Ursus Latin:Male Bear
Resurrection (as emerging
from it's winter cave of hibernation
with its newborn cub in spring); new life, hence initiation and
it's association with rites of passage. In Hero myths the bear is
solar: in inundation myths it becomes lunar and is also lunar
when associated with a moon goddess such as Artemis and Diana.
Alchemic The Nigredo of the prima materia. Attributed
with
Supernatural power; strength; the whirlwind amongst the American
Indians. In Celtic Mythology attributed with the Goddess Berne.
In Chinese Mythology bravery and strength. To the Japanese :
Benevolence; wisdom; strength. A culture hero and divine
messenger amongst the Ainu. To the Scandinavian and Teutonic
peoples: Sacred to Thor. The She-bear Atla is the feminine
Principals and the He-Bear Atli the Masculine. In Shamanistic
tradition: A messenger of the forest spirits.
From An Illustrated Encyclopedia
of Traditional Symbols
by J.C. Cooper copyright 1978