08/28/2008 9:58 PM
Posted by Whitetigress
Views: 298
Score: 17
A totem can be the symbol of a
tribe, clan, family or individual. Native American tradition provides that
each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany
each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in
and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the
tasks that need to be completed along our journey.
Native
beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life,
both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with
different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem
animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.
With this one
animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal,
characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.
This Animal Guide
offers power and wisdom to the individual when they “communicate” with it,
conveying their respect and trust. This does not necessarily mean that you
actually pet or spend time with this animal, more that you are open to
learning its lessons.
Here are some questions to ask
yourself if you’re wondering what your animal totem is:
Have
you ever felt drawn to one animal or another without being able to explain
why? This could be animal, including birds and insects.
Does a
certain kind of animal consistently appear in your life? This doesn’t
necessarily have to be a physical appearance, it could be represented in other
ways such as receiving card and letters with the same animal pictured over and
over, unexplainable dreams of a particular animal, watching television and
seeing the same animal featured time and time again, or, actually having the
animal show up.
When you go to the zoo, a park, wildlife area,
or forest, what are you most interested in seeing?
Are there any
animals that you find to be extremely frightening or intriguing?
Is there a particular animal that you see frequently when
you’re out in nature?
Have you ever been bitten or attacked by
an animal?
Have you ever had a recurring dream about a certain
animal, or a dream from childhood that you have never been able to forget?
Are you drawn to figurines or paintings of a specific animal?
The totem itself is a symbol that represents this animal. This
could be any number of items - a crest, a totem pole, an emblem, a small
figurine or anything else that depicts your animal guide.
