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The Native American Zodiac

12/31/2024

26 Comments

 
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Hello, blog friends!

It's the last day of the year, and I suspect most of us stand uneasy on the shifting terrain. We're unsure what 2025 will bring. Whispers of hope abound, but thunderclouds mount. With this situation as a backdrop, I smiled when I read ​Colleen Chesebro's poetry prompt for today. 

Colleen has asked participants to focus on the Native American Zodiac and our particular sign. It turns out that I'm a Bear. Who knew? A couple of the characteristics, per www.spiritanimal.com, include the following:

The Bear birth totem is tied to the element of Earth and with an inner strength that's balanced with truthfulness, acceptance and sincerity. Your personal space is very important to you. Your cave is secure and welcoming. It is a place where you can safely explore all aspects of your inner world. You go to that sacred place for quiet revitalization. 



My simple tanka (syllables of 5-7-5-7-7) is about my bear. 😊
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Have a wonderful week, dear friends. To you and all, my wishes for a happy New Year! ❤️
26 Comments
Rall
12/31/2024 08:03:52

Happy New Year ! I am also a bear.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
12/31/2024 11:44:40

Wonderful! Sister bears. 😊 Happy New Years to you and yours.

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Jaye Marie link
1/1/2025 03:05:59

What a wonderful way to begin the New Year, Gwen.
Just as I was wondering what kind of year it would be for me, I find a totem animal to guide me through...

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 11:37:59

So true, Jaye. Colleen has given us a fun way to approach the New Year. 🎉

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Priscilla Bettis link
1/1/2025 06:25:32

Happy New Year, Gwen! I'm a raven.🙂

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 11:38:58

Happy New Year to you as well, Priscilla. I love ravens and talk to them every day when I hike. 😊

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Timothy W. Dittmer link
1/1/2025 07:14:07

Wonderful, Gwen! Have a great year! 🌞

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 11:39:44

You too, Tim. Fingers crossed for a wonderful year! 😊

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Jacqui Murray link
1/1/2025 08:06:01

Love this. It fits me. And your poem speaks to my spirit.

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 11:40:34

So glad you like it, Jacqui! Happy New Year to you and yours. 😊

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Thomas Wikman link
1/1/2025 09:02:21

It is a beautiful tanka and I like bears but I am a falcon. I wish you and your family a wonderful 2025 🎉🥂

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 11:41:44

Wow...a falcon. I love watching them fly. I hope you have an incredible year, Thomas. Thank you for all that you do to keep us informed. 😊

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Yvette M Calleiro link
1/1/2025 10:44:02

Beautiful poem, Gwen! You captured the majesty of bears well. Happy New Year!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 11:42:26

Thank you, Yvette. Happy New year to you and yours! 😊

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Liz Gauffreau link
1/1/2025 12:03:05

I LOVE your tanka, Gwen! It suits me very well.

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 17:45:14

Thank you, Liz! I'm so glad you connected to the poem. 😊

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Daniel Antion link
1/1/2025 12:27:09

That's beautiful, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 17:45:51

Thanks so much, Dan. Happy New Year to you and yours. 😊

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Annette Aben
1/1/2025 16:29:59

Nailed it! I am the snake and while I have made a couple attempts, I am not certain exactly how to craft poetry from that... we will see... Happy 2025

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Gwen M. Plano
1/1/2025 17:46:46

What fun! I look forward to reading your poem. Happy New Year! 😊

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Jan Sikes
1/2/2025 13:39:23

I love this, Gwen! The poem is perfect for the bear totem!

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Gwen M. Plano
1/2/2025 17:46:14

Thank you so much, Jan. Happy New Year to you! 😊

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D. Wallace Peach link
1/3/2025 10:42:25

A beautiful totem animal that seems so like you, Gwen. And your poem is lovely. I'm going to miss Colleen's challenges and reading the responses around the internet. Have a beautiful January and enjoy a bit of hibernation in the warmth and comfort of your home.

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Gwen M. Plano
1/3/2025 18:14:23

Thanks so much, Diana. I will miss Colleen's prompts as well. I hope you're enjoying the season and also hope all is well with you and yours.😊

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Robbie Cheadle
1/7/2025 01:16:49

Hi Gwen, I love that you are a bear, the same as me. A great poem.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
1/7/2025 06:07:31

Thank you, Robbie. And, YAY - we're sister bears! 😊

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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