What is Your Totem?
The idea of Totems is not a new concept. Native American Indians have believed in their presence for centuries, as have many other religious and spiritual communities.
A totem is a spirit that protects a person from spiritual and psychic harm and comes in the form of an animal. Almost every person on Earth has had one since birth, even if they live their entire lives not recognizing or identifying it. Only the individual can know what animal is his or her totem. It may be slightly difficult to identify the creature, but once one does, he or she may call upon its protective force at will. This animal may be extinct (as in a Raptor dinosaur) or living (as in a panther).
A good way to identify one's totem is to meditate. Sit in a comfortable and quiet place. The eyes should be closed and breathing should be deep and consistent. Allow the mind to wander through the animal kingdom. The first animal(s) that pop into the mind are not necessarily the correct totems, but it is a start. Think about a favorite creature(s). How does this creature make you feel? If you are at ease in its presence, you may be on the right track. Are you frightened of this animal? If so, this is definitely not your totem. The mere thought of your true totem should make you feel protected and safe and perhaps psychically connected, but never fearful, apprehensive, or anxious. Have you been strangely drawn to the creature for your whole life and never known why? Perhaps you remember being fascinated by the monkeys at the zoo since childhood. Maybe you "rescued" garden snakes from your backyard before your paranoid mother found them in her flowerbed and killed them with a hoe. Perhaps you had an imaginary animal friend as a child. Think hard about the reasons for your gravitation (or repulsion) toward certain animals.
Also think about your dreams. Have you dreamed about certain animals for many years? Have you ever had a glimpse of an animal flash before your eyes when you have been in danger?
Do not be discouraged if you cannot find your totem on the first try. It sometimes takes a long time to recognize it. For instance, for many years I myself have grappled with finding my totem. I know, because of my dreams, feelings, and particular likes and dislikes, that my totem is either an owl (for wisdom and intellectual and philosophical study) or a wolf (for my natural tendency to be a loner, a fighter, and a leader). If it is neither one of those, I apologize to my true totem, whatever it may be.
You may be asking yourself, "If a totem protects me from harm, why not just pick the biggest, meanest animal on Earth? Like a Tyrannosaurus Rex?" Because that is not the way it works. The totem holds special connotations that represent your life, from your astrological sign to your Life Theme. You chose your totem before entering life. You figured it was a creature best suited to help you on your life mission. For instance, a physically disabled person may have chosen a great big dog to protect him or her from bullies. A highly emotional woman may have chosen a shark to protect her from charlatans, abusive husbands, or greedy relatives.
Having said that, not many totems are white mice or goldfish. They are not protective creatures and do not embody strength, wisdom, or resilience.
Good luck on your journey to find your totem. Once you do, visualize it, then call upon it to help you.
The idea of Totems is not a new concept. Native American Indians have believed in their presence for centuries, as have many other religious and spiritual communities.
A totem is a spirit that protects a person from spiritual and psychic harm and comes in the form of an animal. Almost every person on Earth has had one since birth, even if they live their entire lives not recognizing or identifying it. Only the individual can know what animal is his or her totem. It may be slightly difficult to identify the creature, but once one does, he or she may call upon its protective force at will. This animal may be extinct (as in a Raptor dinosaur) or living (as in a panther).
A good way to identify one's totem is to meditate. Sit in a comfortable and quiet place. The eyes should be closed and breathing should be deep and consistent. Allow the mind to wander through the animal kingdom. The first animal(s) that pop into the mind are not necessarily the correct totems, but it is a start. Think about a favorite creature(s). How does this creature make you feel? If you are at ease in its presence, you may be on the right track. Are you frightened of this animal? If so, this is definitely not your totem. The mere thought of your true totem should make you feel protected and safe and perhaps psychically connected, but never fearful, apprehensive, or anxious. Have you been strangely drawn to the creature for your whole life and never known why? Perhaps you remember being fascinated by the monkeys at the zoo since childhood. Maybe you "rescued" garden snakes from your backyard before your paranoid mother found them in her flowerbed and killed them with a hoe. Perhaps you had an imaginary animal friend as a child. Think hard about the reasons for your gravitation (or repulsion) toward certain animals.
Also think about your dreams. Have you dreamed about certain animals for many years? Have you ever had a glimpse of an animal flash before your eyes when you have been in danger?
Do not be discouraged if you cannot find your totem on the first try. It sometimes takes a long time to recognize it. For instance, for many years I myself have grappled with finding my totem. I know, because of my dreams, feelings, and particular likes and dislikes, that my totem is either an owl (for wisdom and intellectual and philosophical study) or a wolf (for my natural tendency to be a loner, a fighter, and a leader). If it is neither one of those, I apologize to my true totem, whatever it may be.
You may be asking yourself, "If a totem protects me from harm, why not just pick the biggest, meanest animal on Earth? Like a Tyrannosaurus Rex?" Because that is not the way it works. The totem holds special connotations that represent your life, from your astrological sign to your Life Theme. You chose your totem before entering life. You figured it was a creature best suited to help you on your life mission. For instance, a physically disabled person may have chosen a great big dog to protect him or her from bullies. A highly emotional woman may have chosen a shark to protect her from charlatans, abusive husbands, or greedy relatives.
Having said that, not many totems are white mice or goldfish. They are not protective creatures and do not embody strength, wisdom, or resilience.
Good luck on your journey to find your totem. Once you do, visualize it, then call upon it to help you.
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