Earth Medicine, page 15
Woodpecker
SUMMARY
4. Woodpecker
4.1 BIRTH MONTH:21 June – 21 July
4.2 EARTH INFLUENCE: The Long Days Time
The Long Days Time is the first of the three cycles of the summer season and begins at the Summer Solstice when Nature starts to slow its pace and to grow towards the maturity of bearing fruit. The Long Days Time heralds the fulfilment of the promise of the spring season, which is the abundance that results from a firm rooting in the Earth.
The Summer Solstice, which marks the beginning of the Long Days Time, is the very height of the year when the days are longest and the nights the shortest. It is a time of delight in the great outdoors; a time when the rich, green vegetation is lush and comforting beneath the feet, and when the air is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of flowers.
It can be compared with the time in life when youth reaches adulthood and the period of testing and maturing. People whose birthdays are in the Long Days Time have the potential for bearing much fruit and to grow into the maturity which comes from gaining wisdom through experience and responsibility.
The Long Days Time can also be compared with midday when the Sun reaches its zenith and gives its brightest light and maximum warmth. For people born in this time, a lifetime of testing and developing to bring to maximum potential the inherent qualities they brought with them at birth is indicated.
It is a time, too, of hope and expectation for the long, hot days of summer that still lie ahead, and for the reward of all one’s efforts.
So it was that in ancient times the Summer Solstice was the Festival of Expectation.
4.3 SOLAR INFLUENCES
Nature is busy nurturing and protecting all that has been born as the Sun moves to its zenith to herald in the splendour of summer and the joy of alive-ness that the radiance of the Sun brings and which becomes evident everywhere.
Woodpeckers will share the nurturing and protective instincts and the sensitivities that abound in Nature now.
4.4 INFLUENCING WIND:
South Winds DIRECTION: South-south-east
As the rays of the Sun on a bright summer’s day are not obscured by clouds but are able to impart warmth and energy to all they touch, so people born in the Long Days Time are brought into incarnation on the warm Winds of the South and influenced by an essence which enables them to develop through the experience of direct contact. The influence of the South Winds is one that enables things to be comprehended ‘close to’ and to be seen in their true light.
People born in the Long Days Time are influenced by the directional power of the South whose ‘maturing’ energies operate in a spirit of trust and innocence. Indeed, South is sometimes described as ‘the place of Trust and Innocence’.
Let me try to explain that. According to the Amerindian all growing things ‘trust’ that their early growth has brought enough substance from the Earth to enable them to develop and mature in accordance with the purpose contained within the seed and, of course, to perpetuate themselves. Some might define that as a ‘divine’ trust that is inherent in growing things themselves.
Applied to the human condition, it means a childlike (but not childish!) dependence on one’s own inherent instincts, or that ‘inner voice’, in finding and fulfilling the purpose of one’s life, and not to be sidetracked by the cynicism, illusory fears, false values and guilt complexes of ‘adulthood’.
Innocence, to the Indian, does not mean naivity. It means impartiality and objectivity as compared with subjective opinion. It is a state of non-attachment. It is a condition of mind of the higher nature which is not selfish and possessive and sees not the differences but the unity of the whole and the harmony that is implicit in the duality of male and female and of all life.
Innocence is a state of mind that is required for purity of vision that is included by personal and selfish considerations. It is the awareness of the one-ness that exists between the one who is seeing and with what is seen.
Innocence, to the Indian, means retaining the simplicity of childhood while enjoying the experience of living, and being ever-ready to learn from every fresh ‘adventure’ in being alive so that life itself can continue to be one of excitement, enjoyment and fulfilment.
The power of the South was seen as providing the opportunity to rid oneself of the encumbrances that can obscure the source of those inherent instincts, the ‘inner voice’, conscience, or whatever name we give to it – the True Self – so that it might be recognized.
The animal associated with the power of the South as a totem by some tribes was not, as one might suppose from the philosophical outline I have given, large and powerful. It was, indeed, one of the smallest and most insignificant – the tiny mouse!
The mouse may appear to be completely inappropriate as a totem and a source of teaching. But bear in mind that the Indian considered that every creature had something of value to impart, so do not dismiss the little mouse.
The mouse, in fact, personified the characteristic of comprehending things by getting close to them – by feeling and by touch – because its whiskers were a special organ of touch which enabled it to be sensitive to its immediate surroundings.
The mouse thus perceives things through its closeness to them and by its feelings towards them. And it is this that is a principal characteristic of the South.
People born in the Long Days Time will be particularly affected by their feelings of closeness and by the closeness of their feelings. The way they act and the decisions they make will be largely determined by their emotions.
4.5 INFLUENCING ELEMENTS: Water
Those born in the Long Days Time are influenced by the element associated with the South – elemental Water. An elemental substance indicates how the cosmic forces or spiritual energies being absorbed into the human auric field are primarily expressed. Elemental Water which, since ancient times, has been likened to the emotions, finds expression in the feelings. So those born during the Long Days Time will be deeply affected by their emotions and feel things deeply.
