• Totem Animal: Coyote

    The Coyote Totem came out very nice. I had a lot of fun with the different tangles and matching them with the coyote’s natural patterns. The colors were also fun to play with, using the different shades of copper, tans and yellows. I also added more of a background this time. With such a great pose from the coyote, I didn’t want it to look like the coyote was floating in mid air. The background is a design I came up with to represent the tall grasses the coyote will hunt in.

    Coyote Symbolism

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    The coyote is a very unique totem from the others I have studied so far. The coyote is a trickster. So much so that they will even fall for their own tricks. They symbolize self sabotage and making things more difficult for one’s self. If Coyote has presented itself to you be sure that you are not blinded by the obvious. You may be caught in disbelief of a stampede coming towards you that you allow it to trample you. Not believing what just happened, you’ll look again only to get struck once more by the same stampede. It is time to be aware of your surroundings. Are you being fooled by someone? Are you fooling yourself or others? Make sure you have not beguiled yourself and others into believing you know what your doing, when in fact you do not.

    Do not be alarmed if Coyote has came across your path. Yes, Coyote’s medicine can be perceived as good or bad but it is still medicine. Coyote holds a great wisdom. Seek out this wisdom when you are down about yourself. Coyote wants you to be able to laugh at yourself. It may be laughter from pain or it may genuinely be funny. If you feel as though you have a flaw, shrug it off and chuckle about it. No one is perfect. If you wish to change that flaw then take the action needed to do so but do not fool anyone into thinking your perfect. Own up to who you are and do not let it bring you down.

    Beware. Coyote could also be a sign that something may backfire on you. Perhaps you feel like everything you touch is going to sh*t. Or perhaps someone you have tricked in the past is looking to get you back. Keep a keen sense about you, like Coyote, to ensure you can escape any traps laid out for you. Especially be careful not to fall into your own trap! Do not play tricks on yourself and set yourself up for failure!

    They are related to everything whimsical and everything funny. They teach us to stay light hearted and remember to laugh. The reason I chose to do the coyote totem next was because I heard them singing in the woods one night. When a coyote calls it may be because things are becoming too serious. They remind us to remain playful and view the world as if through child eyes. The world is a wonderous place and Coyote teaches us that anything is possible.

    If you would like to dive deep into Coyote lore, I suggest checking out the book Native American Myths and Legends by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz. There are many great stories in it about Coyote’s magical feats and incredible powers. They are the masters of many skills. Although, they will often seek out ways to benefit without having to use those skills. They are not lazy, quite on the contrary. Though they come off as crazy and foolish, they can also adapt to any situation they are in and any environment as well. They are swift and have many tricks up their sleeves (if they had sleeves) to get out of trouble urgently.

    Summary

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    Coyote is the wise fool. They have powerful magic that can get them out of any predicament. Though remember that magic doesn’t always work. Do not fall into traps made by yourself and do not fall for anyone else’s either. If you are known to prank others, there might be someone around the corner waiting to get you back. Stay aware of the obvious and do not second guess what is right in front of you! Use your skills to adapt to your surroundings. Remember that we are all flawed, to err is human. So learn to laugh at yourself when you make a silly mistake. Embrace the true you and stop tricking everyone into thinking your perfect because you’re not. No one is. We just are. So have fun, stay playful and fill your eyes with wonderment. Just remember to not let that wonderment turn into a vale over your head.

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    I sure learned a lot from Coyote! They couldn’t have showed up at a better time. Did you know their howls can be deceptive as well? When they yip and yap through the woods, their call will bounce off the trees. This makes one coyote sound like two and two sound like four and so on. Many believe this is a tactic used to intimidate potential threats that may be close by. Just another tricky prank they like to pull!

    I hope you enjoyed Coyote’s Totem piece and were able to take some Coyote wisdom with you as well. Prints are available in both my shops @ Society6 and Redbubble! Thanks for stopping by today!

    Keep laughing, free spirits!

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    Related Posts: Coyote WIP

    Sources:

  • Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner!

    Valentine’s Day is Just Around the Corner!

    Super excited to share my ❤ Valentine’s Day cards!❤ It was fun to play with my drawings and I was able to incorporate my love for corny jokes! I hope there are some couples out there that can appreciate my humor! 😂 You can order them in both my shops. Have a LOVEly day!

    Let me know which ones are your favorite by leaving a comment below! You can order them @ Society6 or RedBubble!

