Sea Animal Guides - Large

Whale:
There are several traits associated with the whale, and these mostly centre around looking inwards.
One of those is wisdom. Many large whales live for around the same number of years as humans do these days, but some, such as the bowhead whale, can live for over 200 years. As such, we ascribe a level of wisdom to this creature; think about how much we as people can experience and grow in just a few years, let alone what we could achieve in 200. We can look to the whale to share the wisdom of its years, and help us unlock the wisdom that we need to guide us through our years.
Another association of the whale, and one which I personally feel very strongly when working with whale animal guides, is communication. Whales use three main sounds to communicate with each other - whistles, clicks, and what are known as 'pulsed calls'. They are very clever in their use of these communication methods. They will use clicks to help with navigation and understanding their physical surrounding, by analysing the way a click bounces off an object to help determine the shape and size of that object. Clicks are also used to help differentiate between those creatures who are friendly and those who may be predatory. In fact, different pods of whales have been observed to have different dialects when using these clicks and whistles which can help them identify other members of their whale pod. It is also believed through scientific study that whales use these methods as a way of communicating socially, not just for practical means such as navigating and hunting. As such, the whale represents finding, listening to, and expressing your inner voice. Use your voice and don't be afraid to tell the world exactly what it is you need. Find your own truth and feel confident in expressing that through language, whatever language you use. The whale is great for those who also need to feel more confident in the physical way they communicate - I'm very self- conscious about the sound of my voice which doesn't really help when you're making videos! I can also stutter pretty badly when I'm put on the spot, but the whale can help us love and appreciate the uniqueness in the way that we communicate.
The whale is also associated with healing. Whilst it is associated with both physical and emotional healing, I personally find that its strength lies in emotional healing and emotional rebirth. There is strong scientific evidence which shows that whales, and dolphin s actually, display behaviours which could be attributed to certain emotions, such as grief (although it is worth noting that we may never truly know how a whale 'feels' in the context of what it is experiencing). By focusing on the energies of these creatures we can help heal our own emotional hurts - it promises that if we look inward and trust in ourselves we can see it through the difficult periods, and that we will eventually look back on this time and feel proud of the strength we exhibited and the progress we have made. And this is another association of the whale; a peaceful strength that we can call upon to help us through when we need it.  
The final core association of the whale is that of family and community. What with everything we have explored so far about the whale, it will probably be unsurprising to you that whales are sociable creatures. Whilst many whales live in pods some don't, and these pods can be of varying sizes. For example, the beluga whale will travel in pods of between 2 and 25, and the narwhal will travel in pods of between 4 and 20. In fact, sometimes beluga whales and narwhals will travel in groups together. However, there are some species such as the  blue whale who are very solitary, and will only travel in pairs at the very most. On the whole though, the majority of whales prefer to keep within groups, and as we have said, even have different dialects that differ from other groups to help them differentiate their pod from others. They exhibit shared and learned behaviour including hunting techniques and songs. Whale song can vary from group to group and are thought to signify a variety of different things. In fact, whale song is learned from whale to whale and evolves over time, very much like our own musical evolution. The whale can help us realise and appreciate the benefits of living in a community - the friendship, the protection, the trading for foods and other goods, the sharing of knowledge and learning. It can help us to realise our place in our community and foster a sense of selflessness.
There are many different types of whale. The narwhal, beluga, and orca whale I want to talk about separately as they have some differences in their associations that I want to highlight. However, there is the blue whale, sperm whale, humpback, fin whale...and several more. The majority of them share these associations, but they may also have their own, unique associations in addition to that. The best way to determine this is to look at their behaviour and ask yourself, what does it mean to you? For example, whilst the majority of whales are sociable creatures, the blue whale is much more solitary. As such, the blue whale can also represent recognising when you need to take some time out and go at it alone. The bowhead whale lives in the arctic and has a broad head to break through the ice. As such, it can also represent a more pro-active strength, and the ability to power through and break through all obstacles in your way. Meditate, or journey, and see what comes to you when you call upon these animals to get a better idea as to how they can aid you in this world.

