This light is a symbol I have had in my home ever since I can remember finding out about my Native American Indian heritage.  It was at once startling and satisfying when I found out my grandmother was Choctaw.  So much fell into place … it was like this giant piece of our family puzzle finally came together for Daddy and me, and also for my mother.  It even explained the cadence of the way Grandma spoke English.  I believe my father felt a relief in finally knowing who he was and understanding so many things in hindsight about his formative years.  “Nashoba” is the word for “wolf” in Choctaw, and “okchako” means “blue.”  My spirit animal and my favorite color now had an ancient language I could put with them.  We were welcomed into the local Indian community with open arms, as there were many stories like our own.  Some people in their adulthood had no idea they even were full-blood.  And yet Native culture survives.  I have always been fascinated with symbology, starting at eleven when I wrote my first book on Christian symbols.  History has swallowed some symbols in her shroud of mystery.  As her secrets are revealed, our knowledge can either be shaken or reinforced.  Our countries have symbols, our places of worship have symbols, and sports teams and schools have symbols.  They stand for who we are, what we believe, and what we represent.  Although wolves in European culture have been falsely maligned for centuries, the wolf in native culture is rightly revered.  They are at the top of the animal chain, take no more than they need, keep nature in balance, are incredibly loyal, family oriented, and mate for life.  Wolves are also excellent communicators.  The color blue represents both the sky and the sea.  It is associated with open spaces, intuition, inspiration, and sensitivity.  Blue also represents meanings of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, and intelligence.  I find the animals people are drawn to and the colors they choose fascinating.  For instance, my father loved the buffalo (known for strength) and my mother was drawn to turtles (the symbol for longevity.)  Daddy loved the color purple (a sign of devotion) and Mama’s favorite color was yellow (an almost universal color for sunshine.)  It was no surprise to me when my mother’s hospice nurse gave her the nickname “Sunshine.”  I would say my little one’s favorite animal is the cat, which represents independence and self confidence.  She steadfastly loves pink, and I suspect it is not simply a little girl phase.  Pink represents compassion, nurturing, and love.  Years ago when I asked my husband what animal and color he was drawn to I completely freaked out.  He said ravens and black!  I used to fear ravens, as I have always associated them with death.  After doing some research I was stunned to discover there has always been a strong connection between ravens and wolves.  They have been called “wolf birds” because they scavenge wolf kills, and ravens are also arguably the most intelligent birds based on their ability to adapt to almost any environment.  The color black is associated with power, strength, elegance, authority, formality, rebellion, and sophistication.  The Irish born British novelist C. S. Lewis once said:

“Humans are amphibians – half spirit and half animal.  As spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time.”

Regardless of your beliefs, think about an animal and a color you are drawn to.  Study their meaning, and you might learn something about yourself.  As for me, I am nashoba okchako.