Believe Nothing.
Entertain Possibilities.

It would be a long walk to see one's brother or sister if Horse had not welcomed the two-legged rider upon its back.  Today we measure the capacity of engines with the term "horsepower," a reminder of the days when Horse was an honored and highly-prized partner with humanity.

Dreamwalker, a medicine man, was walking across the plains to visit the Arapaho Nation. He carried with him his pipe. The feather tied into his long black hair pointed to the ground, marking him as a man of peace. Over the rise of a hill, Dreamwalker saw a herd of wild mustangs running toward him.

  
Black Stallion approached him and asked if he was seeking an answer on his journey. Black Stallion said, "I am from the Void where Answer lives. Ride on my back and know the power of entering the Darkness and finding the Light." Dreamwalker thanked Black Stallion and agreed to visit him when his medicine was needed in the Dreamtime.
  

Yellow Stallion approached Dreamwalker next and offered to take him to the East, where illumination lives. Dreamwalker could share the answers he found there to teach and illuminate others. Once again, Dreamwalker thanked Yellow Stallion and said he would use these gifts of power on his journey.
 

Red Stallion approached, rearing playfully. He told Dreamwalker of the joys of balancing work and heavy medicine with the joyful experiences of play. He reminded Dreamwalker that he could better hold the attention of those he taught when humor was integrated with the lesson. Dreamwalker thanked him and promised to remember the gift of joy.

 
Dreamwalker was nearing his destination. The Arapaho Nation was close at hand. White Stallion came to the front of the herd. Dreamwalker mounted White Stallion's back. White Stallion was the message carrier for all the other horses, and represented wisdom in power. This magnificent horse was the embodiment of the balanced medicine shield. "No abuse of power will ever lead to wisdom," said White Stallion. "You, Dreamwalker, have made this journey to heal a brother in need, to share the sacred pipe, and to heal the Mother Earth. You have the knowledge through humility that you are an instrument of Great Spirit. As I carry you upon my back, you carry the needs of the people on yours. In wisdom, you understand that power is not given lightly but awarded to those who are willing to carry responsibility in a balanced manner."

 
Dreamwalker, the shaman, had been healed by the visit of the wild horses, and knew that his purpose in coming to the Arapaho was to share these gifts with them. In understanding the power of Horse, you may see how to strive for a balanced medicine shield. True power is wisdom found in remembering your total journey. Wisdom comes from remembering pathways you have walked in another person's moccasins. Compassion, caring, teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are the gateways of power.

CONTRARY: If you are operating from Shadow ...
  

If your ego has gotten in the way, you may have failed to notice the lack of respect you have been receiving from others. You may, on the other hand, be struggling with others who are abusing their power. “Should I say something? Should I fight my desire to put them in their place?” you may be asking. Remember the times in your own life when you have fallen out of grace with Great Spirit, and then have compassion for the brothers or sisters who are now doing the same. If you are overpowering another or feeling overwhelmed, Horse medicine in both the dignified AND contrary positions is a simple reminder of HOW to balance your shields.

 
In allowing all pathways to have equal validity, you will see the power and glory of the unified FAMILY OF HUMANITY. This is the gift of the Rainbow Warrior or Warrioress. The “I” has no place in this Whirling Rainbow that comes from the Great Mystery and is replaced by the universal “We”. All colors of the rainbow and all pathways are honored as one.

  
Apply this knowledge and reclaim the power you have given away by forgetting to come form compassion. Untangle yourself from the present situation and understand that every human being must follow this pathway to power before galloping upon the winds of destiny.