I am very pleased with the outcome of my polar bear totem. Using blue ink instead of black helped to give the bear that “icy” look. I was very free spirited (see what I did there) in my approach to the designs on this one. The back section looks like bear claws to me. At first, this was unintentional but then I just went with it. Blue is one of my favorite colors (and also green) so I always enjoy playing around with the values and different hues of the color. I remember in high school drawing a green giraffe and I loved getting the different shadows using the same shade of color. I felt the same joy when creating this piece. I have more ideas for single color drawings that I will be playing with in the near future. Now, on to some polar bear symbolism!

Polar Bear Symbolism

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What a powerful totem the polar bear is! They are the largest land carnivore and quite possibly the toughest. Polar bears are solitary animals. They hunt alone, live alone and come together only to mate. They survive one of the harshest environments on Earth and they do it with their own willpower and independence. This is their first lesson. Stand on your own two feet. If polar bear has presented itself to you, it may be time to become more self- reliant. You have the power to make it on your own. You have the capability to get through any hardship, no matter how big, without the hand of someone else to pull you out. Find your own strength and pull yourself out!

Polar Bears are so impressive that the Inuit have a great respect for them and their mythology has many tales to honor the polar bear. It was believed that the polar bear was a god and the master of all bears. He could walk on two legs like a man, he was immense in size and so, his soul was just as immense. He protected the other bears and would watch the hunters to ensure they respected the bears they had hunted, with a special ceremony, and to also use every part of the creature. This great respect was appreciated by the polar bear god and in return he would ensure the hunter’s success on the next hunt.

The polar bear, however, is a target for no one. They have terrific camouflage, blending right into the environment. They “disappear” right before your eyes. They are the masters of cloaking themselves. Perhaps you should be doing the same. It is always important to stand out and be unique but the polar bear could be telling you right now is a good time to blend into the background. Become unseen and step back. Observe what is happening around you, quietly and patiently. Only when you have a full understanding of everything around you, can you emerge with an incredible power that no one saw coming. It is okay to take time to collect ourselves, understanding ourselves and our environment. This will ensure success in our own hunts!

Polar bears are also a strong symbol for mothering and preparing for new life. The only time a polar bear will hibernate is when a female gives birth to cubs. Polar bears are fierce and protective mothers. The cubs stay with their mother for around two years until she has taught them everything they need to know about surviving on their own. This could be a sign telling you to start preparing for a cub of your own. Or perhaps you have a new project or responsibility that needs your utmost care and devotion to see it to completion.

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The polar bear has much to teach us and should be greatly respected as a powerful guide and totem. What do you think the polar is saying to you? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week and I hope you enjoyed my latest totem drawing. Check back next week for a unique post about animal symbolism. This one will be like none I have created before!

Take care, free spirits!

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Related Posts: Bear | Ice Bear WIP

Sources:

• Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
• Signs & Symbols Sourcebook by Adele Nozedar
• https://defenders.org/polar-bear/basic-facts
• https://polarbearhabitat.ca/2015/01/15/the-inuit-legend-of-nanuk/
• https://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-polar-bear-facts.html
• https://www.sunsigns.org/polar-bear-animal-totem-symbolic-meanings/