Antelope

ACTION

When time was just beginning and the "Tribe of Man" was small, Antelope saw that the two-leggeds were naked, hungry, and in danger of extinction. The Ancestors would soon vanish from Mother Earth if action were not taken.

Antelope took action and came into the camp, calling all the two-leggeds together for Council. "Great Mystery sent me to teach you a lesson. The lesson is to do. You have no need to be fearful if you know what to do and then you do it," Antelope said.

"And what shall we do?" asked the People.

"If you are naked and cold, you should kill me and take my coat to keep you warm. It is my gift to you. Do it."

"We will," said the People. "But what of our hunger? We are starving. What can we do to save ourselves?"

"If you are hungry, you should kill me and take my flesh, for it will nourish you and make you strong. It is my gift to you, and a part of my evolution. It is my service. Do it."

Antelope knew that humankind would survive the Ice Age if the People learned to eat meat. Before the movement of the great ice mountain, fruit and vegetables had been plentiful, and the two-leggeds had had no need to eat of the bodies of their fellow creatures. The clans of the second world ate Antelope. Taking the instinct and wisdom of the four-leggeds into their bodies, the People learned, through each creature's essence, how to survive. They were taught never to waste, or to take more than they needed. When they were in need, the two-leggeds knew to take action.

Humans learned Antelope's lesson well. Because of Antelope, humans took proper action and survived to this present day. Antelope taught humans to honor the gifts sent from Great Mystery and to avoid indiscriminate destruction of life.

Antelope signifies knowledgeable action. Antelope is a symbol for the antenna of your hair, which attaches you to Great Mystery by its long cords of light. Looking at Antelope, you become aware of your mortality and the short time span you have on this planet. With this in mind you must act accordingly. Proper action pleases the Great Mystery. Antelope medicine is the knowledge of life's circle. Knowing of death, Antelope can truly live. Action is the key and essence of living.

Antelope powers have been courted and shamanized since the dawn of time. Antelope clans have been many, and the power of Antelope people is great. Antelope medicine gives you strength of mind and heart, and the ability to take quick and decisive action to get things accomplished.

If you feel stymied, call on Antelope medicine. If you are balled up and twisted in knots, Antelope powers will speak to you of proper action and soon set you free. Many ingenious solutions to problems are whispered by Antelope. Listen, and even more importantly, act. Surround yourself with the illumination and secret knowledge of Antelope. Combine this with action and you will overcome any obstacle or hindrance in your path. If Antelope is your Centering Tree and strong personal medicine, thank Great Spirit. Say what should be said. Your judgment is sound and your actions will be successful.

Always listen to what Antelope has to say to you. Antelope in you cards indicates a message of higher purpose. Antelope arms you with the Bow of Authority, and forces you to act on behalf of self, family, clan, nation, and finally Mother Earth. Antelope says, "Do it now, don't wait any longer." Antelope knows the way, and so do you. Take courage and leap; your sense of timing is perfect. When Antelope has bounded into your cards, the time is now. The power is you.

The Medicine Cards
Written by Jamie Sams and David Carlson
Published by Bear & Company Publishers

(Permission granted June, 1995).