One of the creature teachers that I am getting medicine from right now is Raccoon.  In Native American teachings the totem of raccoon is about being a generous protector.  As I became aware that this little Robin Hood of the animal kingdom was working with me in my East Direction and most specifically in tandem with the Council Fire of my Sacred Path, a magical and wondrous connection has been made.  I’ll share that with you a little later in the post.

When we realize that brother or sister raccoon is acting as a messenger spirit for us, we are asked to contact our inner warrior and to become a protector and generous provider for those in need.  While other creatures in the animal kingdom will fight each other for the best of the kill or food source, Raccoon practices giving back to the source of strength, guidance and protection.  A raccoon will provide for the others of its group before taking anything for itself, showing no sense of greed.  There is an almost mystifying ability in raccoon medicine that teaches us to assist those in need without allowing them to become victims or dependents.

Raccoon – The Three Amigos Mug by Tberling at zazzle.com.

As my regular readers know, I have posted recently about my journey on my Sacred Path and the lessons that I am being taught about the Council Fire, Taking the Shawl, South Shield, and Medicine Bundle.  Last Sunday, as I outlined my future posts I made a note to do a post on Raccoon to post today.  As I studied and meditated last week about Raccoon and how it is working in my life, a most miraculous connection came to be and I don’t think it was a coincidence.  I believe my Spirit Keepers have been preparing me for the events that evolved last week for some time now and my path crossed with some truly Generous Protectors. People who are looking out for the good of others with no greed in their hearts.

My attention was first called to an article written about Pine Ridge Reservation and the conditions that the Lakota are struggling to overcome. That article broke my heart and a voice spoke to my soul that I must do something. I’ve learned to listen to those messages when they come so strongly! My next step was to visit one of the charitable organizations that was mentioned in the article, One Spirit and offer some of my time and energy to help them and the Lakota People. All the pieces started to fit, as I then learned about the needs of Donna and Billy Jumping Eagle and the children they provide a safe house for on Pine Ridge Reservation. That knowledge prompted me to write my post from last Friday asking for your help.

Remember last week when I posted about the Medicine Bundle and to look at my Allies and Supporters? My heart has been warmed by the response of my Allies (you know who you are!) with the support they have shown for the Lakota People at Pine Ridge and One Spirit. Bless you for helping me to get the word out and for your donations!

I am honored and humbled to have Raccoon sharing its medicine with me and bringing the message that “We are all related” so alive on this leg of my journey. Since this blog’s inception I have shared that message at the end of each post. Is it a coincidence that it happens to be a Lakota saying? I think not…

~Mitakuye Oyasin~ Lakota for “We are all related”