Shamanic Totem. The Bear

SHAMANIC TOTEM - THE BEAR Within the ancient teachings of Inter-Tribal Shamanism, the bear totem has diverse symbolism. When bear enters your spiritual-self expect to find yourself making many transformational awakenings. A deeper understanding of duality comes from bear as we not only become stronger spiritually but also gentler.  When we study a bear in the wild we see it nurture cubs as well as gather food. We see play in the water as well as bear utilizes its food source. We see bear lay lazily in the sun and run through the wilds focused on its destination. We see bear stand on its back legs and move as effortlessly as when it is on fours. We begin to see through these small examples that bear is as complex as we are as people.  When bear makes its spiritual presence known as a Totem it may be sudden just as much as subtle. Bear as a Totem will give you what you need spiritually and before long you will notice you want to challenge yourself to grow. The hunger to be more connected to all things comes from that bear call to challenge yourself to grow. That call has always been a part of your true self, the time is right to prepare for your season of change. Just like bear prepares for winter, so to spiritually you will be preparing.  The Elders say you will sleep before you awake. What does that mean?  Often it is when we are feeling the most disconnected that we are on the cusp of a new awakening. You may find bears gentile energy to come to you due to your need to embrace the deeper healer within. The bear totem is a Sacred Totem for Shamanic Healers, for the bear shares her Medicine with the Healer. Holistically as well as Spiritually the Totem Medicine is shared with us and the spirit energy of bear. The relationship is a growth process and in many ways one may find they spiritually grow from cub to bear. While there are many ways the Bear Totem Medicine may manifest in your life, I will list a small list of bear medicine transforming your journey. • Strength and confidence • Standing against adversity, taking action and leadership • Healing or using healing abilities to help self or others • Solitude, quiet time and rest • Strong grounding forces Before seeking to connect to any Totem, I often tell my students to take the time to look within themselves and listen to their true voice. Liking a particular animal may not always indicate it is a Totem, it is more likely there is a teaching that can help you in your journey waiting for you to learn from it. May you find your own personal truth, growth and healing in what you seek. Be well. Brother Granite Article written by Advisor Brother Granite