Mon Bel Ami

Image: The Leveret.

Hare of the Agave

The presence of hares in sacred and mythological contexts in Latin America is somewhat confusing and confused. One of the earliest interpreters of Mesoamerican culture, Bernardino de Sahagún, thought that the Mexican derived their very name from the god Mexitli or Mecitli, and that Mecitli means 'hare (citli) of the agave (metl).' Sahagún, a Franciscan missionary, arrived in Mexico less than a decade after the conquest of 1521, and it's possible that his interpretation was influenced by Christian animal symbolism. Modern scholars, at any rate, suggest as translations for Mexico 'Place of the Navel of the Moon' or 'Place of the Navel of the Agave.' Both hares and rabbits are associated with the moon in Mayan and Aztec iconography – no doubt because of the resemblance of the dark patches or maria of the moon to a lagomorph – but little clear distinction seems to have been made between the symbolic valences of the two creatures.

– Simon Carnell

Hare

p. 79

"Dreaming of Mexico and Dead Hare" by Suzy O'Mullane.

Bel Homme XIV

Image: The Leveret.

Totem Animal

Native American and Celtic shamanistic beliefs are strong on animal symbols. These symbols are referred to as "totem animals" or "power animals." You'll often hear the two referred to synonymously, but those that follow traditional Native beliefs explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, often an animal with whom you share a connection, either through interest in the animal or your resemblance to or shared characteristics of the animal in question. A power animal or spirit animal is a spirit in animal form that comes through with a specific lesson for you, and will change throughout the course of your life.

– Source

Hares are connected to both the earth element and to the lunar energies of the moon. The gestation period of a hare is 28 days, the same time as the moon.

Hares are quick with the ability to twist and turn. As a totem or power animal the hare teaches us to aim for our dreams and not let anything get in our path.

The hare is an independent, solitary animal that often lives alone. In modern society the loners of the world are often frowned upon, but history has proved these types of people to be invaluable and they should feel a sense of pride within themselves.

Unlike rabbits, hares cannot be tamed (although there is a domesticated rabbit which has the name hare, but is in fact a rabbit). They have a wild nature to them. They are the totem of people who like to run free.

Hares have been associated with magic and the ability to walk between worlds and connect to the other world. The hare is a totem of mystery and misunderstanding.

The hare is often seen as a trickster and to many people the trickster is seen as a negative trait. The trickster though may simply do things different to the norm. They may be the individual who stands out from the crowd and does things their way. The trickster is the one who will break rules and rebel; they are the sort of people that can create great changes within society. As with all attitude, the clue is how you use your power – the trickster archetypal can be cunning or foolish. They can be a power for good or a symbol of disruption. Tricksters often have two spirits that they present to the world. [They] can also be the hero. . . .

– Samantha Grayson

Image 1: "Cape Hare as Totem" by Moonvoice.
Image 2: "Hare Totem" by Christina Sargent.
Image 3: "Star Gazing Hare" by Anita Inverarity.

Morning Light XLV

Image: The Leveret.

Running Hare VIII

Image: “March Hare” by Anthony Vanderzweep.