Animal teachings for life

The profound wisdom of the Anishinaabe and Ojibwe People can be found in the following timeless teachings that speak of the beauty of interconnectedness and interdependence. As a spiritual translation of the sacred laws, the teachings guide us towards what is described by the Ojibwe People as mino-bimaadiziwin or The Good Life which is a life lived in harmony, free from contradiction or conflict.

1) The Raven for Honesty

Honesty is a teaching that helps us to learn about ourselves and understand how to be genuine about our intentions and practice honesty towards ourselves, each other and the land. Ravens show us how to work things out for ourselves using the resources we have available. They encourage us to improve our skills, look after ourselves, take advantage of opportunities and protect those around us.

2) The Wolf for Humility

Humility is a teaching that enables us to face up to the reality of our actions and understand the impact we have on each other and the land. Humility is practised when we own up to our shortcomings and are willing to learn from past experiences. Wolves teach us how to work together as a family and how to look after each other. Wolves remind us to be humble by understanding our capabilities, sharing and doing our best.

3) The Turtle for Truth

Truth is a teaching that reminds us to honour what we say, to know our own truth and to develop reciprocal relationships with each other in a natural a cycle of give and take. The Turtle symbolises longevity, perseverance, patience and resilience. They remind us of the importance of perspective and awareness so that we can live a balanced and fulfilled life in the reality of the present moment.

4) The Eagle for Love

Love is a teaching that encourages us to love unconditionally and to receive gracefully in reciprocal relationships with each other and all that Mother Earth sustains. The energy and frequency of love felt and expressed from the heart is represented by the Eagle who soars high in the sky and connects to source. Our Indigenous Elders honour the Eagle as a reminder for us to do the same and to resonate with love, as with love, anything is possible.

5) The Bear for Courage

Courage is a teaching that helps us to face up to our greatest fears and barriers to success which are very often self-inflicted. It makes us think of a Mother Bear (think Mamma Bear) who will stand up to a much bigger Bear to protect her cubs. This is a virtue we must work towards every day so that we become stronger and understand how to free ourselves from perceived anxieties and dangers as we grow.

6) The Beaver for Wisdom

Wisdom is a teaching that shows us how knowledge is gained through experience. This is represented by the Beaver who demonstrates reciprocity, responsibility and respect in how they craft the waterways, work with the land and look after their families. The Beaver teaches us to be productive, to not to limit our options and to work as a team where individuals work for the beneficial of all.

7) The Buffalo for Respect

Respect is a teaching that underpins all teachings and is represented by the Buffalo who provided all that was needed to live a good and healthy life by Indigenous Peoples. Respect is essential in building reciprocal relationships based on the give and take of generosity and gratitude. The Buffalo reminds us to honour each other and the gifts of Nature through right intention, right action and sharing of the abundance.

Teaching the teachings

I came across the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings very early on in researching Home Education and was delighted to discover this is offered as a teaching and classroom resource by Every Living Thing.

I am learning that there are many resources available for activities that support flexible, child-led learning. These are being shared in the community as more of us feel inspired to learn about things outside the curriculum and pass them on - just as our ancestors did before us.

The Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings bring us closer to Nature as we learn about personalities and traits found in the living world, they also bring us a set of core values that we can relate to and aspire to live by.

It is time to bring such teachings and wise wisdom into the light for the benefit of our own communities. As the Grandfathers and Grandmothers of life itself, our Indigenous Elders have the best interests of humanity at heart. They love, understand and respect Mother Earth. They show us what we can learn from the natural world and how to make the connection. What better teachers to lead us into the Golden Age!

Thank you for reading and sharing, I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf

Futher Reading

I came across this book to add to my reading list and will write a review about it See below). Robin Wall Kimmerer is a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, embracing the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

If you click on the above link you can purchase the book from my affiliate bookshop in support of independent sellers and bookshops. Spiral Leaf may earn a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you!

Read my Review

An indepth review for this beautiful book full of Indigenous Wisdom and Nature's treasures.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer