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Oaxacan Wildlife Oracle
Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and this short series of cards expresses my love for the wildlife and culture of this Mexican state.
Death and Life
A total of 96 bat species calls the state of Oaxaca their home! These creatures are so important to the ecosystem that prehispanic civilizations even had a god with a bat face, and a mask of the bat god was found in Monte Alban, too. Because of their nocturnal nature, these animals are connected to the Underworld and represent death and rebirth, facing our fears, and shamanic initiation.
Company
What’s life without good company? The donkey is a Mexican treasure, and many people in the countryside still work with these astute creatures. They are excellent guides in the mountains, as they only advance when they feel sure-footed. Cats are masters of intuition, and when the donkey isn’t out carrying firewood, some strange friendships are forged at the barn.
Duality
460 different species of reptiles call Oaxaca their home. Among the snakes, some are venomous and should be avoided by humans (though we’re not really part of their diet anyway), but all play their role in the ecosystem. In Mexico, the snake represents fertility, the earth and Coatlicue, Goddess of fertility and duality. May you plant your dreams in fertile soil!
Protection
The armadillo is one of the oldest original inhabitants of the American continent. It is a rather peaceful creature and only uses its claws for digging.
When it feels threatened, the armadillo just rolls up in a ball, safely protected by its body armor.
What a lesson in healthy boundaries: When attacked, don’t engage, just go inside.
When it feels threatened, the armadillo just rolls up in a ball, safely protected by its body armor.
What a lesson in healthy boundaries: When attacked, don’t engage, just go inside.
Metamorphosis
Butterflies are a symbol of transformation, and the bright red traditional clothing of women from the indigenous Triqui region are even woven to represent the change from hungry caterpillar to colorful butterfly. Every stage of life has its own beauty and is unique. It’s so important to enjoy every single day and appreciate what you have and who you are right now, because the only certainty we ever have is change.
Power
Deep inside the mountains of Mexico lives the panther. A symbol of courage and power, this magical creature is rather elusive.
It has always played an important part in prehispanic civilizations, and sculptures of it were even found in Monte Alban.
If you ever meet it - either in the wild or your dreams - know that you are blessed and that destiny has a hand in this encounter.
It has always played an important part in prehispanic civilizations, and sculptures of it were even found in Monte Alban.
If you ever meet it - either in the wild or your dreams - know that you are blessed and that destiny has a hand in this encounter.
Abundance
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is one of Oaxaca’s most abundant regions. Its savannas are home to a type of hare that can only be found in this particular part of the world, and that is regarded as a symbol of creativity, magic and abundance. If you look up to the sky at night, you can even see it shining in the full moon.
Luck
Oaxaca is host to 741 bird species, 70 of which are endemic to the state. The Vermillion Flycatcher that inspired this card is rather common in the fields outside the city. If you see it swooping through the late afternoon air, catching mosquitos and other tasty treats, you can admire his agility and refined hunting skills. Folk wisdom says should he turn his back on you, it’s bad luck, but if he shows you his shiny red chest, you’re in for some good fortune.
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