ASS/DONKEY

By, Ted Andrews; Animal Speak 1993

Keynote: Wisdom and Humility

Cycle of Power: Year-round

Although most people associate the ass with negative qualities, it has not always had this association. As with many animals, it has had mixed significance throughout the ages. It has been associated with the planet Saturn in astrology, probably because Saturn is the strict teacher. It makes sure we learn our lessons. Thus we have threads of the ass's association with stubbornness.

In Chaldea, the goddess of death was pictured on an ass. Thus it was also a symbol of death, and of course, life after. Its image has been found in Palatine in mock crucifix in which Jesus was depicted with the head of an ass. It was also found in medieval emblems and art as a symbol of patience and humility.

In Christian Gnosticism, it is aligned with the mysteries associated with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem - or that point in New Testament scripture we now associate with Palm Sunday. In the scripture Jesus is depicted riding upon a white ass as palm leaves are waved in celebration.

This kind of processional is symbolic of the path of the candidate who is victorious in transfiguring his/her life. It represents the outer recognition that comes to those who express the higher, inner potentials. The white ass is symbolic of the awakened soul wisdom and the palms are the symbols of the victorious attainment.

If an ass if a totem for you, you should be asking yourself some basic questions. Are you expressing your own wisdom or following the wisdom of others? Are you displaying the appropriate humility for what you have accomplished? Are others around you doing so? Are you recognizing and acknowledging what you have accomplished so far on your life path? Are others around you not recognizing or acknowledging their own accomplishments appropriately?

The ass is the promise of awakening wisdom and approach of new opportunities of even greater work. Don't be stubborn and refuse to move with the flow. Don't hold on only to what you have done to this point. Remember that it is not the goal but the path to that goal. Do not become content and complacent, for the ass promises even higher wisdom and greater opportunities.