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Winter, Elk, and Buffalo Medicine Rattle
Primary Hide: Elk
About Rattles
Medicine rattles are sacred tools used in various cultural traditions, especially in Native American and shamanic practices, for spiritual rituals, healing, and ceremonies. They are employed to connect with the spirit world, focus energy, and promote healing by producing a rhythmic sound believed to cleanse and purify, break up blockages, and induce altered states of consciousness.
Rattles serve as a link to the spirit realm, helping practitioners communicate with spirits and unseen forces. Their rhythmic sound is thought to have powerful healing effects by releasing stagnant energy and cleansing a person’s or space’s energy field. They help focus the mind and set intentions for a ritual, such as cleansing, healing, or seeking guidance. During ceremonies and traditions, they are used to maintain rhythm, produce mesmerizing sounds, and guide the flow of energy among participants.
The rattles are said to embody powerful, raw, elemental energy and connect to the spirits of animals, plants, and minerals. Many traditions see the rattle as a gift from the spirits and as an embodiment of the natural world, with materials that represent different aspects of the environment. Each rattle has its own voice and personality, shaped by its material and the intentions the artist imbued it with at the time of crafting. It is not uncommon for practitioners to have many rattles, each for a different purpose.
Crystals
Clear Quartz: This stone augments all other stones and connects with the crown chakra. It is a universal healing stone and excellent for dream work!
Howlite: Connects with the root and crown chakras. A stone of emotional healing and peace, it is excellent for shadow work and recovery from grief.
Selenite: An energy mover that raises frequencies and connects with the higher planes. It also connects to the crown chakra.
Snowflake Obsidian: The snowflakes in the obsidian are quartz crystals. This makes snowflake obsidian an excellent protection and grounding stone as well as a mood balancer.
Plant Medicine
Raven infuses every rattle she crafts with plant medicine. The spirit of the plants contributes its energy, enriching the unique character of each rattle. When you first receive your rattles, you may notice some additional plant fragments falling out when you shake them. However, as time goes by, these herbal elements will be absorbed into the hide, becoming a permanent part of your rattle!
Juniper: A strong purification herb that stays evergreen through the winter. This herb connects us to our core selves and supports our search for purpose and authenticity.
All rattles are consecrated with Tobacco and Cornmeal for blessings from the Sacred Masculine and Feminine, and with White Sage for purification and protection.
Animal Medicine
Bison/Buffalo Horn (Handle): Buffalo/Bison is a fantastic spirit of abundance and gratitude. When we accept with thankfulness, prosperity comes naturally. They are very family-focused, protecting the children and each other with communal diligence. Bison goes into action when something threatens that unit, and it can be very dangerous until the balance is restored.
Elk Hide: In many cultures, Elk symbolize strength, stamina, and pride. It represents a connection to the earth and nature and the ability to navigate and adapt to life's challenges with grace and dignity. The Elk embodies power, courage, and independence. It encourages a sense of determination and drive to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Coyote Fur: The coyote, known for its cunning nature and adaptability, is a complex spirit animal that embodies paradox, intelligence, and the ability to see through deception. In many traditions, the coyote is seen as a trickster, but this also includes the qualities of resourcefulness, survival, and a deep understanding of the balance within nature. The coyote spirit encourages us to be flexible in our thinking, embrace the unexpected, and find balance amid change, reminding us that adaptability is a form of intelligence.
Rattle Artwork
The Stag: As a spirit animal, the Deer carries a peaceful and gentle energy. Its presence symbolizes a call to embrace gentleness, sensitivity, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges gracefully. Call on Deer Medicine to heighten your awareness, trust your path, connect with your higher consciousness, and find inner serenity.
All of the Rattles made by White Thunder Bear are sourced from cruelty-free animal parts. If Feathers are used, they have either shed them naturally, died of natural causes, or are consumed for food, where using all of the parts of each animal is an honoring of the animal. Furs and leather are sourced from the same supplier that sources parts for first families.