Animal Totems/Guides

[OneGrassRoot]

Like many of you, I've never followed a particular "belief" system. My journey has always -- even as a child -- been that of a seeker, exploring a variety of religions and belief systems. Fairly quickly I stopped searching for THE answer and instead was simply searching for a path that worked for ME, recognizing that we are each unique.

As I got older, I also recognized that what may have worked for me at one time, may no longer serve. Flexibility and maintaining an open mind became more important -- for me -- and simply paying attention.

In paying attention, the animal kingdom came strongly into my awareness about eight or nine years ago. I found it fascinating to read about various cultures' beliefs regarding Spirit guides, and how certain creatures impart certain messages, signs and omens.

This really resonated with me for some reason, especially as the hawk became prevalent in my daily experience at that time in a way I couldn't logically dismiss. Nor did I want to, quite frankly. :) I found it comforting...a sign from Spirit that I was connected.

Along with a lifelong propensity to have message dreams as my main source of guidance, I now include the animal kingdom as a great source of guidance for me.

As I have recently made a conscious effort to reconnect to guidance, the hawk, a white crow, and an eagle (my first ever!) made an appearance in the last 10 days. Their messages are very similar and add to my sense that I am indeed being guided in this manner and that it's important for me to pay attention.

I know we can go crazy and interpret everything as "a sign," but for me it's only when something STRONGLY resonates or occurs repeatedly that I delve into the potential message further. Otherwise, I'd drive myself insane trying to interpret every occurrence.

And, like dreams, I think their messages are unique for each individual.

I was just wondering if any others feel the same way about Spirit Guides within the Animal Kingdom?

The "bible" for many about this subject is Ted Andrews' "AnimalSpeak," in case that rings a bell.

:)

[LaurenG]

1. I have dreamed of a huge German Shepard throughout my life

and I'm a cat person. I also have a few animal stories from childhood that I've wondered about.

Once when I was small there was an owl in our backyard just sitting in the yard, in the middle of the day, and I went out to pet it and just as I was about to get my hand on his head my mother screamed not to touch it and scared both of us. He flew off and I had to go inside for a lecture. I also had a pocketful of baby rattlesnakes once that I thought were worms that I dug out of the sandbox. I brought them in pulled them out of my pocket and handed them to my dad. He stomped them once he realized they weren't worms.

I guess I should go look those up. :o

[OneGrassRoot]

3. OMG!

:scared:

Baby rattlesnakes?!!!!! Yikes!!! I'm terrified of snakes. I have a feeling you aren't so much, even now, huh? :)

I have taken to calling myself the "fire ant whisperer"...lol....as when I was little, I used to stand in fire ant mounds (I have NO idea why) and get upset when pulled away from them. lol

That's pretty special about you dreaming of the same animal throughout your life. I'd venture to say there is a message there indeed, especially if it occurs during certain cycles or times of your life.

Interesting.....

:hug:

[Cleita]

2. Even though I'm a water sign, I have had an affinity for birds at key

turning point events in my life. They seem to come around to warn me at times and to comfort me at times. Something happened yesterday involving one of the hawks that I witnessed. It was very disturbing so I won't go into detail but it seems to be a harbinger of some sort and it isn't good.

[OneGrassRoot]

4. It's easy for me to go into that place, too.....

fearing whatever I've witnessed, especially with the hawk, is a bad omen.

Last year I saw something I had never seen before: I saw a hawk catch/kill a smaller bird in mid flight.

It was really disconcerting for several weeks for me. I know it's nature and all, but whenever I witness the hawk doing what it naturally does (kill), it feels icky.

Just yesterday one flew within 10 feet of me, as I sat on the porch, holding its terrified prey.

But then I remind myself that their mere presence is what I tune into...and don't get too deep into the particular potential message.

Hugs for whatever you may be feeling, Cleita.....:hug:

[Kind of Blue]

5. Funny you should bring this up, OGR.

My husband usually gives a co-worker a ride home every night. This guy he complains about has no filter with what comes out of his mouth. He was about to tell the guy to tamp it down a bit when a snow white owl (his totem) flew directly in their path. But then as soon as the owl passed, there came the biggest falling star just racing towards earth. After that, even though he tried to get a word in about the 2 sightings, and though he knows the guy has had a rough life (drugs, divorces, prison in his youth, et cetera), it hit him deeply that the guy is a very lonely middle aged man who really needs to talk about EVERYTHING.

