Animal totems have been part of ancient myths and oral traditions throughout time. If you look back at various ancient spiritual beliefs you will see that many legends, deities and much of the spiritual art had a strong connection with animals. Animals were seen to have abilities that offer protection, empowerment and guidance. To this day, various indigenous groups, such asIndigenous Australiansand Native Americans, use the teachings and powers of animal totems to assist them with their spiritual journey and daily lives. These teachings and protection are sometimes referred to as Animal Medicine. However, anyone can tap in to the wisdom and teachings of their own personal animal totem or totems.
Some people may have one particular animal totem throughout their entire life but often its not uncommon for people to have more than one totem. Its also not uncommon for a person to have an animal totem that comes into their life for only a short time; these are sometimes referred to as helper totems.
How to Find Your Animal Totem
Many people often wonder how they can discover their own personal animal totem or totems and its really not that hard to do, you just need to ask yourself some questions.
- What animal have you always felt drawn to or feel a strong connection with?
- Do you have dreams where a certain animal tends to appear?
- What animal or animals do you tend to notice the most when youre out in nature?
- Do you have any animal or animals that often comes to mind during meditation or spiritual reflection?
- What animal do you find the most intriguing or want to learn more about?
Remember that there arent any right or wrong answers for these questions; its all about which animal feels right to you, in your heart. Again, you should also keep in mind that a person can have more than one animal totem so you may find that you have two, three or even more. Its important to note that animal totems dont only include mammals and birds, but also reptiles, amphibians, fish, marsupials and insects.
If you still arent sure what your animal totem may be, you can try keeping a journal of what animals are showing up in your dreams or coming to mind during the day. Use your intuition and dont try to force it; with time and patience you will discover your animal totem.
Animal Totem Teachings
Each animal totem has specific qualities and strengths that can offer teachings, assistance, wisdom and protection. The following is a list of some animal totems and their common qualities and characteristics.
Ant: The industrious ant has a strong sense of community and service. Ant medicine can teach us to release ourselves from ego and have a stronger connection with humanity.
Bear: In some Native American traditions the bear is seen as the spirit keeper of the West. Sometimes quick to anger, the bear also holds the powers of discernment and introspection. Bear medicine can help a person to have courage to use their personal powers wisely.
Beaver: The beaver can teach us to be patient, steady and resourceful. Beavers are also associated with the subconscious and can help us to realize forgotten dreams, memories or to be in better touch with our intuition.
Buffalo: The buffalo was seen as a sacred symbol of life and abundance to the Plains Indians. Though sometimes unpredictable, the buffalo can teach us to be grateful for what we have and to respect all life forms. Buffalo medicine is also very healing.
Dog: The faithful dog teaches us how to give and receive love unconditionally. Dogs also have keen senses and strong psychic abilities. Because of this, they can help us to be aware of dangers and more in tune with our environment.
Hawk: The hawk is a messenger that has a strong connection between this world and that of the spirit world. The messages it brings to us can vary, depending upon our needs and circumstances.
Horse: Horse medicine symbolizes independence, self-empowerment and freedom of expression. The adaptive horse can also teach us how to realize and create healthy boundaries.
Lion: A fearless and powerful animal, the lion is a strong protector. But the lion is also harmonious and teaches us how to work in groups and have a stronger connection with community.
Owl: Owls have acute hearing and sight, and these abilities can help us to be more aware of our surroundings and in better touch with our inner spirit. Owls can also help us to face our own personal darkness without fear can help usto bring about positive changes in our lives.
Praying Mantis: These creatures can teach us to have better insight and focus. It can also teach us to have patience in certain situations and to trust our instincts.
Raven: Ravens have long been linked with mystery, magic and secrets. But they also hold a great deal of wisdom and can help us choose the right and most fulfilling path in life. Shamans often use the power of the Raven to alter their consciousness during Shamanic journeying.
Salmon: The tenacious salmon can help us to overcome obstacles and be more determined. It can also help us to have a stronger connection with our home and heritage.
Turtle: The turtle can help us to be resourceful and patient. They can also teach us to be more connected with our environment and to have a better sense of connection between the earth and the spirit world.
Wolf: Since the wolf symbolizes both freedom and a connection with a pack, the wolf can teach us to balance the needs of our family and of our selves. Wolves can be fierce but pick their battles wisely. Because of this they can teach us to be assertive without being aggressive and can also teach us to be more confident.
Recommended Reading:
- Animal Speak: The Spiritual Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small by Ted Andrews
- Power Animal Meditations: Shamanic Journeys with Your Spirit Allies by Nicki Skully
