Winter wonder time… The trees outside have dropped their leaves, focusing their energy into their core as animal friends crawl into their cozy caves and hidden holes to sleep away the winter. All of nature is pulling inward...contracting, conserving, as we huddle inside our toasty abodes, mirroring nature all around us. And in this slower, quieter season, we look inward. This is winter, what natives have called “the looks within time.” And, while we’re plumbing these depths, our animal of the season can help us along the way. 

December 22 through January 19 is the called the “Time for Renewal” and the birth totem for this month is the snow goose.  

Snow Goose brings great gifts that not many are aware of. Gifts particularly relevant for doing self-healing work, as well as working with others. Goose medicine is powerful juice for artists, communication facilitators, and anyone who seeks movement, whether physical or spiritual, inner or outer. Here is an overview of just some of the gifts you may be able to access if you choose to work with Goose medicine: 

Ø   Geese reflect movement; in this case, a spiritual quest. They stir our imaginations and make us want to search out new worlds and dimensions. As harbingers of spring, they also speak of the fulfilled promises that such quests bring.

Ø   Along with the above, they have very keen vision and, as a totem, can aid in developing both physical and spiritual vision.

Ø   Geese also have a powerful voice and their incessant honking seems to be beckoning us to follow them on the spiritual quest. This can also be a lesson in daring to use our own voice to encourage and instigate others.

Ø    Goose has long been associated with the “stimulation of the childhood thrill and belief in stories and legendary places”[1] and can stir the imagination toward new travels, inwardly and outwardly.

Ø   Goose further inspires us to review the childhood stories that were and/or are significant to us; how they may have imprinted us for good or bad, contributing to our current patterns.

Ø   As the gosling begins very quiet but then learns to break free, goose can also aid us in breaking free of the restraints from those childhood stories and patterns to which we are attached.

Ø   Goose aids in communication, especially through the use of stories. Hence, they stimulate the imagination and can help one move through creative blocks.

Ø   Geese fly in a “V” formation, like an arrowhead pointing in new directions. Their flight behavior also reminds us that as each individual makes her quest, it becomes easier for others to do so.

Ø   They also fly in a pattern that allows each individual to have an unobstructed view, reminding us that we should not undertake a quest without having a full view of what it entails, as well as how we should take care not to block the path of others on their quest.

Ø      Lastly, geese mate for life -- sharing the responsibilities of offspring – and are a symbol of fertility and fidelity. This medicine does not relate just to couples, however, It can include fidelity to friends, family -- even our mission in life – and fertility of thought, richness of play, etc.

If you haven’t yet worked, or worked successfully, with spirit medicines – or if you would just like some ideas – I began this year by offering up a little guide on working with totems, which you may find below. And, as always, you can use the search function for any subject you would like. 

Again, here’s wishing you the highest good in the coming year. May you enjoy the journey!

In the Light,

Ashandra-Aah