Ape/Gorilla
The great Chippewa Medicine Teacher Sun Bear once teased me by pointing out the great diversity of totem and clan animals available to traditional Native Americans.
“But the poor white folks seem to have only one totem animal, only one clan animal-the ape,” he said, smiling broadly. “White people believe that they were all descended from the hairy ape. But it doesn’t make any difference if some of us native people believe that we were descended from wolves, deer, or bears and you believe your ancestor was an ape. We should still all be able to get along in peace and harmony.”
There were no apes or primates on the North American continent, but it is recorded that when the early missionaries showed the Deleware tribe pictorial representations of apes, the people concluded that the evil spirit had fashioned the creatures to mock the Great Mystery’s creation of humans.
Many African tribes believe that the great apes are really capable of speech and that secretly, among themselves, they converse freely with one another. They refuse to do so in the presence of humans for fear that they might be put to work and made to live in villages with their hairless brothers and sisters.
A Jewish tradition maintains that God transformed some of the arrogant people who sought to stretch the Tower of Babel to Heaven’s door into apes as punishment for their misdeed.
In Christian symbology, the ape represents unrestrained lust and the lowest and basest aspects of humankind’s bestial nature. One tale even has Satan creating the ape as his corporeal counterpart to God’s fashioning of the human. On the other hand, Hindu folklore often portrays the ape as a compassionate and helpful creature, such as the character of Hanuman in the Ramayana.
The ape, although tremendously powerful, is, unless provoked, a gentle animal. As a totem animal, the ape may represent self-control, self-discipline, and the confidence to express strength through gentleness and kindness. If you have chosen the ape as your spirit helper, be assured that you will begin to notice a new respect from your fellow workers and in your family enviroment.
While you are experiencing new physical accomplishments with the help of your totem guide, be certain that you do not neglect taking time to enter the Silence for your spiritual growth.
Dreams
You may soon be facing an opponent in the workplace or a rival for the affections of a loved one.
Totems
The Transformative Power Of Your Personal Animal Totem
Brad Steiger
ISBN 0-06-251425-3
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The Gorilla
Gorillas have excellent memories and a keen sense of observation. They are found in groups and are quite social. If a person tries to harm anyone in their group the gorilla remembers that person and will have a tendency to charge that person every time he or she approaches. This indicates their undying loyalty to family and loved ones. Respect is very important to the gorilla.
Gorillas have acute hearing and respond to unusual sounds that are not part of normal activity. For those with this totem this indicates clairaudient abilities. Gorilla medicine people can hear vibrations and frequencies that others cannot. Hearing is one of their main gifts. They are great listeners and really hear what others are saying and respond accordingly.
Gorillas are conservationists eating only a few leaves from each plant always leaving several leaves so that the plant can replenish the leaves quickly. Those with this medicine care about the environment and need to have access to nature and its elements to maintain balance and harmony within themselves.
Gorillas have a gentle strength, patience and clarity of vision. Once they create a goal they stick with it until accomplished. They are extremely intelligent. Gorillas have been taught to use sign language to communicate words and have even been know to form simple sentences, this indicates an ability to utilize sound to its fullest. Many Gorilla people choose professions working with the deaf and dumb and are compassionate insightful healers.
Author Unknown
Witches Of The Craft® 