There are two kinds of Otter, the river and sea.  Delightful creatures to watch in the wild otters have a strong curiosity exploring every nook and cranny they can find just to see what's there.   Their curiosity reminds us  that everything is interesting if looked at from different angles.  They know how to float on the currents of life enjoying the beauty that it holds. Their relaxed attitude reminds us to laugh with life and not take things to seriously. They offer us the gift of  laughter, trust and playfulness.

Otters are agile and fast in the water. They are often seen floating on their backs with their paws extended out of the water,  sliding on their bellies playfully, or performing acrobatic maneuvers. Water has long been associated with the emotional energies in man. Otters glide through the emotional ups and downs of life with ease and can teach us how to do the same. They represent the creative, nurturing energies that live within us and show us how to honor them.

Otters are excellent parents and care for their young longer than most other marine mammals. They enjoy the company of other otters and are rarely seen alone.  Those with this medicine benefit by living on or close to the water and find comfort in group interactions.

The otter is very talkative.  When frightened their calls take on an erie piercing sound similar to a baby screaming. They have few natural enemies and are not afraid of humans.  During the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, otters were one of the few creatures that would allow humans to hold them without putting up a fight.  As the oil was wiped from their bodies the otter would lie very still in the arms of the one caring for it, unafraid and trusting.

When otter appears in your life it is asking you to let go of worry and pain, lighten up and enjoy what life has to offer.  Trust your inner knowing , develop trust for others and embrace the world with excitement and enthusiasm.  Life is what we make it.  The otter shows us how to create a joyful future. All we need to do is follow its lead.