Spectacled Bear - Brillenbär

(Tremarctos ornatus), Photo: Dreamstime

The spectacled bear is the only bear species native from the South America and the only bear that has a short snout. Its fur is mainly black or dark brown and white in the area of the throat, the snout and foreface. Its eyes are framed in white, and therefore, it appears to be wearing glasses. This pattern varies in each animal. The body is compact and strong and it has a short tail. They measure about 1.5 to 2 meters (4.92 to 6.56ft) and reach a weight of 551lb (175 k). Females are considerably smaller and they weigh approximately 143lb (65k).

Spectacled Bear in Mythology:

Spectacled bears are of great importance for native people. They were given names such as acupayero (bear that eats bromeliads), Yura Mateo (white fronted bear), yanapuma (black puma) and ucucu (by one of the strange sounds it produces).

For shamans, it is a sacred animal, a mediator between the worlds. The Incas venerated the spectacled bear. It was forbidden to kill or slaughter them, since the Incas feared that the cry of pain of the animal could bring the wrath of heaven toward them. In Peru and Bolivia, the spectacled bear was always part of the religious festivals, being represented by a man with a bear skin cloak.

According to a legend, a woman was seduced by a bear and she gave birth to a boy, half bear and half human. Trying to defend the mother from the violent father, it killed him, then the mother went back to her tribe and the son cried his loss. As a result, the typical pattern is formed around the eyes. The Tinglit people still worship the spectacled bear as their ancestors and make totems with its image.

The spectacled bear in the interpretation of dreams: It reminds us of our strength, and our capacity for enjoyment. We learn when the right time to be cautious is and when we can trust others.

Spectacled Bear Essence:

The essence helps us gather strength and be able to adapt to difficult situations. It increases the strength of our heart and gives us confidence and faith.

On the body level: It acts as a tonic. It restores our strength after long periods of exhaustion. The body generates new reserves of energy more quickly.

On the emotional level: The essence helps us strengthen and open the heart. We learn to give love and to receive it. It increases our capacity to love unconditionally enabling us to experience a new quality of love. It increases our self-confidence, which makes us feel more secure and content even on new circumstances of life or places.

On the spiritual level: The essence helps us express great confidence in our lives. We trust in the Divine protection, and that everything happens according to His Will.