Casting Circles

“I dance…

casting circles unseen

tracing secret signs upon

Her skin…

Soaring,

each heartbeat

keeping time upon

the Winds…

I cry your name!

Visions,

Messages,

Spirit Dreams

upon my back…

Catalyst…

I awaken Creative Fires

hunt your Divine Purpose,

which leaves no track…

Fly!

Trust yourself

Body and Soul

to the Winds of Fate…

Sharpen your eye…

like lightning, strike!

Ignore the taunts of the Tricksters,

remembering always…

For all our many differences,

how much Creator made us alike.”

“We Sioux spend a lot of time thinking about everyday things which in our minds are mixed up with the spiritual. We see in the world around us many symbols that teach us the meaning of life. We have a saying that the white man sees so little, he must see with only one eye. We see a lot that you no longer notice. You could notice if you wanted to, but you are usually too busy. We Indians live in a world of symbols and images where the spiritual and commonplace are one…We try to understand them not with the head but with the heart” John Fire Lame Deer

“The earth is common ground and we are all overlords, whether we hold title or not; gradually the idea is taking form that the land must be held in safekeeping, that one generation is to some extent responsible to the next, and that it is contrary to the public good to allow an individual, merely because of his whims or ambitions, to destroy almost beyond repair any part of the soil, or water, or even the view.” E. B. White One Man’s Meat 1950

“Those things that nature denied to human sight, she revealed to the eyes of the soul.” Ovid

Raptors are birds of prey that are separated into three diurnal categories: Buteos, Accipiters, and Falcons. Buteos have broad wings with deeply slit wing tips, and short rounded tails. They are noted for their high soaring flight, and are found nearly worldwide in open and forested areas. These hawks tend to have stout short legs and short toes. Red Tailed Hawks are the most common of Buteos. Other examples would be Red Shouldered Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, and Swainson’s Hawk.

Accipiters are forest dwelling hawks with rounded wings and longer tails that tailor their flight to their environment, making the quick turns and increased maneuverability needed for their survival a reality. Accipiters are bird eaters and often catch their meals in mid-air. Sharp-shinned Hawks, and the nearly identical Cooper’s Hawks, are the most common example of this category. Falcons are noted for their powerful wing beats and high-speed dives. Their long pointed wings and long tails allow them to execute amazing tuck and dive maneuvers. American Kestrels are one of the most common Falcons, but the most well known is the Peregrine Falcon.

Other raptors include Eagles, Buzzards, Vultures, Secretary Birds, Ospreys, Owls, and Harriers. They will be discussed in their own due time. This poem was inspired by Hawks in general and specifically the Red Tailed Hawk so common to my area. In Native American traditions the Red Tailed Hawks, like other raptors, are closely connected to Creator. Several of the Native Nations referred to this hawk as the Red Eagle. They bear divine messages, and visions. They encourage us to pay attention to the subtle signs we are being sent and may be missing as we are all too easily caught up in day to day living. The opening quote by John Fire Lame Deer perfectly echoes this Red Tail sentiment. When I catch sight of the Red Tail, without fail my heart pauses and then jumps at its great beauty. I’ve watched them tracing circles and symbols with their shadows across the Earth’s skin, and when their shadow falls on me… I wonder what what unseen messages they have left written upon me? If a hawk suddenly appears in my day, I am immediately put on alert and begin paying particular attention to my surroundings.

“The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too”. Chief Luther Standing Bear “

Whenever, the course of a daily hunt, the hunter comes upon a scene that is strikingly beautiful, or sublime; a black thundercloud with the rainbow’s glowing arch above the mountain, a white waterfall in the heart of a green gorge, a vast prairie tinged with the blood-red of the sunset; he pauses for an instant in the attitude of worship. He sees no need for setting apart one day in seven as a holy day, because to him all the days are God’s days.” Ohiyesa a/k/a Charles Alexander Eastman (Santee Sioux)

“It is only the women whose eyes have been washed clear with tears who get the broad vision that makes them little sisters to all the world.” Dorothy Dix

Hawks will also often appear at crucial moments to let you know that your prayers are being heard, and that they are they to carry your prayers to Creator, or deliver a message of spiritual awakening. There have been several times in my life where I have been in great inner turmoil puzzling over some personal dilemma, and I ask for guidance in the situation. Each time, a rustle of branches, a shower of mourning dove feathers, or even the piercing and distinctive cry almost immediately drew my attention to the Hawk that had lit unnoticed near me. I express my gratitude, and feel an immediate relief knowing that small and pitiable as I am, my worries have not passed unnoticed. Now, it is up to me to pay attention, to throw myself off the proverbial cliff and trust that my wings will catch me… to have awareness, faith, and patience.

