Bears are members of the Ursidae family, whose name comes from Latin ursus/ursa, which is also where we get the names Ursa Major (great bear) and Ursa Minor (little bear) in our constellations. Some believe that the bear was one of the first animals to be idolized by humans. Early cave paintings show that ancient humans had a reverence for cave bears, and some prehistoric peoples thought that a bear was the spirit of an ancestor. During the Middle Ages, an excavated skull of a cave bear was thought to be that of a dragon. Bears are extremely intelligent and possess excellent memories. They are known to use tools for both hunting and play, and the black bear has navigational skills far superior to those of humans. The bear is the epitome of the protective mother, primal power, connection with ancestral roots, introspection, and the ability to call on one’s inner stores when needed.
Key Attributes
Strength, courage, healing abilities, motherhood, introspection, dreaming, and transformation.
Chakra Interpretations
Root
Bear embodies the regenerative power of hibernation. If you are a man, you might get a lot of benefit from having a “man cave,” someplace you can go and be yourself. If you are a woman, you might want to consider a “she den.” I created one using a backyard garden shed. Regardless of your gender, you need a private place you can go to recharge. It is also likely that you are quieter during winter months, keeping to yourself and staying home quite a bit, but your energy wakes back up in the spring.
Sacral
Bear being a solitary creature means most likely you keep your desires and your passions to yourself. You may be the kind of person who is happiest working alone in the office, in your studio if you are an artist or musician, or in a workshop if you are a craftsperson of any kind. Bear symbolizes strength, courage, confidence, and standing up to adversity. You have a deep ethical center and clear emotional boundaries. Something to watch for is if this chakra is out of balance, then your inner bear can manifest as an explosive temper.
Solar Plexus
Most people consider bears to be big, ferocious, and scary, but bears are actually shy, solitary creatures and quite docile. They only become aggressive when threatened or if approached when their babies are close. How do you present yourself to the world? Do people find you scary or are you a soft teddy bear? First impressions mean a lot, and when most people see a bear, their first instinct is fear. Bear is teaching you the importance of appearance. Do you want people to be frightened of you, and if they are, would you like them to see the cuddly side as well? It’s okay to be a little bit of both; you just need to decide what you want people to see and present it outwardly.
Heart
You have a huge heart! You love with all your soul and can be counted on to give a hug when it’s needed or to inspire fear in anyone who threatens to harm someone you love. Bears will risk their own life and even fight to the death to save a cub or sibling from danger. Bear cubs are playful, just like human children; and just like human mothers, if things get too rough, mother bears will make the cubs stop to protect them from hurting each other. Most likely, you are fiercely protective of your children. Children in this sense could be biological children, your animal companions, or even a creative or work project. If you have suffered a loss, climbing into your bear cave to heal is understandable—just try not to stay there too long.
Throat
The bear’s diverse forms of communication include body language, vocalizations, and even scents. With a bear in this chakra, you probably need to be aware of your body language when you are speaking, be it in public or to someone for whom you care. If you are physically larger than the person you are having a conversation with, unless you intend to be scary and dominating, try sitting down or crouching so you are at eye level. You’ll be less intimidating that way. Bear energy shows that you speak with authority: when you talk, others listen. Just be sure you are aware when your voice is becoming a growl.
Third Eye
Unlike most mammals, bears can see color. They also have a strong sense of smell, even stronger than a dog’s. You are probably extremely aware of your surroundings at all times. You may even be clairalient, able to pick up psychic impressions via scent. If there is ever a time when you’re sure you smell something that triggers a memory of a loved one who has crossed over, this may be their way of getting your attention. You may not know that you have this gift—it is nothing to fear. Another possible similarity relates to the bear’s iconic hibernation. It could mean that sleeping is one of your favorite pastimes. A perfect vacation for you may very well be one where you don’t have to go anywhere and can just sleep in for a week.
Crown
Connected to bear’s love of sleep, you may be very good at deep trance work or lucid dreaming. Both would come as natural as breathing to you. If you want to connect with your highest self, simply spend time in isolation and quiet contemplation. If you have been feeling like you need to regenerate, consider using your vacation time to participate in a spiritual retreat. No matter how robust you think you are, even a bear gets tired and needs rest and recuperation.