"Stealing horses is stealing power" was a statement made frequently in
historical native American and a reference to the esteemed role which
Horse played in the native cultures.
Horse is physical power *and* unearthly power. In shamanic practices
throughout the world, Horse enables shamans to fly through the air and
reach heaven.
Humanity made a great leap forward when Horse was domesticated, a
discovery akin to that of fire. Before Horse, humans were earthbound,
heavy-laden, and slow creatures indeed. Once humans climbed on Horse's
back, they were as free and fleet as the wind. They could carry burdens
for great distances with ease. Through their special relationship with
Horse, humans altered their self-concept beyond measure. Horse was the
first animal medicine of civilization. Humanity owes an incalculable
debt to Horse and to the new medicine it brought. It would be a long
walk to see one's brother or sister if Horse had not welcomed the
two-legged rider upon its back. Today we measure the capacity of engines
with the term "horsepower," a reminder of the days when Horse was an
honored and highly-prized partner with humanity.
Dreamwalker, a medicine man, was walking across the plains to visit the
Arapaho Nation. He carried with him his pipe. The feather tied into his
long black hair pointed to the ground, marking him as a man of peace.
Over the rise of a hill, Dreamwalker saw a herd of wild mustangs running
toward him.
Black Stallion approached him and asked it he was seeking an answer on
his journey. Black Stallion said, "I am from the Void where Answer
lives. Ride on my back and know the power of entering the Darkness and
finding the light." Dreamwalker thanked Black Stallion and agreed to
visit him when his medicine was needed in the Dreamtime.
Yellow Stallion approached Dreamwalker next and offered to take him to
the East, where illumination lives. Dreamwalker could share the answers
he found there to teach and illuminate others. Once again, Dreamwalker
thanked Yellow Stallion and said he would use these gifts of power on
his journey.
Red Stallion approached, rearing playfully. He told Dreamwalker of the
joys of balancing work and heavy medicine with the joyful experiences of
play. He reminded Dreamwalker that he could better hold the attention of
those he taught when humor was integrated with the lesson. Dreamwalker
thanked him and promised to remember the gift of joy.
Dreamwalker was nearing his destination. The Arapaho Nation was close at
hand. White Stallion came to the front of the herd. Dreamwalker mounted
White Stallion's back. White Stallion was the message carrier for all
the other horses, and represented wisdom in power. This magnificent
horse was the embodiment of the balanced medicine shield. "No abuse of
power will ever lead to wisdom," said White Stallion. "You, Dreamwalker,
have made this journey to heal a brother in need, to share the sacred
pipe, and to heal the Mother Earth. You have the knowledge through
humility that you are an instrument of Great Spirit. As I carry you upon
my back, you carry the needs of the people on yours. In wisdom, you
understand that power is not given lightly but awarded to those who are
willing to carry responsibility in a balanced manner."
Dreamwalker, the shaman, had been healed by the visit of the wild horses,
and knew that his purpose in coming to the Arapaho was to share these
gifts with them.
In understanding the power of Horse, you may see how to strive for a
balanced medicine shield. True power is wisdom found in remembering your
total journey. Wisdom comes from remembering pathways you have walked in
another person's moccasins. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and
sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways to power.
CONTRARY:
If your ego has gotten in the way, you may have failed to notice the
lack of respect you have been receiving from others. You may, on the
other hand, be struggling with others who are abusing their power.
"Should I say something? Should I fight my desire to put them in their
place?" you may be asking. Remember the times in your own life when you
have fallen out of grace with Great Spirit, and then have compassion for
the brothers or sisters who are now doing the same. If you are
overpowering another or feeling overwhelmed, Horse medicine in both the
dignified *and* contrary positions is a simple reminder of *how* to
balance your shields.
In allowing all pathways to have equal validity, you will see the power
and glory of the unified *family of humanity*. This is the gift of the
Rainbow Warrior or Warrioress. The "I" has no place in this Whirling
Rainbow that comes from the Great Mystery and is replaced by the
universal "we". All colors of the rainbow and all pathways are honored
as one.
Apply this knowledge and reclaim the power you have given away by
forgetting to come from compassion. Untangle yourself from the present
situation and understand that every human being must follow this pathway
before galloping upon the winds of destiny.
