There can be a fair amount of confusion when it comes to the definition of animal totems and animal familiars, and the differences between these two. Even though there is some debate over these differences, there is also a general agreement about what sets these two apart.
First of all, an animal totem is a type of spiritual guide that brings messages, guidance and wisdom to the person they are connected with. An animal totem helps us learn more about ourselves and can bring the knowledge we possess within our subconscious mind to a more conscious level. Animal totems often communicate with us most commonly through symbolism, dreams or during meditative states. There are different types of animal totems that can show up during a person's life. To learn more about this you can read the article Types of Animal Totems.
An animal familiar is distinctly different from an animal totem. First of all an animal familiar is an actual physical animal, rather than a spirit guide. Animal familiars have long been part of certain Pagan beliefs and are most commonly associated with people who practice Witchcraft. Simply put, these animals are considered to be the magical helper of the person they are associated with and can be an extension of the person's magical abilities. Modern-day Witches consider their animal familiar to be a type of magical partner, and one with which they have a strong psychic connection. The familiar will be highly sensitive to positive and negative energies, acting as a type of psychic radar. They may also stand guard as a protector when their human is taking part in astral travel, and will often lend their own special energy to certain magical rituals when they are called upon.
The animal most commonly associated with being a familiar is the cat, but any type of animal can be a familiar. That being said, not all animals are cut out to be a familiar, for they must be highly intuitive, focused and have a strong psychic connection with their human. Most modern-day Witches do not consider their familiars to be pets, although some believe they can endow magical abilities upon an animal they initially thought of as a pet. For the most part, it's believed that a familiar will choose their human, rather than the other way around. This may happen when a person forms the intent of finding a familiar and then being drawn to the animal. Or the animal familiar may show up in their life, possibly as a stray, a gift or a wild creature that may show up from time to time.
So, as you can see, an animal totem is a spiritual guide and animal familiars are magical animals in a physical form. To learn more about animal familiars, you may want to read the book The Once Unknown Familiar: Shamanic Paths to Unleash Your Animal Powers.
Related article
Animal Totem
