Comments on: Animal Totems: Mine Seems to be Black Bear

By: MarkSpizer

MarkSpizer — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:57:02 +0000

great post as usual!

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:04:34 +0000

You're welcome, She Bear! I'm the exact same way. I do most of my reading, creative writing (not related to my business) and nesting in the winter. I'm out and active in the summer.

By: theshebearofeleven

theshebearofeleven — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:59:34 +0000

I love this post. I'm drawn to the bear, also, that must be why I refer to myself as the "she bear." I, like the she bear, have the motto, "don't mess with my cubs!" I'm learning hibernation is a good thing and that I really need it to grow as a person. It's funny that I do a lot more of it in the winter, just like the bear. Spring, summmer, fall, I'm growing my garden, dehydrating, doing projects, being busy. But, come winter I'm doing quieter things, wanting to be home more, reading, reflecting, planning. Thank-you for this post, I'm now reflecting on it.

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:46:42 +0000

Thanks for this post, Mo. It's also a good point about leaving and trash and food out. Even the best intentioned people who try to "care" for wildlife by feeding them are doing them a disservice. It's safer for them to naturally forage than become accustomed to humans, which will usually always result in their demise.
I really need some good medicine by seeing a bear in the woods!

By: Mo

Mo — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:11:40 +0000

We too are blessed with Bears on the Yonderosa. Grand creatures and usually shy. We are strict about food and trash practices as a number of our full time neighbors have had problems, two of which resulted in Bears being killed inside their residences.

Around here the First Nations people revered the Bear for his strength and learned humility. They are prominently featured on totem poles, sculptures, jewelry, masks and in stories passed from generation to generation as part of their oral tradition.

Bears are considered masters of the forest and their connection to humans is highly respected. When a Bear was killed he was taken to the house of the Chief and treated as a guest of honor. Eagle down was sprinkled on them in a welcoming gesture, dances and prayers were offered to honor and thank the Bear's spirit.

My exposure to this culture both as a boy and now within my family has influenced my appreciation for the Bear. To see one in the woods is good medicine.

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:16:27 +0000

I'm sure the shaman you heard was very respectful. I just wanted to clarify that I was speaking of Native Americans of America. I know nothing about native tribes of South America & Peru, only the debate here in the U.S. between Native Americans of whether a person can learn their spiritual culture. Some consider their spirituality part of their heritage and culture, rather than what we view as religion. In other words, you must be born into it and have it in your blood. The ones I've spoken to who believe this are generally older - old enough to remember being shipped to Catholic boarding schools to be "civilized" (which happened through the 1960s)- and those who remember it being illegal to practice their rituals (until maybe 1969?). They view non-Natives has having taken enough of their heritage and they're unwilling to share what they have left. There are some, though, that don't embrace that perspective.

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:02:07 +0000

Kerri, this man was taught in Peru. He made a point of how learning was harder because he was older than most of the other students. He was very respectful of Native American ways and the gift he was allowed to develop. Of course, it must be much easier if you inherit the gift.

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:03:54 +0000

I think you're onto something with the horse too, Kathy. Sounds like you!

By: Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:02:43 +0000

I think you're right, I'm not seeing anything on the wombat, Kiwi!

By: Frugal Kiwi

Frugal Kiwi — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:37:17 +0000

I'd have to go with wombat. They may not get the same press as the glamour marsupials like kangaroos and koalas, but they are the smartest of the lot and fascinating in their own quirky way. Probably not too much about wombats in the Native American tradition though.

Would my Choctaw and Chickasaw ancestors be horrified? Hard to say.