Bear Spirit Animal
With its shaggy fur and formidable strength, the bear has long been a symbol of power and wildness. It represents the untamed, primal forces of nature and the raw, unbridled energy that lies within us. But the bear also has a deeper, more spiritual meaning. A guide to your dormant emotional and intellectual resources, the bear spirit animal can be an unpredictable wild card in our life – wild in nature but wise and gentle on the inside.
So how does the bear spirit animal fit into your life, and what does it teach you about yourself? Let’s take a look at its traits and the lessons it has to offer.
Symbolism of the bear
Positive symbolic meanings associated with the bear include:
- Strength and Confidence
- Protective Power
- Courage
- Motherly love and care
- Healing and protection
- Affinity with solitude, introspection
- Grounding
Depending on the context, negative symbolic meanings o with the bear can include:
- Aggressiveness, territoriality
- Unreliability or instability in relationships
- Overwhelming presence of emotions
- Being slow to change or adapt
- Fear
The bear is an awe-inspiring creature whose presence evokes respect and admiration. Animal of the forest and solidly anchored on the ground, it reminds us to stay connected to ourselves and the Earth. It illustrates the delicate balance between being protective of one’s own interests and reacting overly aggressively, retreating within and daring to go outside of the comfort zone, reconciling our needs with the needs of others and acknowledging the importance of self-care.
An energetic and expansive force, the bear spirit animal invites us to confront our fears, test our boundaries and heed its message. A potent symbol of power and strength, it pushes us to be bold, confident and courageous in seeking new experiences.
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Alive, the grizzly is a symbol of freedom and understanding….
~ Frank Craighead
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The spirit of the bear as healer and teacher
Interestingly, in Siberia, the name used to designate women shaman is the same as the word “bear”. In Northern America, in the Inuit tradition, the bear spirit animal is also connected to the shamanic tradition and women.
For the Inuit people, the bear is a strong power or totem animal. In some beliefs, it is said that if an Inuit hunter accepts to be eaten by a bear, he may reincarnate as a shaman and carry the spirit of this animal. The polar bear is considered as the “Wise Teacher” as it shows how to survive in harsh conditions.
The bear, an ancient spirit animal worshiped in many traditions
The bear as a spirit animal or totem is one of the most ancient worshiped animals. Remains of bears have been found in many archeological sites in Europe especially, where bear bones and skulls were found together with human bones dating back to the Neanderthals.
It is said that the Vikings would wear bear skins in times of war to scare off their enemies. They would appear as powerful as these wild animals. Bears symbolize warrior spirit and courage to fight. The bear’s spirit would be invoked to help the warriors in the battle.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the bear was a totem animal associated with the Goddess Artemis and Diana, goddesses of fertility. In contrast, for the Celts, the bear would represent the sun.
The spirit of the bear and healing
Since the bear is often associated with shamans in many traditions, this spirit animal can symbolize healing abilities and stepping into the role of the healer. If the bear shows up in your life, it may also be time to take care of your own needs for healing, whether it’s at the physical, emotional or spiritual level.
Be sensitive to where you are at and reflect on where you would most need healing. You can call on the bear spirit guidance to direct your energy in a more conservative or focused way.
Bear spirit animal and grounding forces
The bear is an animal that lives a solitary life. Having a bear as a spirit animal can mean that you find balance and comfort in solitude. The presence of this power animal could point to the need to “regroup” and set up boundaries, so you feel comfortable in your own space. It may be a call to find time away from the crowd or busyness and favor quiet time and rest.
The bear spirit can also be a great helper to dedicate time and energy to more introspective practices, such as self-inquiry or meditation. Call on the spirit of the bear to help you find your center and ground yourself in a strong foundation that will support you in more busy and noisy times.
Dreaming About Bears
Dreams are our subconscious minds communicating to us using the language of symbols. Dreaming of bears (or a bear) symbolizes power, strength and protection of yourself or possibly your family. If the bear in your dream is hibernating, it may indicate a need for solitude and to get away. If the bear is dancing, it indicates good luck (or you are having flashbacks of one of those many past Grateful Dead shows you went to). If a bear is chasing you, it may mean that you are avoiding a big situation in your life and it is time to take a stand and deal with it. Bear showing up in your dream may also be a message that it is time to show your power to the world.
Meditation to connect with the bear spirit animal
Close your eyes and find a comfy place to sit or lie down. Breathe slowly and deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel the air fill your lungs, then release it – feel any tension leaving your body.
Now imagine that you are in the forest, relaxing on a moss-covered rock by a babbling brook. A large bear emerges from behind a tree, walking cautiously toward you. It sniffs you gently, then moves a little closer and begins to circle around you. Sensing its curiosity and hesitation, you reach out your arm cautiously to stroke its velvety-soft fur.
As the bear moves closer and cuddles up next to you, your heart opens and a wave of deep affection washes over you. You realize that the bear spirit animal is there to help guide and care for you, to ensure that your needs are met in loving support.
In this moment of connectedness, you feel the bear spirit’s strength and power. You also sense its warmth, gentleness and affection. It remains there for a while, helping you reconnect with your inner strength and express your love for yourself.
This spirit animal inspires you to be compassionate and to share love openly with yourself and with others. It shows you the importance of taking care of your needs, as well as supporting the needs of others in a balanced way.
It speaks of the importance of self-care, of taking the time to rest and rejuvenate. It encourages you to seek quiet time for self-reflection.
