Symbolism is a huge part of our lives and culture.  Historically, symbolism has taken a plethora of shapes and forms.

One segment of this…. which  often interests me….  is animal symbolism.  Since “time” first made its debut with us people-types …. animals have served as “badges” of the personality traits that we little humans aspire to achieve.  Sometimes we look to that symbolism to reflect how we are… or how we wish to be.

Brave as a bear.  The proud eagle.  Loyal like a Dog.  Quiet as a mouse.  Oh, it goes on it on in that manner.

There are entire studies devoted to animal totems and symbolism.  Some feel that animal totems assist in understanding our past, and suggest that if we are attentive…. our animal totems can reveal glimpses of our future.

If nothing else, they aid in self-discovery.  They can capture our imagination, giving us incredible avenues of self-expression and awareness.

Now, there is an entire Native American Zodiac to match the more commonly known Zodiac.  I…. am…… well…. I am a Beaver.  Now I think this is actually pretty cool.  In the sense of the animal, it is a nifty and neat little creature.  She is busy.  I am busy.  She builds things and is a hard worker.  Likes water.  Good swimmer.  Hey.  Me too.

The Native American Symbol System says Beavers can be cunning and razor sharp.  BUT, people of the beaver-sign can also be nervous, possessive and over-demanding.  I am as guilty as wood-chucking-charged.

Here are how the rest go.

Aquarius = Otter
Pisces = Wolf
Aries = Falcon
Taurus  = Beaver
Gemini = Dear
Cancer  = Woodpecker
Leo = Salmon
Virgo = Bear
Libra = Raven
Scorpio = Snake
Sagittarius = Owl
Capricorn = Goose

And then there is the whole other side to this.  It is the one which tells about the occasion you see the animal.  For instance … if you see a squirrel, you make think it means fun.  Oh no.  Not at all.  It means “practicality and preparedness.”  It means you should examine your own provision in life.  I see a LOT of squirrels.  I am telling you that much right now.  Wolves mean something else.  Spiders, something else, and …. well… you get it.

So today… I saw a snake. For most people, it is simply a fear-invoker. But, I am not afraid of them at all.  Yet… according to the article I read, it is supposed to mean “a symbol of secret knowledge, cunning and transformation.”

But I saw a lot more squirrels than snakes. And more cows than squirrels.  Way more birds than cows…. I have so many animal symbols running around right now… I don’t know what to think.  There’s a whole zoo in my head.  And a barnyard.  It is getting crowded up there.

Ahhhhhhhhh.  That explains a lot.  Suddenly… this is ALL making sense.

It must be some kind of a sign.

Swedish Red.  Randall.

Highland.  Dutch Belted. And….Belgian Blue.

All of these are kinds of Cows.   I finally have learned about Holsteins, Jersey, Short Horns,  and Angus and such.  All of this after growing up in inner-city Dayton.   A city girl.  I did not know cows came in all of these flavors.

But recently…. I found out that invisible cows are herd…. but not seen.
And cows that are pampered too much will only give…. spoiled milk.
If you decide to knock a cow over… you mustn’t cry over spilled milk.

But back to my youth.

Yep.  A large Catholic Family growing up in an urban area.  The only kind of cows I knew…. were Holy Cows.

I wonder if Holy Cows drink Holy Water.  Heaven only knows.

But now that I am out here in the country, I’ve decided to give this cow farming thing a try.  But…. the other day I was milking a cow… and pulled my calf.

Oh.  Enough already.

Well…. almost.  Just one more thing.

Frequently, it seems our cows are terribly grumpy.  I just think they are mooooody.

Most of them won’t even give milk.  That would make them…. are udder failures.

Ohhhhh….. Sorry.   I don’t know what is wrong with me tonight.   I guess I’m just feeling kind of …. cheesy.

But cows are truly miraculous animals.  Just remember… without the cow….

specifically…..  those chilly Artic Cows…..

YOU would not have ice cream.

“We live at the edge of miraculous.”  – Henry Miller