Buffalo Energy for Uncertain Times

Last night I had vivid and repeating dreams that I was floating through the jungle. I woke up this morning to the realization that around every bend I was surround by animals. Around one bend were two grizzly bears and another some caribou. I wasn’t sure of the others until I was reminded of the buffalo that also stood near. Obviously, these are not your typical animals found in the jungle. Dreams are certainly not linear.

What I do know is that animals are messengers. So, I opened my book on animal spirits guides by Dr. Steven Farmer to learn their meanings.

Over time, I have come to know that Bear is always with me and one of my main guides and fierce protectors. Bear reminds me that I am a powerful healer, especially when I begin to take a break from sharing my gifts with others or doubt if what I have to share makes any difference at all.

Bear also shows up to remind me when I am in need of physical and emotional healing and serves as a supportive energy when I need it most. And right now I have been run ragged all week with the effects of COVID-19 on my yoga studio and need some solitude to rejuvenate.

What I was most struck by was Buffalo showing up during this time. When I looked up Buffalo in my reference book, its message was clear and applicable to everyone during this period of uncertainty as we navigate this coronavirus:

“Trust that you’ll always have whatever you need. Focus on being appreciative and grateful for all that you have. Clear out any surplus goods and recycle those items. Have faith in the natural abundance of life. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and instead be aware of the extraordinary number of resources you have available. Expand your interests by trying a new hobby, recreational activity, or sport.”

In many American Indian traditions, Buffalo is the spirit keeper of the northern direction, or the earth quadrant, in the medicine wheel. It represents being grounded, abundance, and a deep connection to the earth.

And during this time of a global pandemic, we are being reminded of our own connection to Mother Earth and called back to honor our bodies, our health and community.

According to Dr. Farmer, call on Buffalo when:

“You’re experiencing any kind of poverty or lack and need reassurance that supplies are plentiful and available. You need extra determination when you’re pursuing an important goal. You want to restore your faith in the abundance and plenty of life. You have an important project you’re about to start. You want help getting through a period of intense struggle and challenge.”

How to work with Buffalo

Animal spirit guides, or in shamanic and indigenous cultures, power animals, are spirits in animal forms that are here to guide us, teach us, and help us heal. So, when an animal shows up in an unusual way or repeatedly, it is not purely coincidence. There is a message to convey.

A simple way to begin working with Buffalo or any animal spirit guide is through prayer or meditation. During a meditation practice, visualize Buffalo in your mind’s eye and ask, “What do you want me to know?” Then, continue to relax and notice any messages that come through. This may be a visual image, a feeling in your body, a direct message, etc.

And if Buffalo’s healing message resonates with you, simply pray and ask for its guidance and healing energies during this time.

Finally, yoga and meditation practices begin to open up our awareness. It’s through the increased awareness that we can more clearly understand the powerful messages that we are given each day.

Take notice the next time a raccoon crosses your path when you have never seen one in your neighborhood or when a great owl sits quietly with you 10 ft. away as you take a break on your hike.

I have had Luna Moth show up twice within two years on the same front window of my home during times of new beginnings, including when I was pregnant. These sightings are known to be rare.