Bear Deity of Pomo
In the traditions of the Pomo people of Northern California, the bear holds immense spiritual importance as a being bridging the human and animal worlds. The Pomo, who lived in the bear-rich lands of the Russian River Valley and Clear Lake basin, developed elaborate rituals centered around the grizzly bear, once abundant in their territory. The bear deity is associated with healing and shamanic power, as Pomo shamans believed they could transform into bears to access supernatural abilities. The Pomo Bear Doctors formed a powerful secret society that used bear spirit power for curing and divina