What's In A Name?
I've been involved in what is called men's work for several years. It is interesting stuff, and it allows me to be a bit useful while hanging out on the planet. Anyway, it is common in such work for men to take on totem/animal names. It is a bit in deference to First Generation Americans, but it serves another, more subtle, purpose.
Traditionally, these names were given to a man by an elder. The wisdom of the older man and his insights about the younger one led to a prophetic label (if you see me remind me to tell you a joke about this). Today, in our work, the man chooses his own name (and can change it at will...but I digress). How and why he chooses one name over another is sometimes baffling to me, but it is always interesting.
I think the most popular name is Wolf. The imagery and mystic of this animal draws many of us to it and, of course, there is always the concept of the alpha male in the pack. I don't think that most men see themselves as a wolf but, rather, that they over compensate for perceived lshort comings in other areas. Another common name is Bear. As with wolf, many names carry a modifier...sort of a designer animal name that helps the man proclaim who he is or, at least, how he would like to be seen by others. We have Golden Bear, Fearless Wolf, Wolf with Wolverine and so on. My chosen name?
It isn't the first name I've had (it's the third), but I am called Turtle. When you've stopped snickering I will explain why. I teach students to always do things slowly and the right way. With practice, what at first seemed slow becomes faster and faster. In some First Generation cultures the Turtle has a less than positive reputation. In many, however, he is part of the creation myth and a healer.
The Turtle is slow but sure, knows when to withdraw into his shell and survives for another day. And, never forget, he beat the hare in that famous race.
Paddle safe...
DS
Traditionally, these names were given to a man by an elder. The wisdom of the older man and his insights about the younger one led to a prophetic label (if you see me remind me to tell you a joke about this). Today, in our work, the man chooses his own name (and can change it at will...but I digress). How and why he chooses one name over another is sometimes baffling to me, but it is always interesting.
I think the most popular name is Wolf. The imagery and mystic of this animal draws many of us to it and, of course, there is always the concept of the alpha male in the pack. I don't think that most men see themselves as a wolf but, rather, that they over compensate for perceived lshort comings in other areas. Another common name is Bear. As with wolf, many names carry a modifier...sort of a designer animal name that helps the man proclaim who he is or, at least, how he would like to be seen by others. We have Golden Bear, Fearless Wolf, Wolf with Wolverine and so on. My chosen name?
It isn't the first name I've had (it's the third), but I am called Turtle. When you've stopped snickering I will explain why. I teach students to always do things slowly and the right way. With practice, what at first seemed slow becomes faster and faster. In some First Generation cultures the Turtle has a less than positive reputation. In many, however, he is part of the creation myth and a healer.
The Turtle is slow but sure, knows when to withdraw into his shell and survives for another day. And, never forget, he beat the hare in that famous race.
Paddle safe...
DS
3 comments:
. . . and sometimes turtles are made of chocolate. . .
Any one choose "cactus"? Or does it have to be an animal?
Just thought I'd ask. . .
Although some choose a non-animal animal name, no one I know if has chosen cactus. As for chocolate turtles...bit me :)
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