When the spirit animal of Grouse begins to work with you as a totem, you will be learning lessons that entail understanding and connecting with the Sacred Spiral. At one time this bird that is sometimes referred to as a Prairie Chicken had abundant flocks in North America. Their numbers have dwindled and many of the American Indians that once roamed the Plains, do the Grouse Dance to honor these birds. In the dance the movements follow a spiral which goes back to ancient times to symbolize birth and rebirth.
One of the oldest known symbols of personal power is the Sacred Spiral. Grouse medicine can be imagined like a whirlpool or a tornado with the spiral taking one to the center. Going to the center will allow for a personal vision or enlightenment of some kind.
Sharp-Tailed Grouse In Nebraska
Tom Walker Photograph
Buy This at Allposters.com
In some parts of the world the Grouse is also known as a Ptarmigan. These birds feed on the ground and are not prone to fly like some of their other feathered brothers and sisters. They can fly but are built more like a chicken and stay closer to the ground. Their mating ritual is quite a spectacle to see with the males dancing around with their feathers spread and some species have glands that expand to make them more attractive. When the males dance, it is called drumming.
Painting of Ptarmigan In Winter
Allan Brooks
Buy This at Allposters.com
If you feel that the Grouse totem is working with you, it is probably a time to meditate on the different types of movements that are in your life, currently. Is your movement in sync with your greatest desires and goals? Are you in balance in all aspects of your being?
Often times different disciplines tell us to stop all external movement in order to be in touch with our inner self. Not so, with brother Grouse, he is inviting you to the dance. You might not want to whirl like a dervish but just the act of dancing or walking can put you in touch with Earth and your body. Movement is a way of getting you back in to balance with your body, mind and spirit.
In some cases he may be telling you that you are moving too much and need to ground yourself. Those would be times that you are feeling dizzy or have a lack of concentration. That might be a time to slow down, stop the movement and get back into to balance in the opposite way.
~Beverly Two Feathers~
Yes, again, such a perfect card pull for my day, the grouse–who knew. Its timing is so very ironic. Love it. Thank you again.
We have a chukar that has been hanging around our home. We live on laughing chukar ct…. we have never seen one. This one has come back two days in a row. He walked right up to my daughter. What message is this bird trying to give us?
This was my totem animal today. I just committed to a mindful meditation drumming group in which I’m Co facilitating. I have been playing the drums having a spiritual connection for years. I always knew is palos like was my great-grandmother was full-blooded Native American and my uncle lives on a reservation in South Dakota. Doing a little bit of homework and delving into meditation it all lined up. This animal totally embodies the medicine that is kept me clean from narcotics it made me find a deeper purpose. Through my gifts and passion other recovering addicts are finding their inner animal and healing. This is so beautiful to see thank you for everything you have written on this form
Thankyou Beverley for your totem info on Grouse! I will listen and meditate as I dance on what Grouse asks of me.
Years ago I had several experiences with White Bear (a type of black bear) including trance states and meeting my Guide Grandmother White Bear. I also got given you white bears spontaneously from people. And out West I was entirely I intrigued by the White bears on Haida Gaie! I found a wonderful book by a man who lived and studied these unique in many ways, bears.
I didn’t look into meanings back then but recently I found some First Nations’ meanings that I was pleasantly surprised by: some said that the clan of this bear includes medicine people. Which is the path I am on (quietly but seeking to come out more, work with First Nations’ teachers.
I am diving into reading and researching First Nations real history. And attending events and teachings.
I may not be aboriginal (I plan to get DNA testing) but my heart is happy when I share I activities such as these!
Would you gave any insight on my experiences with Grouse or White Bear?
Meegwetch, Janet Jephcott