Bear Spirit Animal | Totem & Spiritual Healing Meaning

Whether you have encountered a shamanic journey, a dream or a universal message from the Spirit of The Bear, here are some magical attributes connected to the Spirit Totem of the Bear. 

What are animal totems and power guides?

A powerful animal comes to you specifically because of what it can teach you – its ‘medicine’. A power animal’s medicine represents their archetypal energy, which can be called up when necessary in various situations. Our power animal’s medicine can provide us with what we need to be more fully in our power, more conscious, more aware and healed. This is particularly the case regarding the healing required for one’s sacred wound and what we can offer others. Power Animals can act as protectors, wisdom keepers and powerful healing tools in various ways. 

 Indigenous & Ancient Cultures:

• Native American Traditions: Native American tribes believe in animal spirit guides or totems. Different tribes attribute different qualities and meanings to various animals, which serve as guides, protectors, and sources of wisdom.

• Inuit Spirituality: In Inuit culture, animals are seen as powerful spiritual beings, with each species possessing unique attributes and teachings. Shamans often seek guidance and assistance from animal spirits during spiritual practices and healing ceremonies.

• Siberian & Amazonian Shamanism: In Siberian shamanic practices, animals are believed to possess spiritual power and serve as intermediaries between humans and the spirit world. Shamans undergo rituals and journeys to connect with animal spirits for guidance, healing, and protection.

• African Shamanism: Various African cultures incorporate animal symbolism and totemism into their spiritual beliefs and practices. Animals are seen as manifestations of ancestral spirits and sources of wisdom, and individuals may have personal totem animals that guide and protect them throughout life.

• Ancient Egypt: Animals held significant religious and spiritual importance in ancient Egyptian society. Various gods and goddesses were depicted with animal characteristics, and certain animals were revered as symbols of specific deities or principles. For example, the jackal-headed god Anubis represented the afterlife and mummification.

• Ancient Greece: Animals played a role in Greek mythology and symbolism. Gods and heroes were often associated with specific animals, such as Zeus with the eagle, Athena with the owl, and Artemis with the deer. These associations conveyed divine attributes and served as symbols of power and protection.

Throughout history, the concept of power animals has remained a powerful and enduring symbol of our connection to the natural world and the spiritual realms. Across cultures and traditions, animals inspire and guide us on our journeys of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual awakening.

The Bear Spiritual Meaning: The medicine of the bear spirit grants us the privilege of its healing energy; bears are rare mammals that use medicinal herbs to heal themselves. The bear spirit is calling to awaken the inner healer within the person who seeks or confronts bear medicine. Bear teaches one to go on the inner healing journey, especially for the body; caring for the vessel will bring you great strength, power and agility. Bear is known as the "Wise Teacher" as it shows how to survive in extreme conditions. Taking care of your mind, body, and soul will help you catapult your journey to yourself and others if you feel called to do so later.

Bears are very anchoring and grounding; they teach us to be more loving and in tune with our motherly instincts but also to be firm. Bears have excellent boundaries that other mammals know not to push them over the edge. One of the most powerful attributes a bear can teach us is the winter months of hibernation, an aspect of ourselves for us to go within and have some reflection time. It helps us understand our experiences and realise that we hold the solutions to our questions within us. We all possess a wealth of wisdom, but we must take the time to listen to our inner voice. Spending time alone can be beneficial, allowing us to uncover our solutions to challenges. However, like the Bear, knowing when to emerge from the hibernation period and engaging with others and the world is just as important.

Spirit Animal: Balance, Integrity and Communion. Powerful attributes of this medicine spirit, the energy of Bear is a delightful guide to assist you in times of need. Bear holds great strength in times when we need to shift the "I can't " out of our system. Bear teaches us to always act with ethics and reason and take it slow-paced so we can make the right decisions in our path. Bears have a lot of self-respect and honour for themselves, their partner and their young. This spirit animal teaches us to search for rich parts of ourselves and bring them to the surface, whether it maybe boundaries, assurance, strength, or outspoken be sure to embody the bear spirit to bring these important parts of you to the forefront, a leader needs to shine its qualities in order to be heard and seen.

Power Animal: Bear spirit animal embodies physical and spiritual strength, possessing admirable qualities. Bear guides you back to your intuition if it seems a little out of sync and allows you to tune into the strong, powerful, confident, and commanding being that you inhabit. On the flip side, bear energy teaches us about nurturing, motherhood and protection. Bear is an excellent medicine for protection and will guard their family against any harm. 

Bear teaches about being direct and not playing games; this may be an internal power that needs to be harnessed or invoked entirely from your spiritual being, which will help you lay some solid foundations, feeling more anchored and fearless. Touching on the subject of fearless Bear teaches about independence. Whether you embody this or struggle, call in the bear medicine to your shamanic journeys to help you gain this strength and confidence. 

Playfulness is an important aspect of life; do not take things too seriously by having a bear as your guide, inviting you to see the joyous moments in life, and not taking everything personally. Although it is great to have structure and leadership, sometimes, being able to surrender to the waves of life, you are able to enjoy the journey a little more, allow events to unfold and enjoy the surprises around each corner. 

Totem Animal: To be born with a Bear totem animal, you adapt to the nature of a Bear, a much more playful and curious being. You naturally have strong leadership roles and know how to reach the end goals. Your intelligence is high, and so is your self-awareness. Bears are very structural beings and are 10 steps ahead of their goals. This is what makes them great leaders for others. Bears do not take attacks lightly and will not stand for it; home in on this strength to keep yourself grounded and strong-willed. 

Bears have big hearts and are very intuned with their motherly energy. They embody family and teach us humans about loyalty and devotion. Being surrounded by others on the same wavelength will bring the best out of you and others around you; bear energy mustn't settle for less; to ensure yourself is in a state of balance, harmony, and peace, make sure you listen to the inner voice when something makes you feel hot-tempered or uneasy.