The Bat
Because the bat is a sociable animal it can indicate a need
for more sociability or increased opportunity with greater numbers
of people. It has great auditory perception and can navigate
through the dark easily. Their built in sonar enables them to
know what lies beneath the surface. Those with this medicine
have uncanny abilities to discern hidden messages both from
people and the environment.
The Bear
The bear holds the teachings of introspection. When it shows
up in your life pay attention to how you think, act and interact.
Use discernment in all that you do and discriminate with care.
Bear teaches you how to make choices from a position of power.
The Cat
Because of their x-ray vision, acute hearing and high intelligence
they were used throughout history as guardians and protectors.
In ancient Egypt cats guarded the temple gates and were used
to ward off evil. If cat appears in your life the blending of
magic and mystery is at hand. A trustworthy teacher, the cat
will guide you into the world of self discovery and transformation.
The Cougar
The other side of cougar is its illusive quality. It can appear
without being noticed and quietly take control of a situation.
Sometimes this can lead to conflict with others over territory.
Those with cougar medicine have past life connections relating
to power and leadership. When the cougar selects you as its
student be prepared for the ride of your life. It can shred
you into little pieces (dissolve karma and identity) then put
you back together again with a pure heart and purpose. True
leadership through gentle assertiveness is what cougar teaches
those with this totem.
The Coyote
Like the coyote we can work with others to get what we want
in life, or we can dive into a lake to catch a reflection. We
can send troubles away or invite them carelessly. When coyote
wanders into your life you are being asked to look at something
you have been avoiding. Coyote is our mirror for the lessons
we need to learn in order to walk a good sacred road. It will
hold up the mirror relentlessly until we finally get the picture.
Call on coyote as an ally for negotiating a difficult situation.
Or thank him for coming and showing you a trap that you are
caught in, or a way that you are fooling yourself. Coyote is
an especially powerful teacher with regard to relationships
because it is when we are in a relationship that we can fool
ourselves the most. Coyote is not out there to get us, but to
teach us, whether we want to learn or not.
The Crow
The striking black color of crow represents the color of creation.
It is the womb out of which the new is born. Black the color
of night gives birth to the light of a new day. Crow is a daytime
bird reminding us that magic and creation are present in both.
Their ability to shift between the known and unknown world indicates
new journeys. Because crow is adaptable to all environments
and will eat almost anything, they can survive in almost any
situation. Crow is associated with magic, unseen forces and
spiritual strength. If crow flies into your life, get out of
your familiar nest, look beyond your present range of vision,
listen to its caw and act accordingly.
The Deer
Watching the deer and her young is a reminder to honor the child
like innocence within your self and move with gentleness and
an open heart. It also suggests that you stand strong on your
path and not allow yourself to get distracted by outside influences.
The set of antlers that the male deer grows are the antennae
that connects it to higher forms of attunement. If you encounter
a deer in the wild try to count the number of points on their
antlers. This number ties into numerology and can hold great
significance for those with this totem.
The Dog
Certain breeds of dog were designed for specific functions.
The study of the breed and its purpose can help you define the
energy associated with it. Since wolves and coyotes are its
descendants these should be studied as well. The behavior of
a dog often reflects the personality of its owner. Through its
observation and constant interaction with you it anticipates
your next move, and serves as a mirror image of who you truly
are. The dog is a great teacher for those who are willing to
be loyal students. The choice is yours.
The Dragonfly
Dragonfly has the ability to reflect and refract light and colors
and is often associated with magic and mysticism. It conveys
the message that life is never what it appears to be. Flying
into and around things from different angles, they challenge
rigid awareness and prompt the energy of change for anyone who
holds this medicine.
The Duck
Affectionate and community oriented duck medicine people love
and are loved deeply. They often feel a great need to be of
service and make excellent healers. Because the coloring of
ones personal duck is symbolic, healing with color can be beneficial.
Ducks are graceful as they glide through the water reminding
us to be gentle with ourselves as we heal, learn and grow into
our perfected self.
The Eagle
They remind us to pay attention to our speech and how it affects
others. Our words as well as the tone of our voice should be
examined. Eagle asks us to maintain a prayerful connection with
Spirit, to keep our minds focused on what is important in life.
