Do you have an animal totem?

[AmethystWolf]

If so, what is it and how did you know it was yours. Obviously, mine is the wolf. I've always been spiritually drawn to the wolf. And, about 9 years ago when I choose my pagan path I had some very intense dreams involving wolves.

I'd be interested in hearing if others have totem animals and how they came to know them.

[PAGANFILES]

I have a sky friend, but to name her is to true name myself.

Terry

[Strega Del Vento]

My Totem Animal has always been the great Owl. I'm not really quite sure how I came to realize it, all I know is I was extremely young at the time. Dreams and visions came to me, as well as physical Owls. I grew up in a really small town here in Rhode Island, and behind our house was all woods. Owls used to swoop over the deck where I was sitting. One night, one swooped, and landed. Right next to me. It was absolutely incredible! It just sat there, staring right into my eyes, as if it was telling me a story. After I while, it was ready to take off, looked back at me, and flew back into the woods. From that night on, it would always come to me at night, right there on that deck.

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

Mine were introduced to me via meditation. They are the horse, red squirrel and hummingbird. And let me tell you, I didn't see those coming at all! They were a complete surprise to me, but after some research, they fit well with my personality and path.

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[Spiritcalf]

Yes I have one and you can probably figure it out without me telling you. However, I am game, so I will give you the gaelic name of it. Turtar.

[Sommerfugl]

I'm sure you can guess mine too!
How did I know?...I just knew . It's annoying when people say that, I know! Looking back on it now though, I remember signs in my life that have always pointed to the butterfly. For example, when I was on holiday as a child I was taken to a garden centre which had a butterfly sanctuary and we went around in tour groups. It was a normal day out until everyone turned around and delighted in the fact that I had one of their biggest butterflies on my head! It just sat there for a while! If I remember correctly, the tour guide came and moved the butterfly, then told us a bit more about it. :D
Jezxx

[Sylvan]

I've always had a love for turtles. Until just recently, I thought it was just that- a love for turtles.

But while driving home from work the other day, I was thinking about totems/guides/etc, and the different animals I'd seen lately that were somewhat out of the ordinary. A raven, a fox, osprey, some little weasel-things that might have been minks or fishers...

And who happens to be crossing the road in front of me at that exact moment, but a Turtle. I stopped and helped it across the road.. And I keep coming up with other instances when Turtle was there in my life and I hadn't even really noticed. :)

I'm more of a little forest turtle person than a huge sea turtle person, though...
http://www.gbayreptiles.com/images/09.jpg

[LisaT4P]

Coyote and Crow.

I had a set of Medicine Cards (great deck!) and I was just reading through the descriptions when I came across Coyote laughing at me. He's been laughing at me all my life. :D

The Crow took a little longer to realize, but I smacked myself in the forehead when it finally became clear. I mean, it's my last name for goodness sake! I should have known! LOL

There are others here and there too, but those 2 seem to be fairly permanent. Wolves are one of my fave animals, but I'm not sure they are a totem, but Heron often shows up and has messages for me.

[mucgwyrt]

White Goose is my totem, though Snake is my current guide :smile:

[Sabrina]

If so, what is it and how did you know it was yours.

Mine is the Horse.

I've know this since I was a small child. From the first time I saw one...I stood in total rapture with tears streaming down my face....completely entranced and captured in essence of what I witnessed. No other animal nor bird captures me so.
The horse symbolizes freedom and this must be the root of my persona. Inward I belong to no place and no one...no boundries and no rules...running free within.....

The champion of what nature is capable of......
beauty, grace, stamina, service and honor and heart.

Quick reference:
""bring protection to the home
bring out intuition
make burdens into victories
Power
Stamina
Freedom to run free

Throughout the ages, humans have successfully integrated with horses and interacted in a harmonious manner. Anyone who has spent time around horses knows that individual horses are unique in personality. Horses are dependable, trustworthy, thrive with mutual respect, and bring a special brand of joy and beauty to anyone who befriends them.""
(http://www.crystal-cure.com/horse.html)

the above description (I think) fits me perfectly. One of the reasons I saved this weblink years ago.

