Gobble, gobble says the turkey, as if it knows its fate this time of year! I have to admit I love to gobble turkey. My Grandfather and uncle had a small farm and reared turkeys for the Christmas market. Every Christmas my uncle would arrive with a massive turkey that could barely fit in our oven. But even before it got that far, it hung upside down from the roof of our lean-to conservatory for a day or two. Its broken neck and blood-filled head with the odd un-plucked feather, was a curious and slightly scary sight for an urban dweller. A scene that could have been a turning point to veganism, as the head came off and the gizzards were yanked from its belly, did not a vegan make! Year in and year out my mother spent half the night preparing and stuffing a giant bird for Christmas dinner. On waking Christmas day, the house was always filled with the aroma of stuffed turkey cooking in the oven. Such a massive bird needed a head start on the rest of the day.
It seems apt that the spirit animal of the turkey symbolizes connection with Mother Earth and the abundance the earth provides. It represents nourishment in our life, harvesting the fruits of our efforts, community, generosity and sharing. This totem animal encourages us to honour our sources of nourishment, whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual. The turkey reminds us to develop a harmonious relationship with the land and our environment and consider them as foundations to our well-being and sustenance. Turkey totem is a powerful guide to unlocking the fullness of life and feeling content with what we have instead of accumulating material belongings to seek happiness.