He's still going to tell him to take it down a thousand, but it would have come out hurtful if he hadn't seen the owl and shooting star, almost like an urgent message. I just looked up the white owl totem and it really represents insight and wisdom, among other things. And I know it is a stretch but I think it's interesting that stars are presented as animals in the zodiac.

[rosesaylavee]

6. I find I am more and more drawn to animals

these past few years - all kinds. There was a thread in this forum and Old Broad - not sure she posts here anymore - mentioned Amelia Kinkaide and her journey learning to speak to animals. (Thank you Old Broad!) And in reading those books, it just made so much sense to me. I could never understand why animals are treated so poorly and with such disrespect. I have always said hello/goodby to animals at people's homes. I would love to participate in one of her workshops. If the job I have been pursuing opens up, I am signing up for the one this fall in Massachusetts.

Would recommend her books to all - they are more than interesting.

http://www.ameliakinkade.com/

[Sanity Claws]

7. Same here

I'm also more interested in trees. I wonder whether my relatively new interest in fauna and flora is due to the shift or simply a phase of growing older.

[rosesaylavee]

8. Maybe that is it...

I don't know but I become aware of animals more and more in my environment and walking by me on the street with their owners. I had one come bounding up to me a few weeks back barking and I didn't think it strange at all or frightening but just said hello buddy. After I got back in my car, I thought, wow, a few years ago I would have freaked out to have a strange large dog barking and running at me. But I knew he was just greeting me. And there were other people showing up in their cars there too and he didn't behave that way with them. So maybe I am giving off a vibe or something that says I'm a friendly human.

[Sanity Claws]

9. I've had similar things happen

I'll often exercise in the park and see lots of people with their dogs. One little Boston Terrier kept turning around to look at me and this was slowing down the owner who wanted to keep walking. The owner was kind of embarrassed and said the dog doesn't usually do that.
I like pets and have two cats. Maybe the dogs sensed I like them.

Have you developed an interest in trees? Just curious.

[rosesaylavee]

10. I have a lovely Oak in my front yard.

She is probably 50 or 60 and looks over my home in the front yard. The Elm in our side yard is younger - she was damaged by a garbage truck travelling too close a couple years ago and it ripped off a very large branch. It was almost a physical feeling for me when it happened. So, yeah, I think so. Hadn't thought about it in this way before but it has been a gradual awareness. Maybe more gradual than animals as there are fewer trees in my world than creatures.

We have a border collie and a beta fish. Our last beta died a few weeks ago, one in a long line of betas but we had this fellow for almost 4 years. It was more difficult to see him gone than the others.

[crikkett]

24. My parrot acts very strangely when we trim back bushes and trees

in our yard. Of course it's OK for him to chew the poor things to pieces, but when we start pruning he actually cries out in their defense.

[Cleita]

11. I love trees and not just occasional ones like we put in our landscape but

forests of them. I am never happier than when I'm surrounded by tall trees. I've been rather upset because the trees where I live are being harvested bit by bit for fire wood. The beings who live in them and who shelter in them are becoming stressed. I hate it and don't know what to do about it.

[OneGrassRoot]

12. A specific question: grey fox versus red fox

I'm currently trying to find out any difference, message or symbolism wise, between a grey fox and a red fox.

Sadly, in the last year I've seen quite a few dead red foxes on the road. I know that medicine involves the kundalini. I've never seen a live one.

But the night before last, as I was sitting outside at dusk, here comes a GREY fox. I looked them up and it was a male grey fox; I didn't even know we the grey fox here.

He walked up and down the perimeter of the back yard. Then he returned last night. :) Very cool. He saw us (I was with Mark both times) and continued what he was doing.

Early this morning, we went to take a walk several miles from here, and right as we entered the park area, there is another male grey fox standing at the entrance. He moved to the side of the road (there are woods there), but he wouldn't leave even though we stopped the car and rolled down the window and talked to him...lol. I asked him what message he has for us, but he didn't answer. Yet. ;)

Oh, on that same walk, I found a red-tail hawk tail feather!

