Masters Of Disguise: The Possum Symbolism
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A cherished animal from the USA, opossums are adorable night-time creatures that are favored for their non-aggressive nature. Known for being serious loners that hang out with the female of their species only for mating purposes, these extremely shy spirit guides would scurry into our lives to advise us on how to make them more healthful and fun.
While these harmless creatures may seem mundane at first thought, they often carry deep universal guidance for those who encounter them. If you’ve recently seen a possum in your yard or find yourself thinking about these creatures frequently, it’s important to identify the reason for this phenomenon.
In this article, you’ll learn the spiritual meaning behind the possum, its significance in various cultures, and other spiritual messages behind this little critter.
“Hangin’ upside down ain’t good for nobody but possums.”
— DiAnn Mills, Writer
Possum spiritual meaning
Possums are clever little creatures that may appear during important times throughout your life. Here’s what seeing a possum can mean for you.
Intelligence
Armed with up to 50 sets of teeth that they can use for protection against predators, the possum would instead lie motionless and play, well, itself, to confuse potential attackers and come out unscathed. Even though a possum has the ability to protect themselves through biting, they use their intelligence to disarm their predator and diffuse the situation.
A possum may visit you during a time when you should tap into your intelligent nature rather than trying to force a particular situation. If you’re facing any challenges or obstacles right now, the only way to overcome them is by outsmarting the problem at hand.
Your uniqueness is your superpower
Small, fragile, and seemingly bashful possums have the unique ability to feed on plants that are deemed poisonous to other animals. Not only do they represent your capacity to accept and adapt to changes, but it is also a reassurance that each one of us is perfect in our own little ways.
You have your own unique traits and characteristics that may be different from others, but they’re where your true essence shines through. Reflect on this message from the possum and uncover what makes you special and how you can use it to your benefit in your daily life.
Two are better than one
Known for their extraordinary ability to share parenting duties, possums make good use of the relationships they have and work together to achieve great things. Harmonious relationships are necessary for being fulfilled and supported in your life.
These relationships don’t necessarily have to be romantic; they can be family or friend connections. A possum may visit you when one of your relationships is struggling.
Identify which relationship this is and reflect on the problem at hand. Then, openly communicate with this person to help you find a solution and common ground.
Fertility
Observed to start being sexually active at 13 months of age, the possum’s average life span of 6-7 years gives them ample time to produce tons of babies. Highly revered as a symbol of fertility, the presence of these graceful critters indicates that a child has been granted to those around them.
If you’re trying for a baby, seeing a possum is a positive sign that your efforts will succeed. Sometimes, fertility isn’t just associated with babies; it also has ties to abundance.
Fulfillment of dreams
Cuddly and adorable in one way or another, possums would often whisk themselves into our lives to bring encouragement and reassurance that everything will be alright. They would come as a reminder that while there are times when our lives may seem unclear and dark, we should never underestimate the power of courage and patience to turn things around and attract success into our lives.
If you’re working on a special goal or project, the universe may send you a possum as a positive omen, letting you know that your efforts are paying off. Be prepared for greatness to soon come your way.
Spirit animal
Spending most of their time in rainforests while constantly chewing on eucalyptus, fruits, and flowers; possums can get intensely aggressive when it comes to the safety of their family. Putting into use a range of sounds such as clicks, screeching, hisses, and grunts, this spirit animal stirs you to hold the protection of your loved ones with the utmost importance.
Its presence tells us that while certain issues can be handled calmly, there is nothing wrong with using our skills and intelligence to protect ourselves. Known for their perseverance and cleverness, those with the possum as their spirit animal possess an exceedingly powerful mind that awakens your thirst for knowledge and wisdom.
Arriving as your spiritual guide at the most opportune time, this fruit and vegetable-loving animal encourages you to use the element of surprise and distraction not to inflict harm or inconvenience on others but to find a way to elude and outwit the pitfalls and traps that lie ahead.
Possum totem animal meaning
While the similarities are uncanny, possums and opossums are two entirely different creatures. While the opossums are quick to “play possums” in the face of danger, actual possums are more curious and are ready to defend themselves.
Those who are lucky enough to recognize that these brilliant spirit animals have visited them would understand how to use a brilliant strategy or a diversion rather than physical strength to realize what they long for.
Known to bode well in group situations, they have a knack for creating awesome strategies that help their team succeed even after facing what seemed like an insurmountable challenge.
