Totemism is said to be the oldest form of worship.  Timothy Roderick defines totem as: "Personified power, usually in the form of an animal, but sometimes the form is plant or mineral."

The word totem means "related through the mother."

In many cultures, even today, an animal totem is a spiritual guide that helps the whole person.  For some, it is ever part of who you are; thus, an individual with a hawk as a totem may even have the appearance of a hawk, with a hook nose and penetrating eyes.  With animal totems, each animal represents specific qualities and powers that are transferred to the individual with that totem or invoking that totem.

There are many ways to connect with animal totems.  My favourite system is the one created by Jamie Sams and David Carson, The Medicine Cards.  This system uses animal cards and a layout that the seeker does only once in his or her life.  According to Jamie Sams, every individual has 9 totems, 7 of which you pick with the cards.  Each of the 7 represent the directions (East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within).  She explains each of these positions and then adds 2 more, one representing your masculine side and the other your feminine side.  These two she suggests you determine without the cards.

Another method to determine an animal totem is through drumming and journey work, alone or with a group.  Animals appearing in dreams can also be a sign of a connection to that animal as a totem.  Even more powerful is an animal appearing to you in waking life.  This can happen in either a benign or fearful way.  In my case, crow kept crossing my path over a period of 3 years.  I finally realized crow to be a totem when my husband and I were fortunate to tend to a wild crow for three weeks, before releasing him back into the wild.  Sometimes an animal that bites you turns out to be a totem.  Once bitten, the particular power of the animal is even stronger.

Many people are aware of western astrology these days.  Each astrological sign has a particular creature associated with it.  Other moon based astrology systems that connect birth time with animal totems are the Lakota and Celtic traditions.

Astrological Correspondences

Totems can be found in a variety of ways.  It is important to remember that every totem has something to offer that is unique and special, and that no single individual "owns" a totem.

Like any close friend or family member, a totem relationship is a relationship to honour and cherish.  One of the most important things for me is never taking a totem for granted.  The rest is up to the individual.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started in exploring your own unique relationship with your special totems:

Learn all that you can about the real and mythical animal. If possible, include the animal in your life.  Dogs and cats enjoy living with people, and they can also be totems.

If the animal is not one that enjoys being a pet, join environmental groups that work to protect the animal and its environment.

Wear symbols of your totem through jewellery, shirts and such.

Find others who love animals and share stories of your totem with them.

Connect to your totem in spirit as well as life, talking to the animal as you would a cherished loved one or, if you feel comfortable, the Creator.

These are just some ideas to get your mind started.  You will know best how and when to connect with your totems.

Since I have worked with animal totems, my life has become more magical, more rich and now feels part of an amazing web of life.  I have always loved nature and animals, yet I see them now in a far deeper way.

I believe that animals know how to live here on Earth in a more balanced way than humans and that they can teach us how to live in balance as well.  I also believe that knowing your animal totems can help to solve many psychological and even physical problems.  For instance, if a polar bear is a main totem in your life, you can be certain that you need much room to roam about in your world.  You probably also prefer temperatures that are a bit cooler and need plenty of meat in your diet.  When you live in harmony with your totem energy, you should experience a greater sense of well-being and inner peace.

Animal totems have helped me to integrate difficult parts of myself as well as bringing out natural strengths.

Most importantly, animal totems have opened up communication to all that is around me and hopefully, is helping me to see my part in the web of life that recognizes the other parts as well.  Besides, working with your animal totems is enjoyable.