The Beluga Whale:
The beluga whale is one of the most social of the whale types - their pods can number in the hundreds. They are also one of the most vocal whales, and are often called 'the canaries of the seas' because of it. The beluga whale is especially good to work with when you are feeling stressed or anxious. If you are struggling to relax or sleep, the playfulness of the beluga whale can help us. It helps us to release our worries, or any negativity, and to embrace our childlike sense of wonder. It can help instill gratitude for the good things we have in our lives, and to focus on the good rather than the bad. Imagination is one of the associations of the beluga whale, and by connecting with their energy we can take a moment to be transported into another world, a carefree place where our hearts are content. One of the meditations you will have access to later is centred around this energy, and I find it a really useful one if I am experiencing anxiety which is stopping me from sleeping.

Sharks:
There are over 500 different species of shark in the world, but I am going to focus this segment o sharks as a whole, rather than picking out individual species.
One of the associations of the shark is protection, and the shark teaches us that prevention is better than cure when it comes to protection. Sharks have what is often called a sixth sense. Essentially, they can tap into the small electrical fields that other animals generate and use this in addition with their other senses such as smell, to hunt prey but also avoid predators. The shark uses this ability before they are even born. Researchers working with brown bamboo-banded shark embryos, contained in their egg case,  used these electric fields to imitate that of a predator. They found that the embryos deliberately slowed their gill movements to help avoid detection. In addition to this, the shark is known as an apex predator with a keen sense of sight as well as hearing and their sixth sense. The skin on the whale shark is about six inches thick - they are literally thick skinned! As such, the shark can help us during times that look like they could cause us some grief, or if we suddenly find ourselves in a situation where we are having a load of negativity thrown at us, especially if that negativity is deliberate or malicious. Take the appropriate action to protect yourself,
Action is another key association of the shark. Whilst the shark is very aware and knows when to act and when to avoid confrontation, I have personally found that when the shark appears to me, it means that the time to take action is now. As a fierce predator, the shark knows how to hone in on what it is that it wants and get it, and we can use this energy to direct towards our own goals. Some sharks, such as the great white shark can actually heat their own eyes to help them better detect movement and improve the resolution of their eyesight. Remember, they are thick skinned, and great whites especially specialise in sneak attacks. In fact, the great white shark is known to be able to travel up to 2,500 plus miles without pausing to rest or even eat. They are powerful and motivated creatures and so the shark can also represent just going for it! They are symbols of opportunity and adventure, and promises that great things will happen if you put the work in.
Their power, heightened senses, and fierceness make them great animals to work with if you are in a position of leadership where you need to be tough. Or if you need to draw on your own confidence and take control of a situation. They are so tough that even their embryos have been known to attack one another. It allows them to be one step ahead of the game at all times, but beware - the shark also has a devastating bite, so like the shark make sure you know when to bite and when to back off. With a bit of self-reflection we can take our weaknesses and turn them into strengths, and use these to better ourselves.

Manta Ray:
There are two species of manta ray; the giant manta ray and the reef manta ray.
Manta rays are what is known as filter feeders. They swim with their mouths wide open, drawing in krill and zooplankton which they then sift through their gill plates. They also exhibit some interesting behaviour when feeding, such as doing somersaults and barrel rolls to allow them to stay in one area which may be densely populated whilst feeding, or following one another in a circle to create a cyclone effect and trapping their food in a cyclone. As such, the manta ray represents going with the flow - easy, carefree - not forcing anything, just making the most of the opportunities that come to you. If you find that you are worrying about how your life is progressing, or the direction you are taking, the manta ray can help us chill out and just enjoy the journey.
Manta rays also have the largest brain-to-size ration of any cold-blooded fish. Studies have shown that they potentially have the same high cognitive function we attribute to dolphins and whales. They are also able to use smell and visual queues to help create mental maps of their environment, indicating a highly developed long-term memory. They can teach us to cherish the memories we make, and to make sure that we are using our heads when needing to make decisions.
Despite their size, manta rays are harmless - they glide through, just living their life and letting others live theirs. Use the manta ray if you find yourself getting too caught up in the lives of others, or feel you are becoming too judgemental.

