Baby Back, Baby the Snake active one day in mid-November 2007, photo © 2008 by ybonesy. All rights reserved.
Last night at a friend’s birthday dinner, after we’d finished off the Nuts & Birds, curry chicken, wasabi shrimp, and several scoops of green tea ice cream, the question came up. What is your totem animal?
One person’s was the gentle giant, elephant. I said immediately, “Mountain lion.” We looked at Jim — his must be the hummingbird.
One person said a snake, although he didn’t mean it. Two of us thought that the snake as totem animal would be pretty cool.
The idea of the totem animal comes from Native American cultures and traditions. These animals, it is believed, accompany us in both physical and spiritual worlds.
There is no deep mystery to identifying your totem animal. Simply think about different animals. Which do you feel most connected to? What animal has always interested you, or what animal have you seen in unusual places? Your totem animal is that which you feel closest to through interest, dreams, physical proximity, or any other way.
I understood my totem animal to be a mountain lion via two guided exercises, one being a past-life regression. The last close encounter I had with a mountain lion was in the Pecos Mountains of New Mexico, on a hike with Jim. We didn’t see her, but we smelled her and felt her nearby.
If you can’t figure out your totem animal by meditating on the question, you can always take this test (because, of course, on the internet there is a test for everything).
Once you know what your animal totem is, there are a host of resources regarding the traits of different animals. Here’s one, and here’s another. According to this one, my totem represents power of feminine energy.
You know what? I always knew what my totem animal was yet I never looked up what it meant. Now that I know, I realize it fits.
So, what animal are you? I want to know.
Baby Box, Baby showing off her entire body one day in mid-November 2007, photo © 2008 by ybonesy. All rights reserved.
YB, what a thought provoking post. My first thught was that my totem animal would be a deer, but I took the test & I
was surprised to learn it is the wolf! Total opposites! What fun! Thanks! D
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What an interesting read and having seen some fo the totems for myself in Vancouver they are pretty impressive.
My first experience of meditation asked me to focus on an animal for some bizarre reason I thought of a polar bear – something I would never really associate myself with.
Having taken the test you link to I have to disagree with the one it came up with – a wolf!
When I think about it I have a deep affinity with butterflies / dragon flies etc., They always evoke happy memories etc.,
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I think that test is suspect. Better to think about what your deep affinity is for.
Last night someone in our group talked about her affinity for dragonflies. They are cool, aren’t they? So beautiful and delicate and graceful. And of course, butterflies. Wha.
I wonder what the polar bear association means. Interesting. I’d not lose that one.
diddy, haven’t I read in comments that you have deers that come into your yard? One of the men in our group last night felt his was a deer. Deer are beautiful, fast, strong.
I also have an affinity for frogs, toads, and lizards. Hmmmm…
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YB, yes many deer at our house & they get very close at times! I have always admired deer & our place is a kind of sanctuary for them. A safe place with lots of edible vegetation. This past summer we were frequently visited by a set of mother deer & both had twin fawns! We watched them through a window in our kitchen. All 4 fawn took off! We thought perhaps they had noticed us. Much to our surprise they began chasing each other & darting in & out of the trees in our back yard! 15 minutes of truly a once in a lifetime witness to this “playful” side!
I too am suspect to the test but J is about to take it. We’ll see. D
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Either a wolf or a bear. I’ll take wolf:)
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I suspect that test, too, ybonesy. I’ve had lots of dreams about frogs: huge albino African clawed frogs. The test, on other hand, said that my totem is the deer, with the bear being a really close second.
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OK. J is also a wolf. Now after checking out the other 3 links you provided, I am proud to be a wolf! Because I am a Gemini I still think I am a mixture of both wolf & deer!:) D
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ybonesy, really fun post. And timely today. I saw a huge red-tail hawk land in our cedar on Thursday after work and thought…hmmmm, my totem is nearby. I’d better pay attention. One of my major totems is the Hawk, primarily the red-tail. The other major totem is Lynx. Others come in and out. But those two have stayed with me since I really started learning about my totems in the early 80’s.
So your post inspired me to draw a Medicine Card today (Jamie Sams & David Carson’s book on totems). And guess what I drew – the hawk reversed. Hawk is the messenger; she sends signals to pay attention to the surroundings, and fly highter for an overview, rather than details.
Reversed, she’s telling me to open up my powers of observation again (that I’ve shut them down in some aspect), and to not color my decisions with emotion. Try to be more objective about next steps and goals. Emotional coloring is a tendency that Hawk people have. The other thing for me to remember is that flight is a gift.
So thanks for the reminder this morning. BTW, your links are great. Anyone else interested in totems, the Medicine Cards (with book) are great (put out by Bear and Company). They’ve been helpful to me along the nature and spiritual path.
One other thing – totems can change. But most of us have a couple that follow us throughout life. ybonesy, the mountain lion – I had a friend in Montana who always saw a mountain lion when she would hike in the mountains, even though they are very reclusive animals and rarely seen. She had lots of mountain lion (puma) medicine.
Snake is big stuff – transmutation, and those people are rare. Anyone with snake medicine has some powerful stuff going on – the healers and medicine men and women of our time.
It’s interesting to think about our totems working in conjunction with the archetypes of people we are drawn to: teacher, healer, seer, etc. I find all of these spiritual tools very helpful in navigating day to day life. Sometimes I forget they are there, guiding me along the way. It’s good to have a reminder.
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Here are a couple of links to the Medicine Cards for anyone who is interested. It’s only one of many tools out there. We all find what works for us!
