Bears Mother Tree - a Safe Haven in an Everchanging World

The Earth is continually changing. As we humans spread out more and more we continue to ravage this precious land, and more times than not don't give back to her. Each living thing does its best to acclimate to those changes. Each animal finds their homes becoming smaller and smaller. They are having to learn how to live among us, and in doing so they lose pieces of their own animal spirit.

"Bears Mother Tree" was created to represent the sacred home to the Bear, a place where they could come and "be". This place is where the Bear can always come home and be safe...to remember who they are...to keep their spirit authentic...to not become "watered" down by the humans...to just be the Bear.

The symbolism in the painting brings the "Mother Tree" to life. The tree is painted in pale turquoise representing the richness of the Earth.The grey bark is for the wisdom she has gained in the changes of time. Two bears are visiting, one resting on her branch, while the younger one is climbing to find haven. Small tan leaves are opening at her branch tips, for birth and growth. Four medicine wheels are hanging in the branches, each with a Tree of Life inside. The tree of life is painted in white for the purity of our existence. Each medicine wheel has four feathers hanging from them for the balance of the Four Directions. Bear prints are painted amongst the limbs, symbolism for the bears walk of life. 

Living here in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, I have a great respect for the Bear. For the past year or so I continue to hear more and more stories on the news about the bear population coming closer and closer into our towns. During the interviews people are complaining about these visitations, upset with such petty things as bird feeders being knocked down, or their trash cans being pilfered. The Bear's home is becoming smaller and smaller, and their food sources more scarce.

This was the inspiration for my painting "Bears Mother Tree". In my heart, my hope is that they could have such a place, a sacred place, untouched, where they can always walk with Bear Heart.

Finding a Direction..a Bear and his Compass

The Black Bear sits attentively in the foreground, contemplating which direction to proceed in. Seems he has been in this space before. The roads all seem familiar. Sometimes familiar can be comforting, but sometimes we need to remember that if it didn't take you towards your dream the first time it's probably not the right way to go now.  Careful thought is being given to the choices that lie before him. He knows not to proceed without using his balanced wisdom, so he chooses to wait and watch.

Finding a Direction, a Mixed Media Painting by Jeanne Fry

 When his heart feels the "knowing" and his feet feel firm and steady, he will make the right choice...and his dream will become his reality.

The Original Painting has sold.

Bear Totem Medicine Wheel, Illustrative Painting and Symbolism

The "Bear Totem Medicine Wheel" is an illustrative original painting, created with acrylics on a birch wood panel that is mounted on a pine cradle. It represents the sacred journey of Strength and Healing. The painting is rich in detail and symbolism. Upon the earthy layered background of raw sienna, honey brown, and turquoise, is a large medicine wheel. The colors on the medicine wheel are red, yellow, white, and black with a small turquoise center. There are 4 feathers painted hanging from the bottom of the medicine wheel, and a tie at each direction each of which is embellished with silver tin cones.

Bear Totem Medicine Wheel, Illustrative Folk Painting by Jeanne Fry

The Bear Totem is the focus of the medicine wheel's energy, for Strength and Healing. One large black bear is resting in a most comfortable sleep in the bottom of the wheel, symbolizing comfort, relaxation, and restorative rest. Above him are 7 black bears walking the outer rim of the medicine wheel with a tree of life and abundance between each. Within the center of the wheel are 13 (power symbol)  smaller black bears, all walking the journey, helping one another, encouraging strength amongst themselves and promoting a healing journey.

The original of this painting has been sold, but it is available as an Art Print. You can find it here in our Artfire Shop
Bear Totem Medicine Wheel Art Prints available in our Artfire Shop

It is also available as an Art Print in our Fine Art America online shop. It is available as an Art Print, Matted and Framed, on Canvas, On Metal, or as a Greeting Card
Bear Totem Medicine Wheel Art Print

Bear Totem and it's Symbolic Meaning

The Bear is a powerful and healing totem to work with. I have always had a great affection for Bear and the attributes is symbolizes on so many levels. I find it to be an endearing and wise totem for both men and women.
The Bear does not truly hibernate but does go into a state of sleep, quietness, shutting down. It survives from the reserves it has stored up, which is a pertinent lesson in finding a balance with your energy and not "tapping" reserves empty on a daily basis. It reminds us to be mindful of our energy levels each day and to not over extend ourselves.
In today's world it is easy to push ourselves beyond what is healthy for not only our bodies but also our spirit. Bear strongly represents Nurturing.
 The symbolism of this shutting down period is also representative of the winter time, a special introspective time for us humans, and reminds you to give yourself permission to go at a slower pace and reflect...to work through life lessons at a reasonable pace and prepare for renewal. This is an excellent time for writing in one's journal or doing some inspirational reading.

Burlap and Canvas Bear Totem Painting by Jeanne Fry

I think we have a love of Bear because of their similarities to us...they eat a similar diet, they can stand on two legs and walk, but I think the thing that we can truly relate to is their sense of love and protection especially over their young. They will protect them fiercely and love them dearly, just as we humans do. For such a large totem that represents strength, their hearts are just as big.

Bears carry great confidence with them, a surety in their step, and are a good totem to work with if you are learning to step into your own power and find confidence in your decisions. And this with all things requires a balance as well...not to be "too" cocky with your stance that you ignore situations, but that you carefully ponder your course, make your choice, and go forward with strength and fortitude.

Bear Totem Medicine Wheel Painting by Jeanne Fry

Both of the above paintings were sold.
Art Prints of the "Bear Totem Medicine Wheel" are available in our Fine Art America shop here
Bear Totem Medicine Wheel Art Print

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