We
called ourselves BlueDog because the Dog is a sacred, loyal
animal who has chosen to work and live with humans, more so
than nearly any other animal. We consider that no small sacrifice
and no small gift. Historically, the Wolf was Teacher and
Brother to ancient people because Wolf society was an example
to man of how to live in a family-tribal structure.
These
designs originate from the Book of Kells, an ancient
Irish Christian document. The hound is prominent in Irish
mythology as a respected guardian and warrior. Both Dogs show
the intricate knot-work of our Celtic ancestors illustrating
their understanding of the connectedness of all life.
These
Celtic depictions of this noble animal are especially shamanic
to us. This one on the right appears to be eating his tail
- an ancient sign of the cycle of death and rebirth. Like
a shaman, this Dog is twisted inside out and backwards, seeking
to find and know all parts of the Self.
Blue
is the color some Celtic warriors painted themselves before
going into battle. Of course, the Celts were terrifying in
battle, even to those professionals - the Romans. The Celts
totally committed themselves to battle and feared nothing
but "the heavens above."
As
modern shamans, we battle parts of the Self that are damaged
or disenfranchised. We know there is nothing other than the
Self that requires our full attention, our warrior sensibility,
our total devotion.
To
us, BlueDog means nothing less than the full expression of
our best selves. It's that part of us that has the courage
and passion to push our physical, mental, emotional and psychic
boundaries. It's that part of us that is loyal to our innate
sense of divinity - so committed to it that we take responsibility
for the world around us. And, like Dog, it's that in us which
easily gives and receives love and can find pure joy in play.
We
called ourselves BlueDog because the Dog is a sacred, loyal
animal who has chosen to work and live with humans, more so
than nearly any other animal. We consider that no small sacrifice
and no small gift. Historically, the Wolf was Teacher and
Brother to ancient people because Wolf society was an example
to man of how to live in a family-tribal structure.
These
Celtic depictions of this noble animal are especially shamanic
to us. This one on the right appears to be eating his tail
- an ancient sign of the cycle of death and rebirth. Like
a shaman, this Dog is twisted inside out and backwards, seeking
to find and know all parts of the Self.
As
modern shamans, we battle parts of the Self that are damaged
or disenfranchised. We know there is nothing other than the
Self that requires our full attention, our warrior sensibility,
our total devotion.
To
us, BlueDog means nothing less than the full expression of
our best selves. It's that part of us that has the courage
and passion to push our physical, mental, emotional and psychic
boundaries. It's that part of us that is loyal to our innate
sense of divinity - so committed to it that we take responsibility
for the world around us. And, like Dog, it's that in us which
easily gives and receives love and can find pure joy in play.