They have very poor vision, but possess excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell. Their quills are actually very sharp, stiff hairs and they cover much of their body, including their tails. A fully mature Porcupine will have in excess of 30,000 quills on their body. They are capable of swinging their tails quickly in a predator’s direction covering it with the sharp, and painful quills. The predator becomes so startled and occupied with the task of removing them that the Porcupine usually slips away unharmed and un-pursued.The Porcupine possesses many animal virtues that are powerful and valuable and which any person would be wise to emulate or divine. One who has the power of the Porcupine will see enhanced solidarity, wonder and joy, allowing one the ability to use childlike qualities in their everyday activities.
The Porcupine has very powerful medicine: that of faith and trust. You can move mountains with these powers. A Porcupine totem reminds you not to get caught in the chaos of the world, where fear, greed and suffering are commonplace.
Its medicine is relief from the seriousness of life. Open your heart to those things that gave you joy as a child; remember fantasy and imagination and bring into your life again.
If a Porcupine is your totem you might be overly sensitive to criticism from othersor overly critical of others. Perhaps you are allowing barbs from long ago to still effect your life now. Porcupine people often crave and overindulge in salt intake. Beware of this and watch your intake. The Porcupine is a good natured animal and are known to have a sweet childlike disposition. They carry their defense around with them in the form of sharp quills that cover their bodies. The quills do not shoot or fly from the Porcupine, but rather they release themselves only when the animal is touched and feels threatened by something or someone. The Porcupine has few natural enemies. This unassuming little creature has much to teach humans about the joyful animal spirit.