Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings

_Elsa_

Kimmy finds a very good article on totem animals and there is even a video explaining it! This she has to read!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZlLM5YB6j0

Kimmy really enjoyed that video and now she will read the article.

‘A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual. Some Native American tribe’s tradition provides that each person is connected with nine different animals that will accompany him or her through life, acting as guides. 

Different animal guides, also called spirit guides and/or power animals, come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey. 

These tribe’s beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit. With this one animal, a connection is shared, either through an interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interactions.

This Animal Guide offers power and wisdom to the individual when they “communicate” with it, conveying their respect and trust. This does not necessarily mean that he or she has actually touched or spent time with this animal, more that, they are open to learning its lessons. 

For some, knowing what is their totem animal is almost an innate process. It’s as if they’ve always known, inexplicably drawn to the animal or having a special feeling for the animal’s energy. For others, they wonder how to tell what their animal totem is. 

One thing to remember is that you cannot choose your totem spirit, rather it chooses or has already chosen you. The Spirit chooses you and they decide to whom they will reveal themselves. Much of the process of identifying your spirit animal is paying attention to both your past and your present. It is a process of developing your inner knowledge and spiritual understanding. 

The totem itself is a symbol that represents this animal. This could be any number of items – a crest, a totem pole, an emblem, a small figurine, and engraved or painted stone, or anything else that depicts your animal guide.’ (Source) 

Kimmy wants to know what her animal totem is. She shares the article with Tiffi. 

“Elsa shared with me not too long ago that she thinks her animal totem is a wolf,” says Tiffi. “She told me that when she was writing the story about me going back into the past and meeting with the Native Americans she kept thinking of the wolf and she really loves that animal. Maybe later on we can try to figure out what our animal totem is.” 

Let’s continue - Totem Pole Fun Facts

Start at the beginning – Let’s build a totem pole!