The Beaver

A little red beaver has moved into the pond. What a joy to behold. More miracles of nature! Here is the Medicine Card Symbolism:

Medicine Cards: Beaver 1
22 - Beaver: Builder
Beaver is the doer in the animal kingdom. Beaver medicine is akin to water and earth
energy, and incorporates a strong sense of family and home. If you were to look at the dams
that block woodland streams, you would find several entrances and exits. In buildings its
home, Beaver always leaves itself many alternative escape routes. This practice is a lesson to
all of us not to paint ourselves into corners. If we eliminate our alternatives, we dam the flow
of experience in our lives. A doer is characterized by industriousness, and Beaver knows that
limitation cancels productivity.
Beaver is armed with very sharp teeth that are capable of felling whole trees. Imagine
what those teeth could do to the limbs of predators. From the rear, Beaver is armed with a
paddle-like tail that aids in swimming as well as in guarding its behind. This tiny mammal is
well equipped to protect its creation.
To understand Beaver medicine, you might take a look at the power of working and
attaining a sense of achievement. In building a dream, teamwork is necessary. To accomplish
a goal with others involves working with the group mind. Group mid constitutes harmony of
the highest order, without individual egos getting in the way. Each partner in the project
honors the talents and abilities of the others, and knows how to complete the piece of the
puzzle that belongs to them. In working well with others, a sense of community is achieved
and unity ensues.
If Beaver has appeared in your spread, it may be time to put your ideas into action or to
complete some project that has been neglected. the Beaver card could also be asking you to
settle differences with fellow workers or friends. Beaver tells you to look for alternative
solutions to life's challenges and to protect the creations which you put your love and energy
into.
Sometimes Beaver brings you a warning to watch your back. If this is your message,
you will know it by the position in which the card falls in your spread. If the card falls in the
South position, it is to remind your child-self that trusting is okay but caution is necessary.
Use discernment and all will be fine.
Contrary
If Beaver has dunked its head under water and is contrary, you are being asked to open
new doors to opportunity and to star aware. This could also usher in a time of laziness or
apathy. Find what is damming the flow, and remove the impasse. The questions that may
arise when Beaver is contrary are: (1) Have I forgotten to allow room in my life for new
experiences? (2) Am I willing to work with others? (3) Am I resentful of having to work?
Medicine Cards: Beaver 2
(4) Do I express my creativity by doing, or just be dreaming about it? (5) Has my mind created
so many obstacles to productivity that I feel like a failure before I begin?
Meditate upon Beaver's determination and willingness to work. Visualize the goal you
wish to accomplish, and be willing to work with others to achieve that end.
Overview
Beaver is the construction worker of the animal world and its dam-building methods
characterize its industriousness and productivity. As a power animal, Beaver stresses the
power of work, and especially of teamwork, to accomplish what is necessary and obtain a
sense of achievement.
Beaver as a power animal can help you to develop more harmonious relationships with
others, and acquire a sense of involvement in any project. Beaver's practice of providing
alternative ways of entering and leaving its home is a reminder that there is more that one way
of solving your problems. Beaver is also cautioning you to protect what you have achieved or
acquired through your own efforts.
If you are currently engaged in any creative endeavor, Beaver is encouraging you to put
your ideas in practice. It is not enough to be a dreamer: you need to be a doer if you want
your dreams to become practical realities.
Be constructive in all your endeavors and look for ways of providing alternatives.
Work at it.
Make today count. Build toward manifesting your dreams and goals
Source: Sams, Jamie and Carson, David. Medicine Cards (Santa Fe: Bear and Company, 1988).