Otter is one of those creatures that can be considered to be in transit. Not on a scale you or I can appreciate. But on the grand, cosmological scale of time.
Being a creature that is tied to both the land and the water, Otters can be considered as creatures that live between two worlds, as nature has allowed them to occupy both the land and the waves.
I say waves because there aren’t just freshwater otters out there: there are sea otters too!
Different species of otters can live in the water of different levels of saltiness, they are a creature that is very much in tune with their surroundings, knowing what is best for themselves and their groups of otters.
Interestingly enough, otters can be both solitary animals that prefer their own company or animals that live in large groups, depending on the species.
This makes otters an animal that can come to represent a whole range of ideas about what it means to be at peace with yourself, whether that’s on your own, or in a community of your friends and family.
However they choose to live, the common thing otters have in common is their natural curiosity and their knack for adventure.
Given that so many otters have large territories, they like to explore and find their own corner of the world to claim as their own.
An otter doesn’t have time for resting on its laurels, it’s out there, finding its own path. How would they make the time for it?
When feeling negative energies and emotions for something or someone else, think like the otter: There are plenty of better ways to spend that energy than to stew in it.
When an otter approaches you as a spirit animal, there are a whole host of reasons why you may have been approached by one of these adorable creatures.
Given how otters are famous for being playful with many animals of their kind and others, the spirit otter may be telling you to try and remain playful and mischievous, especially if you are going through that time when it is getting increasingly difficult to do so.
The animals are reminding you that life isn’t simply about finishing your job, eating, and sleeping. It is to be spent enjoying your time too, being a little rapscallion on occasion even.
Yes, we all have responsibilities that we must meet and finish, but we also need to make time for ourselves.
The otter remembers to do that, so why can’t we? Why should we devote ourselves to work and nothing else?
Not only that, but the otter teaches us that play is even vital to everything else in our lives.
When otters play, especially with younger, baby otters, it is as much teaching them the rules of otter etiquette as it is a fun exercise.
The otter teaches us that there is something to be learned in being able to step away from the daily grind, and being able to kick back.
Otter – Totem Animal
If the totem animal you were born with is the otter, chances are that you are a people pleaser. This probably isn’t too surprising for you.
Otter parents are among the most astute in the animal kingdom, after all.
They have to be, seeing as many species have their babies in the dead of winter. Because of this, they need to pay close attention to the needs of their young.
Because sea otter pups aren’t born being able to swim, for example, the otter parents will have them float on their belly for the first three to four months of their lives.
And if they need to dive for food, they wrap them in a buoyant material, so they won’t drown.
Needless to say, otters are hyper-aware of the needs of their young, and the same can be said for people and their totem otters.
You want to make sure that the needs of those around you are met.
You want people to feel happiness and joy, and you aren’t afraid of being playful, even when other people feel that you should be acting your age. But who cares what they think?
You’re enjoying yourself, and trying to let others feel that way too!
Otters are the perfect energy for anyone who is looking for new knowledge or information.
Otters are a naturally curious species, wanting to inspect anything new they come across whilst out there in their rivers and lakes.
Whether it’s a person entering their territory, or a new tool they can use to help find the food better.
Otters are always looking out for something that will help them achieve their goals. They want to work smarter, not necessarily harder.
Embodying that hunger for knowledge, think and draw from the otter if you are looking into new insight in your life. Is there something that can help your quality of life?
Or, is there something I can do to be closer to my loved ones? Is there something about myself that’s holding me back?
Approach these questions with an inquisitiveness that an otter would, and you’ll be surprised you’ll find.
The otter is also something you can draw on if you feel that you haven’t had a good smile in a long time.
That might sound strange, but a sense of humor can lift your mood, even in the worst of circumstances.
Otters are certain animals of whimsy, and able to bring a smile to almost anyone.
Being able to smile is one of the quickest antidotes to a heavy heart, so think of the otter in the most sobering moments you find yourself in, and you need a smile for a pick-me-up.
Otter – Dream
If an otter has popped up in your dreams, first of all, congratulations! Not all of us can be blessed with one of these beautiful little beasties in our dreams!
Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to find the appearance of an otter in your dreams a cause for celebration.
What this means for you and your subconscious mind is that you are navigating your life with just the right amount of control, grace, and thought. Whilst also balancing enough of a playful spirit to enjoy the little things in your world right now. Also going with the flow enough to surprise yourself.
Considering how tender otters are with many others in their social group, whether that’s their mates or their children, it might not be strange to expect something loving and wonderful from a loved one or loved ones. Good for you!
The appearance of an otter in a tattoo can mean so many things to so many people.
For starters, they are obviously some of the most adorable creatures out there, so they have obvious appeal when it comes to putting them on your design.
They also have a clear connection to the water, which, for a tattoo artist, gives them plenty of opportunity for creative flowing design across the person’s body.
Not only that, but the water itself is often a sign of renewal and healing.
People considered many places around the world near the sea as landmarks for the good health they reportedly bring.
However, otters also have a fierceness to them that you shouldn’t underestimate. They will fight many creatures that may endanger their young.
