The bear, a powerful creature we fear coming across on a peaceful hike but also a symbol
of cuteness and security, the Teddy Bear. Bears exhibit some contrasting behaviors: blissfully munching on berries or lounging peacefully in the sun while listening to the song of a flowing river versus being frightfully defensive or angrily attacking anyone that comes near its space or young. This ferocity of the bear made them a symbol of bravery and warriors from Native American cultures to the Celts. Even Viking Berserkers were named after the bearskins they wore to enhance their viciousness in battle.
The bear is also a strong symbol of protectiveness and motherhood. This motherhood-ness and its ability to hibernate through the winter connect the bear to the Moon making it also symbolic of dreams, visions, change, and transformation. Except when raising young, the bear is a solitary creature. This natural tendency along with its deeply meditative hibernation make it a creature of introspection, death and rebirth, resurrection, patience, solitude, and inner peace.
Other symbolic meanings of the Bear:
- Communicator with Spirit
- Guide for Healers and Healing
- Astral Travel
- Confidence and Inner Strength
- Guide for Mystics and Shamans
As many of you have noticed, I have a thing for bears. Yes, my two Alaskan Malamutes are named Bear (Kuruk and Nalle), but it really all began many years ago when I was having recurrent dreams about bears. In these dreams the bears would be wandering around the streets as I was walking home from work. I was also in graduate school at the time, but in the dreams I was always walking home from work. The bears were looking for me, and sometimes they were following me, trying to catch me. I always woke up before they got me, but they were still very frightening dreams.
Why were bears waking around a major city? Why were they looking for me? What were they trying to tell me? These dreams recurred for about a year, until I decided to change course in life, and switch from a possible academic career to a healing profession. It was after this when I came across that bears are guides for healers that I consciously knew what those dreams meant. Luckily, my subconscious picked up on the message and steered me towards a new path.
When animals and spirit guides come to us in dreams, it can be difficult to understand their message. Seeking the assistance of a Shaman, Psychic, or other intuitive or spiritual healer can help, but you can also do a focused meditation on the animal, try to return to the dream, or just go with the initial impression or feeling you had when you first woke up from the dream. You can also ask for confirmation signs during waking hours too, for the messages from the spirit realm are all around us.
Through the Peacock's Eyes 
Reblogged this on the art of life and commented:
When animals and spirit guides come to us in dreams, it can be difficult to understand their message. Seeking the assistance of a Shaman, Psychic, or other intuitive or spiritual healer can help, but you can also do a focused meditation on the animal, try to return to the dream, or just go with the initial impression or feeling you had when you first woke up from the dream.
Thank you!
Your Welcome!
I have been really drawn to the bear the last several months, though I have not seen one or dreamed of one. It comes to me when I sit quietly. I learned today from your blog it is also associated with Shamans. I had a dream about the number 15, just the number, I could not figure out the meaning. I thought about this for days and did not have an answer. One day I was reading “Animal Speak”, a book I use regularly, and on page 15, it talked about a Shamanic journey. Shamanism has been coming up for me quite a bit the last several months as well, in physical form.
Very cool! I like how you waited for the answer to 15 too.
I love this! You were concerned about the bears while they were trying to lead you down a new path. I suppose even bears will come into the city when they are needed! Now you even have a more awesome connection with bears since getting into your intended path. I love it!
Really interesting post. Bears look very peaceful and they even look sometime harmless, but they are really dangerous, if you come near them. However, that’s how ever animal react, and I totally agree with you that bears are motherly.
Thank you and thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
I have to share this story with you. I read this post (and enjoyed it very much). I then left to pick up my kids from daycare. Once I arrived I was informed that there had been a bear in the backyard that morning and it walked all around the house and headed over to the school across the street. It felt serendipitous!! Have a wonderful weekend Julianne.
Very cool! Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been coming across bears and dreams all over the internet since posting this (without intentionally looking for those subjects!). I hope your bear left something auspicious for you. Have a great weekend too!
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Thank you very much Sweet Ajay!
thank you dear
Great post. Writing about animal spirits becomes you! I look forward to more posts. Namaste. 🙂
Thanks! 😉
Your post was excellent. I had a period of time I was dreaming of bears years ago your comments helped e to revisit that experience. I am still not sure what they meant, but as you say the bear medicine is often contrasting and complicated. We are afraid and also attracted to them. I also like Indrajit’s comment, ” we are all them they are the same” keep up the great inspirational work on your blog, I love it!!
Thank you! I’m glad you’ve been able to revisit your own bear dreams. Maybe new ones with clearer messages will come! Namaste _/l\_
wonderful Juliannji – indeed it feels like we are all bears – same traits – i watch the, squirrels, the mynas, the sparrows, the spiders, the halks and dogs and cats – none, no difference – we are all them they are the same – sure of it .
Indeed! 🙂
Enjoy reading it! Thanks, Julianne!
Reblogged this on Sherlockian's Blog.
Thank you for the re-blog! Blessings!
Reblogged this on Shamanic Paths and commented:
Bears, it seems, everywhere these days! Enjoy! 🙂
Just took my bears for a walk and a already have a re-blog. Thank you so much! Namaste _/l\_
You’re most welcome 🙂
great post, I am currently attending more to all creatures in my wake ( and dreams). Lots of birds, cats, squirrels, a deer crossing, and butterflies are recent visitors.
thank you for this info!!
You’re welcome and thank you! So many wonderful visitors too! 🙂