Medicine Cards on the Jamie Sams website (LINK)
Book Review of Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals at Spirituality & Practice (LINK)
I noted that my version on has 44 cards and they’ve since added cards to bring the total up to 52. The additional animals include: Prairie Dog, Wild Boar, Blue Heron, Salmon, Aligator, Black Panther, Jaguar, and Raccoon.
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What an interesting post. I thought about it and had no idea. I took the quiz (usually quizzes I take relate to my survival during a zombie apocalypse.)
Funny, the first animal was wolf. I have always had an affinity for wolves but that never came to mind. Bear was next. The description for eagle was bang-on but I don’t much like eagles.
I’ll have to think about this some more.
My Chinese zodiac birth year, the pig, is spot-on. I fit the description perfectly.
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Well, the test says Wolf, but I seem to be drawn to (and draw) birds. There were two red-tailed hawks outside today (I’m wondering if they are a couple as this is the fourth time I’ve seen the two of them together hunting). In fact, I tend to see hawks just about everywhere, even in my dreams.
My favorite bird of all is the penguin.
I have a Native American friend who said we all have several totems, some that change and some that stick with us. He thought Deer, Owl, and Snake were with me at the time we talked about totem animals.
Interesting and fun post, Ybonesy. 🙂
Have you read Ted Andrews’ Animal Speak?
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YB, I am very suspicious of that “test.” come on, we can’t all be wolves…and I don’t understand the percentage & other numbers. (Of course, I’m not good at numbers, I’ll admit.) Bear and eagle were next for me, as well, and I think we were all seeing the same page! There aren’t enough choices, either!
I think mine is the owl, or, to be more accurate, I “feel” it is the owl, since I don’t have an intellectual reason for the choice. One of my favorite books is, “I Heard the Owl Call My Name.” Hmm…must read that one again.
Interesting Post…snake is definitely not a part of my life, though!!
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I took the ‘suspect’ test, and was wolf also. I would have to put that test as ‘very suspect’.
My affinity has always been to horse, and crow.
Ybonesy pegged me as coyote, trickster, and I think that fits. I have always been very close to ‘dog’.
Heck. Animals in general, all of them! I understand them all.
I did a totem card reading of the Medicine cards years ago. Moose, buffalo, swan, whale, elk, and coyote were all there, if I remember.
Of course the books from that shelf with the Medicine Cards book on it, is packed up for a bit. New bookshelves coming, and I am moving all books to another room.
I only need my books for reference when they are in boxes…
Just LOVE the baby box!
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OK, I took the suspect test, and now I’m really wondering about it
because
I was ZERO % WOLF
I was 36,84 % A DEER! You’re artistic, creative, very compassionate, gentle, and kind. You like to delve into very complicated artistic activities such as drawing, sketching, or playing music. You’re always there when a friend needs you.
Next, at 21,05 % I was AN EAGLE! You’re serious, concentrated, calculating, and judging. You are a natural born leader, and can be compassionate towards close friends. You may come off rather bossy to some.
And finally, at 15,79 % I was A BEAR! You’re laid back, rather easygoing, and compassionate. You are rather unorganized, like to eat, and may be overweight. You cry over trivial matters, often, but are also there when a friend needs a laugh.
And, although I don’t feel that close to any of these, except for the eagle lately because we’ve had one in our field for the past three days, the descriptions of me are pretty right on. (I’m not overweight, though.)
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Sam, interesting thing that we were talking about last night with the frog is its tranformative nature. I’m kind of froggie myself.
diddy, cool about the twin fawns x 2. Wow! And I hadn’t associated deer with playfulness until I read your comment. That makes sense.
QM, I knew you would be a great source for more information on animal totems. Hey, the advertising agency I worked for YEARs ago had Bear & Company as a client. Cool! I’ll have to look up that book.
Hawk is a wonderful animal. As I was mentioning, we’ve had a golden eagle in the field for three days in a row. (Jana came by today to shoot it with her telephoto lens; I hope to be able to link to her Flickr page in the coming days.) Mostly we have red-tailed hawks out here. I love how they sit and observe (the eagle, too). So patient. So calm. Not easily ruffled. And intimidating to the ravens, who mob the hawk. (They’ve — hawks nor ravens — not been around now while the eagle is here. I wonder if it’s just different timing or if the eagle has scared the others away.)
Thanks for the additional links!!
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stevo, I like how in your post on the ushering out the Year of the Pig, you mention how many referred to it as Year of the Boar. That is kind of goofy. I mean, we all know what pigs are. I honestly sometimes have to think, what’s a boar? Ah, yeah, the pig with tusks.
I’ve not read Animal Speak, Robin. I’ll have to look it up. Is it about conversing with animals? Ever since I saw the movie about the penguins and the male role in caring for the egg (March of the Penguin), I have loved the penguin. What a strong, dedicated, loyal animal. BTW, I just realized, I don’t know if a penguin is a bird or a mammal!
Owl is a cool animal, Marylin. They strike me as cool, collected, yet that wisdom piece. I wonder how they got that. Is it just the look? Or do we know something about the intelligence of owls? Or is patience, like with all hunting birds?
leslie, thanks! I love baby box, too. She’s in a small coil now for winter. Her room is heated to about 50 or so, so she’s warm enough, I hope. It’s our first winter with her.
