Lesson about Boundaries
You wouldn’t think that a creature that looks so prehistoric and let’s admit it, is rather homely, could give us a beautiful message. Armadillo does give us a wonderful and enlightening message when it comes to us as a totem in Native American beliefs.
Armadillo #2 (Postcard) by maryvandenberg at Zazzle
It’s message is about boundaries and the setting of them. Armadillo’s medicine is a part of his body, he wears his armour on his back. The boundaries of safety are a part of his total being. He can roll into a ball and never be penetrated by his enemies.
Oh what a lovely gift this message is from Armadillo! Set your boundaries so that harmful words or intentions just roll right off of you! The lesson is to set up what you are willing to experience.
Make a circle on a piece of paper and envision it as a medicine shield. Inside of this circle write all that you are wanting to have, to do, or to experience. Be sure to include the things that bring you joy. You have now set up boundaries that allow only these chosen experiences to be a part of your life. The boundaries become like a shield for you that wards off the very things you find undesirable. This shield reflects what you are and what your will is to those around you on an unconscious level. You can also put the things that you are willing to experience by invitation only on the outside of your shield. These would be things like criticism from friends, visits from relatives you haven’t seen in years, or even people who need something from you.
Armadillo helps you define your space by coming to you as a totem. He may be telling you that you have been too willing to let your home become like an airport terminal and that you have become too obliging to the needs of others.
There are four questions that you should ask yourself:
- Have I honored my time for personal enjoyment?
- Do I let people treat me like a doormat?
- Why do I get upset when I’m taken for granted?
- Why am I a “yes” person?
The answers to these questions will help you set your own boundaries. What makes you feel uncomfortable? What brings you comfort? Are you letting the wants and needs of others bleed over into your own personality? Armadillo tells us to set the boundaries and allow positive energy to sustain us. Block the negative with your medicine shield.
~ Mitakuye Oyasin ~ We are all related.