Several years ago I began to enter a new phase in my life. Up til this time as an adult, an inner part of myself had remained clenched in fear of being too open to my own life’s purpose, and what I may be faced with loosing or having to give up in return. Finally, I made the effort to reject these fears, opening myself further to the Universe, spiritual awakening, and Creator. In a dream that night, I stood in a familiar woodland clearing at the edge of a small lake on a perfect summery day. An enormous Red Tail appeared out of the bright corona of the sun, flying towards me over the lake. It hovered a moment before my wondering eyes, and its every fine detail is still clear in my memory.

I remember that breathless moment when this awesome Teacher, that stretched from my head to my hips, brushed my face with its wingtips and landed, gentle as a newborn’s dreaming sigh, upon my shoulder. Since that dream, I have been amazed at the paths I have found myself upon, the people I have met, and the countless priceless spiritual lessons that have been uncovered. I am grateful that I finally found the courage to let go of those inhibiting fears. I believe that was the moment in which I truly began to move towards my life’s purpose, and as I have learned and journeyed I have discovered that I am, in fact, moving closer to who I was … and who I would like to be. Redtail reminds us that our feathers must be earned; a rewared for choosing maturity. Red tailed hawks do not achieve their red tail feathers until they are mature, and this is also true of Red Tail people.

Perhaps more than any other messages, Red Tail speaks of spiritual awakenings, and finding our higher purpose. His ruddy tail reminds us of Kundalini, the yogic life force that lies coiled at the base of the spine until we awaken it, and it uncoils up our spines to the head, triggering enlightenment. Also known as Serpent energy, I find this connection between hawk and serpent interesting as Snake would be a balancing energy for Hawk, and this particular relationship emphasizes the interconnection so important to Red Tail people. Red Tail Hawk combines the elements of Air and Fire, thought and creation.

“When the people are ready, the master appears”, and our spiritual awakening will not begin until we have reached our proper moment. We have to earn our feathers. “Listen or your tongue will keep you deaf.” Native American Proverb

“God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose. Take which you please – you can never have both.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I never dreamed of being Shakespeare or Goethe, and I never expected to hold the great mirror of truth up before the world; I dreamed only of being a little pocket mirror, the sort that a woman can carry in her purse; one that reflects small blemishes, and some great beauties, when held close enough to the heart.” Peter Altenberg

As a child not born into the Traditions that would teach me about Totems, I was never the less delighted with all aspects of the natural world. As soon as I could read, I devoured everything I could about animals, plants, stones, stars, and any other aspect of nature. I was particularly drawn to the world’s ancient myths and legends, and was consistently intrigued by the many similarities even between vastly different cultures… fascinations that have endured in my life. I spent as much time as I could outside, and with animals; listening, watching. In my innocence, I understood and accepted many of the lessons held by our various Relations without ever realizing the path I was beginning down. I carried much from that time with me into my adult life, but in shedding my childhood I also left much behind.

Only after unclenching and dreaming of the Red Tail did I begin to research and study the stories and teachings of the Native Nations. The more I learned, the more I saw how much of this knowledge I once held as an innocent child, and realized that I was really only reminding myself of all that I had forgotten. With new eyes I still look back upon my life and wonder about many things that oft times appeared small and coincidental. I named my first dog after my favorite toy, Tonka, which is very similar to the Lakota words “Tanka” and “Sunka”. In the Lakota language “Tanka” is often translated as “great” or “big”. “Sunka” is the word used to speak of a younger brother, and it is also the word used to name Dog; a derivative of this word can be seen in each of the Lakota names for the Canines.

Was my naive naming of my huge German Shepard an unconscious recognition of a kindred spirit, a brother, the Canine Spirit which has continued to walk with me and guide me through my life, or even simply an unknowing recognition of his greater size? Could it even have been an intuitive flash that many years later I would be strongly drawn to the Lakota traditions, which would appear in my life shortly after the Hawk dream? Was it all simple coincidence? It doesn’t bother me that I will never know what prompted this or other seeming coincidences in my life. Some things I accept without question and others I ponder curiously. Either way, I am simply grateful to be finding my way back to these Ways that seem to have always been there in my life with Awareness.

