7. ~ Bear ~

Bears and birds are considered family to Native American/First Nations people. The reason is they both can walk about as we two-leggeds do. The bear is as sacred as the wolf. It eats meat, berries and fruits, as well as plants. Bears are much faster than most people realize. Some bears can move at speeds of 30 -40 mph. All types of bear are good climbers. Bears sleep away the cold winter months to waken with the moon in the month of May. Black bears can be black, brown, and cinnamon in colour. The white polar bear is the one to be most feared, even more so than a grizzly. All bears love their honey and have a natural sweet tooth. When spring awakens many native nations will honour the bear with a ceremony conducting in the woods to welcome the bear from its long sleep time. Some tribes dance in bear skins around the fire. The heart beat of the drum can be heard for miles. Some people have witnessed the 'spirit' bear rising in the smoke far above their heads in the campfire. There are eight species of bear and six of them are currently battling the risk of extinction.

Medicine:

The bear is the spirit keeper of the west. It represents the direction of harvest and rewards. Bear medicine is finding strength within you so strong you can't imagine you were ever capable of having it. It is a medicine of love and courage. Bear medicine teaches it is a time to look within yourself and to manifest loudly what has been growing and growling inside of you. The bear teaches that it is time to show your face to the world in an extremely bold manner. Bear reminds you to protect your inner truth by being true to yourself. This medicine can also manifest in your dreams. The bear teaches you that sacred knowledge will be revealved. The bear teaches your inner path and purpose will come out of the den and will be witnessed by many. Bear medicine urges you to roar without shame, because it will be largely respected even if it is not understood by all. The bear tells you to not settle for small rewards, but that your rewards will manifest in a big way, and in well deserved recognition. Those closest to you will be surprise at how powerful your strength of conviction is when bear medicine appears in your life.