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Author Topic: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul  (Read 2681 times)

entwife

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Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« on: January 04, 2012, 09:59:33 pm »
“Dream Dancer,
Wave Rider,
Sleek hounds of the Sea…
We course
before Manannon and Fand,
hunting the Lands
Between…
wind and wave,
dream and deed,
rainbow and sand…
And guide storm-tossed souls
with velvet hands.

We teach how to
slip from fur to skin
and back again.
Gliding,
Twirling,
Waltzing from one world
to the next.
Whether Guiding yourself
through reef and rocks,
or relationships,
Listening to the Inner Song is best.

Balance and flip
bright spheres of thought.
Feed upon elusive schools
so quick with creativity,
deep wisdom;
fortune
and fertility.

But!

Don’t get tangled
in their nets!
Beware
the Pale Huntress
and the ravenous throng!
And never become slave
to the clever tricks
you juggle,
Lest you lose yourself
in fairy glamor
or Life’s grand circus!
Honor your relations.
Know thyself.
Hold fast to your dreams,
and you will live your purpose."


Each singing poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature. Can you guess who is singing?
« Last Edit: January 04, 2012, 10:02:11 pm by entwife »
Wishing you laughter

Morag

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2012, 11:35:46 pm »
Quote from: entwife;37584
“Dream Dancer,
Wave Rider,
Sleek hounds of the Sea…
We course
before Manannon and Fand,
hunting the Lands
Between…
wind and wave,
dream and deed,
rainbow and sand…
And guide storm-tossed souls
with velvet hands.

We teach how to
slip from fur to skin
and back again.
Gliding,
Twirling,
Waltzing from one world
to the next.
Whether Guiding yourself
through reef and rocks,
or relationships,
Listening to the Inner Song is best.

Balance and flip
bright spheres of thought.
Feed upon elusive schools
so quick with creativity,
deep wisdom;
fortune
and fertility.

But!

Don’t get tangled
in their nets!
Beware
the Pale Huntress
and the ravenous throng!
And never become slave
to the clever tricks
you juggle,
Lest you lose yourself
in fairy glamor
or Life’s grand circus!
Honor your relations.
Know thyself.
Hold fast to your dreams,
and you will live your purpose."


Each singing poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature. Can you guess who is singing?

 
Dolphins.
Pray drunk. Hex sober.
Priestess of the 3
"The most powerful god at any given moment is the one who can solve the moment's problem."
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Finn

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2012, 01:24:41 am »
Quote from: Morag;37604
Dolphins.

 
I think it's Seal.
Fight evil: read books.

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Fagan_the_Pagan

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2012, 02:59:24 am »
Quote from: Finn;37617
I think it's Seal.

 
I think seal as well.  It sounds like there are some Selkie references as well, with

"We teach how to
slip from fur to skin
and back again."

And and the Pale Huntress line links back to the earlier Shark poem, which referenced Selkie meat.
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entwife

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2012, 05:51:35 am »
Quote from: Finn;37617
I think it's Seal.

 
“The mother’s heart is the child’s school-room.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

“That which the dream shows is the shadow of such wisdom as exists in man, even if during his waking state he may know nothing about it…. We do not know it because we are fooling away our time with outward and perishing things, and are asleep in regard to that which is real within our self.” ~Paracelsus

“There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it.” ~Elizabeth A. Behnke

There are about 33 different species of Pinnipeds broken down into three Families; Phocidae (earless or true seals), Otaridae (eared or fur seals and sea lions), and Odobenidae (Walrus). Perhaps the most recognized Pinniped is the California Sea Lion which is found in zoos, aquatic parks, and circuses around the world. While not considered a “true” seal, I will be focusing specifically on this species as well as discussing general Seal Wisdom.

Sea Lions are opportunistic eaters whose diet includes: over 50 species of fish like salmon and mackerel, squids, octopus, occasional clams and lamprey. They either swallow their food whole or tear it into chunks. Sea lions are hunted by Great White, other large sharks, and orcas, but their largest fatalities are due to environmental poisons/stresses, fishing nets and a history of over-hunting by mankind.