And inwardly - I run...each day....I run and I run..with the wind blowing through my mane. I run.......not away from anything or anyone, but for the barest fact of all:
Because I can.
This meditation is part of my daily life.
cheers,
Sabrina

[Shatril]

I did a meditation with the Animal Tarot and all that came out to the deck was the Lion, both male and female, Black Panther, and Bobcat. So I would say that big cats are it.

Shatril

[Faeawyn]

Mine is the bear. Not at all what I expected...but after doing further research, it's perfect.

[Sylvan]

Here's a question. I've read in several places that an animal that frightens you more than anything may be your totem. How is this possible? Why would your totem scare the poop out of you?

[LisaT4P]

http://www.spiritualnetwork.net/totems/discover_your_animal_totems.htm

I think you are referring to a Shadow Totem, Sylvan. The above website has good info. on that. Mainly it is a totem that will test you and force you to overcome your fears. Which animal are you most afraid of? What does that animal represent?

Mine is the spider. :)

[Faeawyn]

Mine is the spider. :)
Mine too..I overcome it with a shoe :hehehehe:

[Sylvan]

Bears. They are strong, they run fast, they can climb, swim, and maul the heck out of you. :blushake: :shaker:

[Spiritcalf]

I've always had a love for turtles. Until just recently, I thought it was just that- a love for turtles.

But while driving home from work the other day, I was thinking about totems/guides/etc, and the different animals I'd seen lately that were somewhat out of the ordinary. A raven, a fox, osprey, some little weasel-things that might have been minks or fishers...

And who happens to be crossing the road in front of me at that exact moment, but a Turtle. I stopped and helped it across the road.. And I keep coming up with other instances when Turtle was there in my life and I hadn't even really noticed. :)

I'm more of a little forest turtle person than a huge sea turtle person, though...
http://www.gbayreptiles.com/images/09.jpg

I think my totem animal is not limited to one kind of turtle, I feel all turtles encompass my totem, I just used a giant sea turtle for by banner cuase I found the picture and liked it very much.

I have always want my own pet/friend turtle, but I never have had the chance to "own" one.

[Nishtha]

My main one is Tiger. I've always been very drawn to Tiger, ever since I was very little. Tiger represents so much to me, power, bravery, strength in solitude, beauty, knowing when to hide and when to make your presence known...

I also have several "lesser totems" including Hyena, Lizard, Cow, Gorilla, Snake and Coyote who seem to pop up every once and a while to remind me to concentrate on a specific thing.

I also had a very interesting encounter with a Dragonfly saturday...

[magick_faerie]

i have the black crow. i used to have dreams about them and they always sit out front of my house but i just thought i was mad lol. well maybe i am.........but anyway

fae

[Sleet]

The stag, I think. I see whitetail bucks all the time, more often than mere chance would suggest. I've even spotted some male elk in my neck of the woods, which I can't actually find confirmation of - nobody else has seen them in our area.

Although latetly there's been this enormos pileated woodpecker following me around. It's creepy.

[Kaija]

Mine are the wolf and the deer.. They came to me at different times throughout my life,but always very strangely. I remember seeing the birth of a calf when I was at my least creative.. When I was depressed and worried I saw a pack of wolves on the highway (for real, not my imagination!) in Pennsylvania.. They've been there in dreams, visions.. I've had deer just walk up to me on the road (after a night of meditation), after another night of meditation I found a deer that had been killed in a spot I often stopped on my walks.. I watched it for a few years, and then collected the rib bones and made a new set of runes.. I don't know.. they have ALWAYS just been there.. They do make it a bit difficult.. hunter/prey and all, but.. it fits.

