I have had two strange encounters with centipedes in the last week and as there seems to be little information anywhere about the centipede as a power animal i thought i would throw it out to HP and see what comes back. I have heard they bring luck and protect you from black magic but has anyone else encountered the centipede or knows its meaning?
In folklore, it is believed that if a centipede counts your teeth......you will die!.
It is also believed by many mountain folk, that if you are bitten by a centipede...The flesh around the bite will fall away and the wound will not heal...
So,.....don't smile at a centipede.....:D
Hi Sunwings.....
The Centipede has a pair of legs attached to each section of it's body and even though they have numerous legs....they are prone to drowning.
Whilst on holiday this year in the mountains of Catalonia. I happened to notice many Centipedes had drown in the swimming pool of our villa. There were no overhanging branches....so they didn't fall in from above. ( which of course suprised me).
The only other explanation is.....they walked or fell in from the edge of the pool.
At the time, I thought' how the centipede had taught me a valuable lesson.
The way I intepeded Centipede is this;
Even though we have the ability to run at high speed, there are times when we need to slow down and proceed with caution and watch for the most obvious dangers around us.......the ones that we consider a pleasure, are indeed the ones we should be the most cautious of.
Oh, and by the by..Centipede is used by some tribal cultures in the treatment of some snake bites and Malaria.....Malaria affecting some 300 to 500 million people around the world annually....
I don't know if it helps but I found this on line:
The Centipede is a fast moving creature with many legs, its bite is poisonous and it is because of this that the Centipede is the symbol of Chiefs. They come in various colors and sizes, but usually do not grow larger than twelve inches. These larger types are known as Giant Centipede’s. The average Centipede is usually only several inches long. They do not like to be handled and will often bite if irritated. They are often kept as pets by many for their interesting coloring and reputation for bringing good luck.
The Centipede is the totem of Chiefs because of its poisonous bite and rapid movements. There is a legend about the Centipede that tells that its painful bite and quick movements frightens even the grand and magnificent Dragon. Indeed Centipede’s frighten many because of their rapid movement and many legged body. It is a wonder that something so small can humble even the largest and most threatening of creatures and people.
The Centipede possesses several virtues that are powerful and valuable and which any person would be wise to emulate or divine. One who has the power of the Centipede will see enhanced fortune and an improved social life. Many accomplished gamblers are fond of carrying them as they are small and can be stowed in a pocket or purse. They are said to bring increased winnings to gamblers and ward off bad luck or black magic.
The Lucky Centipede Totem possesses the following virtues:
Gamblers Luck, general good luck, speed, energy, quiet ferocity, healing, improved social life, reduction in negative energy.