ELDER: Confidence. Entering your power. Standing strong. You are a leader. Stepping into the light. Let your truth be heard and felt by others. Make a stand in life. You carry deep inner wisdom. You are a teacher and a leader in the deepest sense of the words. You are a beacon for others.
Your Native Spirit Wants You to Know: In native cultures, the elders, tribal chiefs, and clan leaders are looked to for advice and leadership. When this card chooses you, it’s time to step into your leadership role. An elder walks the path, stomps the grass down, and throws the boulders out of the way so that the path might be easier for others. Sometimes you might find yourself alone or tired, but know that what you’re doing is making a difference in the lives of many. The greatest leaders are those who know how to serve, supporting others to reach their dreams. Even if you’ve been in the background in the past, right now it’s your turn to step forward and become the light for others.
The Journey: Being an elder and a tribal leader means speaking your truth, even if it’s hard or even if you’re afraid. If there’s anyone you need to stand up to, this is the time. Being a leader means supporting others, so if there’s anyone you need to support or make amends with, this is the time.
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ANCIENT FOREST: Your roots go deep. Incredible, radiant, healing strength is available to you and grows within you. Do not doubt your abilities. You’re so much more than you can possibly imagine. There’s immense, unseen – but very real – support around you. You are loved and cherished. You are grounded, stable, and strong as your spirit reaches high into the heavens.
Your Native Spirit Wants You to Know: Throughout the world, those in indigenous cultures revere what are called the “Tree People.” The powerful life force of trees can bring healing, strengthening, and grounding energies. The kind of tree might vary from culture to culture, but the reverence and gratitude for its beneficial energies are the same. The ancient forest is alive with nature spirits; additionally, each tree has an individual spirit especially powerful and resilient. The forest can survive the harshest conditions because of the mutual support of the spirit of the entire forest. Your greatest strength is silent and deep. It doesn’t need a show of force, it just is. Inner power is found through contemplation, reflection, and meditation. Sometimes it comes from times of growth and change; other time it springs from surviving and conquering painful situations.
The Journey: Adopt a tree. It can be one in your yard or one in a nearby park or wilderness area. Talk to the tree. Touch its bark. Give thanks and by doing so you create an energy connection that will continue to nurture you, no matter how far way you are from your adopted tree.
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WALKING IN BEAUTY: Radiant beauty surrounds you. You’re beautiful, inside and out. No matter what your age, your grace is growing. Being in balance. As you walk in beauty and feel gratitude for it, your life will be filled with immense splendor. Whenever you can, spend time in natural, wild spaces. As you see and hear and feel beauty around you, your own beauty will grow.
Your Native Spirit Wants You to Know: In Native American traditions, there’s the concept of walking in beauty. It’s called “hozho naasha” in the Navaho/Dineh tradition, and it means being in balance with a natural way of life. When we are in the “right relationship” with the natural world around us, we are walking in beauty. The more you sense and see beauty around you – in your environment, yourself, and your body – the more it will fill your life, in all forms. Never say anything about yourself or your body that’s negative. Don’t put down yourself or others. Instead, affirm beauty and take time to adorn your body and personal space. Walk in nature and inhale the beauty of every part of our wonderful planet. Cherish yourself and the luminescence within you, and you will glow.
The Journey: Create outer harmony in your home environment, even in small ways – such as a vase of flowers, a scented candle, or clean windows – and your inner grace and radiance will begin to shine even more brightly. Wherever you go, look for beauty in your surroundings, and as a result, the world will become more beautiful.
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