Yay! :)

[OneGrassRoot]

13. A friend just sent this info (in case others are interested):

Fox Family Wisdom Includes:

Wisdom of Being Both Flexible and Surefooted
Being Ingenious
How to be Still and Invisible
Silent Observation
Becoming a Part of Your Surroundings


Red Fox Wisdom Includes:

Guide to Other Worlds
Good Husband
Cunning and Shapeshifting
Adaptability


Grey Fox (also called Tree Fox) Wisdom Includes:

Grey Fox teaches creative problem solving
Climbing Higher in Life
Being an Inventive Soul
Keeping Your Privacy


:)

[The Blue Flower]

14. Not exactly related but truly strange, anyway

I was out at a peace event in Seattle's Magnuson Park a few years ago and was looking at a display in a big field, pretty much alone and away from the crowd. From far across the field, I heard a man yelling my name. I couldn't make out his face because he was too far away, but I noticed a small black dog running toward me at the same time, barking excitedly. The guy was running after the dog. When the dog got to me, she started running around me, barking happily, wanting me to pet her. When the guy got closer, I realized I didn't know him, had never seen him before. Turned out that the dog had the same name as me--it was on a little red heart on her collar. My name isn't common (Rita). I still have absolutely no idea what it meant.

[OneGrassRoot]

15. That had to be....odd --

but cool at the same time! Little Rita running toward you like a long lost friend.

:)

:hug:

[The Blue Flower]

16. It truly was!

She must have been on my wavelength.

[GliderGuider]

17. Recognizing my totem animal made a lot of things fall into place for me.

I just stepped onto my path a year and a half ago, after many decades as a cynical atheist. Throughout my life though, I've had an intense love of gliders (also known as sailplanes). I've never had any urge whatever to fly powered aircraft, though I have a few past-life memories of being a Spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain. I finally got off my butt and got my glider pilot's license, and on one of the flights that made the most impression on me I rode a rising air current up the face of a cloud in the company of 5 hawks. The closest was less than 50 feet away, and I remember him staring over at me, perhaps wondering what strange sort of bird I was.

Then about 4 months ago I had a vision during some energy work. In the vision I was an ancient Andean shaman (perhaps in what is now Peru or Ecuador) performing a ritual for his village at the foot of the cliff that held their dwellings. Part of the ritual involved setting my consciousness free from my body to search through the jungle up into the mountains around us. I didn't know what I was searching for until my consciousness flowed up a tree and in through the feet of a condor that was roosted there. As the condor felt me enter he launched himself from the tree as I looked out through his eyes and became the bird.

Looking out through the condor's eyes I soared effortlessly over the mountain slopes, my body immersed in the air as if it was a living medium, wings barely moving, feeling every shift of wind, every up- or down-draft as though the air was an extension of my Self. As I soared out over the edge of a cliff, I looked down to see a bonfire with a group of villagers on one side and on the other side a lone man staring skyward. Our eyes met, and in that moment I looked at myself from above and below, the man, the condor, the man in the condor, the condor in the man, all united in that piercing glance.

It was an experience like a flash of lightning as my soul merged with itself through the medium of the condor. I knew in that instant why I had always loved soaring, and why the flight of soaring birds like hawks and especially vultures (the condor is actually a type of vulture) has always filled me with awe and yearning.

[OneGrassRoot]

19. I could read your sharings all day, Dear Sir....

and, gradually, I shall read them. Your site is amazing. :)

Thank you for sharing this extraordinary experience...your writing allowed me to feel as though I was flying right along with you.

:hug:

[conscious evolution]

18. Everyone has three

Earth
Air
Water

Mine are buffalo,owl,and sea turtle.

We may have a fourth-Fire. Unfortunately that one has not revealed to me yet.

[OneGrassRoot]

20. I didn't know that.

But it makes a lot of sense.

So, from what I just read, hawk is actually a Fire totem? I assumed it was Air. Hmmmm.....

:hug:

[mntleo2]

21. I only know one of mine but it is in my username

...I did a vision quest to find my power animal with a woman who was a doctorate in psychology but who was also trained by her grandmother who was a Cuban holy woman. I expected that a bunny or something like that would to come to me.

She had me go in my mind to a place where I would be happy. I chose a green forest and rapid stream, like where I grew up in the North Cascades in the virgin forest. I waited for quite awhile, sitting in the mist on a large rock by this large tumbling creek with this lush surroundings of ferns, old growth, and the smell of the forest. Then I saw a large cougar come from out of the trees! I was wondering if she was going to eat my "bunny" or something, but instead she gracefully walked over and sat down beside me. I could not believe it!!

