Last Updated on May 3, 2021 by Avia
Animal Symbolism: Otter Meaning
and Otter Symbolism
Exploring Animal Symbolism of the Otter: The animal symbolism of the otter relies a lot on its environment. As an aquatic animal, the otter is a symbol of life. Why? Because the prime symbolic meaning of water deals with the divine feminine, which is a major life-giving energy. Water (and otters) are symbolic of creativity, fluidity and transitions. The otter’s affinity to water is also symbolic of healing. Consider: Water is a purifying, cleansing element. It makes sense water-loving creatures such as the otter will share those purifying qualities too.
Otter meaning is also closely connected to lunar symbolism. Water, the moon and otters have a long, symbolic history together. Indeed, the Algonquin named one of their full moons the “otter moon”. Otters are most active in the spring and summer. Typically the otter moon would be the first full moon after the spring equinox. If you dig this concept, check out my article on Native American Full Moons here.
Animal Symbolism: Meaningful Otter Highlights
- Joy
- Agility
- Energy
- Curiosity
- Creativity
- Dexterity
- Protection
- Friendship
- Playfulness
For years, I’ve been fascinated by the concept of liminality. The word “liminal” is Latin, which means “threshold” or the space between. The concept of liminalness deals with neither here, nor there. It is the in-between. A good example in nature of liminal time/space includes twilight because that time is “in-between”. It is neither day, nor night. I mention this because the animal symbolism of otters is rife with liminal essence. Why? Because where the water meets the earth is a liminal space. There is a meniscus between water and land that is neither wholly wet or entirely dry. Hence, it is a liminal space.
Given this nifty little attribute, it’s no wonder the otter is considered to be a powerful symbol of initiation – especially in Native American lore, as well as Celtic legend. Ojibwa tribes are purported to call upon the spirit of the otter in birth, death and marriage ceremonies. They recognized these are major points of transition. A tribe member requires initiation from one phase of life into the next. Because the otter is adept at moving in-between (liminal spaces), it’s a perfect energy to call upon when moving between two stages of life.
Getting married? Having a baby? Is a loved one transitioning into non-physical? Consider a humble request for the otter’s presence during these occasions. The otter’s light-hearted, caring, transition-savvy energy will insure these embarkations will be launched smoothly and with blessing.
Remember the mention of otter’s animal symbolism to the divine feminine? This association is also connected to initiation. Consider giving birth. If that isn’t a major initiation (new life into this world), then I don’t know what is! The otter is the perfect energy to invoke during childbirth. A good friend of mine even had an otter themed baby shower! How cool is that?! What a positive, playful animal spirit to make way for a new life!
Speaking of playful, otters are that and then some! The animal symbolism of the otter is married to the idea of play, joy and having fun. If you’ve ever observed a romp of otters (appropriately, a “romp” is one of the terms for a group of otters) it’s highly likely you saw some good-hearted roughhousing and frolicking. As a totem or animal spirit guide, the otter reminds us of the value of a good romp. If you’re over-taxed, over-stressed you might be well served by tapping into otter energy. These play-packed critters will get you laughing and jump-jiving with joy in no time.
Part of that sense of play comes from the otter’s high level of curiosity. I remember lazily rafting in Vermont and encountering a river otter. This little fellow was mightily curious about me, my raft, the oars…everything! He popped his head over the side of the raft and even palmed my oars. He took a gander at me, and took an even closer look at my lunch! LOL. In time, my little friend sated his curiosity and dunked back into the water, swimming off to other otter-delights. I was struck by how fearless this little guy was.
Fearlessness is another great symbolic attribute of the otter. They don’t have a whole lot of enemies in the wild, which might augur that sense of self-security. When it comes to animal symbolism, the otter is a fabulous friend to call upon when you need a boost in courage. Not only is this creature fearless, she is also ferocious when it comes to protecting her family and territory.
Here are some summarizing tips on how the otter can help and guide you through life:
Helpful Tips on Animal Symbolism & Otter Meaning
♦ Feeling blue? Humbly ask the otter to enter your consciousness for a jolt of joy. Compose a few quiet moments of meditation focusing on otter energy. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed and light you feel afterwards.
♦ Been accused of being a stuffed shirt, or a stick-in-the-mud? Let the otter pry you out of your stiff rut. Consider drawing or painting an otter. Even try an otter dance (romp and frolic the way the otter does!). This is bound to loosen you up (or inspire a few laughs if nothing else).
♦ Feeling a little insecure? Visualize a giant otter standing upright by your side. Really get the feel of this amazingly fearless creature “having your back” and standing in your corner. Conjure your otter ally when you’re feeling lack of confidence or nervous. Before going into a job interview, or visiting your mother-in-law for example. I call upon the otter when I go to the dentist! My otter is gigantic! Taller than me! He’s got this “I dare you to mess with my girl!” look on his face…all the while snickering in a very snarky way at my dentist. It’s both bolstering and hysterical!
♦ Got a low libido? The otter can help with that too. In fact, in symbolic Asian legend and lore, the animal symbolism of the otter deals with high sexual drive. Get fresh and sassy with a little consultation with the otter. Observe their high octane energy and mimic their jazzy jive!
♦ Got transitions? You betcha! The otter is just the pal you want on your side. Whether bringing new life into this world, or saying goodbye to a loved one into the next phase of life – the otter is a true, transitional guide. Consider doing what my friend did: Have an otter themed party to celebrate initiation into a new life. Otter’s are like your basic little black dress…they work well at every party and never go out of style. LOL. Seriously. The otter is your go-to guide for initiation and transformational phases in life.
♦ No motivation? No problem. Catch a few YouTube videos on the otter and you won’t be able to sit still for long. Whether your work-out routine has gone bust, or you just don’t feel as energetic as you want…observing the otter is a good remedy for lost steam. Case-in-point, check out the otter video below. I bet it’ll make you giggle your way to the gym!
I hope these insights about the animal symbolism of the otter and otter meaning has given you some inspiration and insight. As always, thanks so much for reading.
Mighty brightly,
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Deepen Your Connection With Your Animal Totems With These Amazon Selections
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