The Brown Bear
Native American Birth Totem
August 22 to September 21
Nature: A Time of Harvest
Animal Totem: Brown Bear
Element: Earth
Clan: Turtle
Wind: South Wind
Strengths: Conscientiousness
Weakness: Pedantry, Criticism
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.
- Sources: http://animaltotem.com/horoscope.html and http://members.tripod.com/~usti_digadali/birth.htm
