ALLIGATORS and CROCODILES

By, Ted Andrews; Animal Speak 1993

Keynote: Primal Energies of Birth,

Motherhood, and Initiation

Alligators and crocodiles have had mixed symbology and imagery throughout the ages. To the ancient Egyptians they have been associated with fury and ferocity - the same aspects often given within mythologies to the unbridled feminine/creative forces of the world. The viciousness and destructive power was often symbolized as a mother swallowing her young. Inherent within this was the idea that there could not be death without life or life without death.

All alligators and crocodiles inhabit the water and the land. Water was always associated with the Great Mother, the feminine principle of life and therefore birth. Water, though, can also swallow you up. Creation and destruction and then more creation. This is the primal essence reflected within these reptiles.

Birth and death in any form are initiations, events that mark the end of one period and the beginning of another. This indicated the culmination of knowledge on one level and the seeking of newer knowledge on other levels. All of this reflected within the essence of alligators and crocodiles.

They patrol the waters and the shorelines that separate land from water - birth from death, etc. In this sense they can be seen as the keepers and protectors of all knowledge. They are the primal mothers in whom all knowledge rests and waits to be born.

This becomes even more significant when we realize that crocodiles and alligators are excellent mothers, which is unusual among reptiles. Both lay between 20 and 60 eggs, and when the young develop enough within the eggs to begin squeaking from the inside, the mother answers and helps them to hatch. She then carries them gently in her mouth down to the water.

Aside from the mothering energies attributed to these reptiles, they have been depicted in other ways as well in mythology. In the Hindu tradition Varuna, the god of waters, rides on a crocodile's back. Also in Egypt, because of its association with mud, it was often used as a symbol for fertility and power - with mud being the mixture of water and earth, allowing new life to grow.

In medieval Europe and earlier, because of their appearance (long body and tail), the alligator and crocodile were associated with the dragon. Sometimes it had the dragon's negative correspondence and sometimes the more positive. The dragon was often the guardian of treasures, often symbolic of hidden wisdom. Because alligators and crocodiles seem to hide within the water while guarding them, they were given the same role as the mythical dragons - the guardians of mystical treasures and wisdom's. To encounter an alligator or crocodile was to indicate an opportunity to begin to unfold and develop some new wisdom - wisdom that could swallow you up if not used correctly.

They are different animals, although close relatives. One of the primary differences is that the crocodile has a tooth that sticks upward from the lower jaw and the alligators doesn’t. Alligators will build a nest of mud and leaves, while the crocodile will dig a hole in the sand.

Crocodiles and alligators both have their eyes high on their head. This, of course, serves a practical purpose, enabling them to remain relatively hidden beneath the waters while still able to seek out prey. On a more symbolic level it hints at a higher vision and clairvoyance.

Although often considered silent creatures, they do vocalize. They hiss loudly when threatened. During mating season, they are known to roar.

Alligators serve a wonderful function in the conservation of other water animals. They will dig "gator holes" - small ponds of fresh water. These potholes in the mud slowly fill with the last remaining water in an area, creating a miniature oasis that will enabled it and other animal life to survive.

The alligator has a much more rapid growth rate than the crocodile. The average adult can grow to be around twelve feet. It can grow as much as a foot a year until it reaches its ultimate length. In cooler climates, the growth rate is less. Alligators rarely live past the age of 60. For those with this totem, you will see opportunity for initiation and the accumulation and use of new knowledge and wisdom occur more rapidly than with a crocodile totem, but it can also be more dangerous if not balanced. An alligator digests its food very slowly, reflecting a need to not go too fast too soon. Digest what you have experienced and learned before moving on to new things.

The crocodile has its own unique characteristics as well. It is most famous for shedding its "crocodile tears" a phrase that hints at fake sympathy and sadness. A crocodile does shed tears, but it is not out of pain or sorrow. IT is done to rid the eyes of salt. For those with the crocodile totem, care of the eyes will be important. If it has shown up as a totem, ask yourself some questions. Are you refusing to show emotions when you should? Are you showing emotions that are not true? Don't allow yourself to be blinded by emotions.

A crocodile will also keep its mouth open for extra cooling. Yoga teaches different breathing techniques in order to affect different systems of the body and the flow of energy. There are "cooling breaths". Studying and practicing these would be beneficial for anyone with this totem - especially when emotional situations around you begin to get hot.

If an alligator or crocodile has shown up, look for an opportunity to touch very primal energies. There is going to be an opportunity for strong birth and/or initiation that will open new knowledge and wisdom in some are of your life.