The White Buffalo - by Rachel White
So, I’ve actually been taking some of the advice I outlined for the upcoming October 14th Libra New Moon + Eclipse in our recent post Mind the Gap here on Substack. I’ve been actively working to remediate adrenal fatigue through fasting, herbal “medicines”, and daily neural reset meditations, like Shamanic Journeying.
During one such afternoon Shamanic Journeying meditation just two days ago, I was greeted by an unexpected new totem animal: white buffalo. Now, I had a vague sense of the symbolic importance of a white vs. normal buffalo— largely courtesy of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods series— but I must confess: despite being Native American, I’m honestly not that deep on Native American lore.
But this unexpected new furry friend— and his roots in Lakota Sioux mythology— wasn’t the only aberration in this meditation. In fact, almost every aspect of this Shamanic Journey was different: the sights, sounds and even pace of the experience had nothing in common with those of the last two decades.
After the meditation, I sat up confused and excited. This is why we do this work: the unexpected Easter egg, the new totem animal, the shift in the visual and sensory experience of my standard meditation technique— all seemingly out of nowhere. As per usual, it’s when we release all expectation or focus or ask of spirit that we are primed to receive the biggest gifts.
In my journeying meditation, white buffalo was adamant with me about relaxing and focusing on self-care. He said, “You’ve already done all the work and now all you have to do is get ready to watch it unfold, receiving the gifts that have grown from your efforts.” He was firm about it, too, apparently sensing my resistance and pathological desire to constantly create new goals and new work, asserting, “You won’t get anywhere if you continue to push. There’s nowhere to go. Now is the time to be still and receive. You can only receive these gifts if you allow them. You’ve already done the work- time to enjoy it.”
Imagine my “surprise”— after all, nothing in shamanism is a coincidence— when I discovered that buffalo totem animal is all about receiving gifts and enjoying abundance, as outlined by the incredible Ted Andrews, writing in Animal Speak: “Buffalo totem animal represents manifesting abundance through right action and right prayer.”
I continued to read, learning more detail around the Lakota Sioux myth of the white buffalo: “Once a beautiful woman dressed in white buffalo fur appeared. She brought to the Lakota the sacred pipe which showed how all things were connected. She taught the men and the women many mysteries of the earth, and she taught them how to pray for and bring forth abundance. As she left, she rolled upon the earth and became a white buffalo calf and then disappeared over the horizon. No sooner has she disappeared and great herds of buffalo were seen all around the Indian camps.”
In this story, the buffalo’s lesson is that we do not have to struggle to survive, and that abundance and the manifestation is already available. The humps on the buffalo represent the stores of resources that can be tapped without continued active effort, representing a potentially permanent shift in my approach to work and life more generally.
I mean, this totem animal visit might be the one time I’m happy to have some stores of metaphorical fat from which to draw!
The key for how I’m supposed to harness my new totem animal’s energy? Slow down. Sustain myself a bit more on what I’ve already accumulated. Allow synchronicity to operate within my life. Cultivate an appreciation for divine timing, instead of assuming (however subconsciously) that I’m in control of every condition.
Only in the space created can I receive what’s coming.
With buffalo totem animal, I’m looking forward to new opportunities for abundance and increase— but I also know that I’ll need to remain in a relative state of prayer. Am I honoring that which I seek? Am I remembering that the divine is essential to all things physical? Am I showing gratitude for what I already have? Enjoying the life that I’ve built?
And, perhaps most importantly, do I trust that spirit has my back as I release the wheel?
Whew. It’s a tall order— particularly in a time of social and economic upheaval and scarcity— but I’m going to give it a go.
Who knows? It might just work out. You know…. like literally everything else I’ve ever explored in shamanism and spirituality more broadly;)
Today I realized the crazy “coincidence” (wink) that I got this new totem animal and guidance just before facilitating a totem-animal themed online workshop this coming Saturday, October 14th!
This visit from the white buffalo has totally rekindled my energy and excitement for totem animal work, and I can’t wait to share all that I’ve learned about how to identify, meet and work with these powerful spiritual helpers, including:
Shamanic definitions and perspectives on totem animals
Details re: Shamanic Journeying Meditation— how and why it works
Architecture of the Lower, Middle and Upper Worlds in shamanism
How to meet a totem animal via a meditation, real life, and in dreams
How to create a deeper connection with totem animals
Harnessing the power of “shapeshifting” to share totem animal sensory experience
What crystals, flower essences, and aromatherapy blends can support totem animal work
This online workshop is also going to include a guided Shamanic Journeying Meditation designed to put you face-to-whiskers with your very own totem animal. I’ll also be providing a PDF handout to all attendees.
This 3-hour immersive workshop is unprecedented for the $30 price. Spaces are limited and we will be closing registration the day before the event to ensure everyone has the proper Zoom info, so if you’re interested secure your spot on Eventbrite HERE.
If nothing else, just know that something has definitely shifted in the world of woo and the spiritual ecosystems of totem animals. I’m still blown away by my recent journeying experience and my new totem animal, and eager to receive some new spiritual and literal gifts.
If nothing else, just keep your eyes and ears open. We encounter animal messengers everyday in waking reality and in our dreams. The key? Just pay attention. Honor them when they come our way by acknowledging their existence.
Who knows what totem animals are to come for you this fall and winter. Try to cultivate a sense of wonder— and a beginner’s mind— as you ready yourself for your new spirit animal!
-Rachel
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