Inspirational Supplies Zuni Fetishes Quan Yin Ganesh Venus Zuni Fetishes American Indians have used fetishes throught recorded history, especially the Indians of the Southwest. A fetish is an object which is believed to have magic powers. Fetishes may be of any form or material. Regardless of the form or material, however, a fetish has one paramount purpose: to assist against any real or potential problems. The problems can be those of the mind, the body or the universe. A fetish can be owned by an individual, a family, a clan a kiva society or an entire tribe. Regardless of the ownership the care of the fetish is always the responsibility of an individual. Special care must be taken to see that the fetish is properly fed, admired, and cared for. Fetishes are believed to feed on cornmeal while they are kept in a speacial pot or pouch. Ground turquoise is often mixed with the cornmeal. A fetish is made and "decorated" with turquoise, arrowheads, coral, etc. as a means of adornment. This adornment is a show of affection and appreciation by its maker and/or owner. The better treatment a fetish receives, the better performance it is likely to provide. Most fetishes relate to animals. Most always these animals are animals of prey. These are acknowledged as the most powerful providers in life; so, they are likewise accepted as having the greatest fetish powers. They are generally admired for their strong hearts. Many believe the strong heart makes them dominant and, therefor, survivors; the hunter rather than the hunted. The Zuni Indians of New Mexico believe strongly in six cardinal guardian fetishes. Each is symbolic of a direction and has a specific color which is synonymous with the direction. The guardian fetish of the North is the mountain lion (yellow). The South (red) is the badger, the West (blue) is the bear and the East (white) is the wolf. Additionally, the mole is the guardian of the Nadir or inner earth (black) and Zenith is the Eagle (all colored bird forms). The power and strength of a fetish is obtained by placing the nostrils of the fetish to one's mouth and taking deep breaths. Quan Yin - Goddess of Compassion & Mercy Quan Yin is the Buddhist Goddess of compassion. She is known as "the one who hears prayers/sounds/weeping." As part of her endless compassionate nature, she meditates regularly on the suffering of humans in this world, and spreads out mercy in response to every prayer. She continues to incarnate physically amoung us in order to help us on this plane. Meditating on her name is a powerful form of devotion. Ganesh - God of wisdom and Success The elephant-headed god, the son of Shiva & Parvati -- He is the god of wisdom and success. It is Ganesh who must be consulted before any undertaking, for he can remove any obstacles that might be in one's way and smooth the road to accomplishment. He is shrewd, jolly, and fond of the good things in life. Ganeesh is believed to have the power of granting a good partner to a person. Tuesday is his sacred day. Venus - Goddess of Love The Goddess of Love for your Garden! 34 inches, $95. Other garden statuary is available. We have Quan Yin in three sizes, Buddha, St. Francis, various birthbaths, benches, and other accent pieces.