DUGONG
Frequenting the warm waters of the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific regions, the Dugong (or sea-cow) is a peaceful herbivorous marine mammal whose half-fish, half-human appearance (the female’s mammary glands and teats being situated under their fore-flipper) has long been associated in the minds of seamen with the elusory mermaid. Many Dugong populations are now threatened with extinction. (Humans have been the only real threat to the Dugong and, in the past, this mammal has been hunted for many purposes – its skin was used as tough leather for the soles of sandals and was said to have formed the cover for the Ark of the Covenant, its powdered teeth provided an antidote for food poisoning; fat from its head gave a remedy for headache, and tallow made from its blubber was considered a laxative.)

Of the Dugong populations that survive today, the majority may be found in the waters off Australia. The lush seagrasses found in these shallow coastal waters constitute the Dugong’s diet. Its grazing on such pastures on the incoming tides at night is considered to regenerate its feeding grounds. Often pulling up entire plants as it passes, the Dugong will leave long trails in the seagrass beds. The Dugong moves to deeper waters during the day where it basks just below the surface, often with its young. Gregarious by nature and often found in herds, the Dugong protects the integrity of the herd by butting away any intruder. The density of its bone structure allows it to feed on the shallow sea bottom while its buoyancy is maintained by the gases created in the process of digesting the seagrasses. Poor sight means that the Dugong relies on its snout bristles to find its sea pastures, but its hearing is most acute. The Dugong is not often seen. Unable to hold its breath for very long, it usually makes its presence known by a quick swirl of water when it comes to the surface for air at frequent intervals. Preferring to move out of sight and into calmer waters, this gracefully slow-moving and shy creature is sensitive to the seasons, to the weather and the tides, and to disturbances from the ocean waves and such human activity as boating.

Rarely seen and their presence seldom detected, the most peaceful of totems, Dugong brings you the gifts of the Angels. The first gift is the gift of life – the breath. Just as Dugong continually surfaces for air, so must you remember to breathe in order to keep the divine life-force flowing through your body to ensure freshness and health. Breathing releases your own extinctions – times long past when you were hunted and haunted – so that you may be reconnected with your giftedness again.

Move out of the mainstream, away from the old haunts that left you vulnerable to the hurts and joylessness caused by waves of fear and intrusion from others who want from you. Move into the background of calm safety. Let yourself feed on the incoming tides of newness; let the outgoing tides go on for what needs to come back to you will do so in good time and when you are ready.

It is unwise to overload yourself with more than you can handle at one time. If you feel bogged down or heavy within yourself, it may be time to change your eating habits; introduce more vegetables and herbs into your diet to maintain good balance. Find this balance, too, in getting lots of fresh air, in finding the time to swim and bask a little in the sun, in playing with the younger members of your family community, in letting new ideas, and bright freshness abound. Seek new support in the like-minded company and comfort your true spiritual family, sharing and giving your gifts of healing.

Dugong knows the power to be found in reaching into one’s Soul to bring forth the gifts of the Universe to heal the past. Dugong people learn the strength to walk the extra mile, find wisdom in the experience, clear out old thoughts with new ideas, find supportive company in warm environments and keep an ear open to hear all that is happening. Trust your hearing whilst knowing that sometimes we do not always see everything!

Dugong inspires a peaceful process of gentleness, compassion, gracefulness and learning to achieve without rushing. Dugong leaves others to journey their journey without interference. Dugong strength is the strength of the person who is sensitive to the needs and fears of others. Journey with Dugong to bring yourself the protection of being a little thick-skinned so that you may detach from old familiar involvements without fear of rejection. When surfacing emotional hard work, done in the depths, meditation with Dugong assists the Soul-journeyer to find continuous moments of calm.

Calmness • New Breath • Sensitive Strength • Sharing • Peace