The Spirit Animal Within
The totem itself is a symbol that represents your animal guide.
Their meanings are as varied as the cultures that make them. We will reference these spiritual structures as we create a tower representing our hidden animal heroes that guide us through life.
Their meanings are as varied as the cultures that make them. We will reference these spiritual structures as we create a tower representing our hidden animal heroes that guide us through life.
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totem : one that serves as an emblem or revered symbol noun to·tem \ˈtō-təm\ : something (such as an animal or plant) that is the symbol for a family, clan or tribe |
The Unsung Hero Within
Who is the little voice inside you that guides your spirit...?
: a person or thing that represents an idea. A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe. The totemic symbol may serve as a reminder of the kin group's ancestry or mythic past. While the term "totem" is Ojibwe in origin, belief in tutelary spirits and deities is not limited to indigenous peoples of the Americas but common to a number of cultures worldwide. Totemistic beliefs are found in regions of Africa, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Arctic. Contemporary neoshamanic, New Age and mythopoetic men's movements not otherwise involved in the practice of a tribal religion may appropriate and use "totem" terminology for the personal identification with a tutelary spirit or guide.
Totemism (derived from the root -oode- in the Ojibwe language, which refers to something kinship-related, c.f. odoodem, "his totem") is a religious belief that is frequently associated with animistic religions. The totem is usually an animal or other natural figure that spiritually represents a group of related people such as a clan.
The carvings may symbolize or commemorate cultural beliefs that recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Given the complexity and symbolic meanings of totem pole carvings, their placement and importance lies in the observer's knowledge and connection to the meanings of the figures.
Another interesting type of totem pole is the shame pole. Shame poles are carved to embarrass and ridicule someone who has done something wrong. Shame poles are taken down once the person has made amends.
Totemism (derived from the root -oode- in the Ojibwe language, which refers to something kinship-related, c.f. odoodem, "his totem") is a religious belief that is frequently associated with animistic religions. The totem is usually an animal or other natural figure that spiritually represents a group of related people such as a clan.
The carvings may symbolize or commemorate cultural beliefs that recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Given the complexity and symbolic meanings of totem pole carvings, their placement and importance lies in the observer's knowledge and connection to the meanings of the figures.
Another interesting type of totem pole is the shame pole. Shame poles are carved to embarrass and ridicule someone who has done something wrong. Shame poles are taken down once the person has made amends.
Tower Power:
What is the cultural significance of the tower...?
NATIVE AMERICAN LEGENDS
Native American Totems & Their Meanings
A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual. Native American tradition provides that each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey.
Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.
With this one animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.
This Animal Guide offers power and wisdom to the individual when they "communicate” with it, conveying their respect and trust. This does not necessarily mean that you actually pet or spend time with this animal, more that you are open to learning its lessons.
For some, knowing what is their totem animal is almost an innate process. It’s as if they’ve always known, inexplicably drawn to the animal or having a special feeling for the animal’s energy. For others, they wonder how to tell what their animal totem is.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering what your animal totem is:
Note: Native American totems did not include all of the animals listed below, as many of these creatures did not exist in North America; or, in some cases, not at all. However; the concept of "totems," by whatever name they were called, have been known throughout the world since the earliest days of Greek Mythology. Though the unicorn and dragon are generally accepted as centuries old mythical creatures of Europeans, pictures of these fabled animals have been found in Native American tapestries and pictographs.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html
Animal Characteristics & Meaning
Alligator Maternal, revenge oriented, quickness, aggression, and basic survival instincts.
Ant Group minded, determination, patient, active, and industrious
Anteater Lethargy, curiosity, nosiness.
Antelope Active, agile, jumpiness, and willing to sacrifice
Armadillo Safety oriented, grounded, and has boundaries
Badger Courage, aggressive, healer, having problems relating to others, and energy conduit
Bat Rebirth, longevity, secrecy, initiation, good listener, and long life
Bear Industrious, instinctive, healing, power, sovereignty, guardian of the world, watcher, courage, will power,
self-preservation, introspection, and great strength.
