Since I was a child, I had a strange affinity for reptiles and amphibians. Western North Carolina hosts over 100 different species of amphibians alone. The largest number of salamander species in the world. No wonder I chased small creatures in the creeks and streams

My college Zoology professor was one of the most influential teachers I’ve ever had. When I discovered he taught a graduate level course in herpetology, I knew I was in.

I must have known subconsciously even then that Herps would be a big part of me. Growing up hiking and paddling all over the Appalachian mountains solidified that spirit in me.

Fast forward to a couple of summers ago when I spent most of it exploring the Pacific Northwest and specifically the Haida Gwaii archipelago by sea kayak. The indigenous Haida people, like most northwest natives believe deeply in Spirit animals. The eagle and raven clans are rulers of the people. Their spirits are the two main energies of that region.

Frogs can live in and travel between two worlds, on the earth and under the water, similarly they travel and communicate between this world and the spirit world. The frog is a helper to Shamans. He is a great communicator and his songs have spiritual and magical qualities. The Frog is associated with copper and wealth, and also with water, springtime and renewal. The Frog announces the end of the winter dance season. The final Snowflakes turn to Frogs when they touch the ground.  

Frogs are commonly represented in Northwest Coast wood carvings and jewellery. They are identified by their flat nose, broad toothless mouth, large eyes, prominent lips, webbed feet, and projecting tongue.  The frog is a primary clan crest in Native society.  Frog clan members often wear jewelry or tattoos to show their identity.  Frogs are carved on the top of totem poles to warn of impending danger.  They are also carved on the base to give stability to keep the pole from falling over.  They are sometimes depicted touching tongues with another figure representing the sharing of knowledge.  When the frog is depicted coming out of another’s eyes or mouth it also represents transfer of knowledge or spiritual communication.

In Haida stories Frog is one of Raven’s wives.  The Tsimshian believe the frog is the only child of mother earth.

I’ve known this since I was a child chasing salamanders and frogs in my backyard. The Frog has always been my Spirit Animal.