Bear Totem

Bears represent - Nurturing, adaptivity, resilience, strength and protection.

There is a lot of mythology around bears, they have been feared and revered for centuries all around the world. In Greek mythology Zeus seduced a follower of Artemas (the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, childbirth and chastity.). Her followers’s name was Kallisto. The seduction of Kallisto resulted with Zeus impregnating her. Having now broken her vow to chastity. Artemas turned Kallisto into a bear. Zeus took pity and placed her and her son Arcus into the sky to protect them from the anger of his wife Hera. In doing so he formed the Ursus major, " The Great Bear". Seven of its stars form the "The Big Dipper". 1

Artemes was an independent women, beholden to no one. This passion for independence ties in to the fierceness of mother bears who are left to raise and protect their cubs on their own. This is a reminder from bear to protect the people, ideas, and things that are important to you. Bears have immense strength and remind us that we have more fortitude and resolve than we realize. Don't allow coercion or bulling to under mind your purpose and mission in life. Nothing should be allowed to stand in the way of achieving goals and aspirations.  Make a stand and set clear boundaries. Now is the time to fulfill new or lost promises to yourself.

The polar bear is the largest of bear species, and mostly a carnivore. Pandas are on the opposite spectrum of the scale, with being vegetarians. The North American and Asian black bears and brown bears (which include grizzlies) are omnivores. They only eating small amounts of meat. Their diet mostly consists of berries, nuts and other forms of vegetation. Bears are very adaptive and extremely resilient. They adjust their diet around their environment and the food resources available to them. 1

As a spirit guide, bear can teach us that we can be just as resilient as they are and have the ability to be versatile in order to face what ever life throws at us. We just need to go within to tap into our own infinite wisdom to find the answers we need for our subsistence. Being strong and having the ability to be adaptive to changing environments and or situations is your best course for success.

Bears hibernate but not entirely. They do come out of their dens periodically in search of food. If resources are scarce they remain in hibernation totally living off their stores of fat. 1

Bear reminds us to take time for ourselves if we need space to heal emotionally or physically. Isolate to rejuvenate, but don't hibernate for too long. When spring arrives there is a need to be able to emerge revitalized and refreshed. Use whatever resources are available to you. Don't miss out on any opportunity to take on a new or challenge or project. 2

Trees and bears have a long standing connection. Trees are an ancient powerful symbol of life, renewal, wisdom, strength and connection. Trees have long roots that spread out and go deep into the ground which creates stability. Trees grow upward and tall, which links it to the higher realms of knowledge and spiritual connection. This is why trees for so many ancient cultures were and still are considered sacred. Tree links heaven and earth together as a combined force of spirituality and connection to Gaia (mother earth).

Trees are an intricate part of a bear's life. They scratch the trunks of trees to mark their territory. They climb trees for safety or to access food, such as honey. Bear reminds us that when one climbs up high into a tree it can allow for a different or better perspective. It's time for us to come out of hibernation and take a look at the big picture so clear goals can be set. 1

All those creative ideas that have been nurtured during the winter months or during a "dormant time", can now be applied. The hard work put in to achieve goals and aspirations can now be brought to fruition.

If bear has come into your life it’s time for you to take all those ideas you have either nurtured or planted and bring them to full bloom. No more hibernating. Get to work on all those plans you have been holding on to. It’s time to set goals in order to accomplish your aspirations.

Protect your energy, ideas or those who are important to you from negative influences. It’s time to stand your ground. Be true to yourself and your own unique individuality. You are strong and resilient. Take a look at any problems or challenges from a different perspective. You can accomplish what ever you set your mind to. All you need to do is believe.

References:

“Animal Speak; The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small" By Ted Andrews - Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury, Minnesota 1993

"Animal Spirit Guides" By Steven D. Farmer, PH.D - Hay House, Inc, New York City, New York 2006