Maintaining this attitude removes being judgmental from our
consciousness. Without judgment we speak with encouragement
and kindness towards others. Lessons associated with judgment
are part of this medicine. Eagles have excellent vision. Perched
high in a tree they appear to analyze and observe everything.
If Eagle has blessed you with its presence in some way, you
are being given potent gifts of clarity and vision to use for
the good of all people helping to bring forth the light out
of the darkness. Eagle also serves as a reminder to those with
this totem to communicate with Great Spirit daily so the gifts
Eagle offers you can be utilized fully.
The Elephant
Teeth have great symbolism. They are considered receivers and
transmitters of energy linked by connecting paths throughout
the astral body. Because the elephant is highly intelligent
those with this totem make excellent researchers and alternative
scientists. The complex study of numbers, energy meridians and
the tie in between the physical brain, the teeth locations,
and the major and minor head chakras is fascinating as well
as beneficial. Elephant tusks point backwards and are used as
weapons and for digging edible roots. From a spiritual point
of view this suggests an ability to uncover the secrets left
behind you and bring them to the consciousness for evaluation
and healing. This beautiful creature hold the teachings of compassion,
loyalty, strength, intelligence, discernment and power to name
a few. If this is your medicine these virtues are a part of
your natural character. By applying these gifts in your life
soul evolution is achieved.
The Elk
When elk appears in your life, it may be telling you to polish
your act and carry yourself with pride and power. That does
not mean you should be egotistical, however, for elk knows that
its true power comes from Great Spirit. It shows off the gifts
it has been given and uses them to its advantage. Elk holds
the medicine of strength and empowerment. If you need to be
impressive in a situation, it would be good to connect with
elk and learn from it. If you are shy or unsure elk can show
you how to become more confident.
The Fox
Those with fox as a totem are often clever and witty but must
remember to keep their crafty and clever nature balanced or
it could backfire. Fox can also suggest that your actions might
be too obvious and you need to learn to be more discreet. Fox
is one of the most uniquely skilled and ingenious animals of
nature. Because it is a creature of the night, it is often imbued
with supernatural powers. The fox has a long history of magic
and cunning associated with it. It can move in and out of situations
restoring order or causing confusion depending on the situation.
If fox is your totem pay attention to the way it moves and follow
its lead. This is a powerful medicine to have and those that
it belongs to should learn to use its skills for the benefit
of all, including you.
The Frog
The frog is a totem of metamorphosis. Most frogs undergo a two
stage life cycle. Eggs hatch into tadpoles which grow and eventually
become adults. This signifies the awakening of ones creativity.
When frog leaps into a persons life it is an invitation to jump
into their creative power. To do this it is helpful to know
which stage of life you are presently in. By studying the characteristics
of the frog the discovery of your present life cycle is known.
The Hawk
The destiny of all humankind is to awaken from their spiritual
amnesia and realign with the original intention of their soul.
When the hawk flies into our life we will be asked to evaluate
who we have become and rip out the threads of our self created
illusions. This enables our inner truth to surface. Hawk signifies
union with Great Spirit. A bird of the heavens the hawk orchestrates
the changes necessary for our spiritual growth. Having this
totem can be bitter sweet. If we accept its presence in our
life we will be asked to surrender anything that doesn't honor
the integrity of all life. Be it an idea, a feeling or an action.
Although hard work is involved the rewards the hawk offers us
are great.
The Horse
When the horse, either wild or domestic, appears in your life
the following questions should be asked. Are you pushing boundaries
that are going to cause severe repercussions? Are you trying
in your need to be free, to not play by the rules? If so, this
may not be a bad thing, but learn the lesson of mustang, there
can be a high price to pay for freedom.
The Leopard
Those with this medicine have strong bodies but need to remember
to release pent up anger, frustrations and other emotions or
physical health issues related to the limbs and the skeleton
could occur. When leopard energy is contained within and not
expressed outwardly arthritic type conditions can develop. Those
with this totem would benefit by imitating the leopard in its
movements. Any form of dance, tai chi or rhythmic practice would
be beneficial. Because the leopard is a strong and powerful
leper it can show us how to leap over obstacles efficiently
and gracefully. They are masters at negotiating their environment
and will continually serve to encourage that master ship in
those who hold this totem.