Recognized for being sensible as well as humble, the opossum totem teaches us the value of patience and lying in wait to allow everything to flourish and develop naturally. While it may seem like an encouragement to be passive, this spirit guide would hurriedly scoot into our lives to reassure us that our skills and talents are enough to help turn our dreams into reality.
Possum symbolism in different cultures
The mischievous possum has been a symbol in many cultures throughout the world.
Native American culture
In North America, Cherokee tribes often viewed the possum as a trickster spirit animal. This is likely due to its ability to “play dead” as a form of survival. They also believed seeing a possum was a good omen and very beneficial for problem-solving as the creature would help them use their own wits to overcome challenges in their lives.
Cherokee tribes also believed the possums were a powerful symbol of adaptability and healing and had the power to ward off infection when they appeared in their lives.
Choctaw tribes have a legend of possums that explains how they become such “ugly” creatures. In the story, the possums were once very beautiful but had magic used against them and turned into a beast. Even though the possum no longer held the same beauty they once did, they could adapt to their circumstances and continue with their life.
Throughout Native tribes, possums were also associated with
Mexican culture
Purepecha people of Mexico believed possums had a direct connection to the spirit world. These creatures come out at night, which is likely why they were associated with the dead or beyond the veil.
Purepecha people believed possums could communicate with spirits and were connected to certain ancestors. Since possums are known for playing dead, they were often associated with illusions in folklore or stories told throughout Mexico.
Appalachian culture
Possums are abundantly found in the Appalachian mountains. Appalachians view possums as resourceful due to their ability to survive living in harsh environments. There are many myths and legends within the Appalachians, many of which involve the supernatural.
Because possums are nocturnal, people of Appalachia consider them to have the ability to walk between worlds and may even have a tricker-type spirit to them. Seeing a possum at night in the Appalachian mountains means you should be aware of your surroundings and keep your eye out for any supernatural happenings.
Additional spiritual meaning of possum figures
The possum is a symbol of transformation. It is a creature that can adapt to any situation and teaches us how to roll with punches. When the possum crosses your path, it may ask you to make changes in your life. Be willing to let go of what is no longer serving you, and be open to new possibilities.
The possum also teaches us about intuition. This creature relies on its intuition more than anything else, and it can teach us how to trust our instincts. If the possum has come into your life, pay attention to the messages that you are getting from your intuition. These messages may hold the key to your success.
Possums are also known for their playfulness. They love to have fun and remind us to lighten up and enjoy life. When the possum crosses your path, it may be time to let go of your stress and have some fun.
The possum is a creature of change, intuition, and playfulness. If this animal has crossed your path, there is likely something you need to learn from it.
Be open to new possibilities and pay attention to the messages that your intuition is sending you. Have some fun and enjoy life!
If you encounter a dead possum, make sure to read our post: dead possum meaning.
Conclusion
With their large rounded ears clawed toes and long furry tails, possums are perhaps not the most attractive divine messengers that may come to our consciousness. However, they swiftly move along to bring deep spiritual messages that we can take on our journey to make it a little more bearable and easy.
So, in times that you need a bolt of intelligence and wisdom in your life, maybe you can give your chimney, your roof, or your patio a glance, for you might find the presence of the possum staring at you with its mysterious black eyes.
FAQ
Biblical meaning of the possum?
The biblical meaning of possum is not very clear as this animal is not mentioned in the Bible. Possums are mentioned in folklore, where they are seen as symbols of resourcefulness and cunningness. In some Native American cultures, the possum represents transformation and adaptability, suggesting when times are tough we should remain resilient and continue to progress forward. Possums were also believed to be a carrier of powerful medicine that could bring healing or protection from harm.
What is seeing a possum at night meaning?
In certain cultures, seeing a possum may conjure up images of cunning or intellect, however, this is mainly seen as a matter of luck and happenstance. Even though there isn’t a single explanation for the animal’s late-night appearance, it shouldn’t be too difficult to notice its adaptability when it’s spotted wandering in the wild.
What is a baby possum’s spiritual meaning?
In many cultures, possums—including baby possums—are regarded as symbols of luck and tenacity. These fuzzy critters have long been admired for their grace and adaptability in handling difficult situations. It follows that the spiritual value attached to them can differ greatly depending on one’s culture or beliefs.
Are possums good luck?
Possums frequently elicit a range of responses; while they may be viewed as lucky charms in some cultures, others are wary of them. Symbolism may be quite potent because people’s interpretations differ depending on their own experiences and the culture in which they live.
What is the meaning of possum in your house?
Some consider them adaptive, resourceful creatures that bring luck, while some may see them as pests. Best to ensure their safe removal from your home.