Like physical water elemental Water has the quality of fluidity and will flow in whatever direction it is channelled. Emotions, too, have a ‘flowing” quality, but if bottled up can be the cause of frustration and bitterness, and even the root cause of some physical illnesses.
As water renews and refreshes, so elemental Water, too, has great transforming qualities. The polarity of Water is receptive (−).
4.6 ELEMENTAL CLAN: The Frog Clan (Water)
Long Days Time people are born into the Frog Clan and they have an affinity with water. This affinity can have many beneficial effects. For instance, a stroll by the sea or beside a lake or river, or even within hearing of running water, will have a calming effect and help the flow of inspirational and creative thought within them. In times of turmoil or stress, being near water will help to restore their equilibrium and is recommended, too, when it is necessary for them to make vital and important decisions.
As water dissolves and dilutes, so Frog Clan people have an ability to discern emotional blockages in others and to help to dissolve them. They can also dilute any build-up of negative energies which can often lead to physical, mental and emotional sickness. However, less positively, Frog Clan people can cause emotional blockages in themselves which can have a devastating effect on the flow of vital energies within themselves and within those who are closest to them.
The motivating force of the Frog Clan is the need to develop and mature.
4.7 BIRTH AND ANIMAL TOTEM: Woodpecker
The totem animal of those born in the Long Days Time is the Woodpecker – a colourful bird with a strong, sharp beak which is able to chip away at branches and tree trunks to create a nesting chamber or to bore in to catch insects.
The Woodpecker was specially regarded by the Amerindian because the rhythm of its pecking was similar to that of the shaman’s drum simulating the human heartbeat or the natural rhythm of the pulse of the Earth itself. And Woodpeckers were observed to perform their drumming, not always out of the necessity for food or shelter, but for sheer enjoyment and this particularly endeared them to the Indian.
The Woodpecker has sharp claws which enable it to cling to trees while it performs its drumming, and like their animal totem, Woodpecker people are inclined to cling tenaciously to things, and even to people.
Like the bird, Woodpecker people make good parents, too, but have difficulty in letting go of their young ones when they are old enough to make their own way in the world and will cling on to them even into old age, making their offspring continue to feel dependent on them. ‘Letting go’ is one of the hardest experiences for Woodpecker people to undertake for it is, in fact, a test of true love.
Just as Woodpeckers make a comfortable nest for themselves and for their young, so Woodpecker people require a comfortable and harmonious home. Indeed, the home and the close relationships it entails are absolutely vital for their well-being. If they are unable to share their ‘nest’ with someone they love, Woodpecker people – particularly women – can become bitter and even twisted.
Woodpeckers need someone or something to serve, to direct their energies and devotion towards. If they lack the means to channel their devotion, then they become very unhappy and wallow in a pool of negative emotions.
4.8 PLANT TOTEM: Wild rose
There are many species of the wild rose, which is a prickly shrub with trailing, climbing or erect stems. It produces five-petalled pinkish, reddish or white flowers. After the flowers disappear, fruit-like hips are formed and these are orange-coloured when ripe. The flowers blossom from May until July, and the hips are ready for harvesting in the autumn.
The wild rose has many medicinal properties. Dried rose petals can be taken for headaches and, mixed with honey, as a tonic and blood-purifier. Rose-water made from the petals was used by Amerindians as eye lotion and for relieving discomfort for hay fever sufferers. Rose petals were also made into an oil and used as a perfume. Dried petals also made a pleasant air-freshener.
Rosehips are rich in Vitamin C and are a fine remedy for colds, sore throats and influenza.
Like their plant totem, people born at this time can bring beauty, harmony and freshness into the lives of others, though they can be overly protective towards their offspring, and they do have a prickly side to their nature.
4.9 MINERAL TOTEM: Rose quartz
Rose quartz is a crystalline quartz whose delicate pink colour is due to traces of manganese. It is a stone which works with the heart chakra and I am told that it makes a person receptive to beautiful things – not just by enhancing an appreciation of beauty in physical objects, but of sounds (music), colours (art) and forms (poetry).
Since it harmonizes with the heart chakra, rose quartz helps to dissolve traumas, sorrows, fears and resentments that burden the heart, and it promotes understanding. It is a stone that is both a transmitter and a receiver, so it should be carried on the person.
It is said to encourage love between parents and children and has the attribute of strengthening family unity and kinship.
People of this totem develop strong family relationships and show a willingness to sacrifice much for the happiness of their children. Rose quartz is reputed to promote friendship and to disperse anger and strife.
Rose quartz is a healing stone and a helpful support in times of emergency. Similarly, Woodpecker people are helpful in emergencies, and with their intuitive insight are often able to know just what is required to deal with a sudden crisis situation.
4.10 POLARITY TOTEM: Goose
Woodpeckers’ intense feelings cause them to be protective towards their loved ones, but they can be overly protective and so unbalanced that they can turn their home into a prison.