“And so the last thing I can teach you, if you want to be taught by an old man living in a dilapidated shack, a man who went to the third grade for eight years, is this prayer, which I use when I am crying for a vision: ‘Wakan Tanka, Tunkashila, onshimala… Grandfather Spirit, pity me, so that my people may live.” John Fire Lame Deer

“Where there is no vision a people perish” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson “Vision with action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.” Japanese proverb

“I would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the heroes, for one true vision.” Henry David Thoreau

All raptors have keen sight, and Red Tails can see eight times better than a human. If we could see as this hawk does, we would be able to read a newspaper on the ground from the seventh floor of a building! As they soar great heights and hide in the glare of the sun, they use their great vision to spot prey. Their outstanding eyesight and close connection to Creator means that they are often appealed to by those who seek visions. Red Tail people need to remember to stay aware of the big picture, and not get distracted by mundane life or narrow their field of vision. (A constant challenge for me) If we don’t keep an eye on the big picture, we may miss our target! Balanced Red Tail people are also keenly perceptive, picking up unconsciously on subtle clues and body language, and are often gifted with acute psychic visions, and precognitive dreams.

They can often tell truth from lie, and unnerve others with their steady gaze. The power that comes with being a Redtail person is often felt by others, even if the Redtail person themselves has not Awakened. Hawk people often find themselves in the position of being the one to pass on a message or Truth to someone else, which is not always well received. The keen intuition, insight and power inherent in such people often unnerves others, making them feel as if the Hawk person is judging them which is seldom the case. Others may feel as if they are small and vulnerable before the radiant energy felt in the company of a Hawk person. It is true that Hawk people need to avoid an inflated sense of importance, and must walk a fine balance between listening to intuitive promptings and being a busybody.

Learning when to act and when to remain silent is a key Hawk lesson. Also, I have found that many times people will react in anger, fear or resentment from having Truth told to them, most often because it is an uncomfortable Truth; something they do not want to hear, and are not ready to receive. Oft times though, it is a Hawk person’s faithful delivering of such messages that opens a door to Awakening for others. It is a Hawk person’s responsibility to deliver Truth and whatever other Messages they are prompted to speak as clearly, honestly, and kindly as possible.

Unbalanced Red Tails will most often be deceived in their perceptions, visions and dreams, which could lead to real trouble for themselves and anyone following their lead! Truth is very important to Hawk people, and they often make terrible liars or even become physically ill when attempting to lie. Hawks are consistently harried by Crows and bold Jays as they hunt. Hawk people would be wise to remember this, because they too will find that others will attempt to dissuade them from their course, will harass them, deride their visions, dreams and keen perceptions causing doubt in the person called by Red Tail. Independent and yet fiercely loyal, red tail hawks mate for life, and Red Tail people tend to follow this example. Not easily won, but once they give their hearts, they tend to stick like shadows. Like other raptors, red tails have razor sharp talons and curved beaks with which to grasp, strangle and then rend their prey.

One of the big lessons for Red Tail people is learning that their sharp intellect and ability to communicate powerfully can either be used either constructively or destructively. We must learn when to be silent, even when we would really like to open up our mouths and let fly, and when to use our razor tongues to good purpose. We can cut cleanly through a lot of bull and speak with the passion common to the fire and air nature of Red Tail, and we can also shred someone’s self-esteem, hopes, or confidence if we aren’t careful. Be mindful of your ability to provide great insight or cause great destruction, and act always with integrity.

Truth is not an easy thing, even when we convince ourselves that we want nothing more. Truth cannot help but bring sorrow in some part for with Knowledge comes a certain loss of Innocence. Sometimes Red Tail people see the world so clearly that they cannot help keenly feeling the wounds they see around them. Naturally bold and not easily overtaken by fear, we need to remember not to fly too close to the sun or we may end up like Icarus! Balanced Red Tails make great investigators, lawyers, inventors, and researchers where their keen powers of Observation and innate Intuition serve them well.

“In America today you can murder land for private profit. You can leave the corpse for all to see, and nobody calls the cops.” Paul Brooks, The Pursuit of Wilderness, 1971

“Don’t blow it – good planets are hard to find.” Quoted in Time

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?” Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985

“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

The ever vigilant Red Tail, so sensitive to pollution and poisoning, also speaks to us about Guardianship and Conservation. It is important for those called by Red Tail to protect the Earth. Such people are acutely aware of our interconnectedness with all things, and the desire to protect our mother Earth, to promote awareness of these issues is as sharp, strong and fierce within us as the grip of a red tailed hawk! It is important to us to work towards making the world a better place on whatever level we can, local or global. We encourage others to recycle, to conserve, to walk gently upon this Earth, and treat All Our Relations with respect. Balanced Red Tail people seek always to live in harmony with the World.

