Bear in Dreams: Meaning in Depth Psychology

Fierce protection, and the wisdom of winter. The bear is the mother who would do anything for her young, and the animal that knows when to withdraw into the den. A bear dream can carry both: love with claws, and the need to go inward for a season and return renewed.

THE CORE MEANING

Primal maternal power, hibernation and renewal, the Great Mother in her fierce protective aspect. The bear is the mother who will kill to protect her young: instinctual love that is also dangerous. Also: hibernation as psychological withdrawal, going inward to regenerate.

VARIATIONS: CONTEXT CHANGES THE MEANING

mother bear: Fierce maternal protection: instinctual love that is also terrifying. The Great Mother in her guardian aspect.
hibernating bear: Necessary withdrawal: the psyche retreating into darkness for renewal. A low, inward season that can serve regeneration.
attacking bear: Overwhelming maternal or instinctual force: the Great Mother's devouring aspect, primal rage
bear cub: Young instinctual energy, new natural power, the Child archetype in its animal form
standing bear: The instinct standing up: asserting itself, demanding recognition, the animal self claiming its full stature

CONNECTS TO

The Great Mother The Mother The Shadow Sensation (Function)The Divine Child

All of that is the universal meaning. But what does bear mean to you? Your personal association matters more than any dictionary.