Skunk Totem

I was involved in a great women's spirituality course a few years ago. One session, we worked with Animal Medicine cards. Everyone else pulled what I deemed "cool" cards, e.g., lion, eagle, etc. I was bummed when I pulled the Skunk card. A skunk???? Ugh. I put it back in the deck because it simply didn't feel right. I let the other women go, shuffled the cards, and pulled another one. Yep, it was the skunk again. I spent a few weeks meditating on and journalling about Skunk Medicine. Although helpful, I didn't pay much attention to it.

I moved to the suburbs about a year after this session. Now, keep in mind that, until that point, I lived in the city my entire life. My idea of "wild life" was rats and roaches and "space" was a 2 bedroom apartment a family of 6 shared and my 362 square foot apartment on the Upper East Side. A few days after my then-boyfriend, D, and I moved in, I looked outside my window and saw some small, black furry creatures on our lawn. I walked outside and noticed they have stripes. Oh cool, I thought, they must be skunks.

I walk over to them. I know they tend to be skittish so I say several times in my mind "Hey there, buddies. I mean you no harm. Just wanna have a look." I slowly walk over to them and notice there are three of them and a small beige bunny. I am blown away by all these animals just hanging out in front of my lawn. Heck, I'm blown away by the freakin' lawn.

I walk closer and closer and get about 5 or 6 feet from them. I skootch down to get an even closer look. I noticed the bunny just kind of hung out to the side and the skunks were digging the dirt with their noses. Funny, I thought. (I learned later they were foraging.) I noticed how they walked, interacted with each other, and smelled. I wasn't sure why people said they smelled very bad. I didn't smell anything but the freshly cut lawn.

Meanwhile, poor D was having heart failure as he watched me do all this from our window. He was gesticulating wildly, sounding like Costello did when he was terrified and trying to communicate that terror to Abbott.

After about 15 minutes of watching them (and repeating my little mantra in my head), I get up and start walking back to my home. I noticed D and couldn't read the look on his face. We were dating for a little over 3 years so that's strange for us. He couldn't believe or understand I wasn't sprayed. I couldn't understand why that was a big deal. I mean, skunks spray when they're in danger, I didn't mean them any harm, and they knew that. What's the big deal?

Turns out, skunks don't usually let people get that close. Look, I'm not an idiot. I KNOW they spray and the smell is atrocious. I just didn't realize they're indiscriminate in their spraying or that I should have never gotten that close to them. Since then, D has called me The Beast Master.

I've had 4 or 5 sightings since then; most recently, after an advanced Tarot class and after a very-needed session with a Tarot reader. I thought back to the first time the Skunk came into my life. I'm now really starting to think the Skunk is my animal totem. The more research and thinking I do about it the more it's clear.

Skunks are small, cute, and cuddly. They walk a little funny and they don't roar to get their point across like a lion but get much respect in the wild. Think about it . . . D, who is 6-2 and 250-lbs, was terrified of this cute little animal! Skunks are silent and not aggressive. They are fearless but peaceful by nature. When threatened, they will give several warnings before they spray. Most people who know me well, will tell you this description could easily fit me.

I've been labeled "a tough city chick" but it isn't immediately obvious by looking at my petite frame or how I genuinely like and treat people. In fact, I am often perceived to be "too lenient" with people. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. But, boy oh boy, do NOT fuck with me because I WILL spray you. And, it won't be in a passive-aggressive way or behind your back. It will be direct and quick. Then, I learn from the encounter and get over it.

Yeah, I kinda like the Skunk now. They're my buddies. So what if I don't roar, can't fly, or am not the queen of the jungle? I'm kind, small, reasonably cute, and STILL get respect! =-)