posted April 23, 2011 06:12 PM
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/nekhebet.htm Nekhebet was often shown with Buto, the cobra-goddess of the North. As protective deities, they symbolized a united Egypt and guarded the pharaoh. Nekhebet was often shown with her wings spread above the pharaoh in a protective and almost motherly gesture of protection.
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/buto.htm
Buto did not just protect Egypt, she also was an aggressive defender of the king. She was portrayed as the uraeus cobra first worn on the brow of Re, and later the pharaohs'. Her hood is spread in a threatening position and she is ready to spit poison on all of the pharaoh's enemies or burn them with her fiery glare. It is thought perhaps that her powers could be used against the pharaoh as well. *( Scorpio turning its venom on itself )*
A vulture is a scavenging bird of prey. There are about 20 different species of vulture, divided into the Old World and New World varieties. Old World vultures belong to the family Accipitridae, while New World vultures belong to the Cathartidae. These two groups are not closely related, and their similarities are due to convergent evolution rather than to a genetic relationship.
Many types of vulture have a bald head and neck, which helps the bird stay clean, especially when plunging its head deep into a carcass. Old World vultures typically find their prey by sight, while New World vultures usually rely on their sense of smell. The vulture usually eats dead carcasses, but it may also feed on sick or injured animals.
The vulture is often used as a symbol of opportunistic exploitation of the dead or of tragedy in Western culture, and people who are thought to profit from death in any way are sometimes referred to as vultures. In Ancient Egypt, however, the vulture was a symbol of motherhood and of lasting romantic love, as the Nubian Vulture of Africa closely bonds with both mates and offspring.
* The vulture is a very powerful totem. Its cycle of power is year-round. If you have a Vulture as a spirit guide or totem, it can show you how to use energy powerfully and efficiently. It glides effortlessly on the winds, soaring to extraordinary heights while using little or no energy. The Vulture skillfully employs already existing air currents against the pull of gravity, symbolizing the distribution of energy so that gravity (or cares) do not weigh it (you) down. In the process the vulture does not use its own energy, but the energies of the Earth instead, the energies of the Earth --- or the Natural Order of Things --- being ONE of the mainstay sources in The Power of the Shaman.
The scientific name for the Turkey Vulture is CATHARTES AURA which means GOLDEN PURIFIER because as it goes about it's lifetime business it purifies the landscape and environment in it's own natural way, ensuring the continued health and life of other living things. The Vulture is a promise that all hardship was temporary and necessary for a higher purpose. Once a Vulture enters your life as a totem or guide, it will remain with you for life.