Poppies and totems

I was drawn to pull a card for myself tonight, but decided to move away from the cards I've been working so closely with for the past few years.

However, I have to admit to being a huge Isha Lerner fan. This card is from her Power of Flowers deck.

My card is Oriental Poppy.

Blazing Poppy,

Bearer of Dreams,

A Shaman's Call

To magical schemes.

Guide me into light and dark,

A path of transformation,

I embark.

Latin: Paparer orientale

Color(s): Brilliant Orange

Archetype: Shaman. The Shaman’s Way is a path of the heart involving profound reverence for the natural world at its deepest levels. We see that no real separation exists when one is in constant rhythm with plants, stars, animals, insects, birds, stones, and mountains, and that Nature is a sanctuary, a sacred womb, where body and soul truly meet.

Signature: Blossoms open dramatically, facing the sun, exposing deep black centers that reveal spider-like shapes within. Rich-green, fern-like leaves grow in clusters and the plant produces many large, long-stemmed bulbs resembling drumsticks, which become delicate rattles when dried.It can withstand extreme weather conditions. It is hardy, yet profoundly delicate by nature.

Healing Properties: Oriental Poppy beckons one to journey into the mysteries of creative visualisation and dream journaling, as used by ancient Shamans. Oriental Poppy is an excellent remedy for those wishing to enhance their clairvoyant and telepathic skills.

Healing: The Poppy Shaman calls you back to your true home in Nature, where your soul speaks directly to you, delivering its many sacred messages. Deep in your heart, the muses are aroused and the plant and animal spirits surround you. Vibrant rainbow colours swirl around the Poppy Shaman's head, symbolising the divine rays of unity and harmony that exist only when one has attuned to Nature and Her consorts in the deepest possible way. The white butterflies who bask in the translucent colors of the rainbow are signs of transformation, for the deep core of the Oriental Poppy calls you to the dark mysteries that dwell, paradoxically, within the light. The Shaman's bright orange robe shimmers with passion, stimulating the creative center that exists just below the navel. It is from this place, the womb chakra, that psychic energy is birthed. Dragonfly, polar bear, lion, eagle, fish, and caterpillar are the sacred totems of the Poppy Shaman.

To which these spirits are you most attuned?


Believe it or not, this was a tough question for me to answer - I couldn't decide between the dragonfly and the lion.

DRAGONFLY

Dragonfly is the power of light. The dragonfly inhabits two realms: air and water and the influence of both these elements will be felt by Dragonfly people. They will be emotional and passionate during their early years (the influence of water) and more balanced with greater mental clarity and control in as they mature (the influence of air).

Dragonfly is the essence of the winds of change, the messages of wisdom and enlightenment; and the communication from the elemental world.

Dragonfly medicine beckons you to seek out the parts of your habits which need changing. Call on Dragonfly to guide you through the mists of illusion to the pathway of transformation. The number 2 is important to Dragonfly, so think in terms of two year periods when you begin a change. Dragonfly brings the light and color of transformation into your life.

LION

Creature of the Sun Lord,
beloved of the Lady,
Reveal to me the ancient methods of magic.
Walk beside me as I grow in strength and courage.
Show me when to keep ties strong and when to break them.
Help me to understand the times for work and the times for rest.
Mighty lion, lend me your energies.

Lion: Feminine Power

The Lion is the symbol of the sun and of gold. Medieval alchemists associated Lion with sulfur. A Lion totem presents a lesson in dealing with groups and your role within those groups. It is a totem for avoiding confrontations and for stealth. Take the easy way to meet your goals; do not confront them head on. A Lion totem tells you to trust your feminine energies – creativity, intuition and imagination. But don’t be afraid to roar if threatened.