Hippopotamus

An African mammal that is known for its huge size, up to 3 1/2 tons in fact, a hippo is most comfortable in the water. They live near rivers, ponds or lakes and walk along the bottom sometimes full submerged. Hippos have developed special senses that allow them to live their life in the water. They have two hearing systems, one for above water and a special bone that picks up subtle vibrations underwater. They love to play with their young making emotional sounds like grunts and groans to express their happiness. They are herbivors and enjoy munching on green grass in the bush. The long luxurious mud baths they take help them appreciate the sun without harming their thick skin.
If Hippo is your totem you are comfortable in the water too. It is truly your element. Swimming may be your favorite exercise and you may wish to vocalize your enjoyment just like hippos do howling, splashing and just having fun.
But more importantly Hippo shows you your emotional side, because water represents emotions. You may need to bring your emotions up to the surface to see just what you are feeling inside. Hippo's medicine can cure you of the sadness you carry or the unexpressed feelings that you may not feel comfortable with. Hippo says, "everyone gets emotional at times and if you hold onto too much you will sink into the bottom of a deep sadness and not be able to get out without a rescue".
Hippo's body is huge, but he is proud to be a big guy. Of course, there is a reason he can maintain that weight. A Hippo eats over 80 pounds of grass a day. Hippo will guide you to love your body more telling you that you are beautiful just the way you are. Never be self conscious about your weight or your unique body type. But if you are overweight it be a stage of growth or it could be that your emotional side has gotten out of control because you have suffered too much. Hippo may tell you to express guilty or angry feelings rather than to eat too much to satisfy your emotional need for love. Hippo knows that big-hearted people can suffer a lot with their weight, because they want to help others more than to nurture themselves. If you have the heart of a Hippo, love yourself first and let others nurture you even more often.

By Adiadne Green