photo by Liora Leah 5/19/2007
"The Grasshopper
The short horned grasshopper is related to the locust and both will be discussed here. As with all insects, they are cold blooded and are more active when it is warmer. Their are about 10,000 species and each has its own unique song. With a few exceptions only the males can sing. During courtship, male grasshoppers take turns singing songs, competing to outdo each other for the attention of the females.
One of the gifts these insects hold is the power of song and sound. Song is an ancient way to alter consciousness and communicate with our animal and spirit relations. Some Native American songs date back at least 20,000 years. If these insect singers have caught your attention with their song, they may be asking you to honor your ancestors and reconnect with your true heritage. Listening and responding to your inner voice as well as using it in a complimentary way towards self and others is equally important.
The grasshopper-locust is associated with astral travel. They have the ability to leap through time and into space where the true mysteries of life exist. People with this medicine have the wisdom necessary to overcome obstacles efficiently and are able to jump into successful ventures without preparation or planning. When the grasshopper-locust appears to us we are being asked to take a leap of faith and jump forward into a specific area of life without fear. Usually that specific area is one that we have avoided and is often connected to change on a larger scale. This can represent a change in location, relationships, career or just in the way we perceive ourselves.
Overcrowding and food shortages turn normally peaceful grasshoppers into the dreaded locusts, capable of stripping a forest or farm in the blink of an eye. They turn dark, almost black, so that they can absorb more sunlight to have heat and energy to maintain their swarming. They will continue this frenzy until they reach a place with enough food, or enough of them die or are killed to control the population. Those with grasshopper-locust as a totem must remember that the gifts of mother earth are available for everyone if used in a sacred way. Sometimes a person forgets that sacred balance and takes more than is needed. This can also be symbolic of individuals taking from you. Are others demanding too much of your time, your energy? Is responsibility being placed on your shoulders that is not rightfully yours? These are some of the questions to ask yourself if the grasshopper-locust presents itself to you. Remember life only becomes more difficult when we refuse to leap forward into the magic of change. "
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