Native Symbols - A Guide to the Energies of the Australian Bush
Native Symbols - A Guide to the Energies of the Australian Bush by Donni Hakanson
First published in October 1997 ISBN: 0 646 32617 1
The website - just google ... native symbols donni hakanson .... !
The Dreaming is not a static space in time, but a continuous thread through time.
In 1997 "Oracle of the Dreamtime" was released worldwide, translated 4 times. Over 20 000 copies have have been printed.
With my first royalties I self-published "Native Symbols." 300 copies and 11 years later I still receive more requests and comments about this publication than the Oracle! It's time to address this need!
The natural world speaks in the language of archetypes, a symbolic language which resonates within the unconscious, beyond words. This language speaks to all people, regardless of skin colour or culture.
The Australian Aboriginal people traditionally regarded their environment as a living oracle. If a bird or animal behaved strangely, or looked one directly in the eye, then there was a special message forthcoming. If a creature appeared in one's dreams, it too symbolised an aspect of the Great Spirit.
This book is a handy Australian dream or encounter guide. The interpretations for each symbols draws on each one's unique characteristics and the messages contained within its Aboriginal Dreaming.
Through nature and the animal world, we can become more aware of our own personal traits, our own strengths and qualities as well as our connection in the web of life. Over100 creatures are described in the new edition.
"Native Symbols - A Guide to the Energies of the Australian Bush" was the first publication of its kind released in Australia. The shamanic tradition encompasses indigenous cultures globally, and "Native Symbols" specifically addresses our unique Australian creatures and life forms though their Aboriginal Dreamings and innate characteristics and traits.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Symbols
Numbers
Colours
Patterns and Directions
The Four Elements
Astrology Co-relations
Divining Your Own Meanings
The Symbols:
Ant
Bandicoot
Barramundi
Bat
Bee
Bilby see Bandicoot
Billabong see Waterhole
Black Swan
Blowfly see Fly
Bogong Moth
Boobook Owl see Mopoke
Bowerbird
Brolga
Brush Turkey
Budgerigar
Butterfly
Cane Toad
Cat see Native Cat
Cicada
Clouds
Cockatoo, Black and White
Copper
Cormorant
Crab
Crocodile
Crow
Crystal
Curlew
Dingo
Dolphin
Dugong
Eagle see Wedge-tailed Eagle
Echidna
Eucalyptus
Emu
Fairy Penguin
Finch
Firefly
Fly
Flying Fox see Bat
Frilled Neck Lizard
Frog
Galah
Gecko
Gliding Possum
Goanna
Gum Tree see Eucalyptus
Hawk
Honeyant see Ant
Ibis
Jabiru
Kangaroo
Koala
Kookaburra
Lightning
Lily
Lizard, Blue-tongue
Lizard, Frill neck
Lizard, Shingleback
Lotus see Lily
Lyrebird
Magpie
Milky Way see Bat
Mistletoe
Moon
Mopoke
Mosquito
Moth see Bogong Moth
Mudlark see Pee Wee
Native Cat
Nautilus Shell see Moon
Ochre
Opal
Owl
Paperbark Tree
Pee Wee
Pelican
Pigeon see Topnotch
Platypus
Possum
Quoll see Native Cat
Rat
Rain see Clouds
Rainbow
Rainbow Lorikeet
Rosella
Sandpiper
Seagull
Seal
Shag see Cormorant
Sheoak Tree see Cockatoo
Shark
Snake
Seven Sisters
Southern Cross
Spider
Starfish see Whale
Stingray
Sturt’s Desert Pea
Sun
Sugarbag see Bee
Sugar Glider see Gliding Possum
Taipan see Snake
Tasmanian Devil
Termite
Topknot Pigeon
Tortoise
Turtle
Waratah
Water Rat see Rat
Waterhole
Wattle
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Whale
Willy Wagtail
Wombat
Bibliography
Animal Encounter Record Keeper
About the Author/Illustrator
Acknowledgments
One letter of many from a keen reader:
Dear Donni
I have never written to an author of a book that I've loved before, but I am compelled to write and beg you to re publish your book Native Symbols.
I found your book in a book shop at Coollangatta and since that time my daughter and myself (And sometimes my husband is found looking for it!) fight over it continually. The reason is that both of us often like to keep it with us as it is truly remarkable with your insights into the animals that may cross our paths during the day. So with this in mind I set out to buy not one but a few copies as I thought there are other friends who I know would delight in it as much as we do. I ordered my copies and as I was assured that the copies had been located proceeded to give the one precious copy away to a friend while I was in Sydney on business. Imagine my dismay when I went to the book shop to discover that they had ordered the oracle instead of the book and then told me that they didn't think that it was available anymore. I did purchase the oracle and I love the book that you have there as well. but I really wanted the copy of Native Symbols.