The Lion
Those with this totem will find that their life lessons will
involve dealing with groups and community in some way. They
will also need to pay attention to the particular role they
play within that group and work with others cooperatively. Lion
people have the ability to be balanced leaders but need to keep
jealous tendencies under control. Lions do not fight for the
sake of fighting. They avoid confrontation and will leave the
scene of danger whenever possible and can guide those with this
totem out of unpleasant situations.
The Owl
They are able to slip in and out of places unnoticed and can
teach us how to do the same. Those with this medicine are usually
gifted with clairvoyant and clairaudient abilities. Souls who
are born with this totem have chosen a path which suggests a
need to refine and perfect these gifts for the aid of others.
They make excellent therapists, psychologists and counselors.
Active at dawn and dusk owls are sometimes referred to as the
night eagle, a messenger from the darkness and a guide through
all the mysteries that it contains. It teaches us how to embrace
our personal darkness without fear. If the owl appears in your
life thank it for its willingness to guide you through its shadowy
realm to the other side of promise and joy.
The Panther
The power of the panther is the power of silence. It is extremely
quiet when hunting or stalking. It knows when to make its presence
known and when to become invisible. Panthers have acute sensitivity.
The hairs on its body especially on the face pick up subtle
vibrations. This is symbolic for those with this totem. It indicates
a need to pay attention to their feelings and honor the messages
those feelings convey. Touch can be an important avenue to explore
to awaken ones hidden gifts. The Black Panther coat, sleek,
smooth and sensual has been linked to sexuality. When panther
appears in a person’s life it might be asking you to resolve
old sexual issues or to embrace your sexuality fully. The Black
Panther has great mysticism associated with it. It represents
the life and power of the night. It can show us how to embrace
the darkness and awaken the light within it. When you experience
the presence of panther one of its most noticeable features
is its unblinking stare. It appears to see right through the
body. Those with this medicine use their eyes as a healing tool
and have the potential to heal on a cellular level.
The Rabbit
Sensitive with keen observation skills, the rabbit has strong
reflexes that help them dash to safety quickly protecting them
selves from danger. They can be seen, disappear and reappear
in the twinkling of an eye. Fast, agile and clever they hold
the teachings of spontaneous decisive movement. Always knowing
which direction to go and when. When rabbit appears it is enabling
you to take advantage of opportunities that may only present
themselves for brief moments. Rabbits are guides into the shadow
world, where all of our personal fears lie. When the rabbit
appears it is time to examine those deep reflexive fears that
hold you back from growing. Do you keep dashing for the safety
of your old patterns every time something new or challenging
presents itself? If so the rabbit asks you to face your fears
with compassion for yourself. Accept that it is part of human
nature to feel fear at times, but also believe that our fears
need not paralyze our growth and movement.
The Raccoon
Hiding behind its mask it can take on several identities at
once and play out different roles. Seldom does it reveal its
true identity. It loves adventure and leads us down a road to
new discoveries. Shape shifting is part of its magic. Those
with this totem do well in professions relating to the theater.
Raccoons have an air of indifference around them when caught
in the act of a robbery, although if provoked they can become
ferocious. Strong and muscular the raccoon can hold its ground
in most all situations and teaches us to do the same. The raccoon
is a powerful ally and holds the gift of transformation. When,
it appears in a persons life the many faces of self are about
to be revealed.
The Rat
Those with this totem are survivors. Their tendency is to hoard
what they have because they fear that they don't have enough.
This fear prompts them to acquire large quantities of things
and fight aggressively to maintain what they have acquired.
Rat medicine people are not selfish but they can appear that
way to those who do not know them well. Holding onto everything
and being the pack rat is their way of feeling secure in an
insecure world. Fortunately rats adapt well to environmental
changes and can survive on just about anything. They hold the
teachings of resourcefulness. Their fear of not being provided
for can be healed by participating in supportive group activities,
meditation and prayer. The other side of Rat is that it reflects
back to us our own human capacity for greed, taking so much
that others needs are denied. They will sometimes overeat and
throw up rather than let food go by. They will dispossess other
small animals of their homes if they can, wanting no competition
for food. They truly personify humankind's imperialistic drives,
which are making life on the planet more and more tenuous. If
Rat has come to you, look at ways you may be participating in
wasteful consumption or fear based emotions and begin to change
your habits appropriately.