My shadow totem?.. Hmm. I fear no animal really, but, I've been challenged by Bulls. The first time I recall was on a visit to UCONN, and one of their bulls just started huffing, and doing a warning charge.. No particular reason.. they have people walking through all the time.. it just didn't like me.. Since then, It's happened in several other places as well.. Bulls just.. *shrug* (The females are fine.. just the bulls) I've become accustomed to it, and I offer no threat to them.. So, I just try to figure out what I'm supposed to learn from it..

[Silverwings]

Hm, for me I have quite a few. I have Snake, Owl, Lynx, Kesteral, Fox, Blue Heron, cat, panther was with me for a while but has bowed out since, same with snow leopard, some of the above listed have left me as well (Lynx, Heron, and Kesteral said I learned my lessons). To be honest I think that Snake is my shadow totem, I've been bitten by countless snakes (I have an animal handling permit, I worked at a zoo for a while in the reptile house). I came across owl while Meditiating once, and it keeps coming back, same with Cat and Fox. I kept seeing the Blue Heron and I realized one day "Huh, maybe it's a sign" so I looked into it and sure enough it was.

[AmethystWolf]

I remember seeing the birth of a calf when I was at my least creative.. When I was depressed and worried I saw a pack of wolves on the highway (for real, not my imagination!) in Pennsylvania..

WOW! What a gift! That must have been so special to see.

Thanks everyone for sharing their stories. Its really neat to see the ways that nature connects with us when we are open to it. I need to get more in touch with my wolf spirit these days. One book I really enjoy is Animal Speak, by Ted Andrews. It is such a good reference. I wonder if we have different animals guide us thru different times... I sure need some wolf energy right about now!

[magick_faerie]

my other totem animal aside from the crow is a horse, and i often use the crow sat on the horse as a symbol for myself in magickal work as i draw from these animals strength and their raw magickal energy. they help me in some strange ways but they also make me who i am. Did that make any sense??? im not sure it did lol :huh:

Blessings

Fae

[RubyRose]

My Totem animal would have to be the Pegasus. I've had a love of Horses since I was 7, and a love of Mythology since I was first introduced to the concept of Greek Gods in early highschool. So the pegasus nicely incorporated Mythology, with and an animal I love.

[Willowjc]

My Totem animal well....I have two....my father gave them both to me when I was very young....I looked both of them up and he was so right...please don't laugh...but my father never called me by my given name.......it was always skunk and chipmunk. Just think when someone would call on the phone for me....my dad would yell out...HEY SKUNK !!!!!! your wanted on the phone. LOL. BB Willow

[Sabrina]

my other totem animal aside from the crow is a horse, and i often use the crow sat on the horse as a symbol for myself in magickal work as i draw from these animals strength and their raw magickal energy. they help me in some strange ways but they also make me who i am. Did that make any sense??? im not sure it did lol :huh:

Blessings

Fae

Fae:
Did you see my post about the horse?
I think you might like it.

cheers
Sabrina

[Calyx]

What's the difference between a totem animal and an animal guide?
Is there one? :bug:

[mucgwyrt]

I'm no expert, but I think a spirit guide can change throughout your life, whereas a totem animal is with you for life. e.g. my totem is the white goose, but my current guide is a snake :)

[DragonDawn]

My totem is the vulture. I meditated to find it plus at the time i had some strange occurances with vultures.

[Calyx]

I'm no expert, but I think a spirit guide can change throughout your life, whereas a totem animal is with you for life. e.g. my totem is the white goose, but my current guide is a snake :)

Hmm, yes, that's what I was thinking too. So, how can you tell the difference? :whistle:

[mucgwyrt]

Well to be honest, I couldn't to begin with :lol:
When I was a 13-17ish, my guide was a swallow. From then my spirit guide was a white goose for a long time, but recently I started having dreams suggesting it was changing to something else (which turned out to be a snake). I was really sad for a few weeks because I missed my goose, and then I had another dream: I was lying sprawled in grass and a white goose waddled up to me. She nestled into my side and said "Don't worry. The snake is with you for a time, but I am with you always." :smile:

[Shatril]

Here's a question. I've read in several places that an animal that frightens you more than anything may be your totem. How is this possible? Why would your totem scare the poop out of you?

