Raccoon Medicine

Generous Protector

Raccoon carries the medicine of the protector of the underdog and provider for the young, infirm, and elderly. Often called "little bandit" by southern tribes, this Robin Hood of the animal kingdom teaches us about generosity and caring for others. When Raccoon comes your way, you are being asked to contact your inner warrior, to become a protector and generous provider for those in need. Raccoon medicine people have the uncanny ability to assist others without allowing them to become victims or dependents. Like the tribal chiefs of old, Raccoon tends to the needs of the tribe before making anything for itself.

A troupe of Raccoons scouting for food is often a hilarious exercise in generosity. After rolling in the cornmeal or flour, they finally settle on their favorite morsels, giving the best tidbits to their lookout. Raccoons leave a watcher behind when raiding a campsite or mountain cabin, usually the dominant male. He is always fed first by the other raiders to honor his vigilance as the group's protector. This uncommon lack of greed is as rare in the world of humans as it is in the rest of the animal world. While other creatures fight one another for the best of a kill, Raccoon teaches the universal law of giving back to the source of your strength, guidance, and protection. You are also reminded that benevolence and generosity come around full circle to reward the giver. 

If Raccoon is your medicine, the little bandit may be telling you to look around and see who needs your strength at this time. Speak up in defense of another instead of  remaining silent when others are gossiping. Maybe it is time to share the bounty of your time, energy, or possessions with the less fortunate. But remember to help those in need develop their own protector and provider skills. In all cases, Raccoon asks that you honor yourself and others equally. Provide for your own needs, or your well will be dry when you choose to give generously. Chiefs earn their Eagle feathers when they promote every human's right to self-dignity; acting in this manner brings that same honor to yourself and to your family.

Shadow Raccoon:

If you have moved into the Shadow of Raccoon, you may be robbing yourself of much needed strength at this time. Do you need an attitude adjustment? If you are wasting energy on self-pity, feeling like an underdog, do something nice for someone else. The change of focus could create more self-esteem. Observing the authentic needs in another’s situation absolves self-pity. Another message is denying the need to be generous or compassionate with yourself. In this case, you may not be providing enough workable options to solve your present challenges. 

If you are feeling drained, it may be time to receive the gratitude of those you have helped in the past. If you have been giving too much and have forgotten to honor your own needs, Racoon could be telling you to steal some time to be alone. The little bandit also reminds you to keep watch for “takers” who never give back. Keep yourself from feeding others who are too needy or too greedy. Balanced Racoon medicine does not waste its generosity on those who refuse to help themselves or are too lazy to contribute or learn self-reliance.