The Brown Bear Native American Birth Totem August 22 to September 21

Nature:  A Time of Harvest              Wind:  South Wind Animal Totem:  Brown Bear            Strength:  Conscientiousness Element:  Earth                                Weakness:  Pedantry, Criticism Clan:  Turtle

The Animal Totem   The considerable size and enormous power of Brown Bear should not overshadow the fact that he is a shy and very gentle creature, unless or until his life is threatened. Brown Bear, like humans, is also able to stand on two feet, and most of the time he seems to be good-natured and satisfied. One is tempted to take him for a reasonable, practical creature, because sometimes he appears to be almost human. Putting that aside, the Brown Bear is very adaptable; after all, people can train him. The Element   Brown Bear is influenced by the element earth. This element symbolizes steadfastness and reliabilty, and those born under this are stable people who are connected to nature. They feel most comfortable when they are at home in an ordered environment that is predictable and can be controlled. The Clan   Brown Bear belongs to the Turtle clan, which is also under the influence of the element earth. It accounts for the fact that people born under this sign need consistency and to be rooted, so that their lives can have a stable foundation. That is also why they are able to provide security, support, and stability for others. In addition, it is very important for Brown Bear people to maintain a strong connection to nature. The Wind   During the period between August 22 and September 21, the wind blows from the South, a direction that is closely connected with the energy of fire and the Sun. But temperatures during this period are not quite as intense anymore, and the air becomes cool. While Brown Bears, on one hand, still draw from the abundance in nature, they are, on the other hand, also beginning to look ahead and deal analytically with future possibilities and developments. Brown Bear Character   People born under the sign of the Brown Bear love to draw on their practical talents, using them rationally and in a very focused way to become as independent as possible. They do not like to rely on others. Generally, this means that they are very reliable and work hard. Since they are industrious and pursue their goals systematically and with perseverance, Brown Bears usually have a good eye for detail.    Brown Bears are restrained and modest. They do not seek the lime-light. They take care of their responsibilites throughly and conscientiously, because that is how it is supposed to be. They also have a tendency to hide their light under the bushel basket. Since Brown Bears need a solid and controlled environment in which to live, they love to plan ahead. They often feel insecure when things are left to chance or something unexpected arises.    Brown Bears have a tendency toward perfectionism. Stress is no stranger because they ask much of themselves, often more than they can handle. Instead of doing everything 100 percent, they should try to learn to be less meticulous. Given those traits, Brown Bears do not hesitate to be critical. At times they can be rather pedantic, finding many things objectionable--a trait that makes them difficult to live with. A bit more tolerance would serve them well. Love   Brown Bears do not like dramatic or spectacular entrances. They prefer to be observers and hold to a wait-and-see attitude. Even in maters of love, they don't show their emotions quickly. It is difficult for them to express deep and intense feelings. This kind of emotional reserve is often misunderstood. But a partner who will take time to get to know a Brown Bear will not be disappointed. On the contrary: under this careful exterior are strong, tender, and romantic feelings--even a smidgen of passion.    Most important, however, is the fact that Brown Bears are dependable people. Marriage vows are taken very seriously, as is the belief that shared sorrow is half the sorrow. In other words, this is a parner who can share both good and difficult times in life. Career   Brown Bears are dependable and hard-working and their ability to adapt is equally appreciated by bosses and colleagues. They acquire the necessary basic knowledge, do their work with precision, and produce good results. In spite of this, they are not driven to reach top management or other high positions. They much prefer to work behind the scenes in peace and quiet, since this accommodates their reserved nature. Besides, Brown Bears have the tendency to be helpful and to serve, which is why they are often found in service and healing professions. Vitality   The greatest problem for Brown Bears is that they deny themselves many lovely things in life, which sometimes makes them dissatisfied. They do not deal with stress, particulary when they have taken on more than their constitution allows. All of these reasons should be reason enough to give them permission to take life less seriously.    Physically, the stomach and digestive system are most vulnerable, areas that are particularly affected when they are emotionally dissatisfied. It behooves Brown Bear to pay attention to proper nutrition. Other than that, Brown Bears have a tendency to worry unnecessarily about their health. The Young Brown Bear   Young Brown Bears are also undemanding, well-behaved children who are easy to take care of. These children almost seem sent from heaven, and their behavior is especially plasing for parents with nervous dispositions. As children, Brown Bears do not like to make a big fuss, and they adapt relatively easily. For healthy development, little Brown Bears need most of all well-defined boundries, consistency, well-ordered routines, and predictable surroundings.    The little Brown Bear cub's innate sense of responsibility allows parents to give him small and child-appropriate tasks, which he will carry out well and with great joy. But parents must also take care to assure that the playful side of his life is not neglected. Otherwise, he will not be a playful child but become too serious, like a small adult.    Young Brown Bears, like adult Brown Bears, also tend to minimize their many good qualities and talents. They are very modest. For that reason, it is important that parents give them a sense of self-worth with lots of encouragement and praise. Parents should also make sure that Little Brown Bears learn to trust their own feelings; otherwise, they may fail to think with both heart and head.    Little Brown Bears are eager and willing to learn, which makes school years very positive. For young Bears, learning is not burdensome; it's fun. What a lucky person! After all, knowledge is power and a prerequisite for a productive life. The Brown Bear cub also has no problem with authority, because decisions, which he dislikes anyway, are made for him.

