Gypsy can you help me?
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Gypsy can you help me?
| Thu, 11-18-2004 - 6:33am |
I read the post on Links about angels You said this:
My question to you is this: How do I find out which totem animals to use? How do I find out what my totem animals are - how do I know? I've used the Guardians of the 4 directions but never totems. I'm still looking into the subject. I know my familiars now but not totems. I also understand that there are 11 totem....true/false? How do I know what each totem represents.
Thanks and Brightest Blessings
StormyMoon

Hi, StormyMoon! :)) Try reading some of Ted Andrews books, especially his "Animal Speak." Very good information about totems. I just felt a personal connection deep inside me to certain animals. They spoke to my heart/spirit. Also if animals, the same ones, keep reappearing to you, IRL, in dreams or topics keep popping up about a certain animal, it can mean that animal totem is trying to reach you and has something to teach you. :P Be observant and watch and be aware.
Also, here's some information I posted at one point on another site:
Although I've said a bit of this, I think this says it much better, about how to "study" your totem, to help interpret the messages coming to you when totems/animals keep appearing to you. :P There's other good info at this web site as well, that's free for the reading, in addition to things that can be purchased.
SPIRITUALLY MEETING YOUR ANIMAL TOTEMS (from http://www.spiritualnetwork.net/totems/)
Once you know your animal totem it is important that you take the time to understand it fully. You animal totem has many messages for you ~ for today, tomorrow and perhaps for the rest of your life. The best thing for you to do is to learn everything you can about your animal totem. You can purchase a consultation or mediation that will express some of the important things for you to consider.
*Where does your animal live?
*What does it eat? How does it get food?
*What are the physical characteristics of your totem?
*How is it built?
*What special traits and skills does your totem have?
*How and where does it sleep? What is it's home like?
*What is it's social life like and it's mating habits?
Hope some of this helps! :)
Hugs,
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
I also found a lot of great info in Silver RavenWolf's book, "To Light a Sacred Flame." In it I first read of the concept of connecting a chosen animal totem/guide/teacher to each of the Elements and Four Directions. After thinking it over for awhile, I chose to pick an animal for each, plus one for the Fifth Direction, Spirit. For East/Air, I chose a feathered totem who flew. In my case I chose the Eagle because I needed a teacher that would remind me of always seeing the "big picture" and not getting caught in the details and react blindly to things... For South/Fire, I chose an animal that to me exemplifed passonate devotion, the Dog. For West/Water, I chose the Whale, even though a Mammal (so sort of Earth, too) just because I have always felt a deep connection to whales. They teach me that it's o.k. not to hug the security of the shore, but to swim the depths of the spiritual realm and trust my own intuition. For North/Earth, I chose the Wolf, Mama Wolf, who teaches me to be steadfast, strong, have courage and warrior spirit, yet also be able to nurture and lead. Believe it or not, I chose the guinea pig for the Fifth Element, of Spirit. Our guinea pigs have taught me that even without good eyesight, they can be trusting and reach out to you. They feel joy by popcorning, jumping straight up & down, and enjoy life. They remind me that life is a dance! Different animals speak to each of us, I think, so the choice is a very personal one. :))
I also feel a deep recognition and connection with trees as well. I am a literal tree hugger, LOL! :D Most specifically redwoods and pine/evergreen varieties, but the willow also calls to me. Thus, my beginning studies in Druidry. I will want to research the characteristics of these trees that call to me, also, for like the animal totems, understanding their physical reality will help me connect and learn the lessons they are trying to teach me. :)
I hope some of this is helpful.
Hugs,
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
Now that is the best explation that I've heared. I've been searching the web pages and only came up with the very basics. The site that you gave to me is soooo much better.
And I will get the books......you have been the most helpful!
I am most gracious to you.
Thanks a ZILLION!!!!!!
Merry we part
StormyMoon
What a nice thing to say! Thank you! :)) I only have the one Ted Andrews book, but would like to get more. I have some more totem type web sites, but they're on the old computer and I'll have to transfer them over...
Gypsy
Blessings,
Gypsy
)O(
StormyMoon