Being known to attack crocodiles, jaguars,foxes, and a whole host of other dangerous animals in the wild, otters can also symbolize a subtle strength. Plenty can miss such strength, but foolish often cross.
Because of this, and many of their connections to folklore, otters in tattoos are also considered symbols of good luck and fortune, a good sign of things to come.
Perhaps a person might have an otter tattoo to celebrate something great happening to them? Or maybe it’s the hope that the otter will bring? It’s up to the individual, in the end.
Think of the otter, and its ability to use rocks to open its food. Sometimes, all you need are the barest essentials, and yourself, and that’s enough.
Otters are also great spiritual companions. In some cultures, they are referred to as ‘water dogs’ symbolizing that great, lovable appeal and warmth they provide to those closest to them.
However, this doesn’t mean that they are just dogs with webbed feet, after all.
As we’ve already talked about, otters are also symbolic of a free, wandering spirit. It is one of the reasons they don’t usually make great pets.
They want to be out in the world, exploring it at their own pace. An otter can mean a spirit that refuses to be tied down by others, no matter what is expected of them.
But, they are also a spiritual symbol of togetherness with loved ones, whether that’s your kids, our significant other, or your friends.
These aren’t contradictory ideas, far from it. It simply means that variety of manners can show love.
So long as your actions don’t those around you, your love is something that will last a lifetime. Just being in their presence can also rekindle this easily.
Otter – Astrology & Zodiac Signs
People born in the Chinese year of the Rat, and during the Leo Zodiac sign have the star sign of the otter.
Not surprising, given that otters and many of their relatives, are often thin and long like rats, but usually have the ferocity of the big cats themselves.
Mischievous with a funny streak, and as bold as they are adventurous, those with the otter star sign are every bit as in line with the animal as you can possibly imagine.
Well-groomed, just like the pristine image of otters in the public’s heart is, they are easygoing.
Sure, they love the comforts of home as much as the next person, but they’re just as comfortable under the stars as they are in their own bed.
However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t have to do something that you don’t want to, though.
Otter star-signed people are free-spirits, but that doesn’t mean that they always love whatever they’re doing.
Keep others in mind when you are doing something you might consider menial. If you’re helping someone else out, then that’s just part of the flow of the river of life, my friend.
Otters are spread all across the Americas, and the human cultures that have sprouted up near them have plenty of stories to tell.
Native American folklore, for example, gives the otter totem as a symbol of improving your awareness of others. Whether just on an interpersonal level, or a psychic level.
Any way that helps strengthen your connection with others and those around you, especially if you would like to bond more with your romantic partner.
Many also considered them playful tricksters, able to outwit humans on their home turf.
Considering that many have sometimes seen otters using tools, as well as prizing certain items like rocks, this fits pretty well with that general perception.
This somewhat harmless interpretation changes depending on the region, however.
In Old Aztec mythology, there is a creature often described as a chimera between a mountain lion and an otter, that patrols its waterways and dismembers fisherman that gets too close.
The Achuar people of the Amazon Rainforest see river otters as a kind of water spirit that feeds on fish.
Though, again, it’s interesting to note that otters and the spiritual aspects they embody are still presented as defensive in nature.
They do not cause problems for the people that avoid them but will punish those that trespass in their waters.
Otter – Celtic Mythology
Different species of otter have been found all over the world, and the Eurasian Otter has lived in parts of the United Kingdom for thousands of years.
Very much like the American communities we talked about in the previous section, many Celtic tribes saw the otter as adorable little tricksters and harmless pranksters that protected the rivers in which they lived. An even in some cases, they were helpful to those in need.
In the tale of Brendan, an Irish of a sea voyage undertaken by the titular named character, one of the islands he visits houses a hermit who was saved by an otter as he was dying on an outcrop of rock.
The otter brought him wood to burn for a fire, and salmon to feed on.
Otters are also a symbol of the Irish sorceress Ceridwen. Said sorceress turned into an otter to pursue a young boy Gwion. Gwion had tasted from the sorceress’ cauldron after being told to guard it.
The boy turned into a salmon in the ocean to escape her, only for Ceridwen to transform into an otter to pursue him.
Interestingly enough, otters are also one of the animals that inhabit the famous Loch Ness in Scotland.
There is a theory that groups of otters, occasionally surfacing whilst swimming out in the Loch, may have been one of the inspirations of the iconic Loch Ness Monster too!
Here are some of the meanings that otters can symbolize and have spiritually attached to them:
Companionship
Easy-going
Adventurous
Mischief
Free-spirited
Water & Land
Playtime
Creative
Curious
Hidden strength
Conclusion
So, from what we’ve talked about, it is clear to see that the otter has to be one of the most incredible animals around.
Playful, yet astute, soft and adorable, yet hiding layers of strength behind a veil of fuzz and fur, the otter contains layers that are fascinating to dissect ad discuss.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you see how important the otter is to so many people around the world.
Diane has always been interested in spirituality and self-improvement. She is a happy and outgoing person. She started her spiritual journey with Chandra while looking for tools to bring positivity to their lives. She boosts her mind with self-care and affirmations. However, she also knows what crystals to wear based on her feelings. She also practices the law of attraction.
