Deer Totem Meaning - Connecting with Inner Wisdom Original Painting by Jeanne Fry

Humans have been enchanted with Deer since existence. While they have been the most popular animal with hunters for ages, I think the attraction to them goes deeper than obtaining their hide or meat for sustenance.

Deer have been symbolic for purity and innocence, and represent Nature itself. They remind us to keep our connection with the Earth and to appreciate each moment as it comes and be grateful. They could be considered the Master Teacher of totems because of the vastness of the lessons that can be learned. They are adaptable, and can live and thrive in nearly any environment. Their diet is diverse allowing them to live in almost any region. They can eat grasses, legumes, mushrooms, cacti, corn, fruit, clover, leaves, and acorns.

"Protection" Deer Totem Folk Art Painting by Jeanne Fry

Deer have keen senses and use them all, including their intuition. They use their perceptions as they journey through their day, but they do not allow fear to prevent them from "living". When they feel there is danger they will raise their tail showing the white underneath to alert other deer.

The family unit is important to the female, as she spends the first few days alone with her fawn, bonding. Even as the fawn are growing, they stay with their mothers for a considerable span of time - males stay for a year, females for two years. This is a reminder to us of the importance of Bonding time with our own children.

The Antlers are symbolic of Intuition, as they grow from behind the eyes. Deer teaches us to trust in our gut feelings, as our inner self always "knows". This sense of intuition allows them to protect themselves and their families.

Deer teaches us to reconnect with our authentic self, to keep life simple, bond with family, trust in our inner knowing, and be adaptable for survival. They are symbolic for the cycle of life, enjoying each moment, and being grateful. They innately understand being in the present moment and making the most of each of them.

**This is one of my original paintings that I have titled "Protection", representing the Deer's haven or sacred space. Here they can always feel safe, as the Antler Tree watches over them. The mother can spend the time she needs with the fawn, teaching it about the ways of the world.