Skunks are beautiful, shy, nocturnal creatures that are very distinguishable, even from a great distance. Similar to the porcupine, the skunk has a reputation that is not based on physical aggression but on a defense mechanism that everyone knows. Naturally fearless and calm, they will only spray if provoked or spooked. Since spraying renders them helpless until their bodies can develop more musk, skunks will first try a series of warnings intended to intimidate an attacker, including stomping the ground. In the case of the tiny spotted skunk, the animal does a silly-looking handstand dance. One interesting fact is that the skunk is resistant to the bite of the rattlesnake and the stings of both bees and scorpions, and it will happily eat them all.
Key Attributes
The power of respect, reputation, self-esteem, inner vision, playfulness, trust, aggression only when provoked, being true to yourself, solitude, and self-reliance.
Chakra Interpretations
Root
Skunks are very adaptable and can thrive in many different habitats, but they will rarely venture beyond two miles from their den. Most likely, you are not particular about where you choose to live, but you don’t like living too far away from civilization; you prefer living somewhere within a quick drive or walk to grocery stores. It might even be that in your adult life you decide to live in or close to the neighborhood where you grew up. A skunk’s diet tends to change based on availability and the seasons. It could be that you like visiting your local farmers market to gather whatever is in season. A downside and a word of caution: since the skunk isn’t a very picky eater, be sure your diet doesn’t consist of mostly garbage.
Sacral
The skunk’s strongest sense is smell. The animal spends a lot of time with its nose to the ground, and it is an incredibly curious creature. This combination could mean that you have a passion for research and rarely lift your nose up from a book or your work. It could also mean that your sense of smell is more acute than most people’s. For some people, this can be a problem when out in public, but if you can turn it into a positive and make a career from it, there are several professional possibilities, such as chef, sommelier, and even professional perfumer. Given that skunks are nocturnal, the hours between dusk and dawn are probably when you are your most productive and creative.
Solar Plexus
The skunk is the ultimate pacifist. You desire a peaceful existence and for the most part have an easygoing, live-and-let-live approach to life, but like the skunk, your self-defense may be legendary. While you are usually a calm person, at the same time people know they should never cross or startle you. If they do, you defend yourself without causing physical harm but leave your adversary sorry for their action. This could also be a warning to ask yourself if your boundaries are too strong and if this in turn is keeping others from getting close to you. One of the skunk’s primary lessons is that of respect: how to expect it from others but also how to give it in return. You are probably good at knowing how to welcome people with kindness but also how to tell them to keep their distance without feelings getting hurt. Skunk energy says you know who you are; you walk your talk and live authentically, regardless of the opinions of others.
Heart
Skunks are solitary creatures with no social structure. You may prefer to keep others at a distance and will sometimes defend your solitude in unpleasant ways. Skunks have a gentle and playful nature, and it could very well be that you are self-entertaining and don’t feel lonely just because there isn’t anyone around. You probably do fine with just companion animals. The skunk’s obvious defense could be asking if this is how you want your heart to be perceived. If not, try lowering your shields.
Throat
To ward off a predator, the skunk will communicate that it is upset by stamping its feet. This says you might have a bit of a temper and may even be a foot stomper. Anyone who crosses you should be happy that you give an outward warning because the next stage of your anger isn’t pleasant. Other noises a skunk makes include hissing and clicking its teeth. It might be that instead of stomping your feet, you tend to grit your teeth and swallow your words. If this is the case, skunk energy urges you to speak up for yourself. Don’t depend on your reputation alone to speak for you.
Third Eye
Skunks have very poor eyesight and can only see what is right in front of them. It could be that you have a scientific or logical view of the world, especially for things that science hasn’t yet been able to prove. It might be that you question anything beyond your three-dimensional existence. The skunk in this chakra could be urging you to take off the blinders and learn to explore the mysterious. On the opposite side of this, you could be the kind of person who, when examining the unknown, does so with a singular focus and ignores everything and everyone around them. If this is the case, the skunk reminds you to take in the whole forest and not just concentrate on a single leaf.
Crown
The calm gentleness of the nocturnal skunk says that when you enter the realm of spirit, you do so from a position of curiosity. Your humbleness says that you approach the sacred from a respectful yet fearless posture. Since it is your nature to be solitary, you don’t feel the need to do mystical work within a group structure; the connection you have with Spirit is a private one and not something you have any desire or need to share.