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i got “deer” also and it seems very wrong. BUT … if many creative people are like myself, asking me to pick a single animal is asking the impossible. i am surrounded. both physically and in thought/spirit. everything i’ve read says we have several AND even if animals aren’t “our” totem, they can be our teachers. what a fun post! trouble is this: i could spend hours and hours researching symbolism of animals. i’m not kidding. hours. days, probably. aaaaaaahh!
something that stands out for me in the whole animal totem question is the fact that WE decide, WE notice, WE connect with an animal of our own choosing. it’s difficult for some people to do — to claim responsibility for their own meaning, to consider their own meaning, etc. sometimes it’s easier if someone tells you. just a thought. imagine being the psychic instead of getting a reading! this is kind of like that.
animals i connect strongly to — and that appear in my life somehow — are: whale whale whale, monkey/ape, raven, cats/big cats. there are more, but i think those are the main ones.
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oh– and i forgot to mention this: ybonesy, just when i thought you and i might be able to be friends — baby box? she scares the crap out of me! i have nightmares about snakes …
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I saw this earlier in the day and wanted to take some time to think about it. I was actually pleasantly surprised to see your post because I’ve been giving my totem animals quite a bit of thought lately. I have the same book as QuoinMonkey and I’ve been consulting the cards for about a decade now. Because I’m in a huge period of transition in my life, I’ve been wanting to do a Medicine Wheel, Moon Lodge or Butterfly spread. Each one reveals specific aspects about ourselves. I don’t choose when to consult the cards so much as let them call me when the time is right.
Lately I’ve been trying to figure out which animals are present in my life and it’s very difficult for me to say. I have a great love of most animals so it’s almost impossible to choose just one.
According to the book (and native tradition I suppose) “each person has nine power or totem animals that represent the medicine they carry in their Earth Walk” seven of which you draw from the cards (one time only) and two which are walking on each side at all times which you can choose when you are ready or when they are revealed to you.
I know that one of the two is a cat, or a feline in any case. It’s the second one I haven’t figured out yet.
A reading is always a powerful experience for me. When I work up the courage to see what the animals have to say to me, I’ll probably post about it. In the meantime I’ll go remind myself what seven of my power animals have to say to me.
I’m glad you posted this. Great post.
Oops… was almost forgetting to tell you that there is something for both you and QuoinMonkey on my blog today. I think you might like it.
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Thank you for that expansion from the book, smiler. So two we choose, seven come from the reading. Do you do your own readings? Did someone (the book?) teach you how to do those? Same questions go for QM, since you both are using this book.
polka-dot witch, Baby is gentle. We inherited her when we bought our home. We’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoy her. She’s not poisonous, and you don’t have to touch her if you don’t want. I don’t hold her, but sometimes I pet her skin.
The point you raise about each one of us being the one to choose our totem animals (and, per what Smiler shared, two animals) makes sense to me. Yeah, like we’re assuming the role of psychic. That could go for a lot of intuitive endeavors. I know I often push away or deny my powers relative to ghosts, for example. It scares me to claim that power.
I also think there is an element of not wanting to commit to just one or even two. What does it say about us? Why can’t I be a _____ animal instead of the one I think I am? (Fill in the blank.)
My first introduction to totem animals was via a man in Santa Fe named Roque (pronounced Rocky, but with more of an “a” ending). He asked me what I thought I was. A lizard, I told him at that time. Maybe that is my second animal, although I seem more connected to frogs.
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Let me just add that polkadotwitch brings up a very good point in that “WE decide, WE notice, WE connect with an animal of our own choosing.” That is why I have always felt a connection to deer. I have been observing & admiring deer for a long time. The way they nurture their young, teaching them survival skills, watching until the time comes when they remain in the background, close enough, yet always there just in case. The playful side J & I witnessed is one most folks never see.
I would like to add that the reason J & I have some many that come to our sanctuary ground is for the most part due to all the development’s springing up constantly in what land they used to consider themselves safe. True of all species of animals, birds, etc…D
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Yes, and so sad that not everyone see those deer as sacred. What do you think of the story Bambi and what it has done to the image of the deer? I’m mixed on this.
Many coyotes around these parts that have been encroached upon. Well, and porcupine, which, I just remembered that Jim believes I am a porcupine. He says I have talked in my sleep of being a porcupine, not once or twice but many times. Hmmm…
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YB, a porcupine! Now that is interesting! I often wonder how people feel about skunks!
Bambi was a tough one for me. I only saw the movie once. I was in the 3rd grade at the time. I could never watch it again.
I am not a radical by any means, but I learned from this post that I really should be more involved in issues instead of be so passive. It brought to mind an issue that recently was news in our area about an age old oak tree that was going to be taken down by a developer. Many protested, but the outcome was already decided. The tree came down, however the developer promised to plant 40 trees as replacement. No justice for me!
Another thing I wanted to mention was that the land behind MOM’s home was in jeopardy of being destroyed & developed. However, it was discovered that an endangered species of spiders lived there. No development! Hooray for the spiders! D
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ybonesy: the book teaches you everything you need to know. most of the interpretations of each animal include a folk tale involving each animal, that speaks to our subconscious. The assumption is that each of us have powers whether we are aware of them or not, and that what we tend to go toward can only be the right choice since you’ve used your intuition which can never be “wrong”. The thing is, apart from our totem animals, we have many other animals who come to us in body or in spirit to teach us the lessons we need, when it is needed. A well balanced person will probably be visit with a great many animal spirits because each has very specific lessons to teach.
The reason why it’s useful to use a book or a guide is that there are certain animal spirits we tend to overlook when picking out our totem animals because they don’t fit into our vision of who we are. For instance, I would have probably chosen the Wolf (teacher) over the Dog (loyalty). I’m very proud and grateful for my Antelope totem animal, but it would never have occurred to me to liken any part of me to that animal, which represents action. And when I drew Lizard (dreaming), Crow (law), Spider (weaving) and Mouse (scrutiny) I was not exactly pleased, and didn’t have any idea what to make of these creatures.