I would only have one thing to ask if you would consider re publishing Native Symbols and that is can you add even more than the sixty or so animals. I have to tell you how incredible the lessons and the insights for me and my daughter have been. It does not matter what we looked up it was always deeply spiritual and has helped us both on our path. I really want to thank you for such a publication.
I thank God that Michelle had your contact details so that I could contact you, and I wish you Great Spirits joy and peace as you continue your work.
Kindest regards, Louise R.
An Excerpt - Part 1
ANT
Industry Community Invincibility Irritations
"You've got ants in ya pants!" Is there a young child who hasn't giggled and used this 'naughty' expression? Ants have the capacity to bring the giggles and squeals of childhood back - especially if you do get one in your clothes! Watching them as they struggle to carry a moth up a wall or a large crumb over a puddle can be fascinating... these tiny insects have entertained humans for centuries. This state of intense concentration is the same as that of a child focussed on playing; time disappears and the wonder of the NOW is present.
Ant concentrates solely on the job at hand. They are found worldwide and an archetype related to work, like bees. In fact, their social structure is very similar to bees, except for bull ants which are more ferocious and less organised in their approach.
In one Dreaming , Ant nests are built to withstand the power of the willywilly (whirlwind) which, although it can storm and pull up trees, cannot destroy an Ant's nest. The willywilly's anger resulted from Ant stealing his food, piece by piece, in the dark of night. Ant took the food because the willywilly wouldn't share. Even today, Ant will take any food hoards left untended and in the open.
Nothing will go to waste with these critters! (Other Dreamings attribute the red colouring of the meat ant's body as evidence of their being the first creatures to possess fire - maybe that's why their bites have such a sting!)
Ant has an uncanny ability to locate the smallest food source and in no time at all, hoards of them are in the vicinity, efficiently cleaning up and searching for more. The energies of concentration are evident here - a multitude concentrate around a single crumb, working together, focussed intently. For those plagued in their homes, Ant can teach you that no matter how tidy and organised your life may be, there will still be something out of sight. Even the tiniest morsel is worth gathering by these productive and persistent creatures!
Ant may refer to any level where you think you have cleaned and tidied, including habits, mental patterns and unpicked skeletons in the closet. In this way, Ant can teach humility - or undermine your confidence if you allow a judgement to be made on these crumbs. Ant signifies a time of cleaning up small details, so be grateful - especially if the worst of the mess is over!
Ant - Part 2
Traditionally Ant may highlight community endeavours and working with others for the benefit of the collective group. Take notice of the location of Ant and refer this place to the same place within yourself. For example, Ant in the kitchen may relate to issues of community care and providing for others; in the bathroom an issue might need to be released or cleaned up; and so on.
The smallest crumbs dwarf Ant who is able to carry many times its bodyweight. In Ant’s perspective the little things are enormous but worth struggling with! From another perspective, what you may be struggling with, although it seems huge, is not in reality. Tiny Ant can encourage you to broaden your perspective. You are, after all, a giant... and giants are powerful beings!
If ant stings you, several Dreamings from the Northern Territory highlight ant’s ability to sting a dead person back to life… where in your life do you need to get more lively, so to speak? Where did ant bite you, what does that body part do? For example, ant bite on the knee might be saying it’s time to get going in some way in your flexibility in moving through life.
Like Fly, Ant can indicate irritations - and not only at picnics. Flying ants are seeking a new nesting site and according to bush lore, are a sign of coming rain. Their presence, although a nuisance, can point to innovative ideas and flights of fancy which form into new developments and projects in your life. Flying Ant, who has transcended the earth environment to achieve his needs more efficiently, comes into your life to bring a message. Is he in a safe environment where he can begin a new life or one where it is unlikely he will ever feel at home? Upheaval and change, movement and new beginnings are fanned into your life with Ant’s wings. (see also termite aka flying ant.)
If you are lucky enough to sample honeyants which are a traditional Aboriginal bush tucker delicacy, these sweet delicacies are a symbol of the fleeting pleasures of life. The amount of time it takes to ‘harvest’ them compared to the crop is minimal, yet well worth the effort. Doing what you love, regardless of the work involved, makes even a small success even sweeter! Honeyants are a lovely symbol of seeking and attaining your dreams. Go for it!
New Amazon Plexo
My other book, "Oracle of the Dreamtime"