  • Free Spirit Meg’s Art Shop!

    Free Spirit Meg’s Art Shop!

    Free Spirit Meg’s Art Shop….I like the way that sounds! Anyways…I am so excited to officially announce that I have my own online store now! It’s been a long time coming. Now, I can finally offer prints and canvases of my work. I am slowly creating an online presence starting with Society6 and RedBubble. They have a lot of great products on both sites and it is really fun creating merchandise with my art! I’ve already made my first sale on Society6 and I am so excited and grateful! This is my next step to becoming a full time artist and I feel that much closer to achieving my goal! Thank you to everyone who has supported me this far. I hope I can continue to create beautiful artwork to please your eyeballs! Be sure to check out the new shop and pick up what you like. There are frequent sales going on so check back often!

    Another way that you can support my work is by subscribing to Free Spirit Meg on Patreon. It is a site that helps creative entrepreneurs build their business and put together Reward Tiers. You get to choose how much money you want to contribute and receive subscription boxes for each month you are subscribed. I currently offer monthly photography postcards, totem animal prints and custom totem cards exclusively for patrons! The more I grow, the more goodies I can put in my subscription boxes! Check it out and let me know what you think!

    Again, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here! Let me know what you think of the new shop and what your favorite items are! Also, if you have a favorite totem animal that hasn’t made it to the shop yet, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll be sure to add it in with haste!

    Take care, free spirits!

  • Totem Animals: White Animals and the Flower of Life (Part 1)

    Totem Animals: White Animals and the Flower of Life (Part 1)

    Wow! This piece has been such a learning experience for me. Not in only with trying new techniques and approaches with my work but also with learning all the symbolism attached to this piece. I have read so much, my mind is blown. There are so many unintended similarities with the subjects of this piece that it, literally, has me in awe. I’m just going to jump right into this. Throughout this post, I will provide links to related entries I have posted in the past. You can read more in depth on these at your leisure. If you would prefer a brief summary of the symbolism of white animals, I have a paragraph set up at the bottom of this post. Now, with that being said, let’s begin our journey….

    …I had seen a white deer a week or two ago and was curious as to what a phenomenal creature like that might represent. I was inspired to create a collective piece of the first, most popular, white animals that came to my mind. The white deer would obviously be one. Then white buffalo, horse, rabbit, whale, and dove followed in my mind. I envisioned them all in a circle, which led me to think of the flower of life. This was to be the center piece that tied them all together. The flower of life represents oneness and unity. It is a geometric record of ancient wisdoms and information about universal connection. This means it holds all the answers to connecting with other worlds, beings, creatures and self through the realization that we are all one.

    I decided to color the flower of life with every color from the color wheel. It might not seem like much but I used 15 different colored pencils to achieve this look. White is both the absence and totality of all colors. It is the connection of everything and nothing all at once. White symbolizes balance, as such in death and rebirth. It is also a strong symbol for purity and innocence. To randomly see a white animal while going about your day is said to be a great message from the gods or spirit realm. Native Americans paid the utmost attention to these signs because they knew it would bring a great shift in life. When any white creature presents itself to you, it is time for higher thinking and ideals. It represents cleansing of the spirit and attaining higher knowledge.

    The white buffalo is said to be the most sacred being that can cross your path. There is a story from a medicine man called Lame Deer who resided in South Dakota. He was the son of the first Chief Lame Deer who fought against Custer. He tells a story of the White Buffalo Woman who came to the tribes people in their time of need. She taught them how to pray and how to assist prayers with actions. She showed them how to ask for abundance by connecting the Sacred Above and the Sacred Below. All realms coming together within yourself, through grounding. We are all one, all connected. When she had taught all her lessons, she changed into a white buffalo calf and disappeared into the horizon. Where she had vanished, herds of buffalo appeared for the hunters and they were provided with everything they needed to survive. The white buffalo is a symbol of acting accordingly while incorporating proper rituals. Doing so will manifest abundance.

    The whale is also an exceptionally strong totem for connecting with the universe and the spirit realm. They are record keepers and hold knowledge about all of us. They are a symbol of creation and creativity. Whales are balanced and understand the frequencies that unlock ancient wisdom. They use sound and song to create balance and harmony. They also use it to navigate through their worlds. A white whale amplifies all these traits and encourages you to attain higher knowledge. They are a symbol for emotional rebirth.