Orca:
The orca, or killer whale, shares the traits of the whale but also has some additional or more prominent traits. For one, they are very intelligent, and have the second largest brain of any animal in the animal kingdom behind the sperm whale. However, this intelligence is well balanced with emotion. The orca has one of the most elaborate insular cortices in the world, and this is the part of the brain which is involved in consciousness, and is linked to a range of emotions such as compassion, empathy, self-awareness, and inter-person experience. As such, the orca can help us find a balance between our heads and our hearts. In that sense, they are great animals to work with if you feel that you are often consumed by your emotions, or are the type that acts first and thinks later. Similarly, they are also great animals to work with if you have trouble feeling or even accepting your emotions, or if you struggle with empathy for others.
As the whale is generally associated with the community and family, the orca whale prominently embodies these traits. Orca whales mate for life, and so they are especially associated with romantic love, fidelity, and devotion. They will travel for thousands of miles to find the right mate, and so the orca also teaches us to know our romantic worth and to not settle for anything less than we deserve. They are gentle and patient with those that they love, especially their young, and so make good animals for new parents to work with! Especially female parents; the orca whale has a very feminine energy, and orca whale pods are quite matriarchal. A female leads each pod and will teach the younger orca's everything they need to survive. If the mother passes away, then a sister, grandmother, or next-in-line female will take over. As such, they are great animals to work with if you feel the urge to get in touch with your feminine energies.
I've heard orcas referred to as the guardians of the oceans' secrets, and along with their high level of intelligence, are also associated with wisdom and most whales are. Finally, I personally associate the orca with creativity - the way they communicate, that goddess energy, the playful way in which they move always evoke feelings of creative inspiration in myself, and so if you are struggling with creative blocks, then the orca whale may be able to help.

Sea Turtle:
Scientists have struggled to determine exactly how long the sea turtle can live for, but some estimates place it at between 30 and 100 years. They are slow swimmers (although it is worth noting that they can take off at almost triple their speed!), and as such they make great creatures to work with if you feel like you need to take a slower pace. If life is moving too fast or if you are struggling to keep out, the sea turtle can teach us that sometimes the best thing to do is just take a step back and slow down. That isn't to say that you should stop and give up completely; the turtle is determined and persistent and still determined to get to where it needs to go. It just does so in a more peaceful and calm way which can help us navigate the chaos that life can throw at us. They are creatures of habit; many females return to the same beach each year to lay their eggs, and so if building new habits to help you manage the chaos in your life is something you are looking to do, then again the sea turtle can help.
The turtle's shell effectively acts as its home, and I've heard the turtle referred to carrying the whole world on its back, which really resonated with me. As such, the sea turtle is a great energy to connect with if you feel as if you are becoming too materialistic or are struggling to work out what it is you want from life. The sea turtle can help us put it in perspective by helping us understand exactly what it is that we need to get by in life - everything else is just a bonus. It encourages stability, and making sure that we have this sure sense of self as we progress. Similarly, it is a great animal to work with for those who may feel like they have become burdened, like they are carrying the whole world on their own backs, by again bringing us perspective, persistence, and a quiet, determined endurance.
Because of the above, the sea turtle is also a great animal to work with if you need help accepting your path. Everyone is different - some more than most, and we can experience fear or insecurity if we choose a path or way of life that isn't seen to be conventional. The sea turtle can help us feel more comfortable and empowered in the path that we choose, and so can be especially useful for those who feel like they don't fit in or are working through body image issues, dysmorphia, etc.

Narwhal:
The Narwhal is often  called the unicorn of the sea thanks to their distinctive tusk that protrudes from their head. The tusk is actually a tooth and is mainly prominent on male Narwhals, although some females do grow a small tusk of their own. However, scientists aren't entirely sure what they use this tusk for, although believe it could be to attract a mate, although I will talk more on this in a quick moment. The Narwhal is related to beluga whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and so embodies many of the associations of those animals. However, there are some associations which are more specific to the narwhal.
Going back to their tusk, whilst scientists aren't 100% sure as to how or why the Narwhal uses it, they have made some interesting observations. This tusk actually contains a lot of sensory nerve endings connected to their brains, so it is believed that they can use this tusk to detect changes in the environment. One researcher from the Harvard school of dental medicine noted that when the tusk was exposed to different levels of salt in the water, there was a change in the Narwhal's heart rate. This has led them to believe that they can use this tusk to essentially 'taste' the concentration of chemicals in the water, and so could be used to help them find food. This is very similar to that 'sixth sense' we talked about with the orca whale. This, combined with the general mysterious nature of the narwhal and its tusk has led to the narwhal being associated with mysticism and spiritual growth. The narwhal teaches us that magic is within us, and helps us to unlock it and progress in our own spirituality. It can also aid us in honing our senses, physical as well as metaphysical, and is a great animal to work with if you want to increase your intuition, perception, and your ability to see the unseen.

