30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day Twenty-Two

"Sacred Path" - acrylic on aquabord, 6" x 6"

On day 22, I return to my cowboy obsession, with a powerful animal totem from the wide open prairie.  In this case, my inspiration was not The Gunslinger novel (which I am still reading and delighting in) but from the Netflix series, "Longmire", which fits so nicely with Cowboy September (my new name for this month) and provided my muse for today.

This is not the first bison I've been drawn to. They return to me again and again, much like crows.  Buffalo (bison) medicine in Native American traditions is especially strong.   If you are drawn to the bison, you may be asked to use your energy in prayer, or to be an instrument to answer the prayers of someone else.  The bison asked you to recognize the sacredness of each person's path; to honor other's choices even if they bring you sadness.  Buffalo spirit asks you to recognize and revere the meaning of life and value of peace.  It can bring calm in the midst of chaos if you ask for guidance.

If a bison appears to you, it is a sign that your success is dependent upon the Great Spirit, and you must be humble and ask for help, then be thankful for what appears. (Buffalo medicine wisdom from Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson)

This animal appearing to me today in spirit (not in person!  Though I would love to see a bison roaming down our neighborhood streets!) is perfectly timed.  I am not one to ask for help with anything, in general,  and the bison is telling me to do so.  The wisdom of honoring the paths of others, though different from our own, is the ideal message for a parent of young adults, or the caretaker of an aging elder, or for the friend of extraordinary people.  I am grateful for buffalo medicine today.

This piece is available, unframed.  Inquiries: imajenation@gmail.com

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