    Several of the animals in my drawing symbolize the balance between death and rebirth such as whale, rabbit, dove and horse. Change is a part of life. Sometimes, in our own transformations, we feel incredible pressure and weight of the darkness. The universe is forcing us into our next stage and we cannot fight it. The rabbit can help you leap through that fear. When you do, you emerge like a sprout from a seed. That incredible pressure has cracked your shell and you are reborn. Let nature happen, it’s the way of life.

    The white rabbit and the white horse are both mounts that can carry you from the physical realm to the spiritual and back again. (f.y.i. rabbits were said to be the mounts of faeries) The horse teaches us about power and to not abuse it. There is wisdom in power so long as you remain balanced and take responsibility for the tasks at hand. They also represent freedom, feeling as free as the wind. Wild like the mustangs and apt for exploration. Horses and rabbits both represent sexuality. The rabbit is a symbol of fertility and new life. They represent the lunar cycle and are also associated with the number 28. You may find yourself following this same cycle if rabbit has presented itself to you. Pay attention to the moon and the energies surrounding her.

    The white dove (and/or pigeon) is a common symbol for peace and love. It is a strong totem for fertility, feminine power and rebirth. Again, another totem dealing with death and rebirth. The closing of one door to allow the opening of another. What’s behind the next door? You can’t know until you open it. Just remember, you have to crack through the shell of your seed to feel the warm rays of the sun. Only then can you grow into the tree you were always meant to be.

    The deer can aid you in this journey by using gentleness and understanding. They symbolize shedding off the old to allow room for new growth. Stronger. Better. Wiser. The deer symbolizes heightened perception and allowing ourselves to be open to the messages of the universe. Using love and kindness will help you along the way.

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    SUMMARY

    If a white animal has crossed your path, this is a very powerful time in your life. Use a heightened awareness to receive guidance through your journey. A great and powerful change is coming into your life and you need to embrace it. Follow the white rabbit down the hole. This is your next chapter. It is time to purify your soul and take that next step. Remember to remain balanced during these times and use love and kindness towards yourself and others. This will assist you in your endeavors. Do not focus on the fear of not knowing what lies ahead. Instead, prepare yourself accordingly. Proper action accompanied with proper prayer will manifest abundance!

    New life comes after death. It is time to shed our old self to be born anew. This is an exciting time in your life, you should charge towards it with everything you’ve got! Your transformation will be outstanding! A tremendous power from within you will emerge stronger and brighter than ever. Open yourself up to receive the ancient knowledge that can guide you. With balance and purity of soul, you’ll be able to move mountains! Remember to honor the universe and our connection to all things. Stay grounded to above and below. Balance and unity. Peace and understanding. This is your chance! Be the “you”est you that you can be!

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    I could literally write all day about this piece and all the symbolism that is tied into it. There really isn’t enough time in the day. I’ve decided to come back to this drawing, probably next week, and continue discussing the power of it, for me personally and as a whole.

    Do you have anything to add to all this? Have you ever witnessed a white animal that stood out to you? I would love to hear your story! Is there anything I missed? If you have anything to add about colors, the flower of life or any of the animals I went over feel free to leave comment below!

    Thanks for stopping by and I wish you the best with your new endeavors!

    Namaste, free spirits!

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    “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” -Dr. Seuss

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    Related Posts: Deer | Mourning Dove | Moose | White Deer | Reindeer

    Sources:

  • Totem Animal: Polar Bear

    I am very pleased with the outcome of my polar bear totem. Using blue ink instead of black helped to give the bear that “icy” look. I was very free spirited (see what I did there) in my approach to the designs on this one. The back section looks like bear claws to me. At first, this was unintentional but then I just went with it. Blue is one of my favorite colors (and also green) so I always enjoy playing around with the values and different hues of the color. I remember in high school drawing a green giraffe and I loved getting the different shadows using the same shade of color. I felt the same joy when creating this piece. I have more ideas for single color drawings that I will be playing with in the near future. Now, on to some polar bear symbolism!

    Bear claws? Icicles? What do you think?

    Polar Bear Symbolism

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    What a powerful totem the polar bear is! They are the largest land carnivore and quite possibly the toughest. Polar bears are solitary animals. They hunt alone, live alone and come together only to mate. They survive one of the harshest environments on Earth and they do it with their own willpower and independence. This is their first lesson. Stand on your own two feet. If polar bear has presented itself to you, it may be time to become more self- reliant. You have the power to make it on your own. You have the capability to get through any hardship, no matter how big, without the hand of someone else to pull you out. Find your own strength and pull yourself out!