As you listen to the bear’s message, note any insights or feelings that arise.
Allow yourself to fully absorb the bear’s message and let it guide you on your journey. When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes. Take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly. Remember the bear’s message and take it with you as you go about your day.
An inspiring message from the bear
From the depths of the forest,
I, the bear, call out to you,
Inviting you to tap into your own inner strength,
And to delve deep within yourself to find understanding.
Let go of the worries that weigh you down,
And let my steady presence guide you
As you journey into the depths of your own soul.
Find solace in the stillness of nature,
And let the Earth ground you
As you seek to find clarity and purpose.
Do not be afraid to face your fears,
For I am with you always,
A reminder of your own inner power
And the courage to push through any obstacle.
So heed my call, dear one,
And let us walk this path together,
As you discover your true self,
And the strength that lies within you.
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Find out now with the new Spirit Animal Quiz. This free online quiz will help you find your spirit animal the easy way.
Wow! Elena, Right On & Write On! I related on almost all levels: Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual. Later that first night of your e-mail course, I wound up remembering how I love the cold – ice and snow – white barren landscapes, black and white photos. Then the Polar Bear came to mind. I googled some more links. I think I am to learn and be protected by the bear for a while. I feel like a bear cub that needs help growing and learning. I need to be nudged, not pushed out of the nest. Yesterday’s animal was where I probably need to go with this next. For now I think I’ll focus on the bear – grounding, boundaries, earth, getting out of hibernation. Also the elephant came into play for me – my animal since childhood and today. I think that’s my main totem. I don’t know yet, maybe we can have multiple one’s depending on where we are in life. Maybe like an earth, fire, air, water for the 4 directions… Thanks again, Elena! I’m looking forward to the next 18 days.
I dreamt I was in a camp and in wandered a black bear cub. Although she was cute as a button we knew mama bear was not far behind. We carefully made a wide berth around baby bear to take cover in the camp kitchen. Sure enough as soon as we closed the door, mama bear was on the other side pushing with all her might. We pushed back and then I realized I could talk to mama bear. I came out of the building and baby bear took an instant liking to me, rubbing all over my legs. I asked mama bear if it was okay if baby bear spent some time with me. She said okay and told me baby bear was here to protect me.
I’m not sure of what the deeper meaning might me, but I did enjoy the dream.
Spirituality, I have a whole pack of beings that are behaving like wolves as torturers and killers. It is horrible. As I meditated on the situation Bear came to me mind and heart and felt his gravitional force that was impenetrable. Can he take on a whole pack? He is only one. Although that is rational thinking since at the energy level it does not work that way. But…Can bears take on wolves?
hi i am a resident of a forest with bears and i cannot reveal the location for personal purposes. yes bears are a very strong animal so strong they can even take on a pack by themselves. too sum it up yes the bear is strong and yes i mean that strong.
Yes they can when they are strong, wolves will attack young bears (although a mama bear is FIERCELY protective and wolves are wise not to go near a strong mama bear) Wolves can attack injured bears, or very malnourished bears. They have no chance against healthy adult bears. Perhaps you are being asked to gain and work on your inner strength/leadership/grounding/introspective skills and can ask bear to assist with this.
yes they can bears are one of the few animals wolves don’t usually mess with
I have started training to find out more about the theory and practice of healing so I asked for a sign from the spirit world. Last night I dreamt a bear came to visit me. He drank out of the toilet and helped himself to a pie that was standing around. At first, he screed me a little but then he just went and lay in my bedroom like a dog. There were others int he dream as well, and they where amazed when they saw my new friend.
Though I have always liked bears and my father’s family is from Bern (= of the bear), I never knew they were associated with the path of the shaman.
Susanne, Zürich, Switzerland
I am going through some changes in my life right now. A new location and will start working a new job. The bear is one of my spirit animals. I just made a decision to do something without fear and courage and i am becoming more close to nature.I am a nurturer and have a tendency to love,encourage and protect guess its a motherly instinct.
Hi How are you?
Bear is one of my spirit animals. He always makes me feel safe and secure. He’s got such a strong gentleness about him unless you or someone gets him made (lol). My kids tend to call me Momma Bear because I’m so protective of them. LOL
Thank you Elena for the wonderful and fun Spirit Animal Safari. I love it so far and so far it’s been 2 of my 3 main animal guides! Crazy!
Brightest Blessings,
Carol
Hi thought I would share my experience – I decided a short meditation was called for re the bear – To let you understand I had a car crash a few days ago and in meditation I had the strongest feeling that bear was standing upright behind me almost as if he were forming my spine and his paw extended along my arms lending me strength and support at this time.
thanks for the spirit animal safari – I am thoroughly enjoying it
Bright Blessings
I went to the zoo the other day and I was at the bear exhibit and the bear was out on a rock and then it saw me or something and walked to the edge of the exhibit and we made eye contact for a minute or so and then he walked back to the entrance of the cave, looked at me again and went in to the cave and I took the test and got the bear as my spirit animal I thought that might make sence now.
I dream often about black bears but I am always terrified of them. I am always seeking shelter and safety from them. They have never tried to harm me in my dreams.I have had several encounters with bears by staying in a cabin in Pigeon Forge. Most of the time they just want food from trash cans.i don’t know if a bear is my spiritual animal but I do know I have a fear of them.
Doris Couch
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