Otters are middle sized furry animals that live in rivers and lakes of our planet. They are particularly interesting to people because of their way of life and habits. Otters are hard-working animals that often help each other and have a great sense of community. They love having others of their kind close to them and team-work for them is everything.
Otter symbolism is mostly influenced by cultures that lived near and watched them every day. Their behavior was hard to not notice, so people incorporated them into stories and myths very fast.
Animal symbolism is very important for getting to know yourself and what you can do. When your spirit animal or totem is an otter, you can get a basic idea about your character and the way others see you. If you ever wanted to learn more about otters and the way they were depicted throughout history and culture, here is your chance.
Spirit Animal and Totem
Spirit animals and totems guide us through life and make it easier for us to get to know our character. Spirit animal and totem might seem like the same thing, and they do have a lot of in common, but their difference is in the way they influence our lives and the way we determine them. While spirit animals can be determined by meditation and by looking deeper into your subconscious mind, the totem animal is determined by your birth date.
Every person has its own spirit animal and totem that guide that person through life and make it easier for them to use the positive sides of their character.
Spirit animal
As a spirit animal, otter is best described with these words:
- Imagination
- Playfulness
- Parenting
- Joy
- Laughter
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Attitude
- Sensibility
- Sharing
People guided by the otter spirit animal are much grounded people with a clear goal ahead of them. They don’t spend too much time dwelling on the past; instead they are focused on their future. Everything that is behind them should be left there, and everything that is in the future is very welcomed. They know what their goals in life are and how to reach them.
Otter spirit animal makes you very hard-working and dedicated to the goal. You won’t give up on your goals and dreams no matter what others think about them. You are a strong person both mentally and physically, and this helps you be on top of every situation at all times.
Otter spirit animal is also a symbol of joy and playfulness. You are a person who enjoys life to the fullest and you won’t let anyone mess up your happiness. Somehow, you always see the brighter side of every situation and this is something others find to be a very positive characteristic. Others envy your ability to always keep a positive mindset and to be grateful for what you have.
This spirit animal is also a symbol of parenting. Parenting is extremely important for you and you love having a large family. The more kids the better, and you devote extreme amount of attention to all of them. Others are always asking for an advice when it comes to parenting, because your abilities to balance the right amount of love and strictness are amazing.
Otter spirit animal is also a symbol of imagination and creativity. It is amazing to look how otters create dams and how their minds are creative enough to think of something like that. This is why the otter spirit animal is a symbol of creativity and imagination. You are a person guided by your creative mind and you would never choose a career that doesn’t allow you to express your creative energy.
Totem
As totems, otters represent a person who is very grounded and prepared to go through the wall to achieve goals. You are someone who doesn’t give up easily and your energy is what drives you in life. You are a very playful person and you love enjoying life in every sense of the word. Working hard but also playing hard is your motto and you create your life based on that thought.
Otter totem animal is also a symbol of love and memory. You love sharing with others and spending time with people who are dear to you. Their energy truly suits you and you couldn’t stand to be separated from your friends and family members.
As negative characteristic some might mention your tendency to be too conservative at times and not to open for change. You need to find a way to break out of your comfort zone and find a way to be more adventurous and open for new ideas.
Symbolism and Meaning
Otter symbolic meaning is very important and still relevant in many cultures. The otter symbolism as created by people who lived near them and watched their behavior day after day. Otters are very peculiar animals, and their creativity and intelligence is quite extraordinary. Otters are able to build dams better than any architect.
In Native American culture, otters are represented as tricksters and there are many myths about otters. Many tribes looked up to them and admired their ability to build something so remarkable and to work together as a big family. Tribes Chippewa and Muskogee Creek had otters as their clan animals.
In Ireland, otters are seen as symbols of humor and magic. Their energy is very strong and people admired them for their ability to adapt and survive in the wilderness. Otters were also associated with the Manannan mac Lir (sea god) and Great Mother Goddess.
In Native American astrology, there is even a zodiac sign that represents an otter. Every person born between January 20 and February 8 is born under the symbol of an otter. These people are considered to be symbols of mischief and optimism. They are also very attached to their family and couldn’t imagine their life without their family members.
In Europe, otters are symbols of creativity and hard work. They are seen as creators and every person born or guided by this animal is a very hard working person with a lot to offer. Otters in popular culture are still very relevant symbols and people use them as symbols of imagination and family. Many sports teams have otters as their mascots, especially in North America.
Dreams about Otters
Seeing an otter – Seeing an otter in your dream means you have a lot of things in life to be happy about. If you have been depressed for nothing, this dream can be taken as a warning sign to be more satisfied with what you have. Instead of complaining about nothing, you need to enjoy life more and stop complaining.
Otter in water – When you had a dream about an otter in water, this means you are going to overcome troubles in your life. This dream is warning you about the struggles that are going to pop up, but they won’t be something you can’t overcome.
Otter in the distance – When otter in your dream was in the distance, this means you are going to have a difficult time reaching your goals. The further the otter is the harder it is going to be to reach success. If otter was standing close, then you can expect your success to happen pretty soon. It is at arm’s reach and you can definitely achieve it.
Otter building a dam – If otter in your dream was building a dam, this means you are going to experience business success. This dream is also a positive sign for financial issues. You are going to solve all of your financial problems without a problem and achieve a big success. This is also a positive period for investments and every other issue related to money.
Otter in general – Otter in general in your dream is a symbol of romance and building meaningful relationships. You can expect great changes in your love life that are going to bring the smile back on your face.
Conclusion
Otters are peculiar animals that have a lot to offer in a symbolic way. Their significance in symbolic way is enormous and their symbolism is spread all around the world. Otters symbolize family, hard-work, creativity and imagination. Every person guided by this animal is bound to be prosperous in life, because they are going to give everything they have to reach success.
Otter symbolism might change over the years, but it is always going to remain an important symbol in general.