To both European and Native American Shamanic people, this power animal or totem symbolizes awakening the strong force of the unconscious.

Bear, the animal, in Europe and the Americas, is regarded with respect by Pagan people. The zenith of Bear’s power is in spring and summer. Bear hibernates in the cold months, allowing him or her access to the unconscious in order to blend intuition and instinct leading to attaining personal power.

The Animal

Bears comprise the family Ursidae. The term is derived from the Latin word for bear, “ursa.” Ursidae live in all continents except Antarctica, Australia and Africa, with the possible exception of Africa’s Cryptoid Bear, the Nandi, whose existence as yet to be proved scientifically. In Western Europe, bears are on the brink of extinction. Brown bears were hunted and their habitats destroyed in the UK. They became extinct in Scotland in the eleventh century and, in the rest of the realm, the tenth. The black bear was almost extinct in New Jersey, USA, until successful steps were taken to save the population.

While bears are classified as carnivores, all bears are omnivorous, eating vegetation when prey is unavailable. The Kodiak and Admiralty are considered to be the world’s largest predators. Man is bears’ only predator with the exception of grizzlies, the most feared of the ursidae, who prey on smaller black and brown bears.

Bears have poor eyesight and fair hearing, but their sense of smell is sharp. They can walk on two legs, like humans. Their movements appear to be clumsy; however bears are agile and can run at speeds over 30 mph.

These animals hibernate, a reduction of metabolism when temperatures are low and food is scarce, enabling them to sleep for months.

Native American Symbolism

Bear symbolizes introspection and intuition blended with instinct.

The Lakota Sioux call Bear “Tob Tob.” To this tribe, Bear is a symbol of wisdom. This animal reveals the interrelationship between the person within the environment of creation, personal truth within the clan and the universe. Bear helps people recognize personal truth and when to stand up for rights and when to walk away.

According to Chippewa tradition, the grizzly, Mudjekeewis, is the Spirit Keeper of the West. This totem symbolizes introspection and strength and imparts inner knowledge that makes it possible for people to seek alternative paths to their goals.

Celtic Symbolism

Like Wild Boar, Bear is both female and male; however Bear’s powers are the same for both genders. The Celtic people had two goddesses who shapeshifted into a bear, Andarta and Artio, names derived from “Art,” the Celtic word for bear. The male counterpart of Bear is associated with King Arthur.

Art symbolizes the blending of intuition with instinct, which is in accordance with Native Americans' belief. S/he represents primal power and autonomy. Art defends people with fierceness from all dangers. S/he imparts the ability to use intuition to find truth. Strength or primal power and intuition merge into one uniting star and animal powers under the auspices of this power animal.

Related articles:

Ghost of the Spirit Bear

Wild Boar: Pagan Warrior Spirit

Sources:

Animal Magick, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996)

Animal Messages, Susie Green, (Cico Books, 2007)

Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 2002)

The Druid Animal Oracle, Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm (A Fireside Book, 1994)

The Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams & David Carson, (Bear & Company, 1988)

The Medicine Wheel, Sun Bear and Wabun, (Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 1980)