Totems: Kangaroo

The kangaroo is one of the most recognized animals of Australia. Legend has it that when explorer Captain Cook first saw a kangaroo he asked the local Aborigines the name of the creature who responded, “Kangaroo.” which translates to, “I do not understand you.” The more likely story of how the kangaroo got its name being that the word ‘kangaroo’ comes from the Aboriginal word ‘gangurru’.

This totem teaches to always move forwards instead of backwards, kangaroos themselves cannot personally move backwards but the importance of moving forwards will always be the same.

Kangaroos are known for their strength and stamina. Kangaroos do teach the need to have, not only strength, but also leadership and decisiveness. Endurance and of dealing with obstacles with instincts is also what the kangaroo teaches.
It is this creature who tells of the power of the warrior, not only in men, but women and children too.

There is also the lesson of the importance of family and hierarchy. Our role within a family is important as it is one’s role within a family and even with friends that can keep a family and friends together or tear them apart. This is probably why another lesson of the kangaroo is responsibility, as our actions and whatever consequences that follows is due to what we have done. Being responsible in general is important, making it a great lesson of the kangaroo.

The kangaroo itself is a great guide for those learning herbalism, have a strong connection to trees or have a wish to develop a stronger connection to all flora, as the symbolism of plants is relevant when the kangaroo totem is around.

Offerings to the kangaroo totem may include grasses and leaves, but it might also include fruits and vegetables such as carrots and corn.