Most of all, what I understood about the totem animals is that it’s a highly individual process and yes we are very intuitive, but it’s good to have tools to show us our blind-spots as well. Some of our totem animals can be extremely challenging to have (Snake, Mountain Lion and Lynx for example), but in the end our totem animals are there to help us gain greater insight and continue to grow spiritually.
I’ve learned all that from the book, and my own reflections of course. Good stuff. It’s worth looking up. Sorry for taking up all this space. I always do that here more than anywhere else!
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Oh ybonesy, almost forgot: Porcupine medicine is just wonderful to have. Truly delightful. They represent innocence, as in childlike innocence, reminding us to play and not be serious all the time, as adults tend to do. There’s a little poem for each animal and it says here:
Porcupine… remind me,
Of innocence again,
With every man a brother,
Each woman a friend.
Lovely! 🙂
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Your blog on Animal Totems has really got me thinking and last night as I lay in bed I really tried to focus on why a polar bear etc (following on from my comment no.2).
I have since found an excellent website which explains each totem animal in depth http://www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm
I am so caught up in what you have written that I would like to focus on this topic in my blog. I hope it’s OK and you will be happy for me to link to you in the article – all positive of course!
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Absolutely! I’m really glad this has piqued your interest this way and will inspire your writing about it on your blog. I can’t wait to see what you write.
As I was lying in bed this morning, it dawned that this would be a great writing practice topic. A way to delve into what and who we are.
Smiler, a few things. First, yes, this notion of having a perception of who and what we are and which animal fits that perception — so true. When Jim said I was Porcupine, I actually felt embarrassed. Then someone else said something to effect that porcupines are wonderful, so docile, and I felt even more sure that I am not Porcupine. I like to think of myself as strong, assertive, coordinated and quick on my feet (not waddling like the porcupine).
Yet, when I read your description, it fits. I’m the youngest of five, and I feel like the perpetual child. Anyway, thanks for sharing that. I’m going to embrace my Porcupine!!
Oh, I know what I wanted to ask. Why are those certain ones (Snake and Lion, for example) so challenging. You and QM both mentioned challenging animals. Just curious what makes them so challenging.
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Great commenting on this post. Liz and I actually went out to the Walker last night and braved the cold! Didn’t get home until late. So I’m just checking in on this post again.
Just wanted to add – from my own experience, my totem animals found me. Kind of like the hummingbirds found Jim. It’s kind of like writing haiku – you pay attention to nature and see what shows up. Being present and noticing that part of your life.
And totems show up in the oddest ways sometimes – Liz recently brought home a Blue Buffalo cat food bag and guess whose large head was on the front – a giant blue-eyed Lynx. Those are the kinds of messages that can come from animals who you are not likely to see in the wild as often. Just paying attention is all we need to connect.
As far as some being more difficult than others, animals like coyote (the trickster), lynx (holder of the mysteries and secrets), and snake (transmutation and change), sometimes work in ways that create big challenges in day to day life.
They might show up during big transitions or times of change. Or they might be a part of nature that is also connected or associated to the dark side or parts of human nature that are not that pleasant. Does that make sense?
Bear in mind, I’m NO expert. And these are all my own learnings from working with my own. Everyone has their own tools and access to their power animals. Much the way we all have our practices around writing and art.
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[…] piped up from the kitchen, “Isn’t it comforting to know that Mr. StripeyPants’ totem animal is Mr. […]
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Wolf, bear, eagle, deer is the order of my test. It was very interesting, though I do not necessarily agree with all of it (concerning the order, or my personality).
My main shaman animal is the alligator. I have always dreamed about them a LOT, and I used to be very afraid in the dreams.
I finally researched alligators…their physical world and their spiritual one. The next time the alligator came to me in my dreams I faced he/she and I was not afraid. That was when I received messages.
Alligators also dwell in the waters that surround my physical world, and I have a healthy respect for them. 🙂
That is interesting about you and the porcupine. It is the porcupine that first talked to me in a dream…telling me not to afraid of the animals that appeared there..that I needed to listen to the messages.
As usual, I enjoyed my visit here. I always feel happier when I leave!
~g-♥
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Well, I took the test and I am a wolf! I like this VERY much. It seems RIGHT ON! June
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smiler,
Thanks for telling us about the Porcupine…must be one of my totem animals. I have always loved the porcupine, “Mrs. Tiggywinkle,” created by Beatrix Potter. She wears an apron and is shown with a crib full of little baby porcupines. (I ended up with 5 children & am very “maternal.”)
I’m going to check out the book you write about, as well, to learn more.
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gypsy-heart, that’s so cool about the Alligator being one of your totems. Alligators are an animal I’m fascinated by. They are so powerful and so primitive. That says a lot about their ability to persist and survive, and about the way they carry a certain context and history within their species.
I have a morbid fascination of the big hunting animals that could even take on humans — alligators, crocidiles, bears, sharks. One of my own animal totems is in that category, too. Mountain lion. I am scared yet drawn. They are incredible animals. I can relate to the notion that you might need help in confronting what they mean in your life. I’m smiling thinking that it would be Porcupine that would give you that message.
My dog got about 100 porcupine quills in its snout and mouth and tongue shortly after we moved here. Jim and I patiently pulled out all the quills; I pulled out the last ones after Jim couldn’t stand it any longer. Rafael was at that point in shock and bleeding. As soon the quills were out, Rafie jumped up and was absolutely fine.
The interesting thing about the porcupine is that it doesn’t spray its quills. The quills come out only when something touches them. I hadn’t known that. There is something about them, soft and gentle on the inside, yet with that protection on them. I’m going to think more about Porcupine.