Sea lions are roughly slender torpedo-shaped with larger fore-flippers and smaller flippered hind-feet. They have large eyes that see better underwater than on land. Unlike members of the Phocidae family, California Sea Lions have vestigial ear flaps near their ear holes. Male sea lions are larger than females, averaging about 700 pounds to the females average of 250. Males tend to be colored somewhat darker than females, with the traditional shades varying from dark gray or chocolate brown to near black. Adult males have a mane, although this physical aspect is not as noticeably pronounced as it is in other species. Sea Lion pelts often have a purple cast when dry. These seals reach maturity between 4 and 5 years of age, and sea lion lifespans average between 17 and 20 years in the wild, and 30 years or more in captivity. These coastal sea lions are found on the Western coasts of North America from central Mexico to British Columbia.

During breeding season (May-August), males arrive at breeding sites first so they can compete for territory with aggressive physical displays and vocalizations; grunts, roars, growls and barks that announce their boundaries from these otherwise rather quiet creatures. They will collect harems of females, up to roughly 14 individuals, attracted by their displays and prime territory. The initial 2-6 weeks is the usual mating period, and vigilant bull lions fast during this transitional time. While males will continue to patrol and defend their territory during their time on shore, they do not concern themselves with the to and fro of their respective females, nor do they actively court the females. Females initiate courtship and breeding by assuming submissive postures before the mate of their choice.

“The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men – from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

“My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.” ~Graycie Harmon

“A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary. " Dorothy C. Fisher

After reaching maturity, or after about 11 months of gestating for females who have already mated, sea lion cows will land and birth a live pup within a day or two of arriving at their mate’s territory. Usually there is only one mating and one pup per season, although cows go into estrus somewhere between 2 weeks and 28 days after giving birth. Females are, understandably, extremely aggressive during the first days after birth, and stay close to their pup. They will make progressively longer foraging trips after the pup’s first four days.

Pups are gathered into loose pods where they play, socialize with peers, and begin learning life skills while their mothers are hunting. Alloparenting, common amongst pinnipeds, has been observed in the behavior of the California Sea Lion although whether this is “normal” or consistent behavior for this species is still debated. Alloparenting refers to males or females of a species that provide parental care for young who are not their own.

In this case, pups are kept in the safer shallow waters and pod areas by several watchful females. This group of babysitters is often formed of older juveniles or unmated adult cows. Bulls also participate in this behavior by barking a warning to cows and pups about the presence of a predator, and occasionally physically driving predators away. Female sea lions have also been observed adopting and fostering a pup who has been abandoned by it’s mother or lost it’s mother to predators.

Whether or not our own mother was a positive, nurturing figure in our lives, this Teacher reminds us that this maternal love is always there for us, a free offering from our Creator, All Our Relations, and the Universe. We need never feel like we missed out, are lacking, unworthy or abandoned, and should work to reconcile any issues we may have with our literal mother rather than carry around toxic baggage.

“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain. ~Carl G. Jung

“Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth.” ~Benjamin Disraeli

Pups are born with open eyes and are capable of coordinated motor activities within approximately 15 minutes of birth. Both the pup and it’s mother will use unique vocalizations to call for each other when separated, after which the mother will examine the pup’s scent to determine whether or not it is actually her own. Pups nurse from 6 months to a year, and are typically weaned by 10 months. Pups and mothers can sort each other out by sound amidst 100’s of squalling seals. Rather social animals, sea lions will form smaller groups, or rafts, as they live out their lives in yearly wanderings from sea to land.

Being born with open eyes typically indicates that those called by such a Teacher are born with their Inner Eye already open. Such people often experience brief childhoods packed with life lessons, and often see things with amazing clarity. Highly intuitive and creative souls, Seal people need to channel their creativity, remember the importance of staying grounded and always keep their ears keenly tuned to their Inner Voice.

The Sea Lion’s earthy coloring, small earflaps, and their continual return to land reinforce the need to stay properly grounded and in tune with Intuition. Issues with abandonment or parental figures, particularly with one’s mother, and relationship problems are all indicative of unbalanced Seal energy. Seals often appear to ask us if we are ready to really commit, or are giving/getting what we really need from a relationship. Their appearance often indicates the end of a relationship, or the clashing of masculine and feminine within a situation or person.