I have always thought of myself as a "peace and love" kind of person and loved the little animals a lot. Growing up where we did, we were taught from an early age to watch out for cougars as you could soon be lunch, so I was afraid of them! I remember walking with my dad through the snow (we got about 9' of snow a year) and there was this cyclone fence where a doe was running up against it again and again. I will not forget the terror in her eyes as she desperately pounded herself against that fence as if she hoped it would give way and free her. My father commented that he was walking with me because that deer was being stalked ...by a cougar. I remember the chill that went trough my heart because I knew she was not long for this world ~ and so a cougar just was not "right" for me.

That was almost 20 years ago and the lioness is still with me, though I do not often visit with her. However, whenever I go and look for her no matter how long the time in between, she is there waiting ...She told me her name was Simbra. She would bathe me like I was her kitten and let me sleep curled up against her body. When I am afraid or sad she comes to me and lets me "be her kitten" so to speak. It always calms me and makes me realize that it is important for me to see and respect in myself her fierce, independent and wild qualities.

I realize now, though I am not sure what the totem means, that my name being "Cat" my sign being "Leo" and just being a cat lover since birth, why of COURSE Simbra is my totem!

Cat in Seattle (mntleo2)

[winyanstaz]

22. This is what I teach my students and what I have found to be true for myself.

As I am part Native American I have had some exposure to teachings about Totems from different teachers and tribes and as I have also studied a number of other Paths as well as found my own Totem Spirit helpers I will share what I have learned in the same way I was taught it.
I do not claim these ways are the only ways, only that this is some of the traditional beliefs and teachings of some tribes and some cultures as well as what I have experienced for myself.
This is also what I teach my students.
Your Totem/Spirit helpers are the line of consciousness you have passed through to become a true human being. Being our ancestors and relations, they are interested in helping us and they have much to teach us.
A Totem/Spirit helper will show itself to you in four ways. Meaning, perhaps from the front, another view from the side, maybe a close-up of part of it's body like maybe it's eyes or something or perhaps moving away from you.
It will also usually do something to show you it is not an ordinary animal (even if it comes to you on the physical plane) by perhaps speaking to you/sharing consciousness or if it is a land animal it might fly or sometimes they will shift and take a human-like form such as one of my teachers on the Inner planes who is named "Bear That Stands Like a Man."
If you are very blessed you will receive a Power Song (sometimes that shows up later) and perhaps it will either let you ride it back to your physical body or you will get to shape shift into it on the Astral/Dreaming plane.
A person may have one that stays forever, or perhaps one that stays and many that come and go or many that stay...it all depends on the Spirits however as they chose to appear to us, not us to them.
A person may have some helpers from each of the tribes/Kingdoms, ie: the Tribe/Kingdom of minerals, the Tribe/Kingdom of plants, the Tribe/Kingdom of animals...or not.
They may also be of different Elemental levels, ie: air, fire, water, earth or of only one.
Sometimes they will turn into a mist and enter into your body..other times they will let you ride back or they will carry you back or you will shape shift as you move back to the body...this is something that is easy to do on the inner-planes. Don't indulge too much though as it is easy to get caught up in being whatever...and forget to return to your human form. Once I almost killed and ate a mouse on the inner planes because I was a wind-hover hawk too long! :P
Sometimes it happens that they will tear you into pieces and put you back together again but don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds. Sometimes you must face death and surrender in order to truly live. heeheh
When you meet your Totem, be sure to dance it later as it is an exchange of energy and a way of being close to them. Don't worry, your body will find the steps that are yours.
Those steps are part of the dance that is yours and that you will be given an extra moment to do as a warrior returning home to the Great Spirit on the day of your death to the physical plane if you become a Spiritual Warrior.
Remember, a Woman can also be a Spiritual Warrior.
A Spiritual Warrior seeks Spiritual Power.
Not Power in the way the world thinks of Power, but the Power to face the unknown and to face our greatest enemy which is ourselves and to stand in the presence of The Creator with a clear eye and open heart and not be ashamed.

[conscious evolution]

23. My experience

As I am part Native American I have had some exposure to teachings about Totems from different teachers and tribes and as I have also studied a number of other Paths as well as found my own Totem Spirit helpers I will share what I have learned in the same way I was taught it.
I kinda stumbled into it all learning on a trial and error basis after the original 'WTF!?! Did that just really happen?!?' moment. Don't ask-its a long story.

