Animal Guidance Series: Otter Medicine

I really enjoy exploring animal characteristics, symbolism and folklore. I hope that you are enjoying listening about it too in this series. Do you know what animal is considered the dog of the water? It is the otter because they are fuzzy, cute and photogenic. They actually have a folklore history of being called that to their streamline streamlined, their bodies are made for swimming. They are actually part of the weasel family, but are the only ones that swim. Sea otters can hold their breath underwater for about five minutes, and river otters for about eight. Others have webbed feet and can close their nostrils and ear flaps when underwater. otters have a deep spiritual meaning in various cultures around the world, including transformation, mischief, friendship, feminine mystery, intelligence, and psychic abilities. As a spirit animal, they serve as reminders to find joy in life. Tap into creativity. Seek balance, nurture relationships and follow your intuition. The otter embodies both water and Earth energies. Otters are very social creatures and live in groups. The groups are called rafts, and they consist of anywhere from two to 100 adults. These furry creatures also have the name of romp when there is a group of them. 

So call in other medicine for relationships, creativity, joy, knowledge, playfulness, femininity, intuition, loyalty, and luck. Call in the otter,” Call it in with Dar!”

Transcript

I really enjoy exploring animal characteristics, symbolism and folklore. I hope that you are enjoying listening about it too in this series. Do you know what animal is considered the dog of the water? It is the otter because they are fuzzy, cute and photogenic. They actually have a folklore history of being called that to their streamline streamlined, their bodies are made for swimming. They are actually part of the weasel family, but are the only ones that swim. Sea otters can hold their breath underwater for about five minutes, and river otters for about eight. Others have webbed feet and can close their nostrils and ear flaps when underwater. otters have a deep spiritual meaning in various cultures around the world, including transformation, mischief, friendship, feminine mystery, intelligence, and psychic abilities. As a spirit animal, they serve as reminders to find joy in life. Tap into creativity. Seek balance, nurture relationships and follow your intuition. The otter embodies both water and Earth energies. Otters are very social creatures and live in groups. The groups are called rafts, and they consist of anywhere from two to 100 adults. These furry creatures also have the name of romp when there is a group of them. They use vocalization and touch to communicate. Art is a part of religious and cultural beliefs in many cultures. In the far east, they are a positive symbol of luck. In Native American folklore, it is often considered a clown or trickster that can even out with humans. In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, and in Japanese folklore, the otter is also seen as crafty and knowledgeable. Several religions including Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism, mentioned the otter is filled with joy, playfulness, and the carefree days of childhood. Otter spirit shows up in people's lives when they become too serious by doing a lot of overthinking and have lost their childlike sense of play. Having a more positive outlook is the author's message for humans. Call on your inner honor medicine, when you need to summon your sense of humor when creativity runs dry when you want information quickly, when you need to interact with others socially, or when you are working on self-improvement. Native American folklore depicts the otter as a trickster who can outwit humans and other creatures in a playful but not malicious manner. northern tribes say the otter brings good fortune and devotion to the family The Masteegai and the Chippewa tribes have otter clans. Sats also saw the humorous side of honors and considered them to be magical signs, protecting people on their journeys. nicknames for the otter in the Celtic tradition include Brown Dog, water, dog, and other names of faithfulness and unconditional love. In Norse folklore, the otter is a sign of measuring your gains and losses when gambling or when being careless. In Egyptian beliefs, there was a goddess Wadjet, who resembled an otter, and was the protector of kings and reign over childbirth. In Japan, it is believed that when river otters reach old age, they develop supernatural powers, and shape shift into alluring women or men who love to drink too much. In northwestern Japan, the otter is the official animal symbol for a small island there. There is an Aztec outer space spirit in mythology, whose name was river thorns. In Buddhist philosophy, an otter with three fish is one of the symbols that represents overcoming disharmony in one's life. As we look at other myths and folklore, Otter spirit is about luck and creativity. This is for good reason, as others open clamshells with great dexterity, or by hitting them with a rock that is very innovative for animals. They often carry a rock around for opening shellfish, like a favorite tool. Otters can also be seen holding hands while swimming, symbolizing friendship and family unity. So call in other medicine for relationships, creativity, joy, knowledge, playfulness, femininity, intuition, loyalty, and luck. Call in the otter,” Call it in with Dar!” 

Transcribed by https://otter.ai