ANIMAL TOTEMS
By Ian Bailey
TOTEMS, many times, are grouped into four categories: water, air, insect, and land. Air totems are usually symbols of strength (mental and
physical). They are also signs of life transitions. Bats are symbols of intuition, dreaming, vision. If the bat is a totem for you then you are prone to prophetic dreams and are most likely able to be intuitive and perceptive on a psychic level. They are aware of the surroundings that they live in and this makes them a very wise totem to have as they can show you many things from the insides of caves to the tops of the mountains and trees. Blackbirds are symbols of transition and transformation. They are known for mystery, magic, secrets, and higher intelligence. A simple minded person is not likely to attract a blackbird as a totem. They are usually a totem for deep thinking people. They will help you to find your potential in life. Falcons are symbolized by spirit, light, power, focus, and aspiration. They will come to you when you have questions about a transition in employment or when you are trying to make a goal setting plan in your life. They can lead you to a life purpose. Owls are known for their vision, wisdom, mystery, secrets, and protection. They are known as a witch’s familiar. This means that they are an animal whose soul can be linked to that of a human through a unique bond of communication.
area animal as can be classified as water or land. The way they build their dams is also a symbol of blocking negativity. Bears are symbols of power, bravery, peace, resurrection, and motherhood. They are strong animals that love to be out in the sun and be peaceful and quiet but also very protective of the young. Cows are a symbol of fertility, motherhood, nurturing, calming, and beginnings. They also symbolize patience and the feminine symbol of yin. They are an emblem of royalty in many cultures. Dogs symbolize community, friendship and companionship. The goddess Hecate has been shown with dogs surrounding her as both are defenders of those who cannot protect themselves, such as babies, young children, the meek, mild and people who are mistreated. In Celtic symbolism the dog is known for heroism. House cats are known for cleverness, secretiveness, the supernatural, intelligence and independence. When a cat is your totem it many times means that it is time to shake things up in your life or change your routine. You should distance yourself from problems that you have no way of solving on your own. The horse is known for power, grace, beauty, strength, and freedom. In your dreams or meditation, if you are riding a horse and you fall off this may symbolize that you are unsure or not ready for something coming up in your life. If you are holding onto the reigns it may mean either that you are secure in your life or that you need to loosen the reigns or have more fun. Squirrels are known for energy, playfulness, balance, preparation, and resourcefulness. If you have a squirrel as your totem it may be telling you that you need to look into provisions and plan for the future, whether in retirement, 401k, insurance, or any other area of importance in your life. The squirrel also tells you to communicate with those around you and honor others.
Land totems
are aware of Mother Earth’s heartbeat and how she works. They relate to intuition and awareness and represent being grounded and stable mentally and physically. Beaver are known for building dreams. They are a symbol of family, intuition, and balance. Beaver is also a multi
Sept/Oct 2013 Issue—Page 16