Bubona is the Roman Goddess of stables and bovines. We have lost so much of a connection to the animals we eat. They are killed while the animal is in fear affects the meat, and, of course, those of us that eat them. I try to use only home/ranch slaughtered meat from private beef ranches.
“Two fear hormones—adrenaline and cortisol. ... The effect of adrenaline (also called epinephrine) is similar to the effect of the sympathetic nerve action. Adrenaline increases heart rate, increases breathing rate, dilates blood vessels to the lungs and muscles. Adrenaline released by stress before slaughter uses up glycogen, which means there's not enough lactic acid produced postmortem. This affects different kind of meat in different ways, but in general it'll be tough, tasteless, and high in pH, and will go bad quicker than unstressed meat.” – Vice.com
I was privy to this when I lived up North with the First Nations. In every community, the elders spoke of not having the animal in fear. If they are frightened, they will not kill them for food.
Once, and still in some cultures, cattle were holy. Carvings have been found that date back millenniums. They were painted on cave walls. If you had access to bovines, you were set. They supplied food, clothing, fertilizer, medicine, heat and labour. The phrase, “holy cow” comes from that reason. As is the phrase “put out to pasture”.
If you were raised around cattle, you know the dear brown eyes and warm-hearted creature that they are. You know how protective a cow is of her calf. You know they do not do well without a “herd” even if it is another cow or animal. She symbolizes great Mother-love. She is an absolute ‘giver’. Watching cattle when a storm is approaching shows us which way the storm is coming from. They bear awful storms. The cow reminds us to set firm boundaries, to be stable, to be growth-oriented. To be back-up for those that need our protection. You did know that a herd of cattle, when calves are born and begin roaming, that they choose a cow to be the babysitter for different times? If you can, spend some time watching some cattle for a time. Learn their good medicine.
The cow reminds us to connect to our softer side. Of course, you mess with her newborn calf/calves, she is going to get you. I learned this first hand, too, when dad and my oldest brother set me down off the tractor to pet the newborn calf. Big mistake. They wheeled that tractor around and lifted me up from the mother’s horns as she passed under me.
The cow reminds us to use our mothering intuition. They know when they are out of sorts, they know when their aura is itchy, they know when other cattle need their help or backup. They know to replenish their body with the most nutritious foods. They seem to know the cycle of life and the environment. We should know our bodies so well that you know when your spirit needs nourishing.
Mothers used to put a small carving or clay model of a cow to children when they were experiencing nightmares. Yes, comfort. And, women would tuck a cow amulet in their clothing when they were experiencing negativity. The cow calls us to live and love fully. Embrace the wonder that our environment is. Give but not until you learn how to refuel yourself.
This is an amazing YouTube presentation, Farewell to the Cows” a Swedish song for the cattle before they are sent up to the high pastures.
I find this so touching. I hope it gives you 'food' for thought.
©Carol Desjarlais 9.9.21
No comments:
Post a Comment