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Welcome, June. I saw your other commenting about the turtles and long-necked geese in the Collecting Pigs post. I’ll chat with you over there, but wanted to thank you for your comment here, too.
Marylin, I’m now going to get the book, too.
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I commented earlier about the golden eagle that has been hanging out in the trees around our place. Well, Jana (blueskydesert) captured three great shots of it yesterday. See those her on her Flickr account (LINK).
QM, if you get a chance in the next day or so, could you pull what Medicine Cards says about Eagle?
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Really nice shots of that Golden Eagle over at Jana’s Flickr account. Wow. She must have been right under it.
Here are some of the highlights of Eagle in the Medicine Cards (it’s the very first card, BTW):
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mountain lion, hm? Posted my own yesterday on my blog (title of post: “So Long as Roaring is Optional”
that snake is gorgeous btw.
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Lee, that mountain lion photo on your post is gorgeous! I tried to leave a comment but couldn’t recall my blogger/google password. Sigh.
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QM, wow, not that I identify with eagle. I was just curious. Those are some big traits to live up to.
Jana was close to the eagle. We walked toward it across the field, and it took off to a tree on the dirt road. So she and I and her son got into her car and drove toward it. We got about 25 feet away, then she got out and walked toward it. I think she got to within about 10-15 feet and it took off, flew back over the field and came right back to where it had been. A loop over her head. It was cool.
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Just came back to comment on all the wolves that were mentioned. I was just watching a show on the beginnings of certain breeds of dogs and every one can be traced back to the wolf. Strong genes, that wolf. Did you know there are 200 million scent cells in a blood hound?
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I was saying wolf before I read the comments, and I didn’t take the test at all. But for me it is the wolf that I have the deep affinity/fascination for, it was the center of my childhood fears, and later my greatest attraction when we went to a tundra exhibit at the zoo. Even wrote about this in a poem that took a long time.
Now since their are so many people with some degree of wolf for spiritual guide, maybe we best protect them as a species?
I love this post. You ask such interesting questions on red Ravine, they almost feel indulgent sometimes like, questions people always want to be asked but rarely have someone show such wonderful interest.
I love that about this place.
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I haven’t read all the posts, but I think my totem is a bird of some sort. I like birds. I had a parrot and we really connected. When I see flocks of parrots flying overhead here in Venezuela, I still get a big kick out it. In the New Mexico I seemed to have a connection with ravens, but maybe because they are so common there. I loved those birds. When I ride my bike, ravens would often say hello to me in their raven-like ways. At least I was assumng they were saying hello. They may have been saying the opposite. Ravens enjoy being ravens. They have so much fun flying. So I am claiming a parrot/raven as my totem(s).
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amuirin, thank you for those kinds words about red Ravine. So much appreciated by us! So you are another wolf person? Well, it’s the Wolf Moon today (see winter haiku trilogy (LINK) ) so I hope all you wolf people are howling your hearts out tonight!
mimbresman, birds make great totems. The Raven in particular is quite a mysterious and magical bird. I’ve never seen ravens the way I see them in New Mexico. I love to watch them there. We have them in Minnesota but they seem to be different somehow when I see them in the West.
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QM,
You ever see a raven surf? They love it! They’ll do barrel-rolls and other stunts. They love flying! 🙂
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[…] animals, life, spiritual paths, Tarot | Having read a fantastic blog last week regarding Totem Animals it got me thinking about previous experiences I have had either with what I would call my Spirit […]
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Hello again – just to say that I have featured your blog in today’s article.
Lunes
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[…] -related to posts, winter haiku trilogy and What Is Your Totem Animal? […]
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Dory, the fish the Ellen Degeneres plays in Finding Nemo, is my totem animal.
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(Meant to type: the fish that)
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I need an animal totem right now to help me not get sick, although it’s too late, I think. I feel so horrible, like one of the poor fish that we couldn’t get out of the pond before it froze. That’s how I feel, frozen in what is now starting to be too much sickness.
On that lovely thought, hello MM. Did I already say how much I love ravens. They’re like coyotes, tricksters. You should see how they mob the hawks around here. They were out in big numbers earlier in December and Jan, not so much now.
Hello TheOtherIvy. Cool, you got a new avatar. It’s always so great to see people’s faces. I’m too chicken to show my own, so I show instead my skull. Ha! I love Dory, probably because I love Ellen Degeneres. Dory is innocent, spacey, funny. Kind. She’s a great totem, methinks.
Lunes, I enjoyed your blog post. Others should check it out if you get a chance.
Off to Kleenex land…
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Hello Ybonesy,
Sorry to hear you are getting sick. I am back to being a cactus flower for the time being but thanks for responding to my icon. I like seeing peoples faces, online, too.
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mimbresman, I’ve never seen a raven surf, that I was aware of. Now I have to pay more attention. I came back to tell you that Liz pulled the Raven card today – Magic and healing. I pulled Weasel reversed. Weasel is Stealth. It’s a card I haven’t pulled very much. Again, I’m paying attention. 8)
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It’s amazing how this post has taken such depth and great to follow.
I had a raven keep me company in the night – I have blogged about it today!
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Lunes, I saw your post. Let us know what you learn as Raven continues to fly through your dreams.
Ivy, you changed your icon back again!
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(I did.) I’m in an awkward in-between stage right now. Part cactus flower, part woman. My post today seemed to call for a human face.
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Ivy, I sure understand those in-between spaces. I just read your post and it’s wonderful. About Siddhartha and rivers. I hope people click on the link in your name and check it out. I’m still thinking about it. Great video, too.