The Raven
The raven knows the mystery of life. They have an intimate association
with death and rebirth. Because raven would feed on the corpses
of the dead hanging on the gallons, early European settlers
feared this bird and considered it to be an ill omen. In truth,
however, raven should be respected not feared. There are many
stories in native cultures about this illusive black bird. Shamans
know the power of an unexpected piercing sound in altering consciousness.
Ravens exercise this power, emitting a variety of sounds and
can aid us in shifting our consciousness into various dimensional
realms. This is one reason why the raven is known as a shape
shifter with magical powers. Anyone with raven as a totem can
expect continual changes and spiritual awakenings throughout
their life. Raven picks its students according to their accumulated
wisdom. It flies into a person’s life carrying the energy
of magic and healing. If it decides to settle in and take up
residence, it will stay as long as necessary to aid you in transmuting
your karma then return you to the light. It will push, prod,
and lead you into the discovery of your multidimensional self
and reunite you with the secrets of the multidimensional universe.
Those with this totem should remember to meet raven, not with
fear, but rather with an appreciation for the teachings that
it holds.
The Redbreasted Robin
The red coloring of the robins chest is linked to the Kundalini
in man. This life force lives coiled up within the base of the
spine. When sufficient spiritual growth has been attained it
uncoils, rising up the spine to create heightened awareness.
This process enhances psychic vision which leads us into enlightenment.
Those with this medicine are dedicated spiritual seekers. Growth
can be slow and arduous. With patience, compassion and proper
focus spiritual ideals are achieved. Robins lay powder blue
eggs. This is the color associated with the throat chakra in
man. It is also linked to heavenly inspiration. Because the
throat chakra's main function is to express the will of God
and the egg is symbolic of new life, this helpful little totem
teaches us how to assert the creative will of God in all we
do. It leads us into new beginnings without fear by restoring
faith within our hearts.
The Snake
Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands
of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and
transmutation. Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings
but have small bones in the head that conduct sound. They are
able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that
travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld
where secrets are stored. The snake symbolizes healing on a
cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible
they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world
expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes
signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power,
creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only
those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or
present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred
places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.
The Tiger
Tigers are also known for their healing properties. Their body
parts are sought for use in traditional Chinese medicine and
exotic herbal remedies. Their orange gold coloring symbolizes
vitality and regeneration. Those with this medicine heal quickly.
The Tiger teaches us how to see into the world of the extraordinary.
Those with this medicine have a strong sensitivity to touch
and make excellent body workers. Creating sacred space where
others cannot enter, spending time alone in order to gather
the energy required to move tirelessly throughout life is advantageous
for those with this totem. When tiger appears get ready for
adventure, challenge and change. The power, passion and vitality
of tiger will activate the same components within yourself.
The Wolf
They howl to find other pack members or to let wolves from outside
of the pack know their territory boundaries. If you hear a wolf
howl it might be telling you to stand your ground and defend
your boundaries. The Wolf teaches you to have a balance between
the needs your family has of you and the needs you have for
yourself. They are totally loyal to the pack but do not give
up their identity to the pack. If wolf appears in your life
you are being asked to look at where you are being too dependent
and where you may be too independent. In both family and community
there needs to be a balance. Their body language is symbolic
for those with this medicine. Man also uses body language to
convey messages. The study of this art can increase perception
in those with this totem. They do not fight unnecessarily and
often go out of their way to avoid fighting. Sometimes a growl,
a glance, a posture is all that is necessary to determine dominance.
Wolf teaches those with this medicine to know who you are and
to develop strength and confidence in what you do,
FROM
THE WEBSITE MANATAKA.ORG:
TYPES OF ANIMAL GUIDES
Symbolic
of the four sacred directions, four seasons, and the four
colors of man, there are four basic types of animal guides.
Whether an animal spirit comes by dreams, signs and symbolic
events, or actual events it is important to first determine
if the guide is a Messenger Guide (Totem), Shadow Guide, Journey
Guide or Life Guide.