Beaver Determined, strong-willed, builder, overseer, and protector
Bee Organized, industrial, productive, wise, community, celebration, fertility, defensiveness, obsessive nature,
and enjoys life
Boar/Pig A very powerful totem - prosperity, spiritual strength, organized, self-reliant, fearless.
Buffalo Sacredness, life, great strength, abundance, gratitude.
Bull Insight into the past, fertility, rushing into things without proper preparation.
Butterfly Metamorphosis, transformation, balnace, grace, ability to accept change
Camel Survival, positive, accomplishments
Caribou Traveler, mobility, preference to be nomadic, adaptability to adversity
Cat Guardianship, detachment, sensuality, mystery, magic, and independence
Cheetah Swiftness, insight, focus
Cougar Leadership, loyalty, courage, taking responsibility, foresight
Cow Swift, insightful, and focused
Coyote Trickster, intelligence, stealth, wisdom and folley, guile and innocence
Cobra Swift and decisive
Crab Good luck, protection and success
Crane Solitude, justice, longevity, independent, intelligent, and vigilant
Crocodile Ensuring your emotions are displayed accurately/appropriately
Crow Justice, shape shifting, change, creativity, spiritual strength, energy, community sharing, and balance
Deer Compassion, peace, intellectual, gentle, caring, kind, subtlety, gracefulness, femininity, gentleness,
innocence, and seller of adventure
Dog Noble, faithful, loyal, teaching, protection, and guidance
Dolphin Kind, salvation, wisdom, happiness, playfulness, prudent, capable of deep emotion, and happy.
Dove Cross-world communication, spirit messenger, peace, gentleness, love
Dragon Longevity, richness, prosperity, infinity, wisdom, power, and fiery
Dragonfly Flighty and carefree, strong imagination, higher aspirations.
DuckWater energy, helper of seers, can clearly see/deal with emotions
EagleDivine spirit, sacrifice, connection to creator, intelligence, renewal, courage, illumination of spirit, healing, creation, freedom, and risk-taker
ElephantStrength, power, affection, loyalty, royalty, and wisdom
ElkStrength and agility, pride, majestic, independence, purification, strength, and nobility
FalconNew beginnings, adventure, passionate, and leadership.
FishGraceful, slyness, open-minded, quick to change one's mind.
FlamingoHeart healing, psychic, people person, flirtatious.
FoxCunning, agility, quick-witted, diplomacy, wildness, feminine magic of camouflage, shape-shifting and invisibility
FrogWater energy, cleansing, rebirth, sensitivity, medicine, hidden beauty, peace, adaptability, poor character judgment and power.
GazelleAggressive
GiraffeCommunication, intuition, attaining the unreachable, seeing the future
GoatSurefootedness, stubbornness, independence, diligence, lack of foresight.
GooseSelf-demanding, reliable, prudent, rigid, vigilance, parenthood, and productive.
GorillaFamily-oriented, intelligence, strength, environmental protector, keeps peace through aggression.
GrasshopperGood luck, abundance, forward, progressive.
GrousePersonal power, enlightenment.
HawkMessenger, intuition, victory, healing, nobility, recollection, cleansing, visionary power, and guardianship.
Heron/EgretAggressive, self-determined, self-reliant, multi-tasking, balanced.
HippopotamusPower, creation, imagination, healing.
HorseFreedom, stamina, mobility, the land, travel, power, and freedom.
HummingbirdMessenger, timelessness, healing, and warrior.
JaguarChaos, shape-shifter, aggressiveness, power.
KangarooForward, balance, creative, stamina.
LionFamily, strength, energy, courage, guardian and protector.
LizardConservation, vision, self-protection, hidden defenses.
LlamaComforting to others, secure.
LynxKeeper of secrets, guardian, listener, and guide.
