Queen of Dreams Radio
This weekend, Kathy Garland and I drove west to check out some more retreat centers. She has an amazing women’s leadership retreat coming up (a few spots still remain, I believe, check with her directly) the first week of November, and we are also looking for a place for upcoming events (more info on those later).
I drove since mom, a.k.a. Dusty Rose, lives out west (past Fort Worth out near Mineral Wells – Texas for those of you who don’t know) and I have driven that route many times before. We hit Starbucks for a quit pick-me-up, and then drove, and drove, and drove.
Along the way, our feathered friends greeted us. I know I’ve been posting quite often about animal messengers, but, it seems, we’ve been having more than our fair share of close encounters of the bird kind!
While we were at Wildcatter Ranch, we saw a West Texas Roadrunner. Stunning! I have never seen one, but instantly knew it had to be a roadrunner. I found myself mesmerized by this little bird, and he (she?) seemed to be paralyzed for a moment as we gawked at it. The feeling I had was – industrious – open, and nimble. Quick, but maybe too quick for its own good. How am I being too quick for my own good, I wondered? As we descended the hill leaving Wild Katter, Kathy pointed to rain in the distance… it looked like mist – almost like dust (which is what I thought it was – ha ha). A nice spit bath for us for a moment before the sun came out from behind those gorgeous thunderhead clouds again. Wow… this is why I love how beautiful the southwest is.
Here’s more on roadrunner…
Roadrunners are ground dwelling cuckoos ranging in length from 20 to 24 inches from the tip of its tail to the end of its beak. Legend has it that the roadrunner got its name from running on the road alongside horse drawn carriages. Although speed is its ally time is irrelevant to the roadrunner. [Whoa – that is like me!] It can do several things at once and isn’t bothered with completing one thing before moving on to the next. This is partly due to its great mental agility represented by the crest on its head.. Many native cultures believe a "crest" symbolizes quick and efficient thinking capabilities. Those with this medicine have the ability to think quickly on their feet, flow with rapid change and understand the proper use of speed.
The roadrunner is a large black and white mottled ground bird. It has strong feet, a long tail and an oversized bill. It can run up to 17 miles per hour. When the roadrunner senses danger or is traveling downhill, it flies, but it cannot keep its large body airborne for more than a few seconds and so, it prefers walking or running. It has a clownish gait when running or walking and reminds us to laugh with ourselves and not take things too seriously. [Kathy and I laughed at how he must be unbalanced – the sheer size of his body would do that].
Roadrunner teaches us the importance of honoring our personal needs first before giving to others. [Ooops…:)] Some might think of this as a selfish act but in truth it is a balanced one. Although roadrunner has an ulterior motive when offering the female food (that of breeding) it carries the message of survival. Take care of yourself first and then assist others.
Because roadrunner is always thinking of ways to get what it wants it reminds those with this medicine to use the ingenuity of their minds. If a problem occurs "think" yourself out of it. Highly intelligent, roadrunner medicine people have the mental capabilities to fix or change any situation. Procrastination is not part of this medicine. Roadrunner reminds us that mental alertness, speedy action coupled with the right use of sound always produces harmonious outcomes. [Amen!]
Cardinals seemed to come out of the woodwork today. I have never really noticed them that often before, but Kathy says that she sees them all the time so all of a sudden, I saw like five pass in front of the car – crazy!
Kathy mentioned that cardinals deal with spirituality. When these little guys flew past us, all I could seem to think about was work… getting from one place to another. Like, they have a point, what is the point? I’ve shared before that with healing, and letting go of the rescuer in me I’ve often wondered what the ‘point’ is…the point is always to love – ourselves and others. How can I love myself and others in the highest way possible? A question that haunts my waking hours!
Here’s more about cardinal…I included all of this because most of it spoke to me… wow!
The cardinal is a power packed bird that transforms and awakens us. Its color and its voice are its two strongest characteristics. It is a member of the finch family and is often recognized by its brilliant red color.
The eggs laid by the female hatch in about twelve days. This, along with the cardinal being a year round resident, reflects the rhythm of the number twelve. The number twelve often has important significance for those with this totem. It can indicate a turn of events or a life changing situation. When the cardinal flies into your life expect a change to occur within 12 days, 12 weeks, 12 months or at the hour of 12. Because this bird is a year round resident its medicine is available at all times and should be used by those with this totem whenever a need arises.
Cardinals have a loud whistle, Whistles penetrate the air with sharp distinct tones. They demand our attention urging us to hear what is carried through the air. Both male and female cardinals join in the whistling. This reflects the need to integrate our male and female characteristics into our day to day life. Feminine energy is linked to intuition. Male energy is linked to perseverance. If both are operating within our life our intuitive knowledge has the perseverance and strength necessary to manifest our goals and dreams.
Cardinals eat many decaying weeds and injurious insects. When a cardinal appears in your life it is telling you to pay attention to your eating habits. Are you eating things that might be injurious to your health? IS your diet nutritionally balanced? Extra care should be given to the blood and circulatory system. Past life ties to overindulgence or the consumption of poisonous substances is often linked to cardinal medicine people.
The bright red color of the cardinal is very symbolic. Red represents the blood or life force of the Mystic Christ. In yoga circles this vital force is known as the kundalini. The kundalini lies dormant within us until activated by a disciplined spiritual practice. Once activated spiritual power can be attained. The cardinal offers safe passage into the world of personal power for those who ask for its help.
When a person with cardinal medicine steps onto a spiritual path there will be no turning back. Everything else in their life will seem insignificant. Extra care must be taken here to insure personal happiness, particularly in the area of one to one relationships. Balancing spiritual ideals and physical pleasure will need to be instated in ones life so harmony on all levels is known.
Cardinals are named for the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church with their bright red robes. A great love or a strong dislike for religion and churches is common amongst cardinal medicine people and can indicate a past life connection with one or both.
The cardinals voice is strong and clear and reflects an air of importance. This power packed bird can teach you how to express your truth, develop confidence and walk you talk. If you respect its teachings it will lead you home.
This post is getting tooooo long… more tomorrow! 
What part of the world is grabbing your attention? What’s on your radar?
Leave a Reply
