Native American Bear Meaning
When we walk the path of the bear, we are told of its long history with the first people of North America. As a Native American symbol, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind (according to one source as a "god" in the Native American world), and grander than its mass. To match its magnitude is the quality of unpredictability in the bear. When provoked in certain situations, the first thing that comes to our mind is a ferocity expressed by the bear that could cause even the strongest men of today to run in terror or at least shudder in great fear.
Because of this potentially furious storm brewing just under the surface of a bears spirit, our Native American ancestors were extremely cautious and fearful of this animal. Even tribes inclined to peace honored the spirit of a warrior. Witnessing this sort of blind, raw energy imbues the characteristics of courage and strength that anyone would want to utilize.
Bear meanings were enhanced by observations made by tribal sages. These vital tribal figures were inclined to be considerate and deeply understanding of how nature communicated its intent in all her forms. These Native American figures found connections between human and beast. From these associations we too can interpret significant meanings propelling our own lives in terms of direction, action, and wisdom. Symbolic characteristics of the bear include the following: power, courage, freedom, protection, motherhood, discernment, childbearing, resourcefulness, and unpredictability.
One such connection to the meaning of the bear comes from a Shoshone sage who set about bringing worlds together by manner of trance walking. The Shoshone have instigated a Sun Dance where the bear is a central figure of the ritual. It was symbolic of protection, strength and the continuation of the tribe’s bloodline.
We see a lot of connections with bear and man in the Native
mind. We can intuit these bear meanings to come from the human-like appearance
of the bear when it's posed on hind legs. From this union of man and bear,
taken from the Aleut and Haida minds, we see the bear as defining the
characteristics of motherhood and child protection.
As a Sioux symbol, the bear also has healing symbolism. Above all, bear meaning holds incredible influence and magnitude to the North American tribes. Although the bear is a profound Native American symbol of majesty, freedom and power it is far more. As a brother, the bear imparts this advice to both our ancestors and us today.
Because the bear is cautious, it encourages discernment to human kind. Its fierce spirit signals bravery to those who require it. The bears mass and physical power stand for confidence and victory. Finally, a bears preference for peace and tranquility, (despite its size), tells us to harmonize and find balance.
Symbolic meanings of the bear include: Peace, Duality, Bravery, Powerful, Motherhood, Benevolence, Sovereignty, and Resurrection.
