Known as Grey Wolf’s Smaller Brother, Coyote prefers hunting Rabbits and Mice to Big Game. However like Grey Wolf, Coyote works together with His Family to kill larger Prey. Similar to his other Brother, Dingo of Australia, Coyote has great stamina and will run for hours chasing his Prey. Like his Cousin Fox, Coyote stalks his Prey and pounces on the unfortunate Animal. Coyote is the quintessential example of the Canidae Family (which also includes Dog and Jackal). But because He scavenges like Vulture, Coyote is treated with less respect than the other Canids.
Coyote’s reputation for wiliness is well deserved. For example, He hunts with American Badger to kill Ground Squirrel. While Coyote waits at an emergency exit, American Badger digs into Squirrel’s burrow. When Ground Squirrel tries to escape, American Badger and Coyote pounce on Him.
Also, Coyote is adept at solving unusual problems. He quickly takes advantage of the changes happening around Him. Coyote catches Crayfish in streams, and digs for Sea Turtle’s Eggs at the beach. Unlike Grey Wolf, Coyote will eat fruit and small Insects when nothing else are available. Once, He only lived on the North American prairies. But as people came west, Coyote went east. He can now be found in Washington D.C., as well as in the American West.
Among the Native Americans of the West, Coyote is revered for many things. The Shoshone say that Coyote and Wolf created the world. Among California Indians, Coyote taught people lessons about the mistakes they make in life.
Meanwhile among the Lakota, Coyote was a representative of Wakinyan (Thunder Beings). Those who saw Coyote in a vision were considered Heyoka (Sacred Clowns), who taught, through example, by doing things the wrong way. Within the concept of Heyoka was an acceptance of Coyote’s innate wisdom of purposeful chaos.
People often imagine a lone Coyote howling at the moon. In reality, in the evening Coyote and his Friends will start to sing in chorus. One will start up with a string of sharp yips, followed by a howl. Other Coyotes will join in, their song echoing across the hills.
Coyote loves to howl. His howl touches the souls of people who hear him. One of Coyote’s hidden teachings is “let every voice be heard.” Howling as a group at evening tide, Coyote’s and his Family’s voices are heard across the the land. Lift up your voice and sing with Coyote. Let yourself be heard, just remember to measure what you say.
Coyote’s Teachings Include:
“Coyote warns us things are not always as they seem. Simple answers and snap decisions are not what is needed here. He wants you to know that deep thought and careful calculation are the way to your solutions.” Copyright: “Wolf Song”, Jeanette Spencer and Lew Hartman.
“I’m the voice of the Wildest West, I’m a roaring, ranting orchestra with lunatics be crammed; I’m a vocalized tornado – I’m the shrieking of the damned.” Copyright: “The Coyote’s Song”, Ernest Thompson Seton.
According to Dr. George P. Butler, Sr., Coyote also teaches being a 'trickster'. Read more about Coyote at his site. Do not forget to use your back button to return to this site.
Coyote Empowerment: Animals have gifts that they are willing to offer people. One gift of the animals is their energies to empower people on their journey of life. With their energy gift, each animal offers their particular wisdom to the person. For people who need to dance between order and chaos, Coyote offers his formidable gifts.
I offer Coyote Empowerment for $40 US (includes before and after consultations, Coyote meditation, and Coyote crystal). For more information, go to Services: Animal Empowerments.
Buy books on coyote from Amazon.com
Buy children's books on coyote from Amazon.com
Va. Carper
July 7, 2007