I do not claim these ways are the only ways, only that this is some of the traditional beliefs and teachings of some tribes and some cultures as well as what I have experienced for myself.
This is also what I teach my students.

Your Totem/Spirit helpers are the line of consciousness you have passed through to become a true human being. Being our ancestors and relations, they are interested in helping us and they have much to teach us.
They have taught me much.

A Totem/Spirit helper will show itself to you in four ways. Meaning, perhaps from the front, another view from the side, maybe a close-up of part of it's body like maybe it's eyes or something or perhaps moving away from you.
This happens with my earth and water totems.

It will also usually do something to show you it is not an ordinary animal (even if it comes to you on the physical plane) by perhaps speaking to you/sharing consciousness or if it is a land animal it might fly or sometimes they will shift and take a human-like form such as one of my teachers on the Inner planes who is named "Bear That Stands Like a Man."
Do dancing buffalo sound out of the ordinary?Thats how I recognized there was something different going on.

If you are very blessed you will receive a Power Song (sometimes that shows up later) and perhaps it will either let you ride it back to your physical body or you will get to shape shift into it on the Astral/Dreaming plane.
Power songs can take many forms.Donna the Buffalo,Dave Mathews,CSNY and the Grateful Dead sing my favorites.It kinda surprised a Sun Dancer that I told about it.Till he tried it himself.Then he was really surprised.

A person may have one that stays forever, or perhaps one that stays and many that come and go or many that stay...it all depends on the Spirits however as they chose to appear to us, not us to them.
Owl seems to be staying around.Buffalo and turtle only make rare appearances.

A person may have some helpers from each of the tribes/Kingdoms, ie: the Tribe/Kingdom of minerals, the Tribe/Kingdom of plants, the Tribe/Kingdom of animals...or not.
The tribe of minerals.Hmmmmm.This is interesting to learn.I had a vision that involves magnetics and the strong and weak magnetic
forces.It came about when owl was showing me something.Even though I know little about magnetic force I have been feeling driven to follow up on it.I have even gone so far as to start reading up on the physics of magnetic force.

They may also be of different Elemental levels, ie: air, fire, water, earth or of only one.
Thats my experience.So far air,water and earth have revealed themselves to me.I am beginning to suspect the fire totem is
human. Is that possible?

Sometimes they will turn into a mist and enter into your body..other times they will let you ride back or they will carry you back or you will shape shift as you move back to the body...this is something that is easy to do on the inner-planes. Don't indulge too much though as it is easy to get caught up in being whatever...and forget to return to your human form. Once I almost killed and ate a mouse on the inner planes because I was a wind-hover hawk too long!
They let me see through their eyes.Its nice to see things but it is easy to get caught up in it.Plus the info overload from doing
so can end be a little overwhelming at times.

Sometimes it happens that they will tear you into pieces and put you back together again but don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds. Sometimes you must face death and surrender in order to truly live. heeheh
I was shot down by Buffalo Bill once during a buffalo dream.That was rather disturbing at the time.

When you meet your Totem, be sure to dance it later as it is an exchange of energy and a way of being close to them. Don't worry, your body will find the steps that are yours.
Dance is when they come to me.
Dance like no one is watching.The steps DO come and you will know it.
Those steps are part of the dance that is yours and that you will be given an extra moment to do as a warrior returning home to the Great Spirit on the day of your death to the physical plane if you become a Spiritual Warrior.
Remember, a Woman can also be a Spiritual Warrior.
Some of the most powerful warriors I have met are women.NEVER EVER piss one off.Your ass is grass if you do.
A Spiritual Warrior seeks Spiritual Power.
Only because we have no choice.Personally,I would rather be one of the sleeping ones.Unfortunately some wake up calls can't be ignored.

Not Power in the way the world thinks of Power, but the Power to face the unknown and to face our greatest enemy which is ourselves and to stand in the presence of The Creator with a clear eye and open heart and not be ashamed.
Someday I will be ready for this.I am my greatest enemy.No doubt about it.Slowly I but surely I am learning to quite fighting myself.

[OneGrassRoot]

26. And, thank you, conscious evolution...

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

25. Fascinating....

Thank you, winyanstaz. I loved reading this.


:hug:

[liberalmuse]

27. I saved a hummingbird once.

And have assumed from that point that this is my totem animal (though I adore all animals).