>>7588
GAi(a)s!
Guess what little critter JUST visited me outside my house IRL:
Medicine Cards: Skunk
7 - Skunk: Reputation
This furry little animal has a reputation that contains a great deal of power. Due
to its distinctive behavior, humans give this tiny, smelly creature a wide berth. The
keyword here is respect.
Unlike other predatory animals, Skunk does not threaten your life but threatens
your senses. You know this to be true if you have even been in the vicinity of its spray.
In observing the habit patterns of Skunk, it is easy to notice the playfulness and
nonchalance of its natural behavior. The "I-dare-you" attitude of this four-legged creature
commands you, as the observer, to respect its space by mere reputation alone.
Skunk is teaching you that by walking your talk and by respecting yourself, you
will create a position of strength and honored reputation. The carriage of your body
relates to others what you believe about yourself. There is no need to bully, aggravate,
torment, or overpower other being when your sense of "self" is intact. As with Skunk, the
resonant field of energy around your body is relayed through the senses. Self-esteem
permeates the body's energy, and is instantly recognized on an extrasensory level by
others.
Learn to assert, without ego, what you are. Respect follows. Your self-respectful
attitude will repel those who are not of like mind, and yet will attract those who choose
the same pathway. As the odor of Skunk attracts others of its kind, it repels those who
will not respect its space.
Skunk medicine people have the ability to attract others, and they are very
charismatic. At the same time, the other side of their natural power is to repel those who
seek to take energy from them without recycling the gifts they have taken.
In Skunk medicine, it is good to learn how to handle energy flows. Modern
psychologists call this body language. In tribal teachings, this is your person medicine
which you are showing to others. Use your medicine well, and know that you are known
by your reputation. How you use your energy will attract either honor or disgrace. You
may want to examine what energy you are putting out that creates your present situation.
Medicine Cards: Skunk
If you have chosen this symbol, you are being asked to notice the kinds of people
who are attracted to you. If they emulate favorable characteristics, have enough selfesteem
to recognize those characteristics within yourself. Walk tall and be proud of your
accomplishments.
Bear in mind that what you believe about yourself is your ultimate
protection. Project self-respect!
Contrary
Skunk Medicine operating through the contrary or reversed position indicates that
your self-esteem may seem to others as if you are putting on airs. Observe whether or not
you are repelling others in your vicinity because of envy, jealousy, or a projection of their
low self-esteem. Examine your feelings. Be truthful with yourself. Right the situation
by assuming the attitude of Skunk: nonchalance. In assuming nonchalance, you are
neutralizing the effect of leaking energy.
In leaking vital energy, you may be stinking up your environment. This is similar
to dumping all of your woes on anyone who will listen. If you are doing this, it may be
time to shut your mouth and go within. You may also be leaking sexual energy and
repulsing the object of your interest. That person may be too shy to tell you to lay off.
Look deeply at your self-image and how others are reacting to it.
To balance the causes and effects of your actions and energy flows, you must
decide whether or not you need to spray in the direction of others to repel their envy,
greed, jealousy, or over-amorous tendencies. On the other hand, you need to always
maintain your "right to be." Self-respect is the key to all of these situations, whereas ego
is merely what you believe yourself to be.
Skunk says, "If your ego is not your amigo, you know it stinks.
Attract what you need in order to grow. Walk your talk. Know yourself