Woodpeckers can learn from their polar opposite, Goose, to widen their horizon beyond the influence of the home, and to seek ways to serve those who are outside their family or clan. Woodpeckers need to develop outside interests and to engage in absorbing hobbies or sporting pursuits.
Because Woodpeckers live so often on raw, emotional energy, they need to acquire discipline and self-control, and Goose can teach them that. They must learn, too, not to harp on the past and ‘what might have been’, otherwise their life will be filled with regrets. Goose can show them how to balance their energies more effectively.
4.11 PERSONALITY EXPRESSION
Adult
Emotional, sensitive, protective and vulnerable. Woodpecker people have a strong paternal or maternal instinct. Their lives centre around the home, which is the only place they really feel safe in, and around their own family. They are warm and loving to those who are closest to them, but show a hard exterior to strangers.
They are highly emotional and easily upset. Indeed they will often play on the sympathy and loyalty of loved ones by appearing emotionally deprived and neglected, often magnifying a situation out of all proportion.
They develop strong attachments and will cling to whatever is important to them with a never-let-go tenacity. In fact, it is attachments that cause them the most stress and anxiety and even sickness. Through life-experiences, they must learn detachment in order to take control of their lives.
They are natural worriers, and their powerful imagination can often run riot so they become overly concerned about the future instead of getting on with the present.
Woodpecker people can swing between two extremes. They can be warm, kind and considerate on the one hand, and harsh, moody and bitter on the other.
Positive traits: Sensitive. Imaginative. Sympathetic. Protective. Tender. Shrewd. Thrifty.
Negative traits: Over-emotional. Hypersensitive. Moody. Unforgiving. Untidy.
Vocational possibilities: Art. Banking. Civil law. Consultancy work. Import/export. Nursing. Navy. Perfumery. Property. Theatre. Priesthood.
Child
The Woodpecker child is generally quite happy to play by itself without demanding constant attention, and is one of the easiest to bring up. It seems to enjoy its own company, and its active imagination helps it to find its own amusement.
Woodpecker children are sensitive though, and easily hurt. A harsh word can have a devastating effect and send them into a dark cloud of moodiness. They develop excellent memories, which enables them to absorb information easily. They are also good at soaking up the opinions of others and regurgitating them as their own.
Parent
Woodpeckers make caring parents and take great pleasure in their children. It seems that their sensitive nature is responsive to the vulnerability and innocence of a child.
Woodpecker fathers are proud, protective and patient, and Woodpecker mothers so caring that there is a tendency to overdo their protectiveness and to pamper their offspring. The Woodpecker mother is often reluctant to let her children grow up, and still regards them as her ‘babies’ sometimes long after they have children of their own.
4.12 ROMANCE AND SEX
Woodpecker people like to be held and cuddled and dealt with tenderly. They enjoy caressing and being caressed, and are turned on by kissing – particularly the slow, lingering kind. They are so highly charged emotionally that once they give their heart their commitment is total.
The male Woodpecker, however, has a need that requires more emotional than physical satisfaction. It may be that he is looking more for a mother than a wife.
The female Woodpecker has a more assertive sexual appetite. Indeed, it could be said of her that sex is as important to her as food – and she likes her food.
Woodpeckers are easily hurt, and disappointment, frustration or just plain denial can lead them to adopt a woe-is-me, nobody-loves-me attitude to life.
Though Woodpeckers can be kind and affable, thoughtful and understanding, they can swing to the other extreme and be bad-tempered, irritable, moody and snappy. At times they may be sympathetic and understanding towards their partner’s problems, and at other times concerned only with their own often exaggerated woes when any tiny hurt can be magnified into a great injustice and the topic of constant harping.
Compatibilities: Woodpeckers are compatible with Snakes, Wolves and Beavers (those born between 23 October and 22 November, 19 February and 20 March, and 20 April and 20 May).
Spiritual sexuality: (−) The basic spiritual sexuality of Woodpeckers is feminine, but of course this is not referring to gender. It means that they are usually introverted, nurturing and protective. Woodpeckers’ emotional receptivity makes them especially vulnerable and easily hurt.
4.13 HEALTH
Woodpecker people are generally robust and quick to recover from most illnesses. They are, however, sensitive to pain and have a low pain-resistance threshold.
Their weak areas are the chest and breasts and the stomach. They are prone to bronchial infections and stomach disorders. Invariably stomach upsets are brought on by worry.
4.14 AFFINITY COLOUR: Rose
Rose is a deeper colour than pink, partaking more of the energy of red, and it works with the emotions. It is particularly helpful to Woodpecker people as a balancer and a guard against moodiness and extremes.
Like its flower counterpart, it is associated with the affections and sentiments, for rose is the colour of compassion and of bringing together. It also signifies the desire to serve. Its attribute is loving-kindness which is the quality Woodpecker people need as a balancer of their inner dynamics.
Woodpeckers should find that wearing something rose-coloured, whether it is an item of clothing or an accessory, or even a handkerchief, brooch or tiepin, will have a beneficial effect on the way they feel and that they are not so emotionally vulnerable.