These are important issues to me personally, and I’ve seen my mood impact on my typically green approach. Every time I get impatient, overwhelmed or frustrated with my mundane routines and sweep those dirty cans and jugs that the kids left for me to clean out into the garbage rather than taking the time to clean them and recycle them, I’m horribly disappointed in myself. On the other hand, I’ve also used reason, persuasion and sometimes even my sharp tongue to inspire others to take the time to recycle. Unbalanced Red Tail people would likely work counter to these ideals in thought, word and deed.

I often wonder how many of those who harp about “tree-huggers” and “bleeding heart liberals” are actually unbalanced Hawk people. It wasn’t that long ago that our president was so certainly refuting the concerns of other nations on the issue of Global Warming. “No such thing” he was saying. Towards the end of his term, Bush begun to change his tune though, as he did about so many other things, and admitted that this issue “may be of some concern”. Personally, I don’t believe we can afford the luxury of such selfish, close-minded, and disconnected views, most especially on topics like this which affects not only our own People… but All Our Relations as well. In my view, it is our duty to Respect and care for our World and All Our Relations to the best of our abilities, and we are long overdue for truly responsible and adult societal decisions made with forethought for future generations.

“The earth we abuse and the living things we kill will, in the end, take their revenge; for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future.” Marya Mannes, More in Anger, 1958

“Because we don’t think about future generations, they will never forget us.” Henrik Tikkanen

“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.” Ansel Adams

For all that I have talked about Hawk in relation to some Native Traditions, they certainly aren’t limited to just that culture. Ra and Horus were both depicted as hawk or falcon-headed. These were powerful deities of the Sun and Sky, greatly esteemed in Ancient Egypt. The symbols Eye of Horus and Eye of Ra endure as potent symbols of protection, natural harmony, power and leadership. A popular story of Horus tells how he grows to manhood to avenge the death of his father Osiris by battling his cruel uncle Set. He is said to continue battling Set each day to ensure the safety of the world. Harmakhet, a variation of Horus, was the god of the dawn, keeper of secret wisdom.

It is thought by some that the Great Sphinx is a depiction of Harmakhet. In other renderings, Horus is represented by a winged sun or as a lion with the head of a hawk. The Hawk’s association with the power and creativity of the sun, secrets, wisdom, leadership, latent powers, dominion over the sky, temperance, protection, illumination, justice and truth goes back a long way! How does this Teacher appear in your life?

“We do face the sun and pray to God through the sun, asking for strength to complete the Sun Dance, and that our prayers will be heard… and in the sun we see visions.” Frank Fools Crow, Lakota Sioux

“The Sun, the Light of the world.
I hear him coming.
I see his face as he comes.
He makes the beings on earth happy
And they rejoice.
O, Wakan Tanka, I offer to You this world of Light.”
Black Elk, The Sacred Pipe

“There is a word meaning “All My Relations.”
We will live by this word.
We are related to everything.
We are still here!
We shall live!
Mitakuye Oyasin”
Black Elk

Potential Balancing Energies: Crow/Raven , Rabbit, Squirrels and chipmunks, “Trees”: http://www.redbubble.com/people/entwife/writing/3723849-roots-given-wings like pine , cottonwood , apple , willow, oak , mt ash/rowan , almond, cherry, sequoia, Plants like sunflower , roses , dandelion, asclepias , or angelica, Cricket/Grasshopper, Snake , Mouse/Rat , Owl , Eagle and other Raptors, Birds like Heron , Swan , Sparrow , Chickadee , American Robin , or Blue Jay, Frog/toad , Wolf / Coyote /Fox / Dog , Cat, Worm, Beetle, Insects like Dragonfly or Fly , Fish , Butterfly /Caterpillar stones like Fire Opal or Pyrite

Associated with: Ra, Horus, Isis, Osiris, Harmakhet, Frigga, Cerridwen, Circe, Apollo, Bran the Blessed, and King Arthur

Key Concepts: Awakening, Awareness, Truth, Temperance, Communication especially with the Spirit world, Messages/Omens/Signs, Natural Magic, Natural Law, Higher Purpose, Solar energy, Gaurdianship/Conservation, Interconnectedness/Connection with Creator and All Our Relations, Intuition, Visioning, Channeling, Latent Power, Creation/Creativity

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Tags:

all my relations, bird, entwife, hawk, medicine, native, nature, pagan, poem, poetry, redtail, spirit, spirit guide, spirituality, who sings now and wisdom