BEAR TOTEM
Medicine:Awakening the power of the unconscious and subconscious
Cycle of Power: spring and summer
The constellation Ursus Major is named after The Great Bear. The seven prominent stars of this constellation form the The Big Dipper; and the seven stars link to the seven Great Rays of Light of the Divine. Bear was associated with Diana, goddess of the Moon, with ties to the subconscious mind and all other aspects of the Moon (feminine energy, illusion and mystery, seduction (power), etc.). It is a symbol of alchemy and relates to all initial steps and the primal instinct—the “id” or the subconscious mind. Of course Bear is clearly an archetypal image of raw strength and power without fear; but also invokes an image of loving gentleness; e.g., Mother Bear; the teddy bear.
Bear and Wolf may be the last true symbols of the primal, natural world—epitomes of the Nature’s Spirit. Bear is the largest of carnivores, but also tends to eat just about else in addition to meat, including plants, nuts, berries and fruit. The Bear is a true survivor and warrior in Nature.
Bears do not truly hibernate, but they do live on stored fat to a great degree, and how long they sleep depends on the amount of fat they have stored within. This reflects how Bear teaches to find and retain the nourishment you need to survive; and how to draw on the inner stores of energy and knowledge within yourself to find the answers you seek. Bear Medicine helps to make good choices and wise decisions from a position of power and strength—using discernment and good judgment.
Bear (as is Cougar) is often associated with trees; all bears can climb trees. Tree is a powerful and ancient symbol just as the Bear, so it is only natural that the two are connected. Trees are natural antenna that links Mother Earth to Heaven. Trees represent knowledge, family, being rooted and growth. Both are primal, powerful archetypes that demonstrate that Earth and Heaven are closely linked; all creatures are grounder on this Middle Earth Plain with roots in the Lower World and in the Upper World, and that they can easily traverse all three plains.
Bear then teaches to go deep within and awaken the true potential that lies dormant; to stay rooted in your faith; to reach up to the Heavens for higher knowledge; and to continue to grow. Also, all bears do seem to have a fondness for honey. You may be seeking sweetness in life. Go within yourself to find that sweetness, awaken your true power and strength, bring it forth to make the solid decisions to grow and nurture yourself, and always look above for the guidance you may need along the way.
References include ANIMAL SPEAK by Ted Andrews