Walrus:
Walruses are hardy creatures - their blubber can be up to six inches thick, and males weigh around 2,645 pounds. The males are called bulls, and use their large chests and shoulders to protect them in battle.
Those who resonate with the energy of the walrus usually don't like change, and so actually the walrus is the perfect animal if you are going through a period of unwanted change. Whilst they are steadfast in their ways, and they may grumble about it, they will see through this change. The walrus can help us stay grounded and just 'get on with it', whether we like it or not. It doesn't promise we will like this change, but it will help us put our heads down and just get it done.
Walruses are also quite social creatures. They are a good animal to work with if you struggle in social situations; maybe you are prone to give in to peer pressure, or maybe you find yourself changing your personality to fit in with the group around you? The walrus can make us feel more comfortable and confident in ourselves in social situations. If you find you have a problem with saying no to that extra drink, or feel like you have to go to that club until 1am even though you would much rather be tucked up in bed with a good book, the walrus can help us establish boundaries and enforce them with those around us.

Sea Lion & Seal:
The sea lion and seals are very similar, and whilst they belong to the same family they are different creatures. Differences include the way they move - sea lions walk on all four flippers whilst seals bounce on their bellies, and sea lions use their front flippers to swim whilst seals use their back flippers. However, in terms of what they represent from an animal guide point of view, they are very similar so I am going to talk about them together.
Sea lions are quite communicative, and they tend to bark just like a dog, which is different from seals who use their flippers and the weight of their bodies to make various noises to communicate with other seals. Both live in large social groups, and on land they like to form large groups and lie close to one another, or even on top of one another. So the sea lion and the seal emphasises the need for physical contact and comfort, and can help those who may struggle with physical intimacy, even in just the form of a hug. We can use the sea lion to help us feel more comfortable expressing our emotions in a physical way, and in asking for help and comfort from others where we might usually feel uncomfortable in doing so. It helps us open our hearts and let others in.
One of the other associations of the sea lion and the seal is creativity. Young seal lions and those who aren't breeding are considered to be the most playful of the species in the otarid family, and often chase each other, ride the surf, and engage in play fighting such as pushing each other off of rocks. We can use this energy and put it towards our creative endeavours, allowing it to motivate us and explore and define our own creative style; I personally find this especially true for those who engage in artistic pursuits such as drawing or painting.
The sea lion can also sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, and stay underwater for days before needing to come up for air. As such, they can also remind us that we need to take a break sometimes. If you are the type of person that can get really into something and find that you aren't getting enough sleep because you're too invested in writing your book, or you aren't making time to eat decent meals because you just have to finish that piece of artwork, then the seal can help us find the balance between indulging in our creative expression without obsessing over it. So if you are the sort of person who struggles with this sort of balance or setting and sticking to a routine, then the sea lion is for you.
On the other hand, the seal sleeps a lot less, but sleeps with half of its brain at a time. So whilst the left half of its brain is asleep, the right half will still be active and vice versa, and so the seal specifically can also represent resourcefulness, and encourages working smarter, not harder.

Porpoise:
The porpoise and the dolphin are very similar creatures, both physically and in the way that they act. When it comes to animal guide meanings, you will find a lot of people just lump them in with dolphins, which I don't think is quite fair. Whilst they both belong to the catacea order, they belong to different families of the catacea order. Whilst they do share many qualities, there are some key differences which means that representing them as interchangeable as animal guides is a bit misguided.
Where dolphins are quite sociable creatures, who live in large groups and enjoy swimming alongside boats and playing, porpoises live in much smaller groups and are also much shyer. They will rarely approach boats or humans in the same way that dolphins do. The energy of the porpoise is good for those who value having a small group of really close friends and family over a large group of people you don't know too well or only see on social occasions. The porpoise is very much the opposite of the social butterfly! This energy can also help us determine the people that are really important to us and who our real friends are. So if you are feeling disconnected from your friends or family, or maybe you aren't sure which of those people around you that you want to be close with, or if you are looking to form a deep relationship with the people around you, then the energy of the porpoise can help.

