My love for nature has grown over the years, and I attribute it to trail running. As a child, I loved being outdoors. My earliest memories of being out in nature was when I was about five or six. We were stationed at Kadena Air Base, and I would wander off and explore the woods all the time. Times were different back then. Parents really didn’t worry about kids playing outside all day. But then, during my teen years into my late thirties, I lost that love for nature. I was all about partying and hanging out with friends. It wasn’t until I started trail running that my heart remembered and fell in love again.

If you have been following me from the beginning, you know how much running shifted my life, especially trail running. Running helped me discover the core of who I am and gave me the confidence to do great things. It also took me deeper into my spirituality and put me on the path to explore those areas. And in this, I discovered Shamanism.

So, what is Shamanism?

“Shamanism is an ancient healing tradition and moreover, a way of life. It is a way to connect with nature and all of creation. The word shaman originates from the Tungus tribe in Siberia. Anthropologists coined this term and have used it to refer to the spiritual and ceremonial leaders among indigenous cultures worldwide. The word Shamanism can be used to describe the ancient spiritual practices of these indigenous cultures.” https://www.shamanism.com/what-is-shamanism

Last fall, I started my journey into Shamanism and began my apprenticeship last week. During some discovery, I found that my grandmother was a medicine woman. Did I ever tell you that my mother is Taiwanese and I was born in Taiwan? I can’t remember. But our family is indigenous to Taiwan and has farmed the land from what I can tell is forever. And perhaps this is a reason why I felt a calling into Shamanism. Not only because I want to connect deeper with nature and all of creation, but because it’s in my blood.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a ceremony to welcome the Spring Equinox. We participated in water, cacao, despacho, and fire ceremonies. It was beautiful. It was sacred. It was healing. It solidified that I wanted to continue down this path.

Last week during a Shamanism class, we paired up with another student to gift each other a power animal. Power animals are guardian spirits in animal form. You can call upon an animal on your own, or through journeying with a partner, one can be called in for you. I was gifted the power animal of a Moose. Honestly, my first thought was…a moose??? Where’s my eagle? What about a lion (which I’ve gotten in the past). But this time, it was the Moose that came forward. After some research, I realized how perfect it was. Here’s some of what I found out below:

The “Moose symbolizes the expression of joy when something has been an accomplishment, not in a ‘show-off look at me; I want recognition ‘kind of way but in a true sense of sharing that springs from knowing how infectious joy is. Moose is also a symbol of being headstrong, longevity, wisdom, confidence, self-esteem, primal feminine energy, and steadfastness.” https://www.shamanicjourney.com/moose-power-animal-symbol-of-self-esteem-courage

The Moose spirit animal signifies strength, pride, and life. It’s not very difficult to decipher the moose symbolism because its message focuses on seeking the truth and finding the guidance within you. People who carry the moose symbolism are being called to work with the oppositions in their lives. Be inspired by the Moose, who’s clumsy and graceful and strange and breathtaking at the same time. For the Moose, attitude makes a whole lot of difference. Stay cool even when things are not working out, and remember not to sweat it! “Read more at: https://trustedpsychicmediums.com/spirit-animals/moose-spirit-animal/

Everything about the Moose is perfect. So, here I am, with my Moose. Digging deeper into self.