Possum Spirit Animal Symbolism & Meaning

Written by Crystal
Updated: June 7, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Listen to Article

Possums can teach us a great deal about how to live our lives successfully. They’re incredibly resilient animals that know how to make the most of what they have. They also exhibit a strong sense of community, working together for the greater good. They teach us about the importance of living in harmony with others and taking care of our environment. If more people looked to possums for advice, the world would be a much better place!

If you feel a connection to possums, they might be your spirit guide. Read on to learn all about possum spirit animal symbolism, meaning, and more.

Possum as a Spirit Animal

possums

If the possum is your spirit animal, you are an adaptable and creative problem-solver.

©Stuart Elflett/Shutterstock.com

What does it mean if the possum is your spirit animal?

If the possum is your spirit animal, you are an adaptable and creative problem-solver. You are also a great teacher, and you have the ability to be flexible when guiding others.

Possum Symbolism and Meaning

Possom Symbolism and Meaning Infographic

Possums are creatures of the night, and they can be symbols of darkness. But possums can also represent light and hope. Possums are also sly and cunning animals, but there is more to them than meets the eye. In many cultures, possums are symbols of good luck, fertility, and abundance. They are also great problem-solvers, and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances makes them excellent teachers. If you have been feeling lost or confused lately, it may be time to connect with your inner possum.

Positive Characteristics of the Possum Spirit Animal

What positive characteristics does the possum hold as a spirit animal? Here are some of the key things that possums can teach us:

  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • How to teach
  • Flexibility
  • Innovation
  • Creativity

Problem Solver

Possums have a knack for coming up with creative solutions to problems, and this is something we can all learn from. Their flexible nature allows them to devise solutions to problems that might stump others.

Great Teacher

Possums are excellent teachers. They have a strong understanding of how to adapt their lessons to fit the student’s needs. If you feel like you need some guidance in your life, your inner possum may be trying to tell you that it’s time to seek out a teacher.

Highly Flexible

Possums are highly flexible creatures. They can twist and turn their bodies in ways other animals can’t, allowing them to get out of tricky spots. They don’t stress about the little things, and this is something we can all learn from.

Negative Characteristics of the Possum Spirit Animal

What are the negative characteristics of the possum spirit animal? Here are some things to watch out for:

  • Lazy
  • Sneaky
  • Messy
  • Dirty
  • Sneaky

Possums can be sneaky creatures. They steal food from other animals, which can sometimes lead to conflict. If you find yourself being too sneaky for your own good, it might be time to reevaluate your motives. It’s important to use your cunning for good and not for harmful deeds.

Messy

Possums can be messy. They are messy eaters, and their homes can often be disorganized. If you find yourself being too messy, take some inspiration from the possum and tidy up your act!

Dirty

When you go beyond clutter, things get dirty! Possums are dirty animals, and this is something to watch out for if you have the possum as your spirit animal. You might not see the dirt you’re carrying around, spiritually speaking. It’s good to let go of what’s no longer helping you and wash your heart clean.

Picky Eater

Possums love snacking on tea tree leaves; they’re obsessed with them! If you are a possum at heart, you probably have a favorite snack too. If it’s not a healthy snack, look for a nutritious substitute that still hits the spot. Learning to find foods that make you healthy and happy will help you have an advantage over the day.

How To Be the Best Possum Spirit

Animals with Opposable Thumbs-possum

The possum is a trickster spirit known for its cunning and resourcefulness.

©Timothy Christianto/Shutterstock.com

When you balance your good and bad possum characteristics, you’ll notice new opportunities opening up. How can you tap into your inner possum and use your talents wisely? Here are a few ideas:

Career

In Aboriginal mythology, the possum is a trickster spirit known for its cunning and resourcefulness. These same qualities can also be helpful in the modern workplace. If you feel stuck in your career, take a cue from the possum and start thinking outside the box. Whether you’re looking to make a major professional change or simply want to add some excitement to your current role, harnessing the power of the possum can help you achieve success.

Relationships

Possums are popular for their playfulness. Channeling this energy can help inject fun into your relationships, specifically meeting new people. Instead of sticking to the same old routine, mix things up and do something unexpected. This could be anything from planning a surprise outing to spontaneously changing your plans for the evening.

Finances

Possums have scavenging habits and are careful to take only what they need. In other words, they know how to live within their means. As the possum spirit animal, you can take this advice to heart and be mindful of your spending. Just because you have the means to buy something doesn’t mean you need to. Instead, focus on only purchasing what you truly need and save your money for a rainy day. By following the possum’s lead, you can stay on solid financial ground.

