The bear was a very important animal to the Native Americans. Their skins were used for clothing and blankets to help shelter them from the cold. Their claws and teeth were used as jewelry, and their heads made masks for Shamans. Some even considered bears to be Shamans themselves. To be given this totem would be a great honor to some.
The bear is a fast, fierce leader. They resemble courage, strength, and strong family values. Those with the Bear totem may be protective over their families and close friends. They are fearless. They also have great knowledge and wisdom. Some bears may be too prideful of their own power and strength. They are often associated with trees.
SOURCES: Bear Animal Power Totem manizone.co.uk. Animal Totems by Diana Haymond
Also, dreaming of a bear can sometimes foretell the birth of a son. In ancient myths, bears were also the gods of storms and sunshine. Bears often represent inner knowing, instincts, solitude and dreaming. Bear is the keeper of the dreamtime in some cultures.
My animal guide is Bear. I have known this for some time. But He did not come to me until some years ago. It was in a dream. We were playing in the water, swimming. I was holding on to his fur as he swam around pulling me. The memory of how His fur felt has always stayed with me. We had much fun. Then some time later, He was in my dream again. There were people there too, family and friends, though I couldn't see all who was there. I was protecting the people from Bear, while protecting Bear from the people. I found out later the second dream was warning me of a coming threat, a magickal threat. A black witch threatened my daughter, along with the rest of the family. A cleansing and protection was done for us, and by me. We are fine. Just wanted to share that. I am also part Abenaki Indian; Bear is our Brother...Blessed Be...
My animal guide is the snake, it represents enlightenment and swift knowledge. I believe the snake has impacted history through religions and mystical workings. The snake also stands for awareness,strength,courage,intelligence...and sometimes magick meanings. There is so many different cultures about snakes and how differently they view them. A lot of people have a fear of snakes I on the other hand do not. I found out the snake was my guide when I started to meditate weekly.
Good post mate. My animal guide is also a bear. I have always been close to the bear and I even resemble one physically (I am a big guy) and emotionally. I am currently carving a bear totem to place on my family altar. I like the bears sense of honor, courage, and strength. I was lucky enough to see one of these majestic animals up close once in the northern peninsula of Michigan. It was an amazing moment in my life.
