Animal Totems & Power Animals

[sparklekaz]

I am a big animal lover and have always been fascinated by the concept of animal totems. When thinking about animal totems the Native American people in particular come to mind. But in actuality the belief in animal guides can be found in many cultures throughout the world. In shamanism, they are referred to as power animals. Shaman practicioners receive a specific animal guide from the spirit world, that travels with them throughout their lives, offering insight, assistance and guidance.

Your animal totem or power animal, is the animal that you are most drawn too and love. They are grouped into five main catagories. Land, Air, Water, Reptile and Insect. Land animals are related to the physical and emotional. They also connected to your intuition. Birds are symbolic of strength and a inner need for freedom. They also respresent harmony with all other creatures. Water animals connect us with our spirituality and reveal to us our inner fears and desires. The Reptiles help us to recognize our true selves. They related to adaptability to change and our environment. All the things that help us to not only survive in life, but to prosper. The animals of the Insect world, teach us patience and determination. They also show us how to cultivate objectivity and discernment.

Throughout your life you may have one particular animal that you have an affinity for. But there will be other animals you will be drawn to at different times in your life. It is believed that this is because they have come to teach and guide you through different phases in life; to help you with growth and development, on a personal and spiritual level. Is there a particular animal that you are drawn too, or is there one that you keep seeing? Consider also the animals you are afraid of or repulsed by. Look at the characteristics and traits of these animals. Your dislike of the animal can be considered also a sign. Is it reflecting some element of your personality or tendencies that need working on, or facing up too?

Do you already know what your Animal Totem or Power animal is? If you do I would love to hear about it. How did you discover it, etc. I would also like to hear what your thoughts are on this subject, and to share what we know about that animal. It's strengths and weaknesses. For your animal guide does not just show you your inner strengths and qualities, it also highlights areas of your life that need work. My favourite animals are The Owl, The Dolphin, The Wolf and The Cat. Throughout my life these four have been very important to me at different times. At the moment in time, the Owl is the most significant.

Love and light
Kaz

[mojomojo]

HI Kaz,
Always been fascinated by wolves, they hold a mystique and beauty all of their own, probably why I have always had dogs, second, is the golden eagle, just majestic and free, oh so, free.

Robert.

[tribunalofmercy]

"My favourite animals are The Owl, The Dolphin, The Wolf and The Cat. Throughout my life these four have been very important to me at different times. At the moment in time, the Owl is the most significant." (um, I don't know how to use the Quote button, lol)


Those are a powerful combo you mentioned, kaz:) My Mother had a Large collection of owls until recent years (fake ones); that was her favorite animal and she still likes to wear shirts with owls on them

I didn't know a Thing about power animals or spirit animals as a child, but when I was in the third grade our teacher asked us to write about our favorite animal and I thought, and thought, but I could Not choose between a wolf and a dolphin, lol - so I wrote about Both.

That summer we spent at the beach and I was swimming in Big Bay Creek when the water was high; several dolpins swam in and surrounded me, playing. That has been my Identifying animal ever since, for I could understand them even then...it's weird to think back now because I cannot Imagine myself having the wolf, lol - not my Style

I love cats but they are Often apprehensive of me...only when they feel otherwise threatened will they run to me. I spent a number of years afraid of spiders but the strange thing is spiders generally Like me (ugh), try to 'hang out on me' and do not bite me. (We seem to have an Understanding, and I can feel them; If you can explain That one I will bake you a nice cake)

[tribunalofmercy]

Kaz - I had a vision before, of an Indian woman weaving some kind of craft – almost looked like rawhide backing, with different intricate designs… Then I was shown a number of them lined up on a wall of sorts so that I could See how many different ones there were, representing different spirit animals (eagle, bear, wolf, etc) to show how many different guides/visitors they had had! I have use google to try to Find those particular designs and have found a couple that were similar but not on sites that document what they represent…do you know anything about what they are called? (awfully nice, if dreamcatchers) Just curious, and your post reminded me.

[sparklekaz]

Hi Robert,

As I mentioned in my post, I am very drawn to the wolf. Strange because they are often portrayed as being ferocious and cunning. While this is a part of their nature, it is not all that they are. They are very beautiful and have strong bonds within their pack. They are very family orientated. Here is a little about Wolf symbolism I think may interest you.

There are many misconceptions about the wolf. In truth they are not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, the Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the "lone wolf." To the contrary, the Wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts.

Totem wolf symbols belong to those who truly understand the depth of passion that belong to this noble creature. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding. Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration.

The Wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions - the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination - they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing.

In history, the totem Wolf symbol appears with the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the two founding brothers were raised and suckled by a she-wolf.

In Norse mythology, the Wolf is a symbol for victory when ridden by Odin and the Valkyries upon the battlefield.

As a Celtic symbol, the Wolf was a source of lunar power. Celtic lore states that the Wolf would hunt down the sun and devour it at each dusk so as to allow the power of the moon to come forth.

