The Koala is known by many as one of the cutest animals on the planet, but they are much more than eye-candy. These teddy bear-like creatures have multiple layers of personality that is worth a good look into. Usually, they are gentle and relaxed creatures, contented to hug the nearest eucalyptus tree and chew on its leaves. Just like lions, the Koala can sleep for up to 20 hours a day. This is their standard behavior, even when you observe them in the wild.
However, when provoked, the Koala loses all its cuteness and shows ferocity. In fact, many consider the Koala pretty dangerous because of its behavior. Though a Koala has a slow metabolism and is slow to anger (among other emotions), finally snapping their sharp claws can really bring on the pain.
Koala Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal
I
Koala Symbolism & Meaning
The Koala may be one of the best animal symbols when it comes to adapting a zen attitude towards life. They very rarely let annoyances bother them, and they respond to only real threats. This is a wisdom that we humans could greatly learn from.
Humans, despite having the highest intellects among all earthly creatures, aren’t very good at controlling emotions. We react greatly to unimportant things, only because they appear urgent (and even then this urgency may be misjudged). The Koala teaches us that we should learn to properly discern what is important and what isn’t, which things will have their impact years down the road and which will only be minor annoyances.
II
Koala Spirit Animal
When the Koala climbs aboard as your spirit animal, it is time to spread the love. Aside from being really cool, the Koala has a natural maternal instinct (as all marsupials do). This means they form really good bonds with their families, and this same instinct extends to others, too.
And of course, following the example of the Koala, one could only spread the love if it stems from oneself. The presence of the Koala reminds us to be kind to ourselves, to give ourselves a break, and not rush things too much. There are times when in our quest to grab opportunities, we are doing more harm than good to ourselves. So don’t rush, cut yourself some slack, and take a breather every once in a while.
III
Koala Power Animal
If you are suffering from stress in daily life, and if you need to find a way out of the hamster wheel, then call on the Koala to give you much-needed relaxation. The Koala energy helps you find real relaxation that comes from within, a choice you make instead of something that is given from the outside.
The Koala is also a great help if you are feeling out of tune with your mind and body. More often than not, our stress comes from the heavy feeling of things slipping through the cracks, of events going beyond our control. The Koala reminds us that in every storm there is an eye, where things are calmer. Add to this the fact that it is also from this eye that we get a new perspective on things!
IV
Koala Totem Animal
People born under the Koala totem are generally seen as lazy, but that assumption would be a mistake. By nature, they are calm and slow-moving, but that does not mean they don’t have a purpose to their actions. They just choose the more laidback route, choosing to enjoy the scenery along the way instead of roaring towards the finish line. They embody the old adage that “life is a marathon, not a sprint”.
Socially, a person born under the Koala totem is also very helpful. When they find someone in need, they will not hesitate to help in whatever way they can. They are patient, and their instincts know just how they can best impact those who need them. They can also be great dreamers, passionate about things, and certainly ready to influence others with this passion.
V
Koala Native American Symbolism
The Koala is an Australian native, and hence the First People of the Americas have not encountered them. The animal also does not have any similar symbols in the Native American pantheon.
VI
Koala Celtic Symbolism
The ancient Celts also did not encounter the Koala, and neither do they have similar animal symbols pertaining to relaxation and self-love.
VII
Koala Far Eastern Symbolism
The closest Far Eastern animal symbol for the Koala would be the kingfisher, which in China symbolizes peace.
VIII
Koala in Dreams
When you dream of the Koala, you should take a moment to step back and look at the defenses you have set up around yourself in your waking life. Are they still protecting you, or have you grown so much that they have started hampering and constricting you? Maybe it is time to loosen up. The things you have been shielding yourself from in the past may already be just trivial happenings today.
IX
Koala Encounters / Koala Omens
When you encounter a Koala, strive to be a peaceful influence on others as well. Peace isn’t meant to be something experienced by your lonesome. Be sensitive to the atmosphere around you, and strive to send out relaxing vibes especially when things seem charged. This way, you not only help them take on the difficult world, you have also helped them take one step closer to a higher mental plane that starts with being at peace with oneself.
X
Koala Mythology and Folklore
While the Koala is not known to a majority of the world’s ancient cultures, they have great significance in the Australian pantheon of symbolisms. Like the kangaroo, the aboriginal people have attributed different stories to the Koala.
One origin story states that the Koala once drank so much water that there was drought everywhere else. This gave rise to the practice of honoring the Koala (unusually, by cooking it) and beseeching the Koala spirit to share his water.
Another origin story mentions that the Koala was responsible for creating the bridge that connected Australia to other lands, hence allowing different people and communities to come together and live as one in the land.
