Grouse

I woke during the night thinking very strongly about the word "Grouse".  A grouse is a pheasant like bird.  I remember thinking I have to remember this to look it up in my book "Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews (thank you Mr. Andrews for all the valuable information).

Upon my morning awakening, this word played over and over again in my head.  It was the strongest, loudest; the only thunderous word in my mind.  No pictures or story behind it; just the word.

I went to the book and this is what it told me.  Below are excerpts from the book; there was more written that I did not get my attention.

Grouse:  Sacred Dancing and Drumming

"It is an extremely hardy bird.  During cold weather its toes will sprout a fringe to help it walk about in the snow."  (The cold and I haven't done real good together in a long time; is this about to change?)

"Dancing and drumming are both powerful ways in their own right to invoke energies.  When combined, they create opportunities to be drawn into higher states of consciousness." (I have always loved the feeling of dancing AND drumming and dancing has always called me; hence 'Mercedes Flair' and belly dancing.)

"it is an outer expression of an inner spirit"

"Sacred dance and drumming was a means of transcending humanity.  The dancer can gain control over normally automatic responses by evoking emotions and energies, and then channeling them through the dance.  In this manner, transcendence over these lower energies could be achieved.  This is what grouse can teach." 

The ruffed grouse is called such because of a ruff of black feathers about the neck and shoulders.  This is very symbolic.  The neck and shoulder area is the point of connection between the head and the trunk, the upper and lower. (When I first started therapy, I was asked to draw myself.  I drew myself with my head and neck not attached to my body.) It is the bridge between the two.  All bridges enable a crossing over and an opening to new realms.

The ruffed grouse reflects that working with new rhythms and new movement will be beneficial to opening a new flow of energy into your life.  Dance and drumming would become wonderful tools to open new realms for you.  This doesn't mean you have to go out and take dance lessons, but simply practice and develop your freeform expressions.  You will be surprised at the changes in your own energy.  See yourself dancing into new patterns and realms within your life. (Freeform Dance Class - This is exactly a class that I thought about offering in the future.)

If the grouse has come into your life use the dance. If performed with the right intention, you will see results in less than a week.

The sage grouse in the largest of the American grouse.  It has its own dance to create its sacred space. 

Dancing a circle is an act of creation.  It is the marking off of a sacred space.  (Reminds me of the circle that my Chippers left.)

To those to whom grouse comes there should be a marking off of sacred space in your life.  Make sure there are territories and areas you do not allow others.  This enables your own natural rhythms and movements to create for you without too much outside influence.  (Perhaps, this is why I've been so closed down to the outside world.)

If grouse has come into your life, expect new rhythms and new teaching on dancing and drumming your life to new dimensions.  (Bring it on!)

May you 'dance' your way into 'outing' your truth.

I'm sharing everything; why stop now..... A memory also came to me when I was little and driving with my family and we had the windows open; a pheasant feather came flying in the window and landed right in my shoe that was on the floor of the car.   Oooooo   weird.  I remember thinking that this was the coolest thing...that it would pick my shoe. 

Funny how it all ties in if we let it; want it to; think it to; imagine it to; allow it to.

I believe our tapestry of our life is being made; might as well participate...   Mmmmm