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Oh, I just realized, the link to your post (by your blog name) will be lost after a while. So here’s the link for anyone who wants to read Ivy’s post:
There is much to be learned from a river (LINK)
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Thank you, QuoinMonkey!
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[…] Sharon Sperry Bloom is an artist living in New Mexico. She wrote this essay based on a writing practice inspired by red Ravine post, What Is Your Totem Animal? […]
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Well, per test – wolf, bear, eagle or deer, all equally? Darnit, I have that equal score thing with the Myers-Briggs too (equally introvert/extrovert etc.)
My own thinking leans toward some airborne animal – owl or hawk, I think. The sky and freedom and power – power of self, not over others. But then again, when I was younger I dreamed often that I was living underwater, in some other planet, lots of freedom there too. Whatever my totem animal is, it experiences weightlessness and grace in movement.
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Maybe a dolphin? So graceful and kind. One of my favorite sea creatures.
I know what you mean about that equal score on M-B. I was super close on the axis on at least two of the four vectors, and in no case did I have a strong anything. Weird.
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Hello. Wonderful post and I have loved reading everyone’s responses. Yesterday my totem…my beloved hawk was out in full force. I have been rather consumed in self lately…worrying, complaining. It’s no wonder she showed up to say, “Wake up darling…you need to be present.” The first time she came to me yesterday, my husband and I were driving to pick up our daughter at the fitness center. Along the busy stretch of road I looked up and there she was perched right atop the street lamp. Now if you know me you may know that if I see a hawk or any other bird of prey really…I get incredibly excited. They have been appearing to me since I was about 20 (I’m 33 now). They appear to me when I am afraid, when I have been hurt somehow, and when I need to pay attention. I just wasn’t clued in this time about what the message was. I was too busy loving her up. My husband and I pulled off the main road so we could look at her a little more. She seemed so out of place in this concrete stretch and no one seemed to be noticing her except for the two of us. We did a little turn in a neighborhood of houses and drove back up to the main road. We sat there at that stop sign for just a few moments admiring her as there was no traffic behind us. Just as we were about to go we felt someone hit us from behind. Being on a hill going up it was doubtful that the person had slipped into us. We turned around to see a large black SUV type vehicle and the driver laughing a delirious laugh. Just then he smacked into us again. We both got out of our car, in shock to confront this person. The car then reversed and smacked the car behind him. We stood there stunned. My husband was in the street close to the drivers side of the SUV and then the driver just peeled away, almost driving over my husband. The other car that had been hit tore away as well. In the end…in all of our shock…we got nothin’. No license plate number, no make or model of either car…nothin’. Hawk had told me to pay attention and boy did I let her down. I believe she was there to tell me to be strong and that all would be well. It was. We are both alive. The situation with crazy people like that could have ended much differently. I think about the fact that they could have hit my husband or they could possibly have had weapons. It could have been much worse. Later that evening she came to me again. I was in awe…twice in one day. As I was driving to a bridal shower for one of my closest friends…my daughter and I saw her once again on top of a street lamp. Don’ t think I didn’t look in my rear view mirror or start obsessing about what her lesson might be. I knew this time, she was there for comfort and to tell me that in the end…at the end of this strange day…the strength is in me.
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Wow, thanks for sharing that story.
It is just amazing to me how mean-spirited some people are. It’s so disheartening to hear about the person who hit you like that with his car. What kind of person does that?
But then also the way that you turned it around and asked what the hawk was trying to tell you. Very heart-warming.
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Thanks so much for your reply…and for reading my story. I needed to share it with like-minded people who would understand.
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[…] Maybe it’s because the wolf moon is over. That’s why I didn’t write about moons. I wrote about wolves. -related to posts, Practice – Wolf Moon – 10min and What Is Your Totem Animal? […]
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[…] not true of Liz. I think Frog is one of her totems. Last weekend when she was mowing the lawn, I heard the lawnmower come to a dead stop – she bent […]
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[…] all have a flower that is just our own. Just like how certain colors complement our complexions, or how we feel kinship toward one animal or another. Mom is the sunflower; the sunflower is […]
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[…] August 3, 2008 by ybonesy Hitchhiking Bird series, friendly bird at a Valles Calderas scenic overlook, August 3, 2008, all photos © 2008 by ybonesy. All rights reserved. -Related to post What Is Your Totem Animal? […]
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[…] reflective energy. She is known across many cultures as a symbol for divinity and healing, and a powerful totem. According to the Animal Spirits cards, illustrated by Susan Seddon Boulet, the Ainu people of the […]
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that test is a waste of time. Only four possible animals?! Deer Wolf Bear and Eagle. Very limited I must say. Not to mention most people have more than one spirit animal. Meditation, reflection and past life regression are proper ways to determine your animal.
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I have to agree in part; the test is a bit lame. You’re right—meditation, reflection. I found out I was a puma mountain lion when I did past life regression, and I kid you not, I saw myself chasing a man.
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[…] -related to post: haiku 2 (one-a-day), PRACTICE – Roadside Attractions — 15min, What Is Your Totem Animal? […]
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I just noticed this post and thought that this was fun to take!
I am pleased to learn that the results were pretty much what I suspected as I had always related to the wolf and the eagle! It makes sense because I collect a lot of stuffed animals, or rather stuffed dogs and puppies. 😀 Also, it was in another post where I mentioned that I had a dream of the golden eagle…
I had deer as one of the alternatives too, because a close friend of mine once told me that when we were exploring what kind of animals we would be if we weren’t human. Interestingly, I was surprised that my totem animal could also be a bear.
