Colette Baron-Reid
If the Otter has shown up in your life recently or has been traveling with you for some time, you should pay attention as this is not only a symbol of Feminine Magic and Medicine, but that of play, joy and friendship. The Otter, no matter if River or Sea, shows us that we are never alone as Spirit, The Universe, Ancestors, Angels, Our Spirit Guides, Loved Ones from the Other-Side and the Divine are always floating side-by-side with us!
The feminine energy carried by the Otter is that of nurturer, soother, and gentleness; this is an energy that is useful to both men and women as we all embody the energy of both male and female sides; the Yin and Yang of the world and we would all do well by embracing both sides of energy in order to live a balanced life. This is one of the reasons why Otter hide is often used in making medicine bags (as is Deer hide) so that the wearer will always have that gentle, nurturing energy by one’s side at all times.
A joyful and playful acrobat, the Otter spends the majority of its time playing with and caring for their young, entertaining themselves when alone and happy to play with others in their group equally. They love deeply, yet with an untethered ease that has no room for jealousy or anger. They openly allow any newcomer, whether their species or another, to enter their domain; living on both the land and near the water, they will only become aggressive when provoked, in danger or their young are. They have a freedom of the love they have and give and there is no room for Ego as everything they embody is based around happiness and enjoyment of life. Just admire an Otter floating downstream or in the sea allowing the waves to carry them along; they do not resist the flow of the current as they know that it will take them to exactly where they need to be; maybe to a tasty meal, to a new lover or to a new group of comrades to have more fun and play. They also travel lightly, only keeping a favorite rock in their little pouch; used as a tool for assisting in the procurement of food (cracking open sea shells), but mainly used to entertain one’s self. They will juggle and throw their little rock over and over again, never tiring of the endless joy that little rock brings them. We could all learn many lessons from the adorable Otter; be happy, be content with one’s self, love and nurture, hold no anger, grudges or jealousy, share everything one has (there is always more) and most of all I feel the motto of an Otter would be “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”; they worry not. All this joy does not mean they are complacent, by no means; they are resourceful and when work needs to be done, they do it straight away, so they can get back to more play time. They are the symbol of the human inner child; that part of us that is calling to be brought back into existence when the Otter comes calling.
Magic abounds when the Otter shows up as it often shows you that you are ready and in need of a spiritual awakening. This magic is that of an impending ascension; the realization of something more than what you have currently or previously have experienced. By paying attention to the Otter and embracing a worry-free, childlike and joyful life, more joy, freedom and happiness are yours for the taking. Now the Ego-less existence does not mean that the Ego does not exist; it is necessary for survival when in danger, but the Otter knows how to keep a watchful eye on their Ego. You will never find an Otter looking over at a fellow Otter’s little pebble and become envious or jealous of another’s pebble; wanting to find a new and better pebble or steal the other Otter’s pebble; they remain happy to have their pebble and happy for the other Otter that he or she too has their own useful pebble. They love each other and each other’s young as their own and they float… focusing on the joy and wonderment in their lives in the present moment brings them more joy allowing them to stay young and stress free.
This card from Colette Baron Reid says “You are never alone” and she writes how this symbolizes embracing and nurturing the friendships in your life or being present in the lives of those you care about, being physically present- this is something this loner has to work on more this year as Otter has been showing up quite frequently over the last two weeks and I am a practice what you preach type of girl. I however immediately received a message from my guides when I drew this card to show all of us that our loved ones that have crossed over are ever present and that we are not alone. The holidays can be a lonely time for many of us, especially if we have lost someone that we loved greatly or sometimes have lost all those we loved. Allow your Ancestors to walk beside you now and hold your hand and assist you in getting out more, if only to look and search for Signs of their presence. Allow them to guide you toward new friendships and possibly a new love. We cannot expand our energy by staying inside, so if you are not comfortable going it alone, just imagine that your hand is held and you are being gently and lovingly guided by one of your most beloved Ancestors from the Other-Side. Let this be their holiday gift to you! While you are at it, take on the Otter energy and make venturing out a game by looking, listening and sensing Signs and Synchronicities that prove they are there with you right now!