Bear with Fish Black Obsidian (walking)

BEAR

Bear is a powerful symbol that has impacted many tribes and cultures throughout history and pre-history. It evokes protection, guidance, commitment, dominion, and authority.  Bear brings courage to face any challenge. Bear Paw is the symbol of direction and power. 

In nature, the Bear is a highly evolved extremely intelligent animal. It is a mammal of the family Ursidae. Most Bears are omnivores although some are carnivores and some are wholly vegetarian. Bears are known to be great fishers, and can often be seen standing in rivers and catching Salmon and other fish. Bears sometimes form kinship relationships. They are social animals that share friendship, resources and security. They go into a deep sleep in the winter, but they do not display the changes that come with true hibernation such as lower heart rate during their sleep. Bears have been closely connected to humans throughout history and pre-history. They have been used for their fur, their meat, and as a form of entertainment. They have impacted the arts and culture of humankind. They were prominent in Greek, Roman, and Celtic myths. There was a Bear goddess in the Celtic culture known as Artio.  They were featured in Biblical stories and by Pliny the Elder. They appear as a helper for Rama in the Hindu Ramayana. They are prominent in modern culture in stories such as Gentle Ben, Winnie the Pooh, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Because of their bulk, dancing Bears have been popular acts in circuses and other shows. Bears may be affectionate and devoted. They are unique with personalities that may vary. They can be playful, fearful, joyful and even altruistic.

Those with a Bear totem tend to be authority figures. They are deep thinkers with great self-knowledge and prone to introspection. Notwithstanding their powerful personality, they are often kind and easy-going. The Bear totem brings confidence and understanding of one’s destiny. It allows one to manifest strength, and provides protection into your life.

Bear as a spirit animal appears when you need an extra dose of strength. It will help you both spiritually and physically to be the best and the strongest you can be. It will back up your ability to reach inside for courage and confidence. It may indicate there is a need for you to consider some act of public service.

Dreams of Bears carry many meanings. It may signify your own independence and strength. They may come when one is dealing with dangerous emotions such as fear and anger.  If the dream is of an angry bear, it may signify anger at oneself. A Bear dream may also signify a need for time alone to strengthen the inner self.