Spirit Animals

Animals in Myth and Legend

From the beginning, humans have observed and developed special symbolic relationships with animals of all kinds. All religions, from paganism to Classical times, from Christianity to Buddhism, contain stories about the importance of animals to teach about human character. The life cycle of certain animals also makes them powerful symbols for transformation, strength, and wisdom, all attributes of the ancient Great goddess.

Bears lived as close neighbors to ancient people, and many similarities to human habits have led them to be called "cousin" by some Native American cultures. The mystery of bears is found not only in their strength and fierce protectiveness of their young, but also their cycle of hibernation, which was for our ancestors a form of death and rebirth.

Turtles stories are found in many earth-based religions, because they are unique as"armored" reptiles and guardians of the waters. Their ability to lay eggs makes them Asian and pagan symbols of fertility that are also magically linked with birds. A legend of the Eastern Woodlands says that the turtle rose from the endless sea to give First Woman a place to land when she fell from the stars. Therefore the turtle symbolizes Earth itself.

Matted color prints fit 11 X 14 frame

Moon Bear

Earth Turtle