    Polar Bears are so impressive that the Inuit have a great respect for them and their mythology has many tales to honor the polar bear. It was believed that the polar bear was a god and the master of all bears. He could walk on two legs like a man, he was immense in size and so, his soul was just as immense. He protected the other bears and would watch the hunters to ensure they respected the bears they had hunted, with a special ceremony, and to also use every part of the creature. This great respect was appreciated by the polar bear god and in return he would ensure the hunter’s success on the next hunt.

    The polar bear, however, is a target for no one. They have terrific camouflage, blending right into the environment. They “disappear” right before your eyes. They are the masters of cloaking themselves. Perhaps you should be doing the same. It is always important to stand out and be unique but the polar bear could be telling you right now is a good time to blend into the background. Become unseen and step back. Observe what is happening around you, quietly and patiently. Only when you have a full understanding of everything around you, can you emerge with an incredible power that no one saw coming. It is okay to take time to collect ourselves, understanding ourselves and our environment. This will ensure success in our own hunts!

    Polar bears are also a strong symbol for mothering and preparing for new life. The only time a polar bear will hibernate is when a female gives birth to cubs. Polar bears are fierce and protective mothers. The cubs stay with their mother for around two years until she has taught them everything they need to know about surviving on their own. This could be a sign telling you to start preparing for a cub of your own. Or perhaps you have a new project or responsibility that needs your utmost care and devotion to see it to completion.

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    The polar bear has much to teach us and should be greatly respected as a powerful guide and totem. What do you think the polar is saying to you? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week and I hope you enjoyed my latest totem drawing. Check back next week for a unique post about animal symbolism. This one will be like none I have created before!

    Take care, free spirits!

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    Related Posts: Bear | Ice Bear WIP

    Sources:

  • Totem Animal: Reindeer (Caribou)

    Reindeer WM

    This became one of those pieces that is better with color rather than black and white, in my opinion. It really pops with the color and it has the depth I was looking for. I was able to fix up the body, as well, and “neaten” up my tangles. I really enjoy using my prismacolor markers. I am finding myself wanting more colors to use. Maybe Santa will drop me off some. So what do Santa’s steeds have to teach us?

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    Reindeer (Caribou) Symbolism

    Reindeer symbolism was tricky to pinpoint. There are many creatures in the deer family, all sharing general qualities. If you would like to read some of those first you can check out my Deer Totem here. So what makes the reindeer special from all the rest besides being a part of Santa’s team?

    The Innu, indigenous inhabitants of northeast Canada, tell a story about the Caribou Man. An Innu man fell in love with a Caribou woman and had turned into a Caribou himself. He was the protector of all the animals in the forest and gave permission for them to be hunted. The Innu made sure to show great respect towards Caribou Man. If proper hunting traditions were not followed, he would hide away the animals and create famine.

    Reindeer migrate twice a year. They have a system to traveling and do it regularly. If you have come across a reindeer it may be wise for you to follow the same path. Travel somewhere to recharge your batteries. Take a trip to somewhere warmer and build up some fat for the winter, like the reindeer do. Don’t worry about putting on those winter pounds! Just tell everyone it’s part of nature!

    For traveling long distances, reindeer have big sturdy hooves that keep them sure-footed on rocky, mountainous surfaces. They also act like a shovel for snow, as they can spread their toes and forage for food. They are resourceful creatures and know how to survive. They also have an increased amount of blood vessels in their nose that help keep them warm and also keep them from over heating. Because of the extra vessels pumping blood, they can actually become a red-nosed reindeer giving some truth to everyone’s favorite Christmas classic! These noses also warm the air they breath before it reaches their lungs. These amazing talents show us that we need to be resourceful. Reindeer are survivors and it’s time to ensure that we are too! Use what tools you have available and you will get by just fine.

    One last thing the reindeer has to teach us is stamina. They have the tools but they also have the pace. You can’t travel long distances if you blast all your energy straight out of the gate. Reindeer show us to pace ourselves and to realize it is the sure way of reaching our destination.

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    I had a lot of fun learning about reindeer. I discovered many new things about them that I didn’t know before. I also enjoyed creating this piece. It really got me into the festive spirit. How about you? What does the reindeer mean for you? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week! Check back soon for my next totem, the polar bear!

    Take care, free spirits!

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    Find Reindeer Totem prints and other products here.

