THE HORSE

My Spirit Guide on this Earth Walk

"Mighty Horse...
Power to run
Across the open plains
Or to bring the vision
Of the shields
Dancing in the purple dream rain"

"The horse was introduced to this continent by the Spaniard when they arrived in the middle of the sixteenth century. Within two centuries the horses had been acquired by almost every tribe and had transformed the Indian's life. As there was no Indian word for horse, and it carried burdens like dog, it was usually named Elk Dog, Spirit Dog, Sacred Dog, or Moose Dog." ~~excerpt from "American Indian Myths and Legends" by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz

SUNSET MARE

Jewel of the sun
On dusky hooves, dash and dive
Poetry in motion, so they say
The intellegent brown eyes
Pricked ears pointed forward
Watching her world go by
My sunset mare
A joy in my life
The exhilaration of the ride
Wind through her mane
A touch of sun's rays
Licking my hands on the reins
My sunset mare
My Jewel

"Horse is physical power and unearthly power. In shamanic practices throughout the world, Horse enables shamans to fly through the air and reach heaven.

"Humanity made a great leap forward when Horse was domesticated, a discovery akin to that of fire. Before Horse, humans were earthbound, heavy-laden, and slow creatures indeed. Once humans climbed on Horse's they were as free and fleet as the wind. They could carry heavy burdens for great distances with ease. Through their special relationship with Horse, humans altered their self-concept beyond measure. Horse was the first animal medicine of civilization. Humanity owes an incalculable debt to Horse and to the new medicine it brought. It would be a long walk to see one's brother or sister if Horse had not welcomed it's two-legged rider upon it's back. Today we measure the capacity of engines with the term "horsepower", a reminder of the days when Horse was an honored and highly-prized partner with humanity.

"Dreamwalker, a medicine man, was walking across the plains to visit the Arapaho Nation. He carried with him his pipe. The feather tied into his long black hair pointed to the ground, marking him as a man of peace. Over the rise of a hill, Dreamwalker saw a herd of wild mustangs running towards him.

"Black Stallion approached him and asked if he was seeking an answer on his journey. Black Stallion said, 'I am from the Void where Answer lives. Ride on my back and know the power of entering the Darkness and finding the Light.' Dreamwalker thanked the Black Stallion and agreed to visit him when his medicine was needed in Dreamtime.

"Yellow Stallion approached Dreamwalker next and offered to take him to the East, where illumination lives. Dreamwalker could share the answers he found there to teach and illuminate others. Once again, Dreamwalker thanked Yellow Stallion and said he would use these gifts of power on his journey.

"Red Stallion approached, rearing playfully. He told Dreamwalker of the joys of balancing work and heavy medicine with the joyful experiences of play. He reminded Dreamwalker that he could better hold the attention of those he taught when humor was intergrated with the lesson. Dreamwalker thanked him and promised to remember the gift of joy.

"Dreamwalker was nearing his destination. The Arapaho Nation was close at hand. White Stallion came to the front of the herd. Dreamwalker mounted White Stallion's back. White Stallion was the message carrier for all the other horses, and represented wisdom and power. This magnificent horse was the embodiment of the balanced medicine shield. 'No abuse of power will ever lead to wisdom' said the White Stallion. 'You, Dreamwalker, have made this journey to heal a brother in need, to share the sacred pipe, and to heal the Mother Earth. You have the knowledge through humility that you are an instrument of Great Spirit. As I carry you on my back, you carry the needs of the people on yours. In wisdom, you understand that power is not given lightly but awarded to those who are willing to carry responsibility in a balanced manner.'

"Dreamwalker, the shaman, had been healed by the visit of the wild horses, and knew that his purpose in coming to the Arapaho was to share these gifts with them.

"In understanding the power of Horse, you may see how to strive for a balanced medicine shield. True power is wisdom found in remembering your total journey. Wisdom comes from remembering pathways you have walked in another person's moccasins. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways to power."
~~~~~~~from the book "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams and David Carson

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