Animal Totems

A totem is a Spirit that guides you through your life, or a small (or  big) portion of of your life.  Many people have several different  totems over the course of a lifetime, though usually at least one will  remain constant.  They appear now and again to give you moral support or to "advise" you.  A totem could be a mythical beast such as a  centaur, unicorn, dragon, griffin or phoenix.. (and no doubt there are others).

Totems should not be confused with familiars. A familiar is an individual animal (embodied), that is very keen to assist in magickal workings.. one will find you if you desire one in your life.  Ways to tell if your kitty, dog or lizard (or what-have-you) has "familiar potential" is to observe the creature during your rituals and magickal workings.  A familiar will be very intent and  fascinated with your magickal tools, and will communicate it's will to  become "involved" with the same.  That is my experience anyhow.. 
submitted by Ravenia

I have several totem animals, one which is a mouse *surprised you  there:-)*

For me a totem animal is a helper that comes to me at a certain stage of my life.... it is a spirit guide... the teachings of the totem animals are related to the native american and the shamanic path,. but I find they can be found in everyones lives!!! My mouse found me when I was a toddler!!! Long before Ii knew what a native american was....

I also have the help of owl, polarbear, orca and elk. In my mind they are placed along a medicine wheel, the wheel of life....  where every direction corresponds to a time in your development.  this can be a huge systematic thing....or you can just use the knowledge, the lessons these animals give you regardless of whether they are your totems or not!!!

for example....

What can you learn from a mouse?
a mouse sees the world from a close up viewpoint.
she is careful, lively, playful and very sensitive.
she is also good at seeing things for what they are....
an explorer but not an adventurer.
her senses are sharp!
a mouse is considered to be an "innocent" animal...
that is innocent like a child, just starting out in life.

mouse

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of a white wolf. She was never a big part of the dreams, but she was always there, and I knew that if I ever needed her, she would be there for me.  She chased away the nightmares, (and still  does) and kept me safe as I slept.
I was also lucky enough to meet with her, and have her share my life for 12 years, as a  living being, though the dreams started well before I met her, and continue now.  I miss her in my daily life, but I am happy that she is still with me in my dreams.  If you'd like some detail on her, and my dreams, I've posted some writing on my website.  Wolf Dreams
 

Blessings
Moon's Daughter

The Voice of the Raven
by Ravenia

My totem is Raven, though I do have secondary totems as well, as many  do.  Raven has made her presence known to me from early childhood.  I have always had a fascination for these birds, known to be one of the smartest (if not THE smartest) birds on the planet.  The brain  to body  ratio of Raven is comparable to that of Dolphin and Humans as well.

Raven is a bringer of magick and changes.  Both of these things  I know well... and continue to learn <VBG>. 

I have a raven that lives with me for the past 4 years, she is  crippled from falling out of her nest too early, she cannot fly.  I have assumed role of caregiver to this beautiful and intelligent creature.  She is the second raven the Goddess has presented me with  to care for.. the first one was many years ago, he was blinded  on one side so couldn't fly in a straight line.

Raven has a very ancient and knowing quality.. nearly undescribable in mere words.  Here is a poem that I found months ago somewhere in cyber space... it doesn't touch on Raven's playful and mischievious  side, but nevertheless, it certainly gives an inkling as to Raven Magick.
 

Corvidian blessings!
Ravenia

The Vhite Tiger
by Rogue Moonstar

The white tiger symbolizes protection and  power to  me. It helps guide me through the "wilderness" that is life and  protects me on my journey. The tiger is also noble and majestic and  that is my main attraction to it. I also have a thing for cats.
For  whatever reason, cats and I are drawn to one another and the size of the cat does not matter. I have never met one I did not like (Cat that  is) and they and I have a lot in common, being both stubborn and  independant. 
I just happened to pick the white tiger above all  because  it is so beautiful and that helps to mask the deadly predator and  fierce guide and protector underneath it all. Here is a little  Haiku I wrote about the animal. enjoy!

BB
Rogue Moonstar

Lessons Learned
by Cyberfish

I have a few animal totems.  Eagle sits on my left and dolphin  on my right.  I  am also a Leo, which makes the Sun my first planet.  Both Eagle and the Sun  indicate much responsibility, and because of that I have never been able to just sit in the sidelines and watch - I've always had to lead in  some way.
Dolphin speaks of the waters of life.  She reminds me that it's my choice to either ride the crest of strong emotion, or plunge feet first  into it.  She just needs to remind me more often *laugh*
I have always been drawn to Bear men.  I'm not sure if that's because I need to love someone with the gift of introspection, or for the fierce protection bears have for their family.  My protector is the bat - bat can  *know* without  seeing.  It is thru bat that I hone my clairvoyant skills.

Brightest blessings to you and yours :)
Cyberfish

Totems of Other List Members

Poetry About Animal Totems