Search A Light In The Darkness

Tuesday 24 July 2007

Totem Animals

Animal guides or Totems are and are not a part of the Wiccan or Witchcraft Traditions contrary to what some people are thought to think. Most commonly they are deeply ingrained in the history of Native Americans, Shamans and other tribal organisations and traditions.

Remember the old adages: clever as a fox; strong as an ox, etc.? Perhaps you need camouflage -- then ask Brother Fox for assistance. If you seek wisdom, ask the Eagle. The Lynx knows the art of keeping secrets and the Swan guides one into dream time. The Panther is a good protective animal, though she does have a sarcastic, laid back nature.

Power animals can guide and protect you in the spirit world and in your dreams. They can also assist you in the waking state as well. Perhaps you are trying to learn something and are having difficulty understanding. Ask wolf for assistance; she is the great teacher.

Animal guides are not limited to mammals. The birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mythological beasts can be just as helpful..

The act of honouring an animal is not an act of worship. It is the acknowledgment of their power and their being as brothers and sisters of the entire universe. It is a sign of our gratitude for their help. The energy of the animals, birds and other creatures that assist us should be honored. For too long, we have subjugated these creatures who are our equals in the system of the Universe. Native Americans often leave tobacco scattered on the ground as a gift. You could also burn incense in honour of the animal. When honouring animal wisdom and energy, always leave a gift of some sort. Remember to say "Thank you." For all the help they give us they deserve our gratitude.

Animals are the dream world's greatest teachers. They speak volumes to us without ever uttering a word. They teach us by simply being themselves. Dream animals tell us about ourselves at a primal, instinctual level of being. They correspond to physical, sexual, sensual, emotional and spiritual needs that the conscious mind needs to address. In psychological terms, they represent the unconscious. They also represent the self, and symbolise stages of psychic growth and development.


In mythology, animals are invested with an awareness of spiritual reality that is keener than that of humans. Some have magical powers of flight (the ascent to higher consciousness) or invisibility. They have the gift of speech and make themselves understood to those who are awakened enough to hear the message. Such animals are guides into the realm of spirit.

Dream animals thus are messengers of great wisdom--emissaries from the Higher Self and from the depths of the unconscious. In mythologies, cosmologies and folk tales, animals are archetypal images that arise from the characteristics observed by humans. For example, a bear represents protection and nurturing, because the mother bear is observed to be one of the fiercest protectors of its young in the animal kingdom. The fox is sly, the dog is protective and guiding, the bird is the soul or spirit, and so on.

We also see this essence expressed in dream puns involving animals: something we can or cannot "bear," getting "skunked," something held dear (deer), "ferreting" something out, being "chicken," and so on.

On a deeper level, the archetypal dream animal may be telling us about traits we need to develop or acquire, or call upon during times of stress. Perhaps their characteristics are something confronting us in the behavior of others. Animals speak to the instinctual layer of consciousness and stimulate the creativity that resides at the "wild" core of being. Whether they seem to be friend or foe, dream animals are our spiritual allies, guides and teachers. They point straight to the core essence of life.