    Related Posts: Deer Totem | Moose Totem
    Sources: Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
    Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson
    http://www.native-languages.org/caribou-man.htm
    https://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-reindeer-meaning.html

  • Totem Animal: Skunk

    Skunk WM

    This totem drawing is unique from my others. I was really worried about the black over powering the tangles or the entire image in general. I didn’t want the skunk to turn into a blob so I incorporated different colors, shades of blue and purple. I like how it adds to the “flower” look and it helps break up the skunk’s body. When I first started this piece I wasn’t confident, especially when I had to scrap the first attempt and start a second. Then, with the color, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. It just kind of happened. Sometimes you have to let them ride out that way and in the end, it’s worth it. Plus, it makes it exciting to bring art to life piece by piece. With that being said, let’s see what guidance the skunk has to share with us.

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    Skunk Symbolism

    The skunk is a symbol of self-respect. Everyone knows skunk. Everyone steers clear of skunk. This respect seems effortless on skunk’s part. The skunk is nonchalant; it struts around without a care in the world. Skunk has asserted itself in the world, confident. The skunk shows us we must carry ourselves in a way that demands respect. By carrying ourselves in a confident manner, our energy resonates to others around us and respect will follow naturally. The skunk has no need for violence and aggression. It can live a playful and carefree life because it is assertive and has self-respect.

    Skunk has the power to repel and attract others as it desires. The same scent that repels creatures that mean harm also attracts a mate. The skunk represents sensuality and sexuality. Use your power to attract like-minded individuals while warding off the people who will only drain you of your energy.

    Skunk teaches us how to control our energy flow. Be careful not to portray yourself as “available” if you are not. If the skunk has crossed your path, you will be attracting the attention of others. Make sure you are aware of where your energy is directed. Use it constructively to assert yourself, instead of wasting it on energy vampires. You have the skills, that’s why people are attracted to you. Stop worrying if you are “good enough”. It is up to you to walk the walk and show that you deserve that respect, respectfully.

    The skunk is peaceful yet steps aside for no creature. At first, many would literally turn their nose up to them but they are a strong totem to have. I now understand why the skunk has been following me all year. Assertiveness, self-worth and self-respect is something I have been working on. I’ve made great strides by using my art as my voice and I am thankful I have the skunk to guide me through my journey.

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    I learned a lot from skunk. It’s funny how in the beginning of this piece I was not confident in my work but by the end, I felt really good about what I had created. Coincidences like this just make me want to study animal totems even more! I hope skunk was able to offer some insight on your journey as well. Thanks for stopping by this week! Check back often throughout December for a month filled with Christmas and winter related totems!

    Beati pacifici, free spirits!

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    Sources:
    Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
    Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson

     

     

  • Totem Animal: Turkey

    Color Turkey WM

    Today is the day to honor the turkey. I am happy with how this piece turned out. I used prismacolor markers along with colored pencils on this one. I think it turned out a lot better than my past totems. The colors pop and the shading was easier to accomplish. I’m surprised it took me this long to incorporate my markers. I am going to start using them with all my pieces from now on.

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    Turkey Symbolism

    The turkey is a huge symbol for connecting with nature. It is known as the Earth Eagle. The males have fleshy growths that hang over their beak called “snoods” that they use when challenging other males. This “snood” represents for the third eye. It is time to open our own third eye. Mother Earth will share her wisdom and guidance. Turkeys are a symbol of the harvest and using the land properly to nourish ourselves. Turkeys live in large groups representing abundance. They live full lives with full bellies and we should be doing the same along side our family.

    It can be easy to get lost in the materialistic battle to “get ahead” but it is time to stop thinking that way. It is not about how much stuff you have but rather how many lives you have touched. Instead of focusing on personal gain and keeping everything to ourselves, we must share what we have with others. We shouldn’t be greedy but instead have an open heart and be sure that everyone is taken care of. 

    The turkey is a powerful symbol for Thanksgiving. They are the biggest teacher of self sacrifice and giving. The turkey sacrifices it’s life to feed us. We must show respect for the turkey. We should be willing to make sacrifices, as well, to help others in need.

    Let us remember to give this Thanksgiving and help anyone who may need it. The holidays can be difficult for many. It is important to look out for each other. Give away!

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    Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a lovely time with your family and get stuffed with yummy food! What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Let us know in the comments below. If it’s turkey, remember to show your respect.

    Until next time,

    “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

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    Sources:
    Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
    Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson
    Ending quote by Maya Angelou