In Native American cultures and in various shamanic teachings we learn the importance of the animals and the Spiritual lessons they have to teach us. Every animal has unique characteristics which embody lessons for all of us. These lessons are known as the animals medicine. By learning to use the medicine of our animal teachers with respect and compassion, we become stronger people, more connected to our inner spirit and to the Universe.
Totem animals can be anything from birds, to insects, wild animals, to the more domesticated species. All of us can work with and learn from animal spirit. Many of us are born with animal helpers, our Power animal is our primary totem animal and is typically with us for life. Some may have two or more power animals. Mine are Owl & Wolf. We also have shadow totems, which are great teachers who help us to confront our fears and face personal challenges. Like the power totems, most have at least one shadow totem.
Throughout our lives other animals may also appear to us briefly to teach us their lessons before moving on. Also it's important to note that an animal doesn't necessarily have to be our totem animal for us to learn the lessons that it has to teach. You can research any animal and learn from him/her.
Recognizing TotemsThere are different methods for recongnizing our totem animals. If you feel you don't have one, ask. The animals will work with you if your heart, your spirit is pure in its intention to grow and learn. To try to identify your totem animal ask yourself the following questions:
~What animal have I always been particularly drawn to?These questions should help you to identify some possibilities. Remember that ALL animals are powerful and have great lessons. Whether your totem is mouse or lion, neither is "better" they are both equally valuable with different lessons to teach. Don't seek out an animal as your totem just because it seems more powerful to you, etc..
Exercises to help you meet your totem animals:
For the first exercise you want to go to a dark room, or cover your eyes. Sit quietly and pay attention. Often times our animals will show us an outline of themselves, or "peek" at us through the darkness. Pay attention and see if anything comes through, if not be patient. Try leaving an offering or talking to your totems. Express your desire to learn from them. They communicate through spirit and will judge your sincerity and readiness to work with them.
You may also like to meditate on this at bedtime. Ask that your animal teacher come to you in a dream state, particularly if you are already working on the dream journaling exercises, this may be an effective method for you to discover your new friend. For those of you who are more empathic, during meditation ask to take on the feelings of your animal guide. pay attention to the feelings that come over you. Are you flying? crawling? What characteristics of the animals personality do you seem to be connecting with?
Discovering your shadow totem:
To discover your shadow totem, first refer to the questions answered previously. Are there one or more animals you find you are afraid of? Particularly if you have a phobia of a particular animal. Your Shadow Totem is here to teach you about your life challenges and conquering fears. If your Shadow Totem is not obvious to you right away, relax and close your eyes. Envision a door in front of you, when you are relaxed and ready , open the door. Behind a glass case your animal will be in front of you. Because it is encased you can relax and feel safe to look at it.
After you have discovered your Totem(s)
When you have identified them write a brief summary for each one in your journal. Include the following items:
*What are my animals living conditions, habitat, where it lives, what it eats.. general info.
*What lessons does this animal teach?
*What draws me to or repels me from this animal?
*At least one new thing you learned about this animal that you didn't know previously.
You can look in the resources section of this book for some links on Animal Totems, or try doing a search on search engines like Google or DMOZ .