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
Want More Bear Quotes? Click Here!
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.
Just did quiz spirit is bear, which fits twice in last two weeks have dreamt of heing chased by large bear. After helping others onto safety of structure with ladder i am last one and bear is clawing at my feet causing large tears and bleeding, than someone wakes me as im making loud noises waking them. Any help interpeting is welcome, im thinking that the bear is trying to get me to face something head on, but not sure what it is.
It’s time for you to move into your spirituality and calling.
Also being a shaman is a painful, dangerous and courageous walk at times . So, you have been warned.
I have never had a dream about a bear but it suits me
I have never joined nor participated in ANY sites .of any subject..I have been compelled to research an undeniable recurring experience..with a REAL bear.not a dream.
NO, I am not an irresponsible nut who believes a Disney concept regarding.wild animals feeding them etc…i have been an animal lover, rescued owls rabbits .. wildlife rehabilitation volunteer for years..and that speaks to rehabilitate and RELEASE.not some dumb concept as pets.Last year in my garden I turn to see young boy 5 ft away..no threatening. Some reason not afraid(him nor me) went on my business.for almost 2 month he show.. ridiculous close..roll on the lawn..take a.nap..(I have 6 dogs!) Never afraid. He left close to winter..this year I found him Inside my cottage.. sleeping..was away for 6 days..has.to call warden as I didn’t want him to come.to harm.no I wasn’t afraid.. apparently he wasn’t either..when he was in the trap he ran to where I was standing and kept snuffing and sticking his tongue thru the ventilator holes in the bear trap..it was quite remarkable..needless to say, even the ranger was completely nonplussed seeing the attachment..it was very profound.
After digging deeper into the spirit animal concept, it is one hundred percent my spirit animal..it fits perfectly..to be a source of strength against adversity, and I have had adversity.lol but never fold..I feel the bear spirit animal has a deeper protection towards.women..would have expected a more masculine aspect..bit after reading everything about the bear spirit animal.. especially the shaman symbolism as being female..pretty cool stuff.and I’m not nuts..lol
I bought a pewter bear paw charm for necklace..and I dont take it off..it is a constant reminder to be strong..
I don’t hate bears but in my dreams they surround my house they try to come in but being a lucid dreamer I can make sure they don’t and usually they just prowl around I don’t know if they’re trying to I don’t know help me secure my land or my property or my family I was very surprised I got the bear in life I always say watch out for Bears they will eat your face off
im the bear i believe in healing with herbs and natural products i grow everything myself and either dry or can everything im all about self healing and living off the land
I had a dream last night I was walking through the woods on trail a grizzly bear appeared to me. The bear kept making noises to me as to follow him so I did he showed me the way and brought me to a cliff that overlooked the most beautiful mountains and scenery. I remember sitting down and looking at the view the bear followed me and sat right beside me as to let me know almost everything would be alright.
I’ve had two dreams in which I am fleeing from an angry bear. He is angry and chasing everyone in its path which usually is me front and center. I am always scared, frenetic and looking around to see what I can do. In both dreams, I am always protecting people that are running along with me. In the first one, I pushed some family members to an unknown house whose owner was irritated that we had invaded his home. In the second one, I ran far along as I could to a house with an unknown man who began to walk along with me to a wide wooden outhouse that he used as storage. In there, he had a gun. He was teaching me how and where to point it to when the bear burst in, I pointed and then woke up. I always dream events in advance, and certain specific animals have meanings that I have learned their meanings as time goes by. But this bear, always with black fur, has me dumbfounded. Any kind of input is greatly appreciated.
I dont know how youve identfied your pov but your the bear
I recently had some serious emotional, physical and pych setbacks in the last 7 months. The last three times I was out hiking I have seen a bear. I”ve lived here for 38 years and only ever seen one once before this. I’m claiming it for strength, healing and grounding. WAY to coincidental.
Hi all
I’m thrilled the bear is my spirit guide, and it makes a lot of sense, and even as an adult I have always adored teddy bears lol so this is why !!
I love bear hugs of humans too, thank you for enlightening me xx
I was dreaming about being on a road trip. The school bus was filled with kids. I don’t know if I was a child or an adult. I had to use the washroom urgently, so we stopped at one of those sites on the side of the road with the outhouses, but this one was as big as a log cabin. There were so many children getting out, that I thought ‘this is going to take too long’ so I thought to find a tree. Two girls ran past me, crossed over a stream that had a dirt path bridge and ran into a field filled with bright sunshine. I was still on the other side when I looked around to make sure it was safe. I looked over to a golden brown lump at the base of a tree. I kept squinting because I knew it was a grizzly but I couldn’t be sure that it wasn’t the tree. The lump then moved. I could hear the girls laughing and talking and wanted to tell them to be quiet, but then the grizzly raised its head because they had woken it up. I don’t recall if it was male or female. The girls continued to be loud, so the grizzly got angry, but it didn’t seem to be looking at them. It seemed to keep focusing on me. It finally got up with a roar and began running towards me. I was scared but i kept trying to think ‘how do I protect the girls and not get hurt?’ My fear felt more directed towards the girls than towards myself. The grizzly got to about 20 feet from the stream and just stopped to stare at me. It didn’t stand. It almost seemed to chrouch like a cat.
That is when I woke up.
I can see the obvious symbolic meaning in this dream. But there is something not clear. The kids, I get as the path towards helping children has always felt like what I should do. I grew up in an abusive environment. When I connect with adults who were sexually abused, and I am not mindful of my energy, all I see is what happened to them. It is not fun to see it because I also feel everything they feel. I even dreamt one time about pulling a girls spirit out of her body so that she wouldn’t feel what happened to her physical form. But I felt it. I woke up in a panic, of course. Totally creepy feeling being in a dream that felt real! Not sure why I mentioned it.
Not entirely sure how I go about changing careers at 50 from helping people clean up their lives to connecting with children. I see the path in the dream but I feel like I am so focused on the bear charging me to connect crossing the dirt path to reach the girls. I also recall feeling scared to cross to get to them because I might get hurt if I do.
I am not fond of journaling, so writing these posts are rather funny to me because it feels like it is my spirit guides ‘pushing’ me to journal. Lol. It does work for me as I can see obvious answers about this dream.
But, why is the grizzly angry at me?
Maybe it isn’t angry at you. Maybe it’s just acting like a grizzly bear.
Im very interested I got A Bear! I love bears and its so amazing as I just ordered a new bear after many many years! also my daughter brought my long lost knitted bear home this week!!
I had a son Called Arthur and Arthur means bear, and once i dreamed i was riding on a polar bear! I am 53 and a devoted mother and all the symbolism of The Bear Totem really resonates with me! Thankyou sk much! My new bear is due in the post today!!! ????????????????????????
I got the Baer and thought wow that’s amazing for sure!!!
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