posted January 21, 2003 03:10 PM         

Anyway with you probably since that is the image you associate with the bear maybe its a symbol of a fear you have

posted January 21, 2003 06:14 PM         

Bears are fiercely protective of their cubs. They are strong, brave, curious, have an excellent memory; they wade a river ince, and they remember forever exactly what rocks to step on and which to avoid. they can live off grass, fish or sheep, whatever the nature provides, and I like to think they have a warm and tender heart (since they are so protective and caring for their cubs). They are not at all slow or stupid; they can hunt down moose and have excellent instincts. They hibernate during winter, giving birth while sleeping, more or less. And like many humans, they don't like to be disturbed while sleeping. ugh, I'm totally taking off, here...

posted January 22, 2003 03:40 AM         

I know Native Americans, Aborigins and other people living closer to nature than most people in the modern civilization, place greater importance to their dreams, visions and so on, whether these are provoked (by putting themselves in a trance) or occur naturally. And the message or enlightenment is given through an animal, bird, the wind whispering and so on. Whether it is a spiritual guide or just our own inner guide/ wise guy shining through... whatever is easiest to believe and make you listen and or act upon it.

since you ask, I get more curious... think I'll try to read up on the subject and rethink my animal dreams... hehe.

posted February 17, 2003 06:44 PM         

For many the bear (and the wolf) are the last true symbols of the primal, natural world. During the winter sleep the bear's kidneys shut down completely. The kidneys serve a vital function in the body. Metaphysically, the kidneys are symbols of discernment and discrimination. Maybe you or someone around you are either beeing too critical or not discriminating enough.

One is encouraged to climb trees occasionally, like the bear, if only to get a clear perspective.

Seeing/being visited by a bear can symbolize a need to have periods in your life when you can be more reclusive, even to give birth to some ideas or projects. Be patient though, as the "cubs" (projects) usually stay with the mother for up to two years... And don't hide away and try to hibernate all-year round. Come out of the den. Only then can your "cubs" get help to grow on their own.

Bear medicine can teach you to go deep within so that you can make your choices and decisions from a position of power.

Ursus Major, The Great Bear is a well known constellation. Seven stars of this constellation form The Big Dipper (Karlsvogna), and they have links to the seven great rays of light of the Divine.