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Horse Spirits

Spirit: Horses
Spirit: Horses Art Print
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Horses have long been associated with spirits, magic, the Moon, and the spirit world.

Horses Create the Wind
Horses Create the Wind Art Print
Hogan, Ginny
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Wild Cow and Blue Horses
Wild Cow and Blue Horses Art Print
Hogan, Ginny
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Asia

Shamans of north and central Asia have a long association with horses.

Laughing Horse
Laughing Horse Art Print
Grigg, Carol
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Siberia

In Siberia the shaman's drum is often headed with horsehide and referred to as the shaman's horse,, as described here, because its sound transports the shaman to the spirit world.

Ancient Horse (S/N ed/125)
Ancient Horse (S/N ed/125) Limited Edition
Hogan, Ginny
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Mongolia

In some Mongolian tribes, life revolved around the horse. The mobility they provided made possible the conquest of China, all northern Asia and much of Europe.

The tough little Mongol ponies could dig through snow to forage for themselves in the winter.

Mare's milk was used to make yogurt, cheese, and kvass, a fermented drink.

Throat-singing, which was used by shamans as well as being a passtime on long rides, often reflected the rocking gate of the horses as well as the sounds of rivers, birds and insects.

Europe

From the huge draft horse of the north to the fiery steeds of Spain, Europe depended on the horse for thousands of years. The Celtic horse goddess, Epona, was adopted by the Roman legions and worshipped wherever they went.

When the Spanish sailed to the New World, the horse went with them, escaped, and multiplied to roam the Great Plains of North America.

Ireland

In Ireland the horse was so revered that to this day it is illegal to eat horseflesh.

Messengers of Spirits
Messengers of Spirits Art Print
Mccavitt, Annrika
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Much more information on horse spirits is coming soon!

England

Information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of Britain.

Spain

Information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of Spain.

North Africa and the Middle East

Information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of North Africa and the Middle East.

North America

Looking back, it is hard to imagine the peoples of the Great Plains of North America without their horses.

Wild Red Horses (S/N ed/125)
Wild Red Horses (S/N ed/125) Limited Edition
Hogan, Ginny
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The Lakota, Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, Cheyenne, Crow, Arapaho, and so many others became expert horseman just as soon as horses entered their world.

Stolen Horses
Stolen Horses Art Print
Hogan, Ginny
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The first Navajo to see Spaniards on horseback is reputed to have said, "Look! Those Mexicans have brought us our horses." It was as though the Dine had been waiting for thousands of years for their horses to be brought to them by way of Europe.

 

Canyon de Chelly, Navajo
Canyon de Chelly, Navajo Photographic Print
Curtis, Edward S.
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The American settlers bitterly envied the Navajo their horsemanship, calling them "The Lords of Creation" because of their dignity and assurance on horseback.

Navajo on Horseback
Navajo on Horseback Giclee Print
Curtis, Edward S.
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More information coming soon on the spirit of the horse among the peoples of North America.


Home * What is Shamanism? * Origins of Shamanism * Spirit World & World Tree * Origins of Shamanism * Animals, Plants & Stones * Journeying to the Spirit World * Energy Cleansing * Shielding & Protection * Drumming & Rattling * Toning & Chanting * Ecstatic Trance Postures * Divination, Dreams & Visions * Shamanic Healing * Soul Retrieval * Soul Release (Psychopomp) * Altars & Sacred Places * Masks & Shaman Regalia * Other Resources * Amazon Book Shop * About Shamanista * Site Map


Shamanista.com text and graphics ©2007 by H.K. Gresham


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