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Bear (2014) by jiasaykea

Bear (2014)

jiasaykea

Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Bear (Power, Protection)
Bear rambles through the countryside. Bear is the perfect marriage of instinct and intuition. As a symbol of primal power man saw many of his own traits mirrored in bear, having the ability to stand upright, and even walk short distances on two legs. With the exception of the polar bear, who is almost exclusively carnivorous, and the panda, who only eats bamboo, all bear species are omnivorous. As a symbol of protection one need look no further than a mother bear protecting her cubs. Bear cubs will stay with their mother for around three years, learning to hunt, before they are driven out by their mother. The ferocity of bear is well known, but bears are not truly aggressive. Bears live mostly solitary lives coming together to mate or during salmon runs when food is plentiful and competition is low. Bears have a fondness for trees, and will climb them when they are young and small enough to do so. Most bear species live in, or near wooded areas, especially near mountain ranges, using caves as natural homes. Older bears will often rub up against the bark of a tree to scratch themselves, showing wisdom in knowing that just because you can’t reach an itch doesn't mean you can't scratch it. Northern bear species frequently enter a period of winter sleep known as hibernation; though it isn’t a true hibernation as female bears will give birth during this period.

It is possible that bear has been worshipped for longer than any other creature on the earth. Caves of Neanderthal man show a deep connection to bear. The goddess Artemis/Diana was linked to bear and her followers would dress as bears during ceremonies and rituals. The Viking berserker would often wear bearskin tunics. The word berserker itself can be roughly translated to literally mean 'bear shirt'. In the stars we find the great bear (Ursa major), also known as the constellation of the Big Dipper, or The Plow. Stuffed toys in the shape of bears are iconic toys. These teddy bears (named after Theodore Roosevelt) remain popular among children and are even given to adults as signs of love, sympathy, or congratulations. In many Native American cultures bear is a symbol of wisdom and strength. Hibernation cycles symbolize bears capacity to dream deeply, reconnecting to the subconscious mind. In fact, when bears awaken from slumber they will often seek out and eat plants which will cleanse and activate the digestive system. It was this knowledge of plant medicine may explain how bears were seen as representing wisdom.

When bear rambles into a reading you may need to examine the role of power in your life. Are you using power towards a true goal, or simply as a means to an end? Are you hibernating away while you should be awake, or do you need to retreat in order to rebuild your strength? Are you being overtaken by the ferocious mother or berserker warrior within? Bear is deeply connected to the element of earth, those interested in bear may also examine the woodland and mountain biomes (or deep cold for polar bears).

Astrology- (Native Aug 22- Sept 21) In the Native zodiac Bear is a sign of practicality. Level-headed Bears are methodical and often act as the voice of reason. Bears can be quite generous and make excellent teachers, and mentors, with a penchant for patience and temperance. Bears need to be cautious of their more solitary nature. When in a negative mindset Bear can be grumpy, slothful, and reclusive. Those born in this sign may benefit from meditation, and should try to overcome some their shy and modest nature to allow the world to see their warm-hearted selves.

Stars and Constellations
Sovereignty, Introspection, Amble, Earth Energy, Dream Deep

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