MoleSensitivity, guidance, searching.
MonkeyAbility to change the environment, health, success.
MooseHeadstrong, longevity, steadfastness, and wisdom.
MouseScrutiny, order, organizer, and an eye for details.
OctopusIntelligence, camouflage, nocturnal.
OpossumDiversion, strategist, and deceiver.
OstrichGrounded, practical.
OtterPlayful, friendly, dynamic, joy, helpfulness, and sharing
OwlDeception, clairvoyance, insight, messenger.
OxSacrifice, chastity and self-denial
PantherProtection, hidden emotions, introspection, caution, careful decisions
ParrotCommunication, beauty, guide for wisdom, mockery, thinking before speaking
PeacockImmortality, dignity, and self-confidence
PelicanResilient, unselfish, rising above.
PenguinSelf-discipline, grace, self-confidence, spiritual
PorcupineInnocence, companionship, and trust
Prairie DogSwiftness, industrious, constructive, preparedness
PumaCompanion on journeys to other worlds, grace, silent power
QuailGroup-work, team play, creator of harmony and group tolerance, protectiveness (especially toward children)
RabbitFear, timidity, nervousness, humility, rebirth,
RaccoonCuriosity and cleanliness
RamStoic, sensitive, persevering, curious, imaginative.
RatFertility, stealth, scavenging, intelligence, enjoys luxury
RavenIntrospection, courage, self-knowledge, magic
RhinocerosWisdom, solitary, insightful, solid.
RoadrunnerMental agility, speed, opportunistic.
RoosterVanity, likes to be showered with gifts and attention, early riser, settling for nothing less than the best
SalmonProud, intense, confident, wisdom, inspiration
ScorpionTransforming, strong, inspiring, chaotic, passionate
SeagullVersatility, loud, easy-going nature, creativity, laziness
SeahorseConfidence and grace
SealLove, longing, dilemma, active imagination, creativity
SharkHunter, survival, and adaptability
SkunkReputation, presence, and strength
SnailProtective, aware, solitary.
SnakeImpulsive, shrewdness, rebirth, transformation, initiation, and wisdom
SpiderBalance, wisdom, creativity, communication
SquirrelPlanner and gatherer
StagLord of the forest, masculine power of regeneration, signs.
SwanGrace, balance and innocence, soul, love, beauty, of the self
TigerStrength, valor, power, and energy
Toadinner strength, luck, self-examination
TurkeyGenerosity, life-giver, and sharer
TurtleNurturer, shy, and protecting
UnicornPurity, innocence, dreamer, personal power, gentle
WeaselStrength, energy, ingenuity and stealth
WhaleWisdom, provider, intelligence, and kindness.
WolfLoyalty, perseverance, success, intuition, and spirit
WoodpeckerSensitive, protective, and devotion
ZebraAgility and individuality
Native American Totems & Their Meanings
A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual. Native American tradition provides that each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey.
Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.
With this one animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.
This Animal Guide offers power and wisdom to the individual when they "communicate” with it, conveying their respect and trust. This does not necessarily mean that you actually pet or spend time with this animal, more that you are open to learning its lessons.
For some, knowing what is their totem animal is almost an innate process. It’s as if they’ve always known, inexplicably drawn to the animal or having a special feeling for the animal’s energy. For others, they wonder how to tell what their animal totem is.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering what your animal totem is:
- Have you ever felt drawn to one animal or another without being able to explain why? This could be animal, including birds and insects.
- Does a certain kind of animal consistently appear in your life? This doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical appearance, it could be represented in other ways such as receiving card and letters with the same animal pictured over and over, unexplainable dreams of a particular animal, watching television and seeing the same animal featured time and time again, or, actually having the animal show up.
- When you go to the zoo, a park, wildlife area, or forest, what are you most interested in seeing?
- Are there any animals that you find to be extremely frightening or intriguing?
