Kodiak Bear Medicine

Fraternal Twin of the Grizzly Bear

June 11-13, 2021 - Virtual

WORKSHOP FULL

Great teachings in physical and spiritual realms

The Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi), also known as the Kodiak brown bear, sometimes the Alaskan brown bear, inhabits the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago in southwest Alaska. It is the largest recognized subspecies of brown bear, and one of the two largest bears alive today, the other being the polar bear.

While there has been much confusion about the taxonomy of brown bears (Ursus arctos), taxonomists agree there are at least two subspecies in North America -- the grizzly bear (U. a. horribilis) and the Kodiak bear (U. a. middendorffi).

Generally, Kodiak bears have a larger bone structure, and therefore larger frames than grizzly bears, though both species can reach very large sizes. Kodiak bears are among the largest of all bears (averaging slightly smaller than polar bears), and males can reach weights of up to 1,500 pounds and are able to stand up to 10 feet tall when on their hind legs. Grizzly bears can weigh up to 1,150 pounds.

Behavioral Differences

Among the other distinguishing factors that can occur when two members of the same species are isolated from one another for long periods of time are differences in behavior and social structure. Kodiak bears' home range is able to support a higher population density of bears, due to plentiful food sources. Because of this, Kodiak bears have developed more complex social structures and communication to allow them to live together with minimal conflict.

The bear, an ancient spirit animal worshiped
in many traditions

The bear as a spirit animal or totem is one of the most ancient worshiped animals. Remains of bears have been found in many archeological sites in Europe especially, where bear bones and skulls were found together with human bones dating back to the Neanderthals.

It is said that the Vikings would wear bear skins in times of war to scare off their enemies. They would appear as powerful as these wild animals. Bears symbolize warrior spirit and courage to fight. The bear’s spirit would be invoked to help the warriors in the battle.

In ancient Greece and Rome, the bear was a totem animal associated with the Goddess Artemis and Diana, goddesses of fertility. In contrast, for the Celts, the bear would represent the sun.

The spirit of the bear and healing

Since the bear is often associated with shamans in many traditions, this spirit animal can symbolize healing abilities and stepping into the role of the healer. If the bear shows up in your life, it may also be time to take care of your own needs for healing, whether it’s at the physical, emotional or spiritual level.

Be sensitive to where you are at and reflect on where you would most need healing. You can call on the bear spirit guidance to direct your energy in a more conservative or focused way.

Bear spirit animal and grounding forces

The bear is an animal that lives a solitary life. Having a bear as a spirit animal can mean that you find balance and comfort in solitude. The presence of this power animal could point to the need to “regroup” and set up boundaries, so you feel comfortable in your own space. It may be a call to find time away from the crowd or busyness and favor quiet time and rest.

The bear spirit can also be a great helper to dedicate time and energy to more introspective practices, such as self-inquiry or meditation. Call on the spirit of the bear to help you find your center and ground yourself in a strong foundation that will support you in more busy and noisy times.

Dreaming About Bears

Dreams are our subconscious minds communicating to us using the language of symbols. Dreaming of bears (or a bear) symbolizes power, strength and protection of yourself or possibly your family. If the bear in your dream is hibernating, it may indicate a need for solitude and to get away. If the bear is dancing, it indicates good luck. If a bear is chasing you, it may mean that you are avoiding a big situation in your life and it is time to take a stand and deal with it. Bear showing up in your dream may also be a message that it is time to show your power to the world.

Questions to ask:

  • Am I following the crowd, or do I need to step out on my own?
  • Am I willing to face realms that I have dreamed of but never truly experienced?
  • Am I willing to take the time to develop my powers and abilities, no matter how primal?
  • Am I being too aggressive in my endeavors?
  • Is it time to learn new techniques to accomplish what I wish, to be able to move into new realms with great strength?

Sources

Wikipedia
Ted Andrews , Animal Speak and Animal Wise

Plan for Virtual

We will be virtual. So, if you have not done a virtual workshop, often called webinars, here’s some helpful information. Prior to our workshop:

Go to https://Zoom.com and open a free account and install it on your computer

Make sure your computer has a camera. It is helpful but not needed that you have a headset with a microphone on it (like your cell phone headset). It cancels noise at home.

Please watch at least the following how to videos using this link https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials

Details

The workshop will be done in four segments of 3 and 4 hours. With frequent breaks as you remind me of the need. The tentative schedule is as follows.

  • Friday 12-4PM CST (1-5PM EST)
  • Saturday 9-12 and 1-5PM CST (10-1 and 2-6PM EST)
  • Sunday 9-1 CST (10-2 EST)

What to Expect

Each segment will have a guided meditation, some teaching, an exercise, and processing in breakout groups and community.

Daily Links

I will send a zoom link prior to each of the four sessions. These will be different links each day as I will record the sessions and all four recorded sessions will be made available after the workshop as a link.

The fee for the workshop is $345. Class materials will be provided prior to the workshop includes presentation slides, workshops, and exercises. You will receive 2 Kodiak bear claws and a wooden bear silhouette.

You can pay using the Paypal buttons below, or find Herb Stevenson on Zelle and pay by app.

Full Price: $345 Down Payment: $125 Remaining Balance: $220

Class size is limited to 21.

Presenter

Herb "One White Horse Standing" Stevenson (Shawnee and Cherokee) has been exploring indigenous healing practices for over 20 years. http://www.onewhitehorsestanding.com