First Gift from Spirit Keeper of the West



Experience



Experience is the gift from the Spirit Keeper of the West that is represented and honored by the first Stone of the "path" from the West to the center circle and Creator.

The main Totem and representative for the Gift of Experience is the ancient and venerable being, Whale. Whales are members of the order Cetacea. The smaller Whales ( suborder Odontoceti) have teeth that are uniform in size and shape or else are toothless, and they feed on fish and invertebrates such as squid and crustaceans. The larger Whales, baleen Whales, (suborder Mysticeti) have large baleen plates that hang from the upper jaw and filter the plankton or krill on which they live. As far as is known, the largest animal ever to have lived is a baleen whale, the Blue Whale. They have been measured up to 100 feet in length, with a weight of more than 200 metric tons.
Whales give birth to one Calf, usually, after a gestation of 9 to 16 months depending on the species. Members of some species live solitary lives, while other species live their whole lives in family groups called pods. Whales reach maturity in 6 to 13 years, and live, on the average, 30 years for the small toothed Whales and 80 years for the larger baleen Whales.
Whales have two kinds of sound. Echolocation sounds are a kind of biological sonar, and vocalization sounds seem to be a means of communication.   Click to listen.
Whales and elephants are the only animals with physical brains larger than a human's. I believe that they have superior memory abilities; therefore much experience to share with anyone who takes the time to communicate with them on a spiritual level.

Native peoples of the Northwest Coast and Alaska honor Whale as an important gift for sustenance, and as a messenger from Creator. His totem is often found with that of Eagle, Salmon, and Bear.
When you are working on bringing your Experience into harmony with the environment, and searching for ancient knowledge on how to do so, go to the Experience Stone of the Medicine Wheel, smudge, sit down, and ask Spirit of Whale to help you with this important step on your Path.



Venerable Olive Tree - Garden of Gethsemane

The plant totem for this position is the Olive Tree. The Olive Tree above is located in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Israel. Some believe it has stood there since the time of Jesus. Others claim it is not quite that old. Whoever is correct, the extreme antiquity of this famous Olive Tree is a fact, but the exact date cannot be determined. There is an interesting explanation about this on the page you will see when you click on the picture. That page will open in a new window, which you can close to continue with these Sun Bear Wheel pages.
Olive Trees in general are among the oldest found on Mother Earth, and thus have experienced millenia of history. This Tree has given us one of the healthiest oils known for many thousands of years. Olive oil even helps to break down cholesterol, rather than add to it like many other oils.
Working with Olive tree opens you to beneficial experiences on the spiritual plane. This applies to growing them or using the branches and leaves in some way. Communicating with Olive Tree can help you to experience the past and understand it. This Tree can also help us learn the value of just being, as well as patience, due to its great antiquity.




Iridescent Hematite - Graves Mountain Mine, GA Iridescent Hematite - Graves Mountain Mine, GA
Two kinds of Iridescent Hematite
Graves Mountain Mine, GA © Royal-Scepter
The mineral totem for Experience is Hematite, ferric oxide. This is the chief ore of iron. The crystals are translucent, range in color from dark gray to red and black, and generally have a brilliant metallic luster. The beautiful iridescent Hematite above is not common in my experience.
Polished grey hematite - most popular for 'medicine'
Image is © '95 - 2000
Sun Angel
Used with permission
The polished grey Hematite with a metallic sheen, like the one on the right, is the type usually used for Medicine Wheels, meditation and spiritual work.

Hematite is a recorder Stone. It holds the memory of what has occurred in its surroundings. It will record and hold whatever experiences you have when it is with you; and can also record whatever you ask it to remember for you. Hematite is also a good grounding Stone and can help you to develop fortitude and resist stress.
Hematite is often overused by people who mean well. This is a heavy and a very powerful Stone. You do not need to continually wear a whole necklace of it to experience the benefits or stay grounded. One good Stone that you feel an affinity for is all that is needed.


The color for this Gift is Steel Grey. Lessons to learn with the use of this color are comprehending and dealing with your experience, putting them in perspective, understanding the purpose, and working through your experience in an honorable manner. (Am not certain of correct shade of Grey,)




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NOTE: The description of the positions and totems and their meanings given on these pages is meant only as an introduction, and not a complete explanation. Meditate and study further for a more complete understanding.

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