In Asia, the wolf guards the doors that allow entrance to heavenly, celestial realms. The Wolf is also said to be among the ancestry of Genghis Khan.

[mojomojo]

Hi Kaz,
I agree with you, there is a stunning beauty, held by a wolf, I just remembered a book I read as a child, " White Fang" I think they made a film of it now.
I was not aware the wolf represented so much, but it all seems positive, have you noticed, all three of us have wolf's in their list.

Robert.

[sparklekaz]

Animal totem symbolism is a fascinating subject. Here is some more information relating to the animals you've both mentioned.

The Golden Eagle: It is the mammoth size of the eagle that, in part, wins its title as the King of the Birds in myth and lore. In spite of its enormous size, the eagle still takes flight, seemingly effortlessly. This is the first of many symbolic cues from the eagle about perception (not judging a book by its cover) and, not allowing the illusion of limitation to ground us in our flight.

Native wisdom also honors the eagle for their opportunistic ways. It's not that they're skilled hunters (they are), but they go about gaining their needs in ways that are most efficient. This is a lesson for conserving resources. Work smarter, not harder. And, we see from the Native mind that eagle feathers are tribal tools resonating patterns of healing within ritual. Do a little research into Native wisdom, and you will find the eagle is invoked for revitalization, creation and healing purposes. I like to think this deals with the eagle's connection with water.In this vein of thought, we can contemplate the healing messages the eagle may offer us in our daily life. When the eagle soars into our psychic vision, it may be a sign of getting prepared for symbolic cleansing rains. What needs cleaning in our lives?

The Dolphin: Dolphin teaches us that when we live in tune with the patterns and rhythm of nature, we learn how to truly be in touch with, resonate and communicate with All That IS and how to share this sagacity with anyone interested. There are those that believe Dolphins are more intelligent than humans. Especially when it comes to love. They have large brains, superior intelligence and are often associated in mythical lore with higher forms of consciousness.

Dolphins are connected with the power of breath and with emotional release, which are also both deeply connected. One of the most important factors in spiritual growth is to give ourselves the freedom of full experiencing our feelings and emotions. Often negative emotions are suppressed as we don't want to be a part of them, so we try to stay apart from them. Feelings of sadness, pain, anger, grief. We need to stop doing this, as this only lays the foundation for disagreeable outcomes.

Dolphins Wisdom Includes - Knowledge of the sea, change, patron of sailors, harmony, wisdom, balance, Communication skills, freedom, trust, understanding the power of rhythm in your life, use of breath to release intense emotions, water element magic, unselfishness. Dolphin reminds us to get out, play and most importantly, to breathe.

[mojomojo]

Hi Kaz,
I must say, I know nothing about this subject, but find it very interesting, seen as animals are a very important part of our lives.
I have met people, who can see an animal likeness in people, they could look at someone and appoint an animal to them straight away, again I knew nothing about it and so thought nothing of it.
Slightly intrigued with your interest in the Native American, my first spirit guide was, I believe such, might be where my connection with the golden eagle stems from, it's a very interesting subject, if you can recommend any books, I would love to take a closer look.

Many thanks,

Robert.

[sparklekaz]

I can highly recomend 'Animal Speak' by Ted Andrews. I've had this book since 2009 and love it. Here is a short synopsis about it.

Want to learn how to speak the language of animals, large and small? Easy-to-read and understand, Ted Andrews' bestselling Animal Speak shows the reader how to identify his or her animal totem and learn how to invoke its energy and use it for personal growth and inner discovery. Nature lovers will love this insightful compendium, chock-full of touching stories about animals, natural history and animal folklore. Readers will also learn magical animal rites and how to read omens. Animal Speak includes a dictionary of bird, animal, reptile and insect totems which describe each creature's meaning. For example, if a person's totem is dragonfly, they were most likely excessively emotional and passionate in their early years, but as they got older, learned to balance it with mental clarity and control. If a dragonfly suddenly shows up in your life, it means you may need to gain a new perspective or make a change.

[mojomojo]

Hi Kaz,
Thanks for the recommendation, had a quick look on amazon, even has some quotes from Manly hall, definitely one for the Christmas stocking.
Remembered something I had read in the past about dolphins, that they were the lost souls of Atlantis, who wanted to stay on earth and help mankind,
They are certainly unique in their healing abilities and compassion for other species.




Robert.

[atehequa]

The term Totem originated from various eastern woodland Algonquian dialects. Ototema, Nto'tem and Odoodem are just a few pronunciations. Ototema were usually associated with a tribe, band or clan's origins and often thought as kin or even a representing friendly spirit. As much as some go on about totems or totem animals, they cannot be chosen randomly because of one's admiration for a particular species such as a bear, buffalo, eagle, panther or wolf. They cannot be issued to a person or a people by an unrelated other. Ototema span the generations of a particular nation, tribe or band just as ancestors.