Raccoon Medicine For Thanksgiving

When you see a raccoon, be it live or in a picture, what comes to mind? Is he cute and innocent looking, or does he remind you of a little outlaw? Or do you fear the creature you see?

Raccoons are indeed considered to be night varmints and scavengers. They can destroy property and be a real nuisance. However, spiritually the raccoon has a much more constructive significance and they are the perfect animal totem for Thanksgiving.

Traditionally, the raccoon, when it comes into your life, is referred to as “the one who carries the medicine of the protector of the underdog” and “the one who provides for the young, infirm and the elderly.” Because of its mask-like features, it is often unfairly referred to as The Masked Bandit, but when a raccoon comes into your space, you are being asked to contact your inner warrior, to become a protector and generous provider for those in need.

Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have ~ Catherine Pulsifer

If you are a raccoon person, you have the uncanny ability to assist others, without allowing them to become victims or dependents. The raccoon will always tend to the needs of others, before taking anything for themselves. When they have young, they look for food and always feed their young first. When they are scavenging food for a group, there is always one that stands lookout – usually a male dominant. The others will always bring the best of the food to that elder raccoon first.

When you look at these creatures, notice their lack of greed – it is not one of their traits. They are protectors. They are in essence ‘givers.’ They are so opposite of the human code; we should all look at the raccoon’s way of living and bring ourselves to be more like them. They provide, they give the best to others and they protect the underdog. The raccoon expects nothing in return.

Generosity is a natural trait of this creature. While other creatures will fight one another for the best part of a kill, or steal from others to grab their kill, the raccoon teaches the universal law of giving back to the source of your strength, guidance and protection. Remember that generosity will be returned – it always comes back to you one way or another.

Some people are uncomfortable with the idea that humans belong to the same class of animals as cats and cows and raccoons. They’re like the people who become successful and then don’t want to be reminded of the old neighborhood ~ Phil Donahue

Invite the medicine of the raccoon into your life this Thanksgiving. Look around you and see who needs your strength at this time. When you hear gossip about someone, speak up and defend them. Share your time, energy or possessions with the less fortunate. If you have things that are just sitting in your home, that you haven’t even touched or looked at for the past year, drop them off in a donation box.

You may say, “But I have nothing of value.” Yes, you do. Your time is valuable, your giving heart is valuable and those things, like an old blanket or clothes or dishes, can change the life of another, who may have nothing. By giving as the raccoon does, you are honoring yourself and others equally. This is one area we should all strive to succeed in.

Do you have a totem that captures your attention? Do you know what that creature means in the grand scheme of your life?  If you would like more information on totems, please feel free to contact me and I will gladly explain what your animal, mammal, reptile, bird, or fish means in relationship to your life.