Our ears, the centers for our balance and hearing, are important in both physical and metaphysical ways. Just as we must find a harmonious Balance within our selves and lives, we must also remember the need for Listening, both to our Inner Voice, and to the people in our lives. Their keen hearing is what allows a mother to find her own pup amid hundreds of loudly complaining youngsters. It is important for people called by this Teacher to take time each day to enjoy some rejuvenating Silence and Solitude, particularly mothers!

A sea lion’s hearing and sight are better underwater than on land, an indication that sometimes we must sacrifice something in order to sense more clearly when navigating from one realm to another, new situations/relationships, or within our selves. It is easy for anyone to get caught up in their vision of how things are or should be; the Dream often seems more appealing than Reality.

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” ~Henry David Thoreau

“You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.” ~Navajo Proverb

“He whose soul is pure is never deceived by his dreams, whereas he whose soul is blemished is continually deluded.” Arabic saying

The easiest lies and excuses are the ones we tell ourselves, and no one wants to believe the worst in any given situation, others, or especially in themselves. This makes it even more important to stay grounded, to use all our senses and skills to ensure that we are listening to our inner guiding voice and seeing reality for what it is, rather than what we would like it to be. This important Sea Lion lesson reminds us not to get caught up in illusions, to look beyond the surface of things, and not to get so enamored of our own cleverness that we end up juggling too many responsibilities or living in denial of reality. This aspect it what makes these Teachers such excellent counselors for troubled relationships.

Amazing survivors, these Teachers can show us how to stay Balanced during the turbulent moments in our lives, allowing everything to flow around us as we navigate. Sea Lions are more adept at moving about on land than the “true” seals, placing an emphasis on a need for grounding for those drawn specifically to the Sea Lion. This Teacher’s connection to the land-bound Lion should not be overlooked either, as well as other potential Balancing Energies. Living in and slipping between two worlds, the Water and the Land, is indicative of both shape-changing and other worldly travel (astral, dreamtime, etc). Seals are excellent guides for either.

Seals and Sea Lions, like Otters and Dolphins, have a wonderful reputation for play. Remembering the importance of, and the proper boundaries for Play throughout our lives are great Seal lessons. We all need joyful fun, and we should all act positively upon our duties and goals every day. Are you having too much fun or not enough? Do others criticize you for being a stick in the mud, for never being “serious”, or carrying playful moments too far? Seals and Sea Lions are excellent Teachers to turn to for guidance for the proper measure and boundaries of Play!

“Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that an essential part of himself had been neglected.” ~Source Unknown

These Teachers are utterly graceful and at home in Water; the first Medicine, and the element representative of Healing, Dreams, Balance, Purification, Feminine energy, Fertility/Creativity, Wisdom, Clarity, and Emotion. Those drawn to these Teachers should strive become at ease and confident in their ability to navigate their emotional selves/situations, and trusting of their intuitive leaps in understanding.

“Dreams are answers to questions we haven’t yet figured out how to ask.” ~X-Files

“Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead of someone else’s.” ~Billy Wilder

Trust your hunches. They’re usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level. ~Joyce Brothers

Clairaudience may indicate well balanced Sea Lion energy, as well as prophetic dreams. Keeping a dream journal, listening to music that stirs you creatively, and aromatherapy are all useful to Sea Lion people. Seals help us to focus our Imagination and Intuition, so we can manifest the necessary changes in our lives and achieve the goals we have envisioned.

Seals and Sea Lions are tactile creatures, and people called by these Teachers often are too. They find the touch and closeness of those they care for to be comforting, but may find shaking the hand of a stranger distasteful, or the closeness of a crowd disturbing. The Sacral Chakra governs our male/female, yin/yang, positive/negative balance, our sexual wellbeing, our flight/fight response, our work ethic and control issues. This Chakra is especially important to those drawn to these Teachers, and they may want to dedicate some study to Chakras and methods of keeping them in proper balance.

“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” Lao Tzu

“There is no fire like greed,
No crime like hatred,
No sorrow like separation,
No sickness like hunger of heart,
And no joy like the joy of freedom.

Health, contentment and trust
Are your greatest possessions,
And freedom your greatest joy.