- Is there a particular animal that you see frequently when you’re out in nature?
- Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal?
- Have you ever had a recurring dream about a certain animal, or a dream from childhood that you have never been able to forget?
- Are you drawn to figurines or paintings of a specific animal
Note: Native American totems did not include all of the animals listed below, as many of these creatures did not exist in North America; or, in some cases, not at all. However; the concept of "totems," by whatever name they were called, have been known throughout the world since the earliest days of Greek Mythology. Though the unicorn and dragon are generally accepted as centuries old mythical creatures of Europeans, pictures of these fabled animals have been found in Native American tapestries and pictographs.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html
Animal Characteristics & Meaning
Alligator Maternal, revenge oriented, quickness, aggression, and basic survival instincts.
Ant Group minded, determination, patient, active, and industrious
Anteater Lethargy, curiosity, nosiness.
Antelope Active, agile, jumpiness, and willing to sacrifice
Armadillo Safety oriented, grounded, and has boundaries
Badger Courage, aggressive, healer, having problems relating to others, and energy conduit
Bat Rebirth, longevity, secrecy, initiation, good listener, and long life
Bear Industrious, instinctive, healing, power, sovereignty, guardian of the world, watcher, courage, will power,
self-preservation, introspection, and great strength.
Beaver Determined, strong-willed, builder, overseer, and protector
Bee Organized, industrial, productive, wise, community, celebration, fertility, defensiveness, obsessive nature,
and enjoys life
Boar/Pig A very powerful totem - prosperity, spiritual strength, organized, self-reliant, fearless.
Buffalo Sacredness, life, great strength, abundance, gratitude.
Bull Insight into the past, fertility, rushing into things without proper preparation.
Butterfly Metamorphosis, transformation, balnace, grace, ability to accept change
Camel Survival, positive, accomplishments
Caribou Traveler, mobility, preference to be nomadic, adaptability to adversity
Cat Guardianship, detachment, sensuality, mystery, magic, and independence
Cheetah Swiftness, insight, focus
Cougar Leadership, loyalty, courage, taking responsibility, foresight
Cow Swift, insightful, and focused
Coyote Trickster, intelligence, stealth, wisdom and folley, guile and innocence
Cobra Swift and decisive
Crab Good luck, protection and success
Crane Solitude, justice, longevity, independent, intelligent, and vigilant
Crocodile Ensuring your emotions are displayed accurately/appropriately
Crow Justice, shape shifting, change, creativity, spiritual strength, energy, community sharing, and balance
Deer Compassion, peace, intellectual, gentle, caring, kind, subtlety, gracefulness, femininity, gentleness,
innocence, and seller of adventure
Dog Noble, faithful, loyal, teaching, protection, and guidance
Dolphin Kind, salvation, wisdom, happiness, playfulness, prudent, capable of deep emotion, and happy.
Dove Cross-world communication, spirit messenger, peace, gentleness, love
Dragon Longevity, richness, prosperity, infinity, wisdom, power, and fiery
Dragonfly Flighty and carefree, strong imagination, higher aspirations.
DuckWater energy, helper of seers, can clearly see/deal with emotions
EagleDivine spirit, sacrifice, connection to creator, intelligence, renewal, courage, illumination of spirit, healing, creation, freedom, and risk-taker
ElephantStrength, power, affection, loyalty, royalty, and wisdom
ElkStrength and agility, pride, majestic, independence, purification, strength, and nobility
FalconNew beginnings, adventure, passionate, and leadership.
FishGraceful, slyness, open-minded, quick to change one's mind.
FlamingoHeart healing, psychic, people person, flirtatious.
FoxCunning, agility, quick-witted, diplomacy, wildness, feminine magic of camouflage, shape-shifting and invisibility
FrogWater energy, cleansing, rebirth, sensitivity, medicine, hidden beauty, peace, adaptability, poor character judgment and power.
