The Salmon Family (Salmonidae) includes Atlantic Salmon, Pacific Salmon, Trout, Char, Grayling, White Fish, and Ciscoes. This large family is native to cool streams and cold lakes throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Salmonids have soft-rayed fins and large mouths, with jaws that extend back beyond their eyes.
Salmonids have inspired people both with their brilliant colors and ability to leap over obstacles. The word “summersault” comes from ‘salmon-sault’ (salmon leaping). Ancient cave paintings in Europe feature Atlantic Salmon. In addition, Native Americans call Pacific Salmon, “Grandfather Salmon”.
The Salmonids migrate either from seawater to freshwater or from a lake to a stream to breed. The young migrate to salt water or a lake when they became adults. They have instincts so remarkably specific that each generation returns to spawn in the exact same breeding place.
An Important Salmon Family Teaching: Wisdom and Inner Knowing:
“Salmon's determination is driven by the wisdom of instinct and inner knowing, which yields a sense of purpose that cannot be thwarted by external forces.” Copyright: “Medicine Cards”, Jamie Sams and David Carson.
Salmon Family's Teachings Include:
“When we are light-hearted and childlike on our journey it becomes not a means to a goal, but the goal itself. Salmon teaches us to leap joyfully at the prospect of each new day and to know that, wherever we are, we are always going home.” Copyright: Beyond the Rainbow (Constance Barrett Sohodski).
“Grandfather Salmon is very old. He has been around since there was more sea than land, and he has adapted to a wide range of environments around the world. Wherever he thrives, Salmon is a symbol of renewal returning year after year to remind people of the ongoing cycles of giving and receiving in life. Regardless of the difficulties, nothing deflects him from his commitment.” Copyright: “Power Animal Meditations”, Nicki Scully.
According to Dr. George P. Butler, Sr., Salmon also teaches 'determination'. Read more about Salmon at his site. Do not forget to use your back button to return to this site.
Take time to read what the Individual Salmon Family Teachers have to teach.
Purchase books on salmon from Amazon.com
Photo of Salmon Spawing courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Rainbow Trout Drawing copyrighted by Mary Ann Sterling
Va. Carper
August 25, 2005