Animal Totems
13 Oct 2009 ~ Categories: blog • eco-living • mind • wellness
Yes, this is a blog post about finding your Spirit Animal. I love that term. It makes me laugh every time because it sounds a little silly. But humor aside, I am fascinated about exploring my Spirit Animals and opening my awareness to all the creatures of the world.
Recently I blogged about the chakra system and how it can be used as a metaphor for healing the various aspects of ourselves that make us whole, happy human beings.
I also respond learning about the animal totem system employed by native peoples of the world and namely the Native American traditions. Animal totems are an aspect of paganism that ground us in our connection to the natural world.
In the shamanic traditions, animal spirits are considered our “allies” and are aligned with us to guide and lead us through our lives with their intrinsic, intuitive wisdom. One resource I found calls animal totems “imaginary guides on your life journey”.
For instance, if you are going through a phase in your life of feeling overly dependant on others, the cat might be your animal totem for channeling feelings of independence and solitude. The frog is a totem of personal transformation and metamorphosis.
For me, an animal totem that shows up lately is the skunk. Don’t laugh! Shamanic belief is that skunks teach us to assert ourselves and garner the respect that we are due. Skunks are fearless, yet peaceful…. two qualities I strive to attain in harmony with each other.
Not surprisingly, those with a skunk totem are also strong advocates and users of scent in their lives. Being that aromatherapy is a huge part of my business and one of my personal passions, that makes sense.
When I see a skunk, instead of freaking out, I have a much more friendly and inquisitive response. Of course I’m still not going to let her spray me.
The most powerful aspect of the belief in animal totems, in my mind, is the reminder that we are a part of nature. Being more aware of our interactions with the animals in our lives -whether they are house pets, urban pests, or country wildlife – helps to bring us back into harmony with our true nature as natural creatures.
Not every healing system works for everyone. The trick is to find ones that speak to you, that jive, and then use it as a doorway to learn more about yourself. Let these doorways be your Bridge to Your Better Side.
Listening to the animals,
Amy
11 Jul 2010
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Often over the last few years I have had skunks show up. On my porch, waling down a trail from my home. Walk out and find one sitting oout side looking at me and I have always been in awe when I see these kids. I have even gone out of my way to go down by the barn when I see the young-un out playing. I love these kid. But I never thought of then as totems till the middle of last night when I got up to see if my cat had showed up yet. I thought the eyes I was seeing heading up from my barn was my cat. and when I called his name these eyes sped up. I was certain it was my Jet. To my surprise it was a young skunk that came right to me within about 4-5 feet. I have named this kid Jet le pew(sp?) because his did speed up when I called out that name. And the Things I have found out about the skunk totem to be pretty close, almost scary close. They are the most wonderful creatures I see regularly. And I do have many. Be Safe and enjoy these wonderful creators…..