“Bear teaches us to respect our natural hibernation cycles. Just as Bear rests during winter and reawakens during spring, we need spaces of rest and rejuvenation. [AMEN TO THIS! I always crave this, and when it comes to it, I’m pretty thorough too.] Bear calls us to awaken the potential within ourselves and the power of our unconscious mind. [MAYBE THAT’S WHY I LOVE STUDYING ABOUT THE MIND/BRAIN SO MUCH.] Bear reminds us there is a time for playfulness and a time to be assertive.”
Yep, that would make sense too. This quiz was fun!
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A~Lotus, glad you enjoyed the post. Bear is a good solid totem. And she often creeps into our dreams around the Winter Solstice. You are so right — we need spaces of rest and relaxation, followed by a kind of awakening to our potential and the call of Spring. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experience with the animals who guide the way!
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the test said that i may be a wolf, a bear, a eagle, or an deer that was suprising to me for i haven’t really had a connectin with one of these animals except the wolf!
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Well that wasn’t very helpful, was it? I’d say go with the one you feel the most connection to. The test is kind of suspect.
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[…] to love that. I’m fond of the Snowshoe Hare because it’s directly related to one of my Totem Animals, the Lynx. They do a 7-year dance together and the Lynx’s ability to survive depends on the […]
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[…] to posts: WRITING TOPIC – TOADS & FROGS, A Celebration Of GREEN On red Ravine…, What Is Your Totem Animal?, Cracking Envy (Or How I Learned To Stop Romancing A Deadly Sin), haiku 2 […]
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The test is not really worth the time, as it is misleading, and regardless of how you answer, the test will give you four possibilities.
Though the link you put for learning the meaning of your animal is a site I am familiar with and if clicking on the “find your anaiml” is the best way to learn something of your personal animal totem.
Or checking out some of the books by Jami Sams, to learn more.
One of the problems with any site and or book however is that they are often limited they don’t list all the possibilities.
I did find the post interesting, I do find that I tend to agree with the idea that we have more than one totem animal though I do think there is often one we are most drawn to.
I also feel that at different times in our lives depending on the lesson we may need or the strength we may draw on from ourselves and guide, we will encounter different animals at times.
For instance snake is a strong part of my personal totem, yet for the past couple of weeks I had dreams of a Falcon, and after learning more about the Falcon medicine or energy I realized that the message from the Falcon was very relavant to my life.
Two other animals that are part of my personal totem are the Manatee and the Serval both unusual and rarely found in listings about totem animals because they are not part of Celtic lore or Native American traditions.
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Agree completely, dessa. The test is goofy.
And you’re right about the limited possibilities of even the credible resources. I’ve heard of the Manatee, and yes, rare. Did you ever find out what that might mean? You could research its characteristics and surroundings, then surmise your own meaning. I had no idea what a Serval is. So I googled it: an African wildcat [LINK]. Interesting.
I think I’ve long been a lizard. I often say I’m a lizard. I see a lot of birds, different types, some common (like starlings or the cowbird, and some raptors). Toads, too. Baby toads, although not so much now as before.
Thanks for coming by and sharing your experience. I’d be interested to know more about the Manatee and Serval.
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I once knew a man whose Animal Totem was the Manatee. He felt so connected to them that he traveled from Minnesota to I think it was Florida to swim with the manatees. He came back and told us the story of how gentle (and HUGE) they were. And how much he felt at home swimming with them. Cool story. Lately, I’ve been drawn to Frog. Still have the Zuni Frog fetish from New Mexico on my computer keyboard.
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Em is Frog. Lately she sits by the pond and looks for the bullfrog tadpoles that Jim bought from a nearby pond and lake recreation spot. The tadpoles were huge. About the size of the palm of my hand.
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I was always interested in the wolf as a child and was somewhat obsessed with the animal. I started to notice though when I was pregnant with my child I would always see rabbits and what was funny is a mother rabbit and her babies. Now that I have had my child I see rabbits at the oddest times. Just a month ago at a friends house sure enough a rabbit showed up it just sat there and stared at us. I use to remark all the time to my boyfriend its weird I always see rabbits whether I am outside on break or at a party. The sightings of rabbits were more so when I was pregnant then now. I just thought it was odd as I never really saw wild rabbits that much and now I constantly seem to run into them.
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Sonia, from the “Animal Spirits Knowledge Cards,” which my blog partner turned me on to, here’s what it says for rabbits:
__________
SYMBOLOGY: power, abundance, heroism, seasons, cycle of life
In the Chinese zodiac, the rabbit is the most propitious sign; those born under the rabbit are thought to have considerable power. In many cultures, he rabbit is a lunar creature with feminine energies whose outline can be seen in the face of the full moon. Many Native American rabbit myths tell of the hare returning the sun to the sky and restoring warmth, the patterns of day and night and the seasons, and prosperity.
___________
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We have seen a ton of rabbits this year. We have one that lives in our yard in Minnesota, Tawny. (Actually, I think it may be a different rabbit every year, but we call each one Tawny.) When I was at my brother’s in Pennsylvania, I saw quite a few running around his backyard. Every night, this one rabbit would run up the sidewalk toward me, then veer off into the garden. Some cultures think Rabbit is about facing your fears. I have a Rabbit fetish I got from New Mexico that I sometimes carry when I need to feel more brave. I kind of like rabbits. I especially like the 7 year cycle of the lynx and the snowshoe hare. Every 7 years, the hares are more abundant.
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[…] to posts: What Is Your Totem Animal? and WRITING TOPIC – INSECTS & SPIDERS & BUGS, OH MY! (You haven’t lived until […]
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Finally! lol ive written my comment FOUR times now because i keep messing up.
