Animal totems can play huge roles in our lives. They aid in self-discovery and
capture our imagination, giving us incredible avenues of self-expression and
awareness.
Additionally, they assist in understanding our past, and if
we are attentive, our animal totems can reveal glimpses of our future.
Webster's Dictionary defines a totem as: "A natural object,
usually an animal that serves as a distinctive, often venerated emblem or
symbol? Usually a means of personal or spiritual identity."
Native
American animal totems most commonly come to
mind when discussing this topic. However, animal signs are found throughout all
cultures spanning the globe.
Embracing my indigenous heritage I spent time in meditation and
prayer to discover my personal totem animal this summer. Not saying that you
can’t have more than one, I wanted to share my fist Totem animal with you.
Meaning of the Bear
Protection
Childbearing
Motherhood
Freedom
Discernment
Courage
Power
Unpredictable
Because the bear is cautious,
it encourages discernment to human kind
Because of a fierce spirit
the bear signals bravery to those who require it
Because of its mass and
physical power, the bear stands for confidence and victory Because it prefers
peace and tranquility (in spite of size), bear calls for harmony and balance.
Animal totems can play huge roles in our lives. They aid in self-discovery and
capture our imagination, giving us incredible avenues of self-expression and
awareness.
Victoria BC has a market down at Bastion Square with
gorgeous views and wonderful people touring around from all over the world. Truly, a dream come true, when you get to be
apart of something so exciting. 
Four years ago I walked into Clayworks Pottery studio in
Edmonton Alberta with a business plan and a goal. What was the plan you ask?
Well have a seat and let me tell you.
The plan was that in five years I was going to be on
Vancouver Island selling pottery in one of the local markets. Now working out of a studio called Hands onPottery; little did I know, it was going to be an EPIC adventure of clay, with
a side of University and a new community surrounded by my ancestral history,
Swampy Cree. 
All the amazement and wondrous beauty of the island you see
in photos and hear stories about I can vouch, IT IS REAL. The trees are huge,
the ocean is vast and the creativity flows like honey from an overstuffed
beehive. 
I urge you to head out to the Red Deer Farmers Market this summer to taste a cup of the Papua New Guinea 100% Arabica coffee for only a dollar. Their stall is one van, many varieties of 1Kg packages of coffee and wonderful slip cast, hand made, pottery coffee mugs.
