The Pangolin’s Song:

Wisdom of the Trickster Guardian”

Gather ’round, seekers of wisdom, for the tale of Hiae Moza, the pangolin trickster, whispers through the ages, echoing the cunning and resilience of this armored wanderer. In the ancient myths of the Tsou people, Hiae Moza danced amidst flames, challenging even the wiliest of creatures to a fiery wager. With a blaze roaring, he faced off against the clever fox, his determination burning brighter than the inferno itself.

As the fox braved the scorching silvergrass, Hiae Moza, true to his nature, delved beneath the flames, emerging unscathed from the depths below. Victorious in his gambit, he spared the fox from the consuming fire, dousing its fur with cooling waters, for even in jest, the pangolin bore a heart of compassion.

Across the lands, from Taiwan’s verdant embrace to the distant shores of ancient India, the pangolin weaved its tale. Known by many names—phattáges, goling, tenggiling—it carried with it spiritual whispers, a symbol of protection, healing, and resilience. With each sighting, it beckoned souls to heed the call of intuition, to journey into the unseen realms and embrace the depths of their being.

But beyond the veil of myth and legend, the pangolin stood as a guardian of balance, a sentinel of the delicate dance of nature. Through its nightly prowls and burrowing quests, it regulated the insect realms, ensuring harmony in the tapestry of life. With scales of keratin, it armored itself against the trials of existence, curling into a ball of defiance when danger loomed.

Yet, even amidst its role as a trickster and guardian, the pangolin emerges as a power animal and totem of profound significance for those who walk the paths of the shamanic way. As a power animal, it strides alongside the seeker, its scales shimmering with the wisdom of ages. It whispers secrets of protection and healing, its presence a shield against the trials of the earthly realm.

For those who heed the call of the totem, the pangolin becomes a sacred guardian, a symbol of intuition and exploration. It beckons the seeker to delve into the depths of their being, to trust in the unseen currents that guide their journey. With each step taken in harmony with its spirit, the pangolin offers solace and strength, a companion on the winding path of self-discovery.

Yet, even as the pangolin embodies the mysteries of the spiritual realms, it faces shadows that threaten its earthly existence. Habitat loss and the insidious tendrils of illegal trade cast a pall upon its future, echoing the struggles of so many beings in the web of life.

Thus, the oracle’s voice grows solemn, a plea echoing through the ages. Let us honor the pangolin, guardians of balance and emissaries of the spirit. Let us stand as stewards of the earth, weaving a tapestry of harmony and reverence, where all creatures, seen and unseen, may thrive in the embrace of the sacred dance of existence.

1. Order: Pholidota
2. Family: Manidae

The eight species of pangolins are:

1. Genus Manis:
   • Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
   • Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
   • Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
   • Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis)
2. Genus Phataginus:
   • Giant Ground Pangolin (Phataginus gigantea)
   • White-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis)
3. Genus Smutsia:
   • Cape Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)
   • Tree Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)

In sights from Xammi Xamman for blogchatterA2Z challenge.