Ted Andrews says that this is possible that the animal that scares you the most may be one of your totems.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0875420281/qid=1090463422/sr=1-9/ref=sr_1_9/102-4424549-8146514?v=glance&s=books

[Angelus_Kuroji]

I'm kinda on the fence about my totem. By birth, I am a Wolf... but I've always had an affinity for Leopards, as well as I've always had a connection to anything feline.

Every time I search for clarity as to what is my totem, my guide or simply an affinity, I get a blank, as if I am not to know the truth. Rather fitting considering how secretive I am by nature... and both animals are that way as well...

[Cinnamon Girl]

Well to be honest, I couldn't to begin with :lol:
When I was a 13-17ish, my guide was a swallow. From then my spirit guide was a white goose for a long time, but recently I started having dreams suggesting it was changing to something else (which turned out to be a snake). I was really sad for a few weeks because I missed my goose, and then I had another dream: I was lying sprawled in grass and a white goose waddled up to me. She nestled into my side and said "Don't worry. The snake is with you for a time, but I am with you always." :smile:

Macha, have you ever read Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy? One of the characters - a witch - has a white goose as her daemon (which if you haven't read the books, is like a totem animal). :)

[mucgwyrt]

Macha, have you ever read Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy? One of the characters - a witch - has a white goose as her daemon (which if you haven't read the books, is like a totem animal). :)
I read the first one when I was 10 (about 10 years ago!) but never got round to reading the other ones. Maybe I'll go buy a copy to take to thailand with me! :hugz:

Goose is a fantastic totem (or I think so, anyway! :lol: ) - I'd love to have some geese when if/I get a big house :D

[LadyAutumnCat]

Hello.

I thought about this last night while casting spells and meditating, and I had an interesting experience. First off let me say that had I responded to this thread yesterday I would have immediately said that cats are my animal totems. I have always been attracted to them and them to me, my best friend and salvation was a cat, and no matter where I go I always encounter a cat or something with a cat on it.

Anyhow, last night I focused on this question in an attempt to realize whether or not cats are my animal totems. The first image I saw before me was of a hawk, I don't know which species in particular, but I believe it was a peregrine falcon, the falcon then began to shapeshift into a feline, which then shape shifted into an owl, a great horned owl. The shape shifting continued to occur, until the animal morphed into a combination of the three, the closest thing i can relate it to is a griphon, but with a more felid face.

Does anyone have any idea what this is saying to me? Am I to speculate that I they are all my totem animals? :confused:

[Angelus_Kuroji]

In all the information I've ever come across it never states that your totem must be of this worldly existance. Your totem could truely be a griffon, or at least of the gryph-species.

I kinda remember a reading a friend of mine made not too long ago for me.... which stated that through my life I was riding a wolf, with a leopard to my right side, and a black widow to the left... A falcon flying over me (then it had 4 other animals at the cardinal directions, but I can't quite remember)... They're more of spirit guides than totems, but just thought to mention it.

LAC, as I said though, it could simply mean that your totem is not of this dimention of reality.
:thewave:

[LadyAutumnCat]

Thanks Ang,

That thought had crossed my mind, but I didn't know if a mythical animal could truly be a guide. I'm going to research this some more and see what I can find out!!!

Blessed be.....

[djc114]

MMMMmmmmm...
Mine is the llama and it found me when I was at my lowest almost 8 years ago.

- Danielle

[Shatril]

Hello.

I thought about this last night while casting spells and meditating, and I had an interesting experience. First off let me say that had I responded to this thread yesterday I would have immediately said that cats are my animal totems. I have always been attracted to them and them to me, my best friend and salvation was a cat, and no matter where I go I always encounter a cat or something with a cat on it.