Look within. Be still.
Free from fear and attachment,
Know the sweet joy of living in the way." from the Dhammapada

In ancient Celtic/Scottish/Welsh and Icelandic tales, Selkies, or Seal People, are (mostly) kindly Faerie folk from the sea who can slip their seal skins and come ashore as beautiful people. Like Swanmaidens, Selkie tales are often ones of romantic tragedy where a fisherman steals a Selkie’s skin and traps her as his wife for a number of years until she steals back her enchanted seal skin and returns to the sea.

A wonderful example of focusing too much on the Dream rather than Reality, especially within a relationship, which is a major Seal/Sea Lion lesson! This strong connection to Faerie energy/wisdom is only reinforced by their ability to slip with relative ease from Land to Water, their common appearance at dawn and dusk as they feed on schools of fish, as well as their understanding of body language and soulfully expressive eyes. This connection also marks these Teachers as Shapeshifters and Masters of Transformation, which makes them excellent guides in all such matters. In other tales, these Teachers guide souls through water to the Underworld, disguise gods and goddesses, the cattle or kin of sea deities, or messengers, often carrying prophetic information.

Sea Lion asks us if we are feeling out of Balance? Are we listening too much to others and not enough to ourselves? Are we listening only to our own desires, and making light of the needs of others in our life? Are we so lost in the vision of our dreams that we aren’t focusing on real needs? Are we making our friendships or relationships too complicated to distract us from what we are really lacking? Are we fearing commitment unnecessarily? How does this slippery, charming and powerful Master of Transformations appear in your life?

“Surely a man needs a closed place wherein he may strike root and, like the seed, become. But also he needs the great Milky Way above him and the vast sea spaces, though neither stars nor ocean serve his daily needs.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” Gail Devers

“To accomplish great things we must dream as well as act.” Anatole France

Potential Balancing Energies: Other seals, sharks like the great white, fish like salmon or sardine, cephalopods like octopi and squid, clams, oysters, lampreys, seaweed, orcas, dolphins, whales, otters, bears, dogs, seagulls, osprey and other birds, crabs and other crustaceans

Key Concepts: Inner Voice, Balance, Dreams, creativity, intuition, balancing imagination and intuition with intellect, transitions, messages, prophecy, shapeshifting, relationship issues, sexuality/fertility, balance between masculine and feminine

Associated Gods, Goddesses: sedna, selkies, underworld/faerie world, manannon maclir, lir/llyr, neptune/poseidon, Aegir, Amphitrite, Nereids, Nereus, O-Wata-Tsu-Mi , Mat-Su, Yamm, Proteus, Varuna, Samundra, Triton, Tritones, Pontos, Nammu, Aphrodite, Branwyn, Creiddylad, Don, Dylan, Ran, Nerthus, Njord
Wishing you laughter

entwife

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2012, 05:54:19 am »
Quote from: Fagan_the_Pagan;37630
I think seal as well.  It sounds like there are some Selkie references as well


Well spotted Fagan! :o)
Wishing you laughter

entwife

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2012, 05:55:25 am »
Quote from: Morag;37604
Dolphins.

 
Dolphins are definitely potential Balancers and share some lessons with Seal. They'll appear here sooner or later too as their poem is already written :)
Wishing you laughter

yewberry

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2012, 12:40:36 pm »
Quote from: entwife;37636
There are about 33 different species of Pinnipeds broken down into three Families; Phocidae (earless or true seals), Otaridae (eared or fur seals and sea lions), and Odobenidae (Walrus).

 
Nothing to add, but "pinnipeds" is one of my top ten favorite words.  I could say it all day.  I'm saying right now.

Brina

entwife

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Re: Ballad of the Dreaming Soul
« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2012, 04:42:57 pm »
Quote from: yewberry;37662
Nothing to add, but "pinnipeds" is one of my top ten favorite words.  I could say it all day.  I'm saying right now.

Brina

 
LOL That's great! And I agree, Great word! A friend at work plays Word Disassociation with me, either at work or on facebook when we think of a good one. One of us will say a word and then the other has to come up with some other word that is completely random, having as little to do with the previous word as possible. Today's words... Matador, pickles, okapi, snood, kayak, freckle, snorkel and dermal denticle lol :p Silliness that makes our day brighter:D:
Wishing you laughter

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