Raphaela Otti

I am a shaman and storyteller from Carinthia, Austria, tending the fires of winter in the hearts and walking with those, who wish to embark on a journey deep within.

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