Ever since I was little, I’ve had a fascination with animals and the idea of a spirit world, so it seems to come as no surprise that I find myself writing an article about animal totems. The spirit world has always captured my interest, and I’m no stranger to the idea that all animals, whether they move upon the earth on two, four, or even no legs, possess a spirit of their own. This belief ties in very closely with the whole concept of animal totems. In fact, it is the basis of it.

Years ago, humans realized and understood that we were only one part of our earth, one small part. In the ages of hunters and gatherers, people knew how to respect Nature, the Mother, and knew how to respect the spirits that roamed the earth in the forms of animals. Humans recognized the power of those animals, and we praised and honoured them by wearing their skins and masks in the images of animals, chanting prayers to them and painting images of them on homes and caves. Animals were looked to as brethren, guides, teachers and friends. They reminded us that humans were merely animals with spirits, as well. Our world has changed much since those long ago times, but the concept of animal spirits remain, and you don’t have to practice shamanism to believe in animal totems.

A totem embodies the power, strengths and talents of an animal, and you aren’t limited to just one totem. A common misconception is that a person can pick any animal, and suddenly this animal is their totem and they can communicate with it, but that is not generally the case. The animal chooses the person, not the other way around, and if you want to develop a relationship with your animal totem, you will have the greatest success with the animal that comes to you.

Types of Animal Totems

There are several different kinds of animal totems, but for the most part, they can be categorized into four main types. If there is an animal you think might be a totem for you, it is key to figure out exactly what type of totem the animal is. Every totem has its own message to bring, but what the meaning of that message is can vary depending on the type of totem it is.

The Life Long Animal Totem. This is the animal that will be with you throughout the majority of your life. This totem is often referred to as the Spirit totem because it is generally the animal that most reflects your inner spiritual nature. While most people only have one Life totem, it is not uncommon for some to have two or more. Life totems can appear at any time, and they will remain with you for the rest of your life, or until you no longer need that animal as a totem.

The Journey Animal Totem. The Journey totem is the animal that comes to you over a period of time, from weeks, to months, or even years. However long it takes you to finish your journey, the animal remains with you. As you walk your path, the animal will show up in your life, reminding you and guiding you on your way. Sometimes there is confusion between a Journey totem and a Message totem, but there is one easy way to tell the difference. A Journey totem will show up repeatedly in your life over an extended period of time, while a Message totem reveals itself to you, and then disappears completely.


The Message Animal Totem. A Message totem, to quote one of my sources, “is often a wake up call or [a] slap in the face.” This animal brings a message of caution or spirituality, then moves on from your life. A Message totem can last over a period of time as well, but it is usually very brief, anything from a few hours to a day or week, and very occasionally, as long as a couple of months.

The Shadow Animal Totem. The last of the animal totems, Shadow totems are the animals that test you. Throughout all time, Nature has given way to the fight of predator and prey, and this concept carries over into the spiritual world. A Shadow totem is probably one that you would fear at first, and it most likely represents some inner fear you must overcome. It will test and fight against you until the time comes when you can overcome your fear and learn the lessons the animal has to teach you. Then, the animal’s power works with you, and it will often become one of your most powerful totems.

How to Find Your Animal Totem

So now you know what an animal totem is, and what kinds there are, but how do you find out exactly what your animal totem is? Sometimes it’s quite obvious, and at other times, it’s hard to tell just what the prominent animal in your life is. The following are questions I found that are designed to help you start thinking about your animal totem.*

When you go to the park, forest or zoo, what animal are you most interested in seeing?
What animal do you most frequently see when you’re out in nature or in the city?
What animals are you currently interested in learning about?
Which animal do you find most frightening or intriguing?
Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal?
Is there a recurring animal in your dreams or do you have one you have never forgotten?

If, after answering these questions, you still cannot figure out which animal is trying to communicate with you, the following are some exercises you can try. It is important to remember that you cannot force an animal to come to you. Be patient and give the animal time; it will come to you when it feels that you are ready.*

Ask yourself what animal has played a meaningful part in your world? If you’re unsure, make a list of the animals that have drawn your interest or have left a deep impression on you from paintings, photographs, stories, movies, carvings, etc.
Which animal shows up in your life most frequently? Keep a journal of the animals present in your dreams that you encounter through the day for the next month. How did the animal behave? Did you interact with the animal?
Find a place where you can be alone to meditate. Sit quietly and ask your animal to make its nature known to you. Feel free to use tools such as incense, smudge and candles to help you.
Don’t give up. Sometimes your animal totem is nearby watching to see if you’re serious about connecting with it. Keep doing the above exercises until your animal totem makes itself known to you.

Developing a relationship and bonding with your animal totem takes effort, much like any friendship. Your totem demands your respect and understanding. Honoring your animal gives it more significance in your life, and so you make its presence that much stronger and more powerful. If you wish to open yourself up to your totem, you can try some of the above exercises, as well as filling your world with images of the animal to let it know that it is welcome in your life. What have you got to lose?


* These questions and exercises were taken from the site Animal Totem – How to Find Your Animal Totem. If you’d like further information on questions and exercises, visit here.

Sources:
http://www.animaltotem.com/find-your-totem.html
http://www.spiritualnetwork.net/totems/
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/6366/totems.html (also has a good listing of animals and their powers)
Image by Gretchen Sveda