Anyhow, last night I focused on this question in an attempt to realize whether or not cats are my animal totems. The first image I saw before me was of a hawk, I don't know which species in particular, but I believe it was a peregrine falcon, the falcon then began to shapeshift into a feline, which then shape shifted into an owl, a great horned owl. The shape shifting continued to occur, until the animal morphed into a combination of the three, the closest thing i can relate it to is a griphon, but with a more felid face.

Does anyone have any idea what this is saying to me? Am I to speculate that I they are all my totem animals? :confused:

It is possible that; 1) you have had these totems throughout your life, and as you grew the morphed into those different aspects, and that the morphed image is you as a result of their influences throughout your life. 2) It is possible that all three are your totems, and the tri-morph is you as the result of the totems. I like the tri-morph image. If I were you I would go to the book store and look up Ted Andrew's Books on animal and see what the meaning of those three animals is. I think that is a very strong vision you had, and you should look into the animals. Ted's books will be in the New Age sections of the book store.

I have three totem animals, but they are all big cats. It is possible to have more than three. Your meditation may have given you the three that are yours, and I belive that is what that meant.

Shatril

[Asthmorte]

I dont have a totem that Im aware of, but Im rather new to the path, so patience is the key. Ive had dreams about several animals though, and often feel like a cat(dont ask). does anyone know any rituals or anything to bring your totem to you?

[magick_faerie]

it took me a long time to choose my totem animals. but i always saw horses when i medatated so i knew they were there to make me strong and my crow i see all the time but i was unsure for ages so never fear!!!

Blessings

a poorly fae :sleepybed:

[SilverNightShade]

my animal totem is a cat. I've always loved cats, have had many of them and treat them with special care. The other day wheile staring in my mirror my face changed to look like a cat and i knew that was it.

[Angelus_Kuroji]

...and often feel like a cat(dont ask)...
Not gonna ask, I understand :D :caffeine:

[LadyAutumnCat]

Shatril,

Thank you very much, I am going to look into the books, and definitely going to find out what this means, but I think you may have hit the nail on the head.

I wanted to mention that while hiking through the woods today 2 Red Tailed hawks were following me up in the trees, they kept calling out and flying along with me. Coincidence?

Blessed be....

[Shatril]

Shatril,

Thank you very much, I am going to look into the books, and definitely going to find out what this means, but I think you may have hit the nail on the head.

I wanted to mention that while hiking through the woods today 2 Red Tailed hawks were following me up in the trees, they kept calling out and flying along with me. Coincidence?

Blessed be....

Ted says that when animals act differently, or place themselves in your path it is a message. The fact that TWO redtail hawks were following you has got to be a message. I am quoting from Ted Andrew's book Animal-Speak he says this about the Red-Tailed Hawk "This powerful bird can awaken visionary power and lead you to your life purpose. It is the messenger bird, and wherever it shows up, pay attention. There is a message coming." Hawks have sharp vision as they are birds of prey and this is why they are the power of the visionary. The red-tail is associated with the base chakra, and that this bird only becomes your totem after the kundalini is open. Out of curiosity, have you been working on your chakras. Have you taken the Chakra test in the COT Chakra Class? http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=55797 It is possible that you will see that pair over and over, cuz they mate for life, and the tend to stick to one area. They live for about 13 years. Once they show up as a totem, they tend to be there for life.

I would be really interested to know if that chakra thing coincides with anything in your life.

[LadyAutumnCat]

Oh my goddess!!!

Shatril!!! I did indeed have chakra related work done at an ayurvedic center less than 2 weeks ago, in relation to my anxiety problems!! What also struck a chord with me was when you said that red tailed hawks lead you to your calling. Well, at school, where I'm an environmental studies major, a red tailed hawk crashed into our glass windows and 2 of my friends and I spent hours in the rain with him/her waiting for him/her to get better, which ultimately happened. From that moment on I have wanted to learn more about hawks and possibly work with them. Wow!! Amazing!!! I have to go to the book store.