The Brown Bear and His or Her Partner

Brown Bear and Falcon Brown Bear, connected to nature and Mother Earth as he is, loves an orderly life that moves in quiet and predictable ways. But when Falcon, ruled by fire, crosses his path, peace and quiet cease. The dynamic, power-packed Falcon brings more energy to the life of Brown Bear than he can stand. Both have to work hard to keep the relationship harmonious. Brown Bear and Beaver Both signs and animal totems are ruled by the element earth, which should make a good relationship, at least as it touches on basic issues and needs. Industrious and hard-working, Brown Bear finds a dependable and faithful parner in Beaver, who will share with him the comforts and beauty in life. Brown Bear and Deer Deer, due to his innate inclinations and intellectual excitement, may well create a restlessness that Brown Bear, with his need for a steady, practical, and well-ordered life, may find unsetting, Brown Bear and Deer will have a hard time reconciling their differences. Good communication may be the only way to overcome these obstacles. Brown Bear and Woodpecker Brown Bear and Woodpecker have a good foundation, based on their respective elements, earth and water. They compliment and understand each other without many words: Brown Bear takes care of a stable environment and Woodpecker, sensitive and emotionally devoted, provides trust. Both will be fulfilled because they enrich each other's lives. Brown Bear and Salmon Due to the influence of the element fire, Salmon brings deep emotions and a happy disposition to this relationship, which Brown Bear really likes. However, the Salmon also has rather high expectations both of life and love, something the more reserved Brown Bear may not appreciate enough. These two people may have wideely differing opinions and ideas. Compromising may bridge the gap. Brown Bear and Brown Bear The element earth, which both Brown Bears share, provides a solid base for their relationship, and their tendencies and interests are also much alike. What may be missing in this relationship is emotional spontaneity, because both express their emotions in more measured ways. Brown Bear and Raven Brown Bear prefers to stand with both feet on the solid ground of facts. While he is not a loner, he does love home life and a certain amount of seclusion. For Raven, this is often hard to understand because he loves diversion and is very social. If Brown Bear can show more flexbility and Raven more willingness to curtail some of his inclinations, this may not be a bad combination. Brown Bear and Serpent In this relationship, Brown Bear may enjoy the fact that Serpent is somebody who rattles his chains. On one hand, Serpent, due to the influence of the element water, is an emotionally charged person who knows how to coax Brown Bear out of his emotional reserve. On the other hand, the sometimes highly independant Brown Bear may be a welcome challenge to Serpent. Brown Bear and Owl While Brown Bear does not always agree with the circumstances and realities of life, he can at least respect them--something that is very difficult for Owl because he always looks for superlatives. Mutually agreeable compromises and harmony in this parnership will be difficult to achieve. Brown Bear and Goose The situation of Brown Bear and Owl is not what troubles this relationship. Goose, like Brown Bear, is influenced by the element earth and, therefore, remains a solid, steadfast, peaceful, and strong person. Goose and Brown Bear operate on the same wavelength. However, they often view life more seriously than necessary. Both should make sure that fun and trust in the positive things in life are not short-changed. Brown Bear and Otter Brown Bear and Otter might as well live on different planets. The elements that influence their respective signs, earth and air, make understanding each other difficult. The Brown Bear wants to preserve and stabilize the world, Otter wants to change and reform it. They begin from widely differing concepts. However, when both are willing to communicate, the results can be very good. Brown Bear and Woof While the elements earth and water may serve as a basis for mutual growth, tension in this relationship is a given. That's because Brown Bear is primarily ruled by his head, while Wolf is guided by emotions and trusts her instincts--something of which Brown Bar is suspicious. The End

This page was last updated on: April 4, 2004

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Evening Calm by Al Agnew Courtesy of Snow Goose Gallery

This page is Dedicated to Bart the Grizzly