Animal totems are spirit guides who can teach lessons, offer protection and help us better connect with the web of life. Having long been part of ancient myths and spiritual beliefs, to this day animal totems are still a part of many indigenous groups such as Native American culture and Indigenous Australians. With the publication of books such as Animal Speak by Ted Andrews, more and more people are discovering their own animal totems, which can also be referred to as power animals or spirit animals. However, there can be a bit of confusion when it comes to the concept of animal totems. Here we will look at some common misconceptions in order to gain a better understanding.
A person chooses their animal totem
This is actually the other way around. Totem animals choose the people who are in need of the totem's particular messages, or protective qualities. A person can use various methods to discover which animal totem is theirs. But this discovery process shouldn't be confused with choosing a totem. To learn more about how to discover your totem, read the following article Animal Totems.
I have a favorite animal, so that must be my totem
Not necessarily. Very often an animal with which we have no particular affinity can be our totem. It all comes down to the teachings and messages we most need.
Animal totems are spirits of animals
Because they are known as spirit guides, totem animals can be confused, by some people, with a paranormal entity such as a spirit or ghost . But totem animals are not ghosts of departed animals, nor are they the spirit of one animal or being, trying to communicate with us. Which leads us to the next misconception-
Animal totems are the spiritual essence of one animal
As quoted in the book, Awakening to the Spirit World, by Sandra Ingerman and Hank Wesselman, totem animals are "the essence of the group oversoul of the whole species". In other words, if your totem animal is horse, you aren't being offered guidance from the spiritual essence of one horse, or even from a herd of horses. You are being provided guidance and power from all horses. The same would be applied to any type of animal.
To better understand this concept try, for a time, to separate the animal from the teachings. This is mentioned because, at times, people can get too hung up on the appearance or behavior of an animal as it appears in this physical world, rather than the spiritual aspect. For example, if your totem animal is cat, be open to the wisdom, power and healing of this totem as a spiritual guide, rather than viewing it as an actual cat. The same would apply to any totem animal.
Some animal totems are more powerful than others
It's a common misunderstanding to think a totem animal, such as the lion, would be more powerful than, let's say, a rabbit. But in the world of spirit, one does not have more power than the other. The rabbit has just as much power, but it has different lessons and qualities than that of the lion. And when we talk about power, it's not meant as power in the physical sense, but personal empowerment. It's about getting in touch with your inner wisdom and learning to free yourself from limitations which create suffering in your life.
Everyone has an animal totem
While all may not agree with this answer, the common belief is that not everyone has a totem animal. Because the subject of totem animals has become such a popular one, many feel as if they must find their particular guide. But there is no rule that says one needs to have a totem animal. When it comes to working with any type of spiritual guide, the key is to be open, but not desperate. Meditation, personal reflection and research may help you with the discovery process, but you can't force the outcome. They will come to you when they feel you need their assistance, protection or guidance.
There are numerous books that can help you learn more about totem, or power, animals.
Power Animals by Steven D. Farmer Ph.D.
Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small by Ted Andrews
Animal Spirit Guides: An Easy to Use Handbook for Identifying and Understanding your Power Animals and Animal Spirit Helpers by Steven D. Farmer Ph.D.
