I sat down for a bite to eat and The Lakers 4th game against Denver and then Winston my dog starts barking. Usually I ignore his barking or tell him to be quiet like Cesar Milan does in ‘The Dog Whisperer’. I love that show. My husband knows when I’ve been watching it because I go around the house saying “Sssshhhh” to Winston.

Anyway, my intuition said go to the back door as I thought there was an urgency to Winston’s bark. Behold, a raccoon was standing right in front of me and was ready to walk in the house!

Ted Andrews writer of ‘Animal Speak’ says

“The mask of Raccoon connotes a magical and transformational quality. Masks have been used in every culture throughout history. In Shamanistic rituals the mask transforms the individual into some other entity embued with special powers. Hidden behind the mask, the wearer can easily believe that he or she can do things they would not ordinarily do. It is the ability to cross the threshold of new experience“.
At that moment, I have to admit I wasn’t thinking about the symbolism of Raccoon because Winston had run outside and was confronting the raccoon. I had to think quickly. I grabbed a Trader Joe dog treat from the kitchen draw and waved it at Winston. Thankfully he came back inside and I quickly shut the door.

The raccoon then climbed up on our trellis and peered down at me. We were in a staring match. I told him to go away but later realized there was something more to my experience. I reflected on what Ted Andrew’s friend and teacher said “God wears many faces”.

Well I’d been ranting and raving at God. Perhaps I could have been a little more graceful how I handled the situation but I wanted to protect my little pup and cats.

The use of Raccoon Medicine involves lessons in being adaptable and accepting what is. I will definitely be more adaptable and accepting next time.

Go Lakers!