Animal Totems - Animal Meanings A-B
Animals share this planet with us. They have an awareness different to ours and in some ways that awareness is much deeper and clearer. They are our brothers and listening to them can bring great insight and help. Before reading this article, you should read the one on interpreting their messages - About Animal Guide Messages Part 1.
The following are a range of animals and some of their traits. I'll leave you to use them how you see best analysing the information and putting together the pieces of the puzzle. Remember that if you feel that there is a particular message behind your animal visit, the information is most likely to have the meanings that you personally associate with each animal unless you feel it is to help identify another person or situation. For example if you are afraid of dogs but you dream that you are petting a dog, then it could mean that you will be able to conquer a fear or reconcile with something that previously bothered you.
As there are so many animals in the world, this list is incomplete, but I will continue adding to it as I learn of more animals.
When you read the list of words after each animal, you may be given an indication of which words apply to you. This could be through feeling a 'pull' towards one or more words, it could be a feeling of 'knowing' which are correct for you and it can even stand out visually to you - your eyes may be drawn to some words or they may even appear to be different in some way. This is your brain's way of telling you which words are closely associated with your message. If you find nothing from this list, then a good idea is to research the animal and its' behaviours, habitat and more. You will most likely find what you're looking for. The internet is a great tool for such research.
Ant
- Hard working, persistent, productive, strong, courageous, shares its food with others from its family but fights to the death with anyone not belonging, works well in a group, carries large loads, can work in harmony when part of a large group, productive, highly successful.
The ant is the caretaker. Each plays its part to the benefit of the mass. It is an excellent communicator and a tireless worker. In a never-ending cycle, it works constantly to help its colony. The ant may represent an awareness of the individual being part of the whole - the connection to all others. This is the sharing of your little bit of effort or love to benefit one and all.
Alligator
- Aquatic, heavy bodied, solitary, territorial, hibernation, predator, maternal protection. The alligator likes to bask in the sun and is an important part of their ecosystem. They are patient, with the ability to wait for right time to take action.
The alligator may represent versatility and the ability to carry on even after things go wrong because even though they are territorial and protective of their home, they will relocate if conditions are unsuitable. It could also be said that something good can come from a bad situation when relating to an alligator, as their deserted domain becomes a home or haven for smaller animals. So it could be telling you to keep your chin up and move on continuing to look for the right answer when in any difficulty. You'll be surprised at what good results can come from a difficult beginning.
Badger
- Heavy set, gentle natured, lives in family groups, very clean, good routine, night feeder, tenacious, loyal. The American Badger is a solitary wanderer who inhabits temporary burrows often dug by (and even with) other inhabitants so if you are specifically connected to this badger, its meaning may be associated to this aspect of the badger as well as the aforementioned ones.
Mr Badger is a leader. He shows us maturity in behaviour and harmony with others. He represents clean living, organisation and the positive aspects to living or working closely with others. Even though this is a family creature, the energy suggests that this creature would likely be associated with a work issue or to do with effort. Working well within confines or boundaries is a key element to this animal's appearance.
Bat
- Nocturnal, excellent sense of smell and hearing, good listener, manage to survive through the lean times, can manoeuvre quickly and precisely, only one offspring per year.
The bat may represent efficiency and survival. Even though the bat does not have a good sense of sight and few offspring, it can survive very well and even prosper when outside influences do not affect it. To most people, the bat's use of sound and hearing is its most recognized feature so it could represent the ability to listen well or the need to.
Bear
- Patient, shy, winter sleeper, good fisherman, warm, big, needs plenty of space, dense, shaggy fur, excellent sense of smell and hearing, strength, mostly solitary, will travel long distances for food, excellent memory, will defend cubs ferociously, can move through rugged terrain without detection, will avoid contact with people unless threatened.
The wonderful bear can represent contemplation, patience and looking within. The bear lumbers along but not always slowly. He is very good at finding what he needs and will withdraw to the shelter of his den for the winter. This could signify your need to do your research, find out the truth or the facts and then withdraw to contemplate and analyse thoroughly what you have before deciding upon a course of action.
The bear symbolizes the need for spiritually 'going within' yourself and discovering the many layers of you or getting to know yourself. Are your views really yours or did you adopt the views of somebody else along the way? Do you know what your ethics are? Are you true to yourself by following your moral beliefs? Do you recognize the voices that speak to you and guide you? Do you listen? The list of questions goes on. They are for you to ask and to answer. At the end of this, you will know yourself and your place in this world better. This will bring security and the strength of the bear within.
Bull/Cow
- Large, strong, stubborn, reliable, dependable. Quiet unless it has wisdom to share. Calm unless riled. A bull can carry responsibility. It is a good worker.
The bull represents security and responsibility. Inner strength and perhaps even physical strength are represented by the bull. The energy suggests that this creature could be associated with money or finance. I see coins being gathered up through hard work so it could mean that hard work will pay off for you or some financial gain may be coming from your efforts.
Spiritually it means to give of yourself. Don't scrimp on your affections and love towards others. Sharing your love and emotions promises that you will reap the rewards later in that emotion being returned in greater amounts. Feel the love within. Think of the people around you kindly and of the things you love most about them. Then go and express that emotion. To do this on a daily basis will keep love alive and harmony within any relationship. The cow could represent nourishment or a feminine influence to the information above.
Butterfly
- Transformation, beauty, short lived but numerous, the ability to move around without disturbing others.
The butterfly could represent transformation or a growth of some kind. This could be physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. In any case, the result is one of beauty, grace and harmony with its' surrounds plus the admiration of all.
Transformation seems to have always been associated with this lovely little creature, but there's more to the message than that. Just as the butterfly proudly flutters around for all to admire it's beauty and transformation, the energy is encouraging you to go out and be proud of yourself and what you've achieved. Don't hide away - recognize that you have made good ground and have earned the right to be proud of your achievements. This is not arrogance, but recognizing and appreciating yourself. It also represents the possibility of further transformation for you. I hear the words "It has not ended yet." There is always so much more you can do to continue your beautiful growth and change. Enjoy it, love yourself for it and be proud of it.
If you're reading this information and feeling that you have nothing to be proud of, then perhaps it is a hint to find something new or to appreciate what you have around you and find that element of self-achievement that you need in your life. What is it that you're good at? Anything can be an achievement, you merely need to recognize it as one, but make sure it's something positive because the butterfly will be easily weighed down by the weight of negativity.
Anyone who's ever tried to catch a butterfly with their bare hands knows it's no easy task. The visit of a butterfly who is out of reach could be an indication that you need to be like the butterfly and remain aloof, unreachable and untouchable.