How To Interpret a Possum Dream

What does it mean if you see a possum in your dream? A possum might symbolize a hidden aspect of oneself. Alternatively, the dream may try to point out something that the dreamer is ignoring.

Possums are also known for being able to adapt to different environments, so the dream may suggest that the dreamer needs to be more flexible in their thinking. As with all dreams, however, it is important to consider the personal meaning that the dream has for the individual.

Only the dreamer can really know what their dreams mean. Recall the details of your dream and how it made you feel. Every bit of context can help you understand the message possum’s sending.

Are Possums a Good Omen?

Possum

There is no clear answer as to if possums are a good omen.

©Peter Firminger / CC BY 2.0, Flickr – License

Are possums a good omen? There is no clear answer, but one thing is certain: possums have been associated with death throughout history. Some say that the fact that possums are often seen near places of death indicates that they are attracted to the energy of the dying. Others argue that possums are simply scavengers and are attracted to the smell of rotting flesh.

Do Possums Represent Evil?

The question of whether possums represent evil is a complex one, and there is no easy answer. On the one hand, they are often associated with death and darkness, and they are known to be scavengers. On the other hand, they are also considered to be intelligent and resourceful animals, and they play an important role in the ecosystem.

Whether or not possums represent evil depends on your perspective. They can be a reminder of the complexity of life. Sometimes the good and bad energies of existence aren’t perfectly black and white.

Possums in Folklore and Mythology

Possums play a role in many legends and folktales from around the world. In Native American folklore, possums are often associated with wisdom and healing. And in many Asian cultures, possums are seen as symbols of good luck and abundance. No matter where you come from, there is likely a legend or folktale about possums that you can enjoy, like this story about why the possum’s tail looks the way it does.

Possums in Astrology

Possum Teeth - Bush-Tailed Possum Teeth

In astrology, possums can represent cleansing and new beginnings.

©Carolyn Smith1/Shutterstock.com

Possums are often considered dirty animals, but in astrology, they can represent cleansing and new beginnings. The possum is closely associated with the element of water, which symbolizes emotion, intuition, and purification.

Possums are also linked to the astrological sign of Pisces, which is known for its compassionate, creative, and dreamy qualities. In general, possums can symbolize fresh starts, creativity, and emotional healing. So if you need a psychological detox or a little creative inspiration, don’t be afraid to consult your local astrologer about the possum’s meaning in your chart.

Spirit Animals Compatible With the Possum 

If the possum is your spirit animal, you’ll have a lot of friends along life’s journey. Several spirit animal guides are compatible with possum energy.

Spirit animals compatible with possums include the following:

Each of these animals has unique qualities, but they all share the possum’s ability to adapt to change and live in harmony with nature. Take a moment to find out what spirit animal your closest friend relates to. Chances are it’ll be one that loves possum energy!

Ways To Connect to Your Inner Possum

Connect with your spirit guide by engaging in activities a possum would enjoy. Here are a few ideas for connecting with your inner possum:

Get Dirty

Play in the dirt, or if you hate the dirt, play in the sand. Get outside, and don’t be afraid to get messy. Try climbing a tress, rolling down a hill, and getting close to nature. By engaging in these activities, you will feel closer to the possum energy.

Eat Smart

Possums eat to survive, and you should too. Practice mindful eating for an entire day. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need, and choose foods that bring you joy. Plan each meal, and avoid giving in to snacking sensations. While you don’t have to eat insects, follow possums’ wisdom by filling up on fruits and grains.

Play Dead

Practice lying still likes the possum does when they play dead. What sounds do you notice? What feelings come up? Body movements and shapeshifting are powerful ways to evoke the essence of the possum. The more you play like a possum, the easier it’ll be to tap into your carefree possum ways.

Choosing the Possum as Your Spirit Guide

Possums symbolize many different things to different cultures. But no matter what possums mean to you, they can be a powerful spirit guide. Be open to the guidance being offered, and trust your intuition. Open up your mind and heart to the possum’s ways, and you will be able to create your unique connection to this amazing creature.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Timothy Christianto/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. https://doi.org/10.1080/0015587X.2013.767484 (2022) Pelayo Benavides (2013) Animal Symbolism in Folk Narratives and Human Attitudes towards Predators: An Analysis of their Mutual Influences, Folklore, 124:1, 64-80, DOI: 10.1080/0015587X.2013.767484
  2. Ted Andrews (2004) Andrews, Ted. 1952-2009. Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small/ Ted Andrews. Published Woodbury, Minnesota by Llewellyn Publications
  3. Dr. Steven Farmer, Available here: https://drstevenfarmer.com/blog/