One might think that if Alligator is working as a messenger totem for them that the medicine and message might be a rather frightening one. As intimidating as this creature is in the wild it is interesting that when it works with us to teach us on our journey the message is one with a beautiful message.

What brother Gator teaches us is the gift of fully appreciating and integrating all that life offers to us. Alligator enlightens us on the value of thoroughly digesting both the pleasures and the pains of our lives. As an alligator rolls in the water with its catch, we must also learn to roll with the punches in our journey. Gator also teaches us to understand about proper timing and patience.

This prehistoric looking creature teacher reminds us that the choice to laugh can diffuse the entanglements of anger and judgments, too much ego, and inflexible behavior. If we remove the rigidity in our psyche, we are then free to integrate into the circumstances we find ourselves in at the present time.

Alligator sometimes enters into our river of life to help us to remember to digest the situation at hand before making any rash moves. He reminds us to be flexible in our actions and not to wallow in a self-created quicksand.

Sometimes we rush through life and forget to acknowledge our victories or to appreciate any Rites of Passage we have just gone through. Gator tells us that it is time to honor our progress and to always be mindful that a quick-fix solution does not support long-term goals. We must integrate everything in our life lessons as we carry on.

Profile of American Alligator with Head Above Murky Water
Jeff Foott
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When Alligator comes to you as a totem he is telling you that something may have escaped your perception. So, it is wise to ask yourself what viewpoint or possibility was not a factor in your assessment of the given situation. Even though the eyes and nostrils are the only parts of Gator’s body above the water while it swims it still senses its surroundings thoroughly. In doing this, Alligator integrates all probabilities before it makes its next move.

~Mitakuye Oyasin~ We are all related