It's easy if you're a cougar or deer or bear person. There's lots of information available regarding the totem energies of those creatures. But what if the animal which comes to you is a bit more exotic? Maybe a chinchilla or a peacock or a lightning bug?
Read, Read, READ!
Your first step in studying your totem should be a trip to the bookstore or library or even the www in search of as much information on the natural habits as possible. Immerse yourself in information. Watch nature films as well.
Now Ask Questions The lessons of each animal are apparent in the shape of their body, their lifestyle, their habitat. By asking questions about your totem you can learn much. Understand the energies of your animal totem are very much a matter of creative extrapolation.
What element does it correspond to?
Dolphins, Fish and other water creatures correspond to the element of Water, which represents emotions, psychic powers, intuition, dreams, and the power of faith.
Birds and Bats and some insects are obviously Air, which gives intelligence, creativity, flights of imagination.
Butterflies, moths and many other insects which transmute from a caterpillar or grub to another form are related to Fire. Snake would also be fire, as he sheds his skin, birthing himself anew. Fire creatures are about transmutation and change, dynamic growth, courage and strength of will.
Ground-dwelling animals such as Moles or Prairie Dogs are Earth. Most creatures which don't fit the other elements, such as Deer or Wolf or Mouse, are also Earth. The Earth element represents the material, groundedness, sensuality, prosperity, and the cycle of Life-Death-Rebirth.
Don't be absolutist with these definitions, however. They are meant as a tool to learn from, not as a box to compartmentalize. Many animals correspond to more than one element. Butterflies may be Fire, but they also have Air qualities. Bear, who hibernates and dreams, also has a Water element. Some traditions correspond the Cat family to Fire. Duck is as much (or more?) Water as Air; while Salamander is Earth, Water and (by its relation to mythology) Fire all in one!
Consider the combination of elements too: with Heron, we might combine Water and Air to get Mist. Hippo's Water and Earth create Mud. What does this teach you about the creature?
Where does it live?
Perched high on a mountain cliff, the sure-footed chamois is very different from a water-loving hippopotamus. While Chamois might teach about sure-footedness on your path or seeking new heights, Hippo is more likely to tell you to remain grounded, even when filled with emotion.
What is it's "cycle of power"?
Bat is active at night. Rooster crows at dawn. Stag turns to rut in the autumn. Snow Owl brings winter with her. The power cycle of your animal totem will show you times when you will have more access to energy and mana flow.
What does it look like?
In magick, the Law of Signatures states that "the attributes without, mirror the qualities within."
What does the shape, color, etc, of your totem suggest? A golden creature such as the Lion or Golden Eagle suggests Solar powers while their relatives, the Black Jaguar and the Bald Eagle are nocturnal and Lunar. What can you learn about willpower/courage from the flash of red on a woodpecker's head? An indigo bird such as the Indigo Bunting might speak of knowledge and intelligence (3rd-eye chakra), while the Bluebird (throat chakra) speaks of self-_expression and exultation.
How does it defend itself?
Armadillo and Opossum speak of a passive style of defense. Armadillo shields himself while Possum plays dead and hopes a situation will go away. Boar and Hawk are on the other end of this spectrum. Enraged at any who would do him harm, Boar charges forth to gore his enemies, while Hawk plucks and claws at the enemy's face with blinding speed. These are all powerful lessons for the best way for you to deal with conflict and acquisition.
What does it eat and how does it hunt for food?
With her love of berries and honey, Bear seeks the sweetness in life. Wolf and Cougar chase the swift Deer while Deer nibbles gently at leaves and grass.
Cougar hunts in isolation, attacking swiftly, breaking the Deer's neck with a powerful swipe of her paw. Wolf is cooperative and harries the prey until it tires. Spider waits in ready stillness, while Hummingbird must dart from flower to flower to fuel his swift wings.
It can also help to study the habits of animals which are predator or prey to your totem. An Aardvark person might wish to study Ant, while a Mouse person might want to look at Owl and Cat.
What are its mating habits and how does it raise its young?
Geese mate for life, helping us to believe that somewhere in the world, there is a special person who is perfect for us. Rooster crows his pride in his sexuality to the skies and serves a number of hens at once. Stag Elk will challenge each other over a doe -- winner take all -- while Cranes do an elaborate mating dance.
Jackals live in family packs, with an older sister often helping to rear her younger siblings. Alligator will stay nearby and defend her babies for up to three years. On the other hand, Shark is known to eat its own siblings in the womb, and when it's born it had better swim fast, lest mommy decide it looks tasty.
What sounds does it make?
The howl of Wolf and the song of Whale are melancholy, and instill a feeling of mystery. Hyena is famed for his chilling laugh. Rabbit does his best to be silent and unseen, while Rattlesnake warns his enemies to stay away.
What animal family does your totem belong to?
Study its close relatives and see what they have in common. Polar bears, weasels and otter are all mustelids. They have strong scent glands, most live in underground dens, and they are swift -- and sometimes vicious -- warriors. Class Corvidae, which includes Crow and Raven, Magpie and Blue Jay, are known for their sharp cries, their courage and intelligence and their passion for bright, shiny objects.
What can I learn from mythology and folklore?
The legends about storks bringing babies, suggest that stork totems are a powerful symbol of new birth. Stork was also sacred to Juno who ruled the family fidelity, home and children.
Crab people will wish to study the astrology of the sign Cancer, while Goat people will find that studying the sign Capricorn helps them to understand their leadership role and to question whether they are being too serious or not serious enough.
Many deity forms are aligned with certain animals. Arianrhod and Ariadne are Spiders and speak of the weaving of destiny, ready stillness and going within. Elephant people may wish to look at Ganesha, the Hindu deity who removes barriers. Ravens are sacred to many Celtic gods, including Bran and the Morrigan. Dragon totem people will wish to study the legends of Arthur, St. George and the Hobbit.
Look at Both Positive and Negative Remember that with any energy, we can express it in a healthy way, or one that is not productive to our growth. Used in a healthy fashion Ram can surge forward to create new growth -- or he can just butt heads with everyone around him. Rattlesnake can warn away danger -- but he may warn away friendship as well. Listen!
It is your animal totem's great desire to teach you and aid your growth. If you listen to them and study, they will tell you many things. Be secure in their love and know that even when their teachings are less than gentle, they are working to push you to greater potential Be open to possibility. Be open to the Mystery of exploration and growth.
Brightest blessings on your path,
--Lionrhod
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Not to be used without express permission.
