Spirit Animal – Wolverine

Wolverine on snow from http://animals.timduru.org

 

 

 

The wolverine is known for its great ferocity and extraordinary strength.  Indian mythology describes the wolverine as a trickster hero, a link between the material world and the spirit world.  In ancient mythology the energy of a trickster is linked to the underworld where the secrets of creation  live.

Baby wolverines are born blind and weigh less than one pound.  This prompts all their other sensory organs to awaken quickly, their sense of smell, feeling and inner sight are heightened at an early age. Small yet insightful, the new born wolverine acknowledges and responds to all its intuitive senses from the moment of birth. They  respond to life and the challenges it holds with clarity, focus and persistence giving them a deeper understanding of personal power. Those with this medicine should ask themselves if their personal power is serving them appropriately.  Learning  how to utilize  personal power in a balanced way is one of the teachings the wolverine holds.

The wolverines crafty cunning nature coupled with their perseverance and focus keeps them aligned with the energies of creation.  This alignment serves them in many ways.  They know when to act, when to retreat, how to respond to any situation and how to become invisible.  All of these abilities inherent in the wolverine are also inherent in those who hold this medicine.  Wolverines are masters at shape shifting their reality to benefit them in some way and can teach us how to do the same.  Shamanic studies is helpful for those who have this totem.

Wolverines are excellent scavengers although not the best hunters.  They are very resourceful and know how to make do with whatever is available.  They turn trash into treasure and teach us how to do the same.  Alaskan natives consider the wolverine to by a symbol of the wilderness, a survivor of the elements.  Its fur is commonly used for parka trim and hoods because of its durability.  The guard hairs of the wolverine fur resist frost accumulation helping people survive in extreme cold weather.

Solitary creatures with tremendous physical endurance the wolverine can travel up to 40 miles a day in search of food.  Because of their great strength and endurance wolverines have become the center of folklore, although its fierce reputation has been exaggerated.  They rarely attack any predator larger than itself and only attack when food is needed. They show us how to go the distance and acquire that which we seek.

When this medicine is fully developed in humans the capability to survive in any situation is common.  If under developed challenges regarding survival are common. Because the wolverine is a shape shifter the art of survival doesn't just represent the physical realm.  It also indicates the challenges associated with mental clarity, emotional balance and spiritual understanding.

The wolverine is a master teacher and embodies a variety of skills.  When it appears in your life it is asking you to take a serious look at your self and your life, change anything that does not serve and utilize your personal power for the good of self and others.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   See our May 2009 newsletter online at www.angelsandancestors.com