The meaning and lessons an animal guide brings will differ
according to the type of guide it may be. Learning to differentiate
between the four types of totems is critical to knowing how
to react and the actions you will take when an animal totem
makes itself known to you. All guides are powerful.
A Messenger Guide quickly
comes into your life and then leaves once a message is understood.
The time a Message Guide stays in your psychic is relative
to you seeing and accepting the message. The message itself
can be spiritual in nature, or it can be a warning. The message
may deal with a seemingly mundane aspect of your life or it
may be a wake-up call for some important action you must make.
Sometimes the animal messenger will come during an unusual
event and make a powerful statement and others come on the
wind as a whisper. A messenger guide can cause you delays
or some unforeseen help in your life. They can be both negative
and positive in nature for they are totally impartial.
A Shadow Animal Guide is
one that invades you with fear. Its purpose it to teach a
lesson you have not learned from repeated mistakes because
of anger, avarice, greed, insecurity, or other negative thoughts.
A Shadow Guide will return again and again bearing strong
feelings of fear until its message is acted upon or a change
in lifestyle or actions are incorporated into your life. The
Shadow Guide is powerful. It can help you to overcome fear
by bringing truth and turning fear into a helper animal guide
or spirit animal guide. However, if ignored the Shadow Guide
can become dangerous and its powers will have a negative affect
on your life. The Shadow Guide lives in the spirit world and
usually arrives during a time of testing.
A Journey Animal Guide
appears at the fork in the road of your life. When a decision
is made to follow a certain path in life, the Journey Guide
is there to serve as a guide along the way. It represents
a path that may take months or years to complete. It can be
a friendly traveling companion if the path is right. If you
become lost along the way, the Journey Guide is there help
lead the way back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and
leaves quickly, the Journey Guide remains at your side until
the current cycle in your life has changed. appears at the
fork in the road of your life. When a decision is made to
follow a certain path in life, the Journey Guide is there
to serve as a guide along the way. It represents a path that
may take months or years to complete. It can be a friendly
traveling companion if the path is right. If you become lost
along the way, the Journey Guide is there help lead the way
back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and leaves quickly,
the Journey Guide remains at your side until the current cycle
in your life has changed.
A Life Animal Guide
is also called a Spirit Guide as it remains a part
of you throughout life and reflects your inner-spiritual self.
You may have more than one Life Guide and new ones may come
during an expected time. Usually a Life Guide does not move
away or disappear but remains an integral part of your life,
however, there are instances when a particular Life Guide
is no longer needed and is replaced with a new one. Its powers
are always there for you and serve as a constant reminder
of your inner powers and oneness with nature. If for example
your Life Guide is Bear, you should be a person who is a solitary
dweller, a seeker of knowledge and well grounded. A Life Guide
will often call upon other animal guides found within its
domain to assist in giving you special messages from time
to time.
Meeting Your Animal Guide
After you understand what type of animal guide has come into
your life, it is necessary to educate yourself fully as to
the nature of the animal. Learn about its habitat, life cycles,
what it eats, physical characteristics, special skills and
traits, social and mating habits. Go to places where your
animal guide can be found in real life. Study it in nature.
Gaining insight into the nature of your animal guide will
help you to better understand its messages. Meditate on this
knowledge and discover its power and medicine.
After you learn various ways to work with the medicine of
you animal spirit guide, the medicine becomes a gateway to
connecting with other spirit guides found within its domain.
Your animal spirit guide (or those spirits who choose to reveal
themselves in the form of an animal) will teach you how to
align with other spirit guides and beings.
Remember: The spirit guide chooses the person. The person
does not choose the spirit guide. A person cannot simply select
an animal and begin communication – the results of which
are often frustrating and unsuccessful. A spirit guide must
be harmonious with the person.
Communication with your spirit guide requires reverent respect
and knowledge of the ways of the animal guide. You must find
ways to honor your spirit guide. The more importance you give
to the spirit guide the more they respond to you. Most spirit
guides do not immediately acknowledge themselves to the person
as they are leery of your intention and knowledge. A spirit
guide is sensitive to moods, current events, and a persons
path in life. They must first trust you and learn your needs
and wants. You must learn to trust them and understand their
needs and wants. It takes time, patience and practice.
In case you did not read about your
Animal Totem here,
the pages below have more animals listed:
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