Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Otter Symbolism

From: The Cycle of Power Animal Totems
by Sayahda
Thanks to Suzy Pafka for passing this along!


The Otter

There are two kinds of Otter, the river and sea. Delightful creatures to watch in the wild otters have a strong curiosity exploring every nook and cranny they can find just to see what's there. Their curiosity reminds us that everything is interesting if looked at from different angles. They know how to float on the currents of life enjoying the beauty that it holds. Their relaxed attitude reminds us to laugh with life and not take things too seriously. They offer us the gift of laughter, trust and playfulness.

Otters are agile and fast in the water. They are often seen floating on their backs with their paws extended out of the water, sliding on their bellies playfully, or performing acrobatic maneuvers. Water has long been associated with the emotional energies in man. Otters glide through the emotional ups and downs of life with ease and can teach us how to do the same. They represent the creative, nurturing energies that live within us and show us how to honor them.

Otters are excellent parents and care for their young longer than most other marine mammals. They enjoy the company of other otters and are rarely seen alone. Those with this medicine benefit by living on or close to the water and find comfort in group interactions.

The otter is very talkative. When frightened their calls take on an erie piercing sound similar to a baby screaming. They have few natural enemies and are not afraid of humans. During the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, otters were one of the few creatures that would allow humans to hold them without putting up a fight. As the oil was wiped from their bodies the otter would lie very still in the arms of the one caring for it, unafraid and trusting.

When otter appears in your life it is asking you to let go of worry and pain, lighten up and enjoy what life has to offer. Trust your inner knowing , develop trust for others and embrace the world with excitement and enthusiasm. Life is what we make it. The otter shows us how to create a joyful future. All we need to do is follow its lead.


Otter: Joy, laughter, Lightness, dynamic energy, playfulness and the importance of playtime, freedom from jealousy or suspicion, feminine power and nurturing.

4 comments:

Jerri said...

WOW! What wonderful symbols otters are. And how fitting for you.

I say let your inner otter out every chance you get, Michelle. Let it paddle around and hold hands with those you love.

Terrific.

Kim said...

Absolutely wonderful. Seems like a terrific power animal to be (and to be the mom of!).

Stacy said...

I got chills, so perfect!

Christine said...

A friend of mine drew a medicine card for me on my birthday this past July, and it was an otter. She also made me a quilted otter piece to hang on my wall. We didn't have the chance to discuss what the otter symbolizes, but she wrote to me that she thought it might represent the energy that I need now. I am only now researching possible meanings. Your description of the otter really struck me. There is no energy that I need more in my life right now than that of the otter. Thank you for sharing it.
(I know this is a random, long-winded comment. I just wanted to express my gratitude.)