GazelleAggressive
GiraffeCommunication, intuition, attaining the unreachable, seeing the future
GoatSurefootedness, stubbornness, independence, diligence, lack of foresight.
GooseSelf-demanding, reliable, prudent, rigid, vigilance, parenthood, and productive.
GorillaFamily-oriented, intelligence, strength, environmental protector, keeps peace through aggression.
GrasshopperGood luck, abundance, forward, progressive.
GrousePersonal power, enlightenment.
HawkMessenger, intuition, victory, healing, nobility, recollection, cleansing, visionary power, and guardianship.
Heron/EgretAggressive, self-determined, self-reliant, multi-tasking, balanced.
HippopotamusPower, creation, imagination, healing.
HorseFreedom, stamina, mobility, the land, travel, power, and freedom.
HummingbirdMessenger, timelessness, healing, and warrior.
JaguarChaos, shape-shifter, aggressiveness, power.
KangarooForward, balance, creative, stamina.
LionFamily, strength, energy, courage, guardian and protector.
LizardConservation, vision, self-protection, hidden defenses.
LlamaComforting to others, secure.
LynxKeeper of secrets, guardian, listener, and guide.
MoleSensitivity, guidance, searching.
MonkeyAbility to change the environment, health, success.
MooseHeadstrong, longevity, steadfastness, and wisdom.
MouseScrutiny, order, organizer, and an eye for details.
OctopusIntelligence, camouflage, nocturnal.
OpossumDiversion, strategist, and deceiver.
OstrichGrounded, practical.
OtterPlayful, friendly, dynamic, joy, helpfulness, and sharing
OwlDeception, clairvoyance, insight, messenger.
OxSacrifice, chastity and self-denial
PantherProtection, hidden emotions, introspection, caution, careful decisions
ParrotCommunication, beauty, guide for wisdom, mockery, thinking before speaking
PeacockImmortality, dignity, and self-confidence
PelicanResilient, unselfish, rising above.
PenguinSelf-discipline, grace, self-confidence, spiritual
PorcupineInnocence, companionship, and trust
Prairie DogSwiftness, industrious, constructive, preparedness
PumaCompanion on journeys to other worlds, grace, silent power
QuailGroup-work, team play, creator of harmony and group tolerance, protectiveness (especially toward children)
RabbitFear, timidity, nervousness, humility, rebirth,
RaccoonCuriosity and cleanliness
RamStoic, sensitive, persevering, curious, imaginative.
RatFertility, stealth, scavenging, intelligence, enjoys luxury
RavenIntrospection, courage, self-knowledge, magic
RhinocerosWisdom, solitary, insightful, solid.
RoadrunnerMental agility, speed, opportunistic.
RoosterVanity, likes to be showered with gifts and attention, early riser, settling for nothing less than the best
SalmonProud, intense, confident, wisdom, inspiration
ScorpionTransforming, strong, inspiring, chaotic, passionate
SeagullVersatility, loud, easy-going nature, creativity, laziness
SeahorseConfidence and grace
SealLove, longing, dilemma, active imagination, creativity
SharkHunter, survival, and adaptability
SkunkReputation, presence, and strength
SnailProtective, aware, solitary.
SnakeImpulsive, shrewdness, rebirth, transformation, initiation, and wisdom
SpiderBalance, wisdom, creativity, communication
SquirrelPlanner and gatherer
StagLord of the forest, masculine power of regeneration, signs.
SwanGrace, balance and innocence, soul, love, beauty, of the self
TigerStrength, valor, power, and energy
Toadinner strength, luck, self-examination
TurkeyGenerosity, life-giver, and sharer
TurtleNurturer, shy, and protecting
UnicornPurity, innocence, dreamer, personal power, gentle
WeaselStrength, energy, ingenuity and stealth
WhaleWisdom, provider, intelligence, and kindness.
WolfLoyalty, perseverance, success, intuition, and spirit
WoodpeckerSensitive, protective, and devotion
ZebraAgility and individuality