Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Beaver (Building, Productivity)
Beaver labours to build a great dam. Rivaled only by humans in their ability to affect the landscape the industrious beaver works diligently to achieve its vision. Working together, beavers will process the raw material of a tree and divert the flow of water as they wish. An excellent swimmer, a beaver’s large lungs allow it to be submerged for long periods of time. This ability may have linked beaver to being looked upon for guidance about breath, and breath control; especially in relation to health, and effectiveness. Beaver homes, called dams, will have several escape routes in case of emergency. The large paddle tail of beaver helps guide its way through the water and acts as a guard from behind. When trouble comes a shape flick of that tail across the water will warn other beavers to hide. The sharp incisor teeth of a beaver continue to grow, even once a beaver has matured. This adaptation is one of the reasons that beaver constantly chews lumber; to grind down its teeth. Beavers live rich family lives. Young beavers, called kits, will stay with their mated pair parents for a few years before settling nearby. This behaviour actually helps beaver to be more sociable to other nearby beavers, as they are often related.

As an emblem beaver is particularly popular in Canada because of the importance of the fur trade. Several engineering organizations use the beaver as their mascot, for obvious reasons. A person who is enthusiastic and hardworking is sometimes called an eager beaver. A species of European beaver once existed in the United Kingdom but was hunted to extinction by the 16th century. Elsewhere the European beaver was also hunted to near extinction, but the population is on the uprise and are slowly being reintroduced to places where they once thrived. In Native American myths the role of beaver varies from tribe to tribe. Many tribes saw beaver as industrious, but some saw it as selfish and stubborn. Some tribes believed that beaver, through the use of dams, could bring flood or drought. It was the ability of beaver to so deftly navigate the water, seen as the unconscious, that linked beaver with being able to navigate and build dreams.

When beaver labours its way into your reading it can come as an opportunity to examine what you’ve been building. What have you been building towards? How productive have your labours been? Have you been neglecting to build upon your most basic dreams and desires? Beaver is linked to the elements of water and wood; both elements are essential to beavers well-being.

Astrology- (Native Apr 20- May 20) In the Native zodiac Beaver is a sign of doing. Beavers are happiest when they can take charge, adapt, or overcome. Strategic Beaver will get the job done with efficiency, but could take lessons on tact. Beaver should be cautious of building its fortress too strong for others to get in. The helpful and compassionate nature of Beaver helps it from falling into solitude. Arrogance should be avoided by Beaver whenever possible but a match of wits will probably go their way. Their mental acuity is as sharp as their teeth.

Stars and Constellations
Create Meaningfully, Build Dreams, Adjust Flow, Engineer, Process Materials