Horse

The horse has long been a symbol of freedom, grace and strength. Those who have the horse as their animal totem or power animal are well aware of the powerful spiritual medicine associated with this noble and beautiful animal. For hundreds of years horses and humans have shared an alliance, one in which the horse helped provide transportation, pull plows or carry burdens. But even in this role of working for humans, the horse has within it a type of untamed power, one that harkens back to its wild ancestors. It is this wild, untamed spirit that lends so much magic to the medicine of the horse totem.

Shamans throughout the world recognize the wisdom within the horse, a wisdom that is associated with such things as travel, intuition and freedom. As with other animal totems some people will have the horse as their totem throughout their life, or it may appear on occasion in order to bring a lesson or message.

If horse wisdom is appearing in your life, whether during meditation, dreams or appearing symbolically during your day, it is wise to listen to the messages and teachings that it brings. The messages that the horse brings can vary so you'll need to ask yourself some questions to better understand their meanings and lessons you need to take from them.

For example, because horses are herd animals and depend upon the cooperation of the group for survival, the lesson coming your way may be one of working together with others or learning from the group. Horse medicine is also associated with courage and independence, so the lesson may be one of taking risks or finding your own personal power.

Other lessons and powers associated with the horse totem include:

• Friendship
• Adventure
• Stamina
• Psychic abilities
• Warning of possible danger
• The importance of self-care
• Finding your place in the world
• Spiritual freedom
• Joy
• Perseverance
• Creativity and expression

People who have the horse as their personal totem tend to be fiercely independent individuals who greatly cherish the ability to freely express themselves. They can also be intuitive and compassionate people who can be good teachers, leaders or healers. Because of the strong independent streak in the horse, people with this totem may find themselves resenting authority figures or resisting rules so for this reason it's important to maintain balance and remember the importance of cooperation. On the other hand, if a horse totem person becomes overly cooperative and giving, they may find themselves feeling emotionally, physically or spiritually drained. If this is the case it's important to remember the importance of self-nurturing and personal empowerment.

As you can see, the horse is a complex and powerful totem. By keeping yourself connected and in tune with the energy and gifts that it brings, you may find that your spirit will gain much wisdom and strength.

Hope you enjoyed this great find!

Denise Maryanski