Dolphin:
Dolphins have captivated the imagination for hundreds of years. They figure frequently in the ancient world. There are many tales of dolphins helping and saving humans from drowning and aiding the Gods.  They were known as the messengers of Poseidon, and according to myth Poseidon sent a dolphin to save his son Taras from a shipwreck, the image of which can be found on old Roman coins. As such, the dolphin can appear when maybe you need to look inward and start taking care of yourself; if you are struggling or burning out, the dolphin can remind us to practice self-care and compassion for ourselves.
According to Roman mythology, dolphins also carried the souls of the dead to the Island of the Blessed, and as such they can help us manage the grief that comes with losing a lost one. Their ability to travel between the mortal world and the world of spirits makes them great animals to work with if you are sensitive to spirits, or even to help you as astral travel or journey into the otherworlds they can guide us between the worlds. It also associates them with rebirth and renewal, which ties in with the self-care aspect - sometimes difficult situations are a catalyst for transformation, and the dolphin can guide us through that. This is especially true when we are talking about a spiritual transformation.
Dolphins are also known to be extremely playful and intelligent creatures. They are often observed swimming alongside boats, it is thought because they enjoy the current that the boats create. But the dolphin can remind us to embrace our inner child and have some fun! It's important to take a break and indulge in hobbies or activities just for the hell of it. If you are the type of person who thinks 'I don't have time to read that book, I need to put the washing on, mow the lawn, wash the car...and so on' and then find yourself burnt out by the end of the day or feeling as though you just aren't getting the chance to relax, working with the dolphin can help you understand why it is important to set aside the time to have a bit of fun, and then actually do it. They represent happiness, humour, and gratitude.
Dolphins are also very sociable creatures, and seen to be very cooperative and peaceful. Like many whales they are very vocal and have different whistles and clicks. They will also later the pitch and the volume of their clicks to help communicate, and to recognise other dolphins from their social groups. They tend to form bonds for life, and as such the dolphin represents community, friendship, diplomacy, and harmonious relationships. This can be especially beneficial if for whatever reason you find yourself often in situations where you need to act as a mediator; maybe in your work life or in your person life between family or friends, or maybe you yourself feel that you struggle to express your opinions in an open and non-aggressive way. Whatever the reason, the dolphin is a great energy to work with if you find the need to keep the peace, especially through use of language and communication.
Courtesy and virtue are another two traits associated with the dolphin; if you find it difficult to act with others in mind or are prone to selfish behaviours which have the potential to harm others, then the dolphin can help us find our moral compass and act in ways which are for the good of the many and not the few. And it can do so in a way which means we don't let others walk over us in the pursuit of finding a resolution, or have to compromise on our core beliefs and values.

Octopus:
Octopuses are fascinating creatures. They have three hearts, their blood is blue,  and their arms literally have a mind of their own; most of their neurons are in their arms rather than their heads, meaning that they can use their arms to do one thing whilst focusing on something completely different. They have also been around  a very long time, the oldest octopus skeleton is 296 million years old.
The octopus is an expert of camouflage. They can change colour to hide, to send a warning to other creatures, and to attract a mate. And they don't just change their colour, they can alter their appearance such as by changing the texture of their skin to imitate rocks and other features of the landscape. And so one of the associations of the octopus is flying under the radar. Whilst it could be interpreted as changing aspects of yourself to fit in with others or in order to adapt in a specific situation, to me it feels more representative of keeping a low profile. You may have something that you are mulling over, or perhaps you have something you are currently working on or a particular goal you are trying to achieve. The octopus tells us that it is best to keep this to ourselves for now, to work on it in private, and not give too much away. This can also apply to feelings or emotions we are experiencing; the octopus could be telling us now is not the time to make a scene or act confrontational, but to wait for the right moment.
The octopus, like many of the animals on our list is a very intelligent creature. They have been seen to problem solve, use tools, and complete complex tasks. The octopus is associated with hard work; it teaches us that whilst luck can play a part in our success, so too must hard work. They are methodical, practical, and have the quiet determination to see things through. This we can learn from the octopus; the ability to stay steadfast, and to persevere with what we are working to.