Post by Spirit of the Lynx on Jul 4, 2007 18:53:45 GMT -5
From: ScrëämïngËäglë™ (Original Message) Sent: 6/30/2003 10:57 AM
Bear animal totem
The bear is so highly revered as a totem animal that many
Medicine priests have adopted 'bear" as a part of their name.
According to some tribes, the spirit of the bear never dies, and
thus has become synonymous with supernatural powers and
the ability to heal. Among nearly all shamans, the bear is reverently
addressed as "Grandfather."
Throughout the globe and since the Neanderthal cave dwellers,
humans who live in proximity to bears begin to make comparisons
to themselves and their powerful woodland neighbor. The Native
Americans were no exception, noting that just like the people of the
villages, the bear is able to live on fish, flesh, or berries. The lumbering
giant was known for its great love of honey, and its keen sense of smell
was able to detect the golden sweet treasure of a bee hive from
miles away. The tribespeople watched in awe as their powerful
brother snatched the honey from the hive without fear of being stung.
When the bear was on the hunt, it seemed to saunter in a leisurely
manner, its huge feet placed flat upon the ground and turned slightly
inward, thereby causing the forest giant to walk with a peculiar
movement. When it stood upright on its two hind feet, it appeared
very much like a stout, powerfully built man with short, bandy legs.
But the tribal hunters knew better than to confront a bear in such a
position, for from such a stance it would attack its enemies, using
the claws in its great forepaws to slash at the head and the belly with
devastating results.
The Navajo regard the bear with as much respect as any of their human
neighbors. They kill bears only when necessary, and under no conditions
would a Navajo eat a single bite of bear meat. In their eyes, it would be like
chewing on the spirit of their ancestors.
Among the old tribes of Northern Europe, the Nordic warriors, known as the
"Berserkers," wore bearskin shirts into battle in dedication to the Goddess
Ursel, the She-Bear. To the Norse, the bear was a masterful martial artist,
and the she-bear protecting its cubs was the worst nightmare a hunter could
encounter under the Northern lights. Thus, the bearskin shirts were worn in
the hope that the warrior could absorb the great beast's fighting prowess
and its enormous endurance and strength. To the Viking warrior, the bear
symbolized the lonely champion, prepared to fight in single combat.
The bear was a totemic symbol for St. Gall and St. Seraphim. In the Native
American zodiac, those born from August 22 to September 22 are in the
Medicine Wheel sign of the bear. Bear people are said to be slow, cautious,
and quiet.
To have the bear as your totem animal is to be aware that you are being
guided to assume a role of leadership. Your spiritual guardian will also
encourage you to exercise your abilities as a natural healer.
You may also be placed in a position in which you will need to defend your
beliefs in a firm and fearless manner, but your bear totem will give you the
insight and powers of discrimination to present the truths of your lifepath
with confidence and courage. Follow your bear as your totem guide, and
you will be led to greater balance in body, mind, and spirit.
Bear animal totem
The bear is so highly revered as a totem animal that many
Medicine priests have adopted 'bear" as a part of their name.
According to some tribes, the spirit of the bear never dies, and
thus has become synonymous with supernatural powers and
the ability to heal. Among nearly all shamans, the bear is reverently
addressed as "Grandfather."
Throughout the globe and since the Neanderthal cave dwellers,
humans who live in proximity to bears begin to make comparisons
to themselves and their powerful woodland neighbor. The Native
Americans were no exception, noting that just like the people of the
villages, the bear is able to live on fish, flesh, or berries. The lumbering
giant was known for its great love of honey, and its keen sense of smell
was able to detect the golden sweet treasure of a bee hive from
miles away. The tribespeople watched in awe as their powerful
brother snatched the honey from the hive without fear of being stung.
When the bear was on the hunt, it seemed to saunter in a leisurely
manner, its huge feet placed flat upon the ground and turned slightly
inward, thereby causing the forest giant to walk with a peculiar
movement. When it stood upright on its two hind feet, it appeared
very much like a stout, powerfully built man with short, bandy legs.
But the tribal hunters knew better than to confront a bear in such a
position, for from such a stance it would attack its enemies, using
the claws in its great forepaws to slash at the head and the belly with
devastating results.
The Navajo regard the bear with as much respect as any of their human
neighbors. They kill bears only when necessary, and under no conditions
would a Navajo eat a single bite of bear meat. In their eyes, it would be like
chewing on the spirit of their ancestors.
Among the old tribes of Northern Europe, the Nordic warriors, known as the
"Berserkers," wore bearskin shirts into battle in dedication to the Goddess
Ursel, the She-Bear. To the Norse, the bear was a masterful martial artist,
and the she-bear protecting its cubs was the worst nightmare a hunter could
encounter under the Northern lights. Thus, the bearskin shirts were worn in
the hope that the warrior could absorb the great beast's fighting prowess
and its enormous endurance and strength. To the Viking warrior, the bear
symbolized the lonely champion, prepared to fight in single combat.
The bear was a totemic symbol for St. Gall and St. Seraphim. In the Native
American zodiac, those born from August 22 to September 22 are in the
Medicine Wheel sign of the bear. Bear people are said to be slow, cautious,
and quiet.
To have the bear as your totem animal is to be aware that you are being
guided to assume a role of leadership. Your spiritual guardian will also
encourage you to exercise your abilities as a natural healer.
You may also be placed in a position in which you will need to defend your
beliefs in a firm and fearless manner, but your bear totem will give you the
insight and powers of discrimination to present the truths of your lifepath
with confidence and courage. Follow your bear as your totem guide, and
you will be led to greater balance in body, mind, and spirit.