Note: no test can tell you who your totem is. only you.
before discovering this site many months ago i discovered ny totem animals. (yeah, you have one major and a few minors)
My major totem is Coyote, as every website says: the trickter, devilish, foolish, etc etc….
but i love it. im always fooling myself and trying to fool others. im losing things constantly and i seem to do things backwards compared to other people.
(understand all of my classes & discussions like a nerd, never do the work. expert test taker. 1.6 GPA. i love things others dont. my b-day is EXACTLY on the cancer/leo cusp so.. sun vs moon, water vs. fire. im an opposite)
my right hand man(or woman) totem is Lynx. i found that one 2 weeks after coyote. i like solitude more than most, i can be quite stubborn at times, and people (even stranger) find confidence in me for their deep secrets (i dont even have to start talking to them, they just tell me.) im like their little counselor.
next comes a variety of animals but i rely mostly on coyote and lynx for guidence.
coyote=foolishness, teaching, wisdom
lynx=solitude, silence, secrets & nuturing
just a week ago i decided to meditate to a youtube video (XD) to see if i can relate to my totems and they didnt tell me much but lynx curled up around my feet and coyote jumped up and licked my face 🙂
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and for other totem advice,
Bear= a good toem(theyre all good)
ive met many bear people. Bears are strong willed but not rude. bears are good providers and have very good common sense. bears would kill for family if in any danger.(still talking about people with that totem)
Rabbit= i know rabit people too. rabbit people tend to be meticulous and neat. always the provider, theyre people who always have a plan for almost any situation. although very smart, they too have lessons to learn. rabbits arent rude people and are polite.
Hawk is a goog guardian totem, always watching out for others. they too, like rabbit, are prepared.
What ive written is from personal reading up on totems and experience with people who have those totems.
True the answer within you may be hard to find but its well worth it. dont overly force it. when it comes it comes.
just sit quietly and ask it to come. imagine yourself and it together. sitting or walking or whatever. ask questions or just enjoy its company. learn about it on tv or book. its with you. its for you. live and learn.
(no im not someone who studies this all day {i would tho!} im just a kid.) XP
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Thanks for the tips, mallow. I agree, the test is bogus, but it’s kind of fun to take. It gets a lot of clicks, so people do try it out. But your method, sitting and waiting for the answer to come, makes more sense to me.
Speaking of coyote, I have a series of four lithographs of Coyote Kashari. They are so cool, that little coyote with his sparkling eyes, cleverly peeking this way and that. Eating watermelon in one, cotton candy in another. This is the first piece of art (four in the set) that I ever purchased, at age 18, with my tax refund that year. The artist is Harry Fonseca. He died in Jan 2007. This article [LINK] about him and his imagery includes a slideshow of his coyote art.
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Mine is the plain cat. I took a meditating treatment (that is what I call it). You have to really concentrate and listen to what you have to do. Just concentrate and you will see your totem animal. 😉
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[…] Back. Her thoughtful and thorough turtle complemented my quick and often irreverant spirit. (What animal am I anyway? The brown bird, I guess.) We found ourselves in synch whenever we wanted to try […]
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Hi! I only recently found my animal totem, though I have been looking for years. She appears to be a tiger. I did not choose her, she chose me (I thought I was something else actually, but she was the only one that finally fit). She is not pompous and aggressive, but shy and keeps to herself most of the time. She lets her aggression out only when necessary, and it is focused and calculated. She likes to keep hidden most of the time, but on occasion will step out into view and expect people to notice. She wallows in water often, but likes to be active and follow her goals. We get along very well, and I am so glad that she has found me.
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Lara, the Tiger sounds like a wonderful totem. Any kind of big cat sounds appealing to me. They are beautiful animals. I heard recently that the Eastern Cougar has become extinct. But then, I heard another news story that said it wasn’t extinct, but that they are taking it off the endangered species list so they don’t have to protect it or worry about it. What to believe anymore. One of my totems is the Lynx. I only get to see her at the Minnesota Zoo once in a while. It would be so cool to run into Lynx in the wild. They are secretive and shy. Quiet and fierce. I like those qualities. Full of mystery.
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Lynx are very interesting creatures, I agree QuoinMonkey. I would love to see any wildcat in the wild, but alas, I live in Australia, where the largest cats we have are ferals. I will certainly investigate whether the Eastern Cougars are still around – what a shame if us humans have displaced such a wonderful creature! How did you discover your Lynx totem? Personally, I have always had an affinity with cats, Asian ones in particular (my first pet at age 4 was a Siamese cat, and I have had several since), so I am not sure why it took me so long to discover my tiger. Interestingly, I have recently had a recurring dream about a young male lion lying at my feet, all stretched out and wanting me to pat his stomach. It is a very vivid dream and it makes me feel very calm and happy. I think he is trying to reassure me that my current path (a major change in direction) is OK, and I just need to stand my ground. It is quite amazing the strength we can gain from our non-human counterparts.
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i got the wolf, which is funny because i’ve loved them since i was just a little girl, loved drawing them, loved listening to them, i’d see them in my dreams too! 🙂 and not too long ago i saw a wolf mother and her pup, they stopped and stared at me for less then a minute but in that minute i felt a very strong connection, i am proud to have the wolf as my totem animal to guide me 🙂
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I have always felt a deep connection to wolves, I took a test on Facebook, it said I was a wolf. I took this test, it said I was a wolf. More than enough information to prove that my totem animal is indeed a wolf.
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I find that most quizzes on this are inaccurate, mostly because they don’t have every animal option. What I find the best is to look up the guides on finding your totem animal.
My totem animal is a crow, I’ve always been ‘drawn’ to them and I’ve always loved them.
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