Opossum is a wiley animal that shows us how to play different roles.  He knows when to act, when to hide, and when to show his true colors.  Opossum is a master at recognizing truth as well as falsehood.  When Opossum wants to be left alone, he plays dead and is an animal that knows how to mold each situation according to his needs.   Opossum can be aggressive or submissive, depending on his situation.  Opossum knows that each situation has common threads as well as differences and reflects on them carefully before he responds.  Always full of surprise and unpredictable, Opossum is master at playing dead and when the time is right, he can suddenly spring back to life.  Playing dead is a voluntary self induced state in which Opossum's heartbeat slows and his pulse becomes minimal.   This ability serves to confuse many of Opossum's predators, giving him the ability to escape from life threatening situations.   Opossum is nocturnal and raises young in a pouch in the mid section.  Young are born blind and rely on their feelings to guide them to their destination.  They learn to sense their way around at an early age and develop strong instincts by the time they reach adulthood.  These instincts are complimented by their inherent ability to disguise themselves.  Opossum does not allow his emotions to consume his actions and participates in the game of life with strategic maneuvers.  Part of what Opossum teaches to those with this totem is emotional and mental stability.  If Opossum appears in your life, he may be telling you to wake up and pay attention, things may not be what they seem to be.