Snow Goose

People born under the Earth Renewal Moon, the first moon of the year, have the snow goose as their totem in the animal kingdom, the birch tree as their totem in the plant kingdom and quartz as their totem in the mineral kingdom. Their colour is white. They are born between December 22 and January 19th.

From the quartz, snow goose people can learn to see things clearly and to let the energies of the universe flow through them. If snow goose people can keep themselves clear and fluid they can act as receivers and transmitters for the powers of the universe. They have a cool exterior like quartz, which makes them appear reserved, however, they warm up, after a time, if those close to them pour their own warmth and energy into them. They are rarely gushy or overly sentimental.

The snow goose people are much like the birch tree, stately and beautiful. Snow goose people have a real respect for tradition. They often find themselves in positions where they counsel others. Like the birch, these people can rid the air of unnecessary static if they have taken care to keep themselves in a good state, where their energy can flow freely and purely. A tea made from birch could be useful to people of this totem, especially for ailments of the respiratory tract or for swelling of knees.

The snow goose itself travels thousands of miles to the arctic and then south. They are very gregarious birds. They make a strong impression on folks below as they fly overhead. Like their totem, people of the snow goose have minds that are able to soar and cover vast distances. These folks, like their totem have a genuine liking to be in a group but may be reserved and you may hardly notice that they are there. It can be difficult to break through the reserved exterior of these folk to find out what they are really like. They are careful of who they allow to let in. However, they like to be in the center stage although this is so masked it is at first hard to notice. They can be nitpickers and love neatness.

The colour of the snow goose is the white of the snow itself, that magical form of water that floats down to earth, each flake in its own special form, making everything look fresh, sparkling, clean and new. White is the sum of all colours. It is considered to be the colour of purity, and of balance between all colours. White expresses the highest nature that people can aspire to.

For other folks passing through this part of the medicine wheel of life, this position gives them the lesson that it is here that they can renew themselves and balance all the energies from the other signs. It is a time of rest and renewal and a time to review the actions of the past year and prepare for the year to come.

Excerpted from:
The Medicine Wheel: Earth Astrology
by Sun Bear and Wabun