One afternoon there was quite a commotion in the yard. The dog was barking quite intensely at the back fence. It didn’t take long to find out why. There was a young raccoon climbing a tree on the other side of the fence.
Raccoons are amazing animals. As a totem representation of qualities we hold in our own life, they can be very interesting to observe.
The word raccoon comes from the word Arahkunem, which means “he scratches with the hands.”. In Norway the translation is “wash-bear”. The raccoon is a distant relative of the bear.
The most apparent characteristic of the raccoon is its mask. Is this a symbol of hiding, or a symbol of the stealth-like, night-based pursuits of the raccoon? This nocturnal animal is a master at hands-on manipulation.
Raccoons are smart as well, figuring out how to open containers and get what they want. Raccoons are known for cleaning their food.
When we look at these traits, and hold this mirror to ourselves, what do we see within our own world that carries raccoon qualities?
Life is very “hands on”, and the appearance of raccoon energy in your world can be a symbol for this trait. Patience can be woven into this tapestry as well, for the raccoon will persist to figure out the puzzles in life, in a very hands-on way, and will give their full attention to achieving their goals.
What about the nocturnal side of the raccoon, and that mask? It can be a symbol of hiding, or sneaking around, but it can also be a sign of privacy. Some of us like to work undisturbed by the world around us. Does this trait serve you, or restrict your ability to create the world you seek to create?
Every totem can show you strength as well as an area of life you seek to balance. The raccoon totem gives us a glimpse at several powerful abilities we share with this bandit of the night.
Author Estee Taschereau offers intuitive sessions for recognition of your own abilities and the steps you are taking toward self empowerment and success in life. The Healing Drum Retreat in the Pacific Northwest is an opportunity to learn more about totem animals, energy healing and get hands-on experience with native style crafting.
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