Factually, Native Americans were absolutely correct because evolution has since proven that man is not separate from animals, but rather, he is one of them. Indeed, man belongs to the great family of animals which First Nation People already deeply understood and accepted a long time ago. The Native did not consider this to be demeaning in any way; rather he looked upon his brethren as having abilities to be wise teachers.
And this they are.
Bear Traits
The bear, for example, is a very magnificent creature. He has many fine qualities such as courage, intelligence, strength, and gentleness. He can stand on his hind feet like a human person. The omnivorous bear enjoys the taste of many things including sweet honey, nuts, and berries as well as fish and meat.
The bear is a gatherer, hunter, and resourceful scavenger. He sometimes raids unlocked cabins (rather clumsily) and often begs for food handed out by well-meaning people in parked cars near camping areas. The bear will not always want to go away and may sit determinedly on the roof or trunk. Bears have also been known to break into cars and campers for a tempting morsel left inside.
He really is a lot like people; some even apparently enjoy alcohol:
A female bear became very disorderly and intoxicated after eating too many fermented apples in Lyons, Colorado. [News of the Strange, 2006]
Inebriated bears have made the news. In 2004 it was reported a drunken black bear passed out in Baker Lake, Washington after drinking 36 stolen cans of Rainier beer while pawing through camping coolers! [Weird News, 2004]
Bears like to take it easy. Sleeping comfortably through the winter they emerge from hibernation renewed each spring. He is very cyclical. Females give birth to only one or two cubs during hibernation, but are protective and self-sacrificing mothers. Mother bears can be strict, though, and have been observed giving youngsters a deserved spanking with their giant paws. Baby bears are very playful, cute, and roguish. Bears have excellent memories and are curious yet tend to be solitary animals.
Native American Animal Guides and Totems
Perhaps because this beautiful creature was once so abundant (and in many places still are) the bear is a very important Native American totem animal. At one time in history it was not too unusual to cross the path of a bear. Therefore bears were dreamed about frequently and seen in visions.
Whenever a bear appeared in unusual or synchronistic ways that animal often become a temporary personal guide or a (lifelong) totem animal. Sometimes an entire family, tribe, or clan would be named after this grand creature.
A totem animal guide is like a mirror into one’s soul, reflecting both the positive and negative qualities of a person. Because Native American belief was that man can learn a lot from animals, the totem animal became a revered spiritual guide. The animal was not to be killed or harmed in any way, but rather its true nature observed and emulated, until its lesson (or medicine) was learned.
The totem animal was not considered a god or deity but was a silent living counselor. Animals were greatly respected and treated as equals in the Native American world despite the Native's legendary hunting prowess.
Bear Totem
Because intuition has a hidden logic and reason, the conscious or subconscious mind can seek and find a meaningful connection in the psyche of any animal. The totem animal was an early psychological inkblot open to interpretation. Even today the bear is many things to different people.
For creative people the lone bear’s long hibernation time (non-productivity) may remind authors that a period of writer’s block is very natural and will be followed by a florid period. To poets or artists the same totem may urge one to go back into the social world (to gather experiences) before embarking on long work that requires deep isolation (hibernation).
The bear’s cycle of rest and activity can be applied to any endeavor depending on one’s circumstances. The animal’s lessons are unique and individualized to each person’s subconscious needs.
The bear might remind lax parents to become more watchful over their children. Or, like the little bear cub, it might inspire the person to be more playful and less strict with the self.
Presently the bear can even remind alcoholics (at least those aware some bears drink) that it’s time to quit and become the courageous spirit they were meant to be. Native American culture strongly discourages drinking any alcohol. The bear totem can also allude to a change of diet (its tastes are so varied) as inspiration for better health.
Meanings of the bear, however, were traditionally the basic virtues such as its strength, courage, and power. To the Sioux (Lakota) Indians, the bear was representative of motherhood and healing. Healing plays a strong role in the medicine of this animal totem guide.
The person with a bear totem (bear medicine) has the ability to become as magnificent as the brave, beautiful bear. Bears, by the way, are not only impressive, but very popular, too:
“Humankind has forever had a connection to the bear. The earliest known religions were those of the bear cults. Evidence of ritual burials and reverence of bear remains has been seen in nearly every culture in the world.” [Bears.org, Information]
The spirit of the bear has long been recognized by mankind even as man carelessly destroys its natural habitats. The bear would tell man to please stop stealing his territory so he is not tempted to break into people’s cars, storage bins, and cabins.
Sources:
- WFTV.com, News of the Strange, Caught on Video: Drunk Bear Found Stumbling near School, 2006
- AP, 8/19/2004, [Weird News], Bear Downs 36 Beers, Passes Out at Campground
- Bears.org, Information, (Mythology) Dedicated to the Preservation of Accurate Bear Beliefs
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Paula Marie Deubel - Published author/writer/journalist/poet I've always written under the pen name "P. Mari," an abbreviation of my full name. I have ...
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