Animals Medicine and Epiphanies

In Native American cultures, animals give humans strength. The individuals of tribes have moments of "complete clarity" and an animal comes to them bringing them strength and guidence in their lives. The Crow tribe of Montana had one of the greatest Indian Warriors and Leaders in the history of the US and Tribal Nations. His name, Plenty-Coups, means in white mans terms "many achievements." Counting Coups is a traditional war game, of physically touching the enemy with a coups stick, while in battle. It was not meant to kill the intended target, but rather to embarrass them by being so slow that it wouldn't be a challenge to kill them, and therefore they give them a little tap to reinforce their inability to get away.


Medicine, is used to enlighten the individual, as well as protection in battle. I cannot give the meaning behind medicine justice, since I am not Native, and do not fully understand Medicines. Plenty-Coups medicine was the Chickadee. In a way quite comical, seeings as how Plenty-Coups is one of the greatest warriors and chiefs of the Crow people, but don't let size fool you. "Every autumn Black-capped Chickadees allow brain neurons containing old information to die, replacing them with new neurons so they can adapt to changes in their social flocks and environment even with their tiny brains, and most birds that associate with chickadee flocks respond to chickadee alarm calls, even when their own species doesn’t have a similar alarm call." This adaptable and universal ambassador of the bird world is what gave Plenty-coups his strength to become who he was, and spread his word throughout Indian Country.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/lifehistory

Medicine from what I have learned in my Native American Studies classes is a powerful and extremely spiritual entity in the culture and lives of the Crow and other tribes. To be able to connect with another creature in such a way that it will protect you in battle, and give you knowledge throughout your life could be an entire life time of one giant epiphany. The many oo's leading up to the great AHH moment.

You do not pick your medicine, nor do you pick your epiphanies; they pick you.

~L.