ALLIGATOR

[Terri Benning]

ALLIGATOR on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alligator

ALLIGATOR and CROCODILE Animal Totem Energies (GREAT page!)
http://serioussilver.com/totemenergy/alligator.html
http://funkman.org/animal/reptile/alligator.html

Alligator’s Wisdom Includes:

* Understanding Deceit
* Keepers of Ancient Wisdom
* Power to Survive
* Holding Your Ground
* Individuality
* Patience

ALLIGATOR ~ Maternal Protection

Alligators and Crocodiles are the largest living reptiles on earth. They form the last living direct link with the Age of Dinosaurs. Since then, the Crocodilia order has split into three major subfamilies-–Crocodile, Alligator, and Gavial. The seven Alligator species live in the Americas except for Chinese Alligator.

Greatly feared because of Her size and teeth, American Alligator is a shy animal. She prefers to live in her “gator hole” or mucking around the swamp. The chance of being killed by an Alligator is less than being struck by lightening.

Alligator is a keystone species. She creates “alligator holes”--mud hollows in swampy areas. This provides other animals with water, food, and homes. Moreover, Alligator is the largest predator in her area, controlling overpopulation of Deer and other animals. Even Her abandoned nest is used by other animals.

When Alligator young are being threatened, Mother Alligator will attack the intruder. People who are familiar with swamps will warn: never come between a Mother ‘Gator’ and her nest. When Baby Alligator is threatened, He gives a high-pitched croak. Mother Alligator will immediately appear and save Her baby.

Learn the meaning of Motherhood from the Alligator. She has much to teach in the raising and protecting of children.

Alligator’s Teachings Include:

“Alligator is an element of maternal protection and revenge through patience. She claims a connection to the earth mother. She understands deceit and the weather, and has access to ancient knowledge. She offers protection from manipulation and is a creature of initiation.” Copyright: Luminara.

Alligator’s Advice Includes:

“An Alligator is a challenger. It warns of danger. If you happen to see one, study its behavior well.” Copyright: “Spirits of the Earth”, Bobby Lake-Thom.

About ALLIGATOR:

The Alligator has walked on Earth mother for millions of years and are known in many myths and lore as the keepers of ancient wisdom. Alligators hide themselves in water and mud waiting for unsuspecting creatures to happen by, and then snap. They eat any animal they can swallow and if they cant swallow it; they tear it into bite size pieces.

They only eat when they are hungry and do not consume food unnecessarily. Waste is not a part of alligator medicine. Those with this totem should be careful about over consumption. Digestive disturbances are common with alligator medicine people.

The eyes of the alligator are positioned high on their head allowing them to remain relatively hidden beneath the water and still see above it. Symbolically this hints to clairvoyant abilities.

Hiding in the water ties the alligator to the emotional body of man. The alligator holds the teachings of the discovery and the release of emotions that are locked beneath the surface.

Alligators dig deep burrows when the water is high so that during the dry season they can have a wet alcove to retreat to. These alcoves serve as reservoirs from which other animals can get water. Water is the nectar of life. The sharing of these reservoirs indicates the alligators respect for all life forms.

The power of alligator is its power to survive. They have no known predators. If alligator shows up in your life or in the dreamtime it might be telling you to take care of yourself and secure your basic survival needs.

Alligators come together only for reproduction. They have distinct individual personalities. Those with this totem are usually loners and only join together in groups when mandatory. Alligator medicine people can be great leaders. They know how to survive in any situation and are strong enough to hold their ground.

These fascinating creatures digest their food slowly. Those with this totem should remember to digest and assimilate all experiences thoroughly before moving forward in haste. Alligators teach the art of patience and appropriate timing. They know when to hide beneath the water, peak above it, or take action and snap.