Cougar siighting

Today, while working at Hawkscry I saw a cougar! I was arranging the prayer flag poles around the stump of an old black walnut, placing tall bamboo poles in a circle around the base so that the colorful flags could wave in the breeze. I heard a rrustling in the undergrowth at the edge of the property and looked up to see a 50-60 pound cougar skirt the entire length of the property up to the garden shed, before disappearing behind the reservoir. I also hear another rustling which emanated from the same original location, but no cat appeared, probably because at that point I stood tall and began walking toward Cara. I did not want her rushing the cat! It was the most wild animal I have seen thus far here after all these 25 years. Truly majestic and pure in its purpose and element. I wanted to believe this was sent to me for a reason. I looked up the significance of the cougar in a totem and found the following:

Muscles rippling, free on the mountains,
Great cat of cunning, hunting and seeking,
Teach me quietness and stealth of purpose.
Show me the secrets of quiet magic. 

Leadership

This is a very powerful, but very difficult totem. 
Cougar medicine is the lesson of the use of power,
how to be an effective, fair leader and not abuse power.

 This totem’s gift is how to balance power, intention, strength and grace.  

It is the balance of body, mind and spirit.  
The first responsibility of leadership is truth. 
Remember:  Responsibility is no more than the ability to respond to any situation. 
Cougar can teach you how to bring out your power
and fill your heart with it that will enable you to take charge of your life. 
You can use Cougar power to defend yourself or to attack.