Having just returned from another amazing African STAR (Self Transformation Adventure Retreat), filled with magical people and astonishing animal encounters, I’m even more obsessed with non-human creatures than usual.

Anyway, I’m getting a bit confused by the number of different of meanings various sources associate with a given animal. Do bats really represent the ability to navigate in the dark, or is that a toad attribute? Does the lizard outside my window mean I need to relax in the sun or be more compassionate?
 
Furthermore, it seems odd to me that no negative qualities are ever associated with any animal. I mean, really—malaria mosquitoes? Plague rats? Let’s face it: there’s some messed up animal juju floating around out there. So periodically in this newsletter and on my FB page, I’ll be sharing the animal totems you wish you knew more about: the marginalized, the disrespected, nay I say, the lame. You’ll learn the illuminating messages they hold for you. You’re welcome.

Possum is the embodiment of emotional paralysis and questionable personal hygiene. Possum extends her prehensile tail into your awareness when you just can’t muster the energy to work, relate to loved ones, or bathe. Possum energy is inert, scrofulous, smelly, and unwilling.

The message of the possum is that it’s time for you to focus deeply on everything you have been procrastinating about and everyone you have failed.

When under stress, use the energy of possum to help you breathe shallowly, keep all your muscles rigid, and pray to sweet baby Jesus that it all just goes away.