Thank you, thank you!!!!!

[Shatril]

Oh my goddess!!!

Shatril!!! I did indeed have chakra related work done at an ayurvedic center less than 2 weeks ago, in relation to my anxiety problems!! What also struck a chord with me was when you said that red tailed hawks lead you to your calling. Well, at school, where I'm an environmental studies major, a red tailed hawk crashed into our glass windows and 2 of my friends and I spent hours in the rain with him/her waiting for him/her to get better, which ultimately happened. From that moment on I have wanted to learn more about hawks and possibly work with them. Wow!! Amazing!!! I have to go to the book store.

Thank you, thank you!!!!!

Gads, two experiences with Red Tails. Both in unusual circumstances. I'd say you absolutely have to look at them, for if nothing else the meaning of the encounters. It is clear that Ted Andrews is a fan of Red Tail Hawks, so he has done a lot of work, and written a lot about them. Good hunting at the book store.

Shatril :sunny:

[LadyAutumnCat]

Shatril,

I am definitely going to go to the bookstore. I would indeed say there's more than coincidence involved here!!!

Blessed be.....

[Karma Chameleon]

My totem is the parrot.

[chrestomancie]

I have 4-5 (maybe). I love all animals and really have trouble separating love and totems. I used the spiritualnetwork.net questions and discovered what I "really" already knew. Ferret, Skunk, Bat and Raven are my life long totems. Fox is a new one that kinda just popped up last week, so I have honored her with the banners on my signature and my av, I really hope she stays with me.

[DragonFriend]

...well I think you can guess my main one......That came to me when I started doing meditation as part of my rituals.

My other ones are the magpie, and also wolf. The wolf from a very young age - when I was upset or stressed as a child I used to dream of sleeping cuddled up next to a huge she wolf. The feel of a dogs coat under my hand has always meant comfort and security to me. The dog stands for strength and fierce loyalty in my eyes.

The magpie thing confused me a bit to start with but while there is a lot of bad press associated with them- superstition mostly - being connected in the past to bad luck - they've always had the opposite effect for me.


Blessings
DF

[enchancea]

Mine is the snake. I came to know this through a meditation. And she is constantly in my dreams.

[Fang of Loki]

Mine is the common Field Mouse.

When I first started studying Druidry I went into the forest and made the silent call for a totem animal. I sat for over an hour. A deer passed by, looked at me once and kept walking. A coyote watched me from a hilltop for a short while and then ran off. All manner of birds flew past, some landing in the trees and then taking flight once again. Later on I felt something moving on my leg, so I looked down to see an adult Field Mouse sitting there. It didn't run, it just looked at me for a short while, then it got off of my leg and wandered away. It hit me then, I knew what my totem animal was.

[ollathair]

I have two ... the wolf, and the eagle.

However, the stronger of the two, the one I seem to see/relate to the most, is the wolf. For some reason, I am unable to get them out of my mind?

The eagle comes to me, I believe, through my Sun Sign (Scorpio). Now I know most people believe that Scorpio is the Scvorpion ... well, it is, and it isn't. Scorpio is the only Sun Sign to have more than one corrpondent-- the Scorpion which is the most common; the eagle and the serpent.

But, yes, the Wolf is mine.

[Maverynthia]

I'm not sure of my totem animals, though I'm drawn to small fish, cockroaches and crows....dragons have also been a big thing with me.

[Arbor Wolf]

Mine is quite obvious, a wolf of course. I came to know this personally through a combination of feeling a connection with the animal for most of my life as well as meditations which revealed it's nature to me. Over the years some clairvoyants that I have met have confirmed this fact for me without me giving them any indication (even my name) beforehand. :spinnysmi

[MoonLyte]

The butterfly is mine :)

[Suzette]

Mine include cat, dog, raven, fish, squirrel and now.... Spider

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=85369