The platypus is a well-known curiosity of Australia, and is surprisingly related to the echidna. Platypus has fur like an animal, lays eggs like a lizard or bird, has a soft leathery beak, webbed feet like a water bird, and swims like a fish – in fact, Platypus was originally considered a taxidermist’s joke in Europe! Platypus can certainly trigger a humorous laugh, he is such a mixed up creature!
Ancient Platypus bone and teeth fragments have been discovered in South America, pointing to more universal origins of this unique Aussie.
The male Platypus has a defensive poisonous spur on each hind leg; protective medicine, indeed! Bush folk say you can handle a wild juvenile platypus, they play and weave around your hands and if you are gentle, they won’t dig their spurs into you. Whether this is true or not, the message to not be threatening and intending no harm is part of ‘young’ Platypus energy.
Platypus detects his prey (shellfish, yabbies, worms and other aquatic creatures) by sensing the electrical impulses emitted. Energy awareness is part of Platypus’ medicine (astral, energy and auric work, magnetism, acupuncture, essences and kinesiology are some example of Platypus energy in action in the human world.)
Platypus energy meanders along surprising routes – so take notice of any senses, impulses and dreams you have, especially if they startle you. They may ripple across your awareness like a platypus leaving a wake in still water – if you’re not looking, you’d miss it. Platypus brings the element of startle via very usual mundane ways, through your daily encounters in life and the events you experience.
Nature, purity of the environment, (effects of pollution) as well as conservation issues, are important to those drawn to Platypus.
There is something about Platypus that is fascinating, as well as inspiring a sense of awe at the versatility and variety of life forms. Is he a bird, fish or mammal? Platypus is a member of many tribes, yet is unique; he carries the essence of paradox beautifully
Platypus brings a message of unity and tolerance. In your life, he can highlight group situations and the need for a considered approach, balance and diplomacy. In one well-known Dreaming from south-eastern Australia, Platypus is asked to join the individual tribes of the birds, fish and animals, for they each believe they are the best of all the creatures. Platypus thinks about it and decides to join them all, because no one is any better than anyone else! Interestingly, another version has Platypus not joining anyone, and this is why they are solitary creatures today.[1] Perhaps there is a need in your life for finding a balance between accepting others’ ways and creating your own, individual, way.
Another Dreaming attests that Platypus was the result of the unconsenting union between a water rat and his abducted duck[2]. This new breed still lives with only their own kind, being too different to be assimilated by either family. Because of this sense of differentness, they are very shy and avoid contact with others. Platypus may indicate a sense of social isolation, or differentness.
Platypus highlights the qualities of tolerance, accepting differences through acknowledging similarities rather than choosing separateness and disparity.
[1] [2] Ellis, Jean A. “This is the Dreaming.”Reed, A.W. “Aboriginal Myths, Legends & Fables.”