On the day I was writing about the Bear, it found a dramatic way to appear in my life. I expected it to show up around food or diet, but the experience went much deeper. While I was working, my seven year old son ran into the room crying because garlic was stuck in his ear. The day before, he had complained of ear pain with no fever or other symptoms. I knew it was likely water trapped inside. My mother had taught me an old remedy: placing a clove of garlic near the ear opening, never inside, to ease the pain. I had used a large clove to avoid any accidents.

Unfortunately, my son thought it was too big and broke off a small piece, pushing it into his ear. I panicked. Tweezers did not work. I called my husband at work, but he was in meetings. It was late Friday afternoon and the doctor’s office was closed. The emergency room was my next option. Meanwhile, my son was perfectly calm, playing as if nothing had happened.

I took a deep breath and asked the cards whether we could remove the garlic without going to the emergency room. I pulled the Sun and felt immediate relief. Then I asked who would remove it. In my mind, Dog would mean a doctor. I drew the Bear instead. My first instinct was my husband. He is physically strong, broad shouldered, and authoritative. But the Bear can also represent the mother, so I pulled one more card for clarity. I drew Lilies, indicating an older male figure. That confirmed it.

Forty five minutes later, my husband came through the door. He had canceled important meetings, rushed home, examined our son’s ear, took the tweezers, and removed the garlic in under a minute. That was pure Bear energy. The card described his physical presence, his role, and his instinctive protective response as a father.

We both learned valuable lessons that day. Never leave garlic unattended near a child’s ear, and always give clear instructions. My son learned never to put anything in his ears again. As for the garlic, it worked perfectly. Within twenty four hours, the ear pain was gone.

Traditionally, the Bear advises keeping distance from people who are jealous of your success. In the Grand Tableau, I first look for the Bear to assess the querent’s financial condition. It may also appear as the mother, mother in law, or sometimes the boss, depending on context and surrounding cards.

When surrounded by positive cards, the Bear brings confidence, vitality, courage, and promises success in upcoming plans. When surrounded by negative cards, its shadow side emerges: bullying, domination, and control. Outcomes may feel oppressive or conflict ridden, leaving the querent in a weakened position.