Animal Totems
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Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:13 pm
An Animal Totem is an important symbolic object used by a person to get in touch with specific qualities found within an animal which the person needs, connects with, or feels a deep affinity toward.
You can have several animal guides through out your life. Sometimes an animal guide will come into your life for a short period of time, and then be replaced by another depending on the journey or direction you are headed toward. Your guide will instruct and protect you as you learn how to navigate through your spiritual and physical life. When you find an animal that speaks strongly to you or feel you must draw more deeply into your life, you might fill your environment with images of the animal to let the animal know it's welcome in your space. Animal guides can help you get back to your Earthly roots, and reconnect with nature by reminding you that we are all interconnected. To first do this you need to know what your Animal Totem is.
If you don't know what your Animal Totem is there are several questions you can ask yourself. All of the questions below are designed to get you thinking about a prominent animal in your life. There are no right or wrong answers. Only you can truly know which Animal Totem(s) are right for your journey.
1. Since we are drawn to that which resonates with us, what animal, bird, or insect are you drawn to?
2. When you go to the park, forest, or zoo what animal are you most interested in seeing?
3. What animal do you most frequently see when you're out in nature or in the city?
4. What animals are you currently interested in learning about?
5. Which animal do you find most frightening or intriguing?
6. Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal?
7. Is there a recurring animal in your dreams or do you have one you have never forgotten?
If you are still uncertain which animal is your totem, here a few exercises you can do to come closer to the answer. You must not try to force the animal to come, it can pick up on that energy and be put off. Being patient and doing the following exercises will draw your animal totem to you.
1. Ask yourself what animal has played a meaningful part in your world? If you're unsure, make a list of animals that have drawn your interest or have left a deep impression on you from paintings, photographs, stories, movies, carvings, etc.
2. Which animal shows up in your life most frequently? Keep a journal of the animals present in your dreams or that you encounter through the day for the next month. How did the animal behave? Did you interact with the animal?
3. Find a place where you can be alone to meditate. Sit quietly and ask your animal to make it's nature known to you. Feel free to use tools such as incense, smudge, and candles to help you.
4. Don't give up, sometimes your animal totem is nearby watching to see if you're serious about connecting with it. Keep doing the above exercises until your animal totem makes itself known to you.
source: animal totem.com
You can have several animal guides through out your life. Sometimes an animal guide will come into your life for a short period of time, and then be replaced by another depending on the journey or direction you are headed toward. Your guide will instruct and protect you as you learn how to navigate through your spiritual and physical life. When you find an animal that speaks strongly to you or feel you must draw more deeply into your life, you might fill your environment with images of the animal to let the animal know it's welcome in your space. Animal guides can help you get back to your Earthly roots, and reconnect with nature by reminding you that we are all interconnected. To first do this you need to know what your Animal Totem is.
If you don't know what your Animal Totem is there are several questions you can ask yourself. All of the questions below are designed to get you thinking about a prominent animal in your life. There are no right or wrong answers. Only you can truly know which Animal Totem(s) are right for your journey.
1. Since we are drawn to that which resonates with us, what animal, bird, or insect are you drawn to?
2. When you go to the park, forest, or zoo what animal are you most interested in seeing?
3. What animal do you most frequently see when you're out in nature or in the city?
4. What animals are you currently interested in learning about?
5. Which animal do you find most frightening or intriguing?
6. Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal?
7. Is there a recurring animal in your dreams or do you have one you have never forgotten?
If you are still uncertain which animal is your totem, here a few exercises you can do to come closer to the answer. You must not try to force the animal to come, it can pick up on that energy and be put off. Being patient and doing the following exercises will draw your animal totem to you.
1. Ask yourself what animal has played a meaningful part in your world? If you're unsure, make a list of animals that have drawn your interest or have left a deep impression on you from paintings, photographs, stories, movies, carvings, etc.
2. Which animal shows up in your life most frequently? Keep a journal of the animals present in your dreams or that you encounter through the day for the next month. How did the animal behave? Did you interact with the animal?
3. Find a place where you can be alone to meditate. Sit quietly and ask your animal to make it's nature known to you. Feel free to use tools such as incense, smudge, and candles to help you.
4. Don't give up, sometimes your animal totem is nearby watching to see if you're serious about connecting with it. Keep doing the above exercises until your animal totem makes itself known to you.
source: animal totem.com
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:16 pm
But it's not just about the animals we feel a positive connection to...
The shadow energy (more familiarly known as 'totem') is an animal that challenges us somehow.
We fear it, or we dislike it. We experience an irrational feeling of distaste or revulsion towards it. It is an animal that we might kill, or avoid, or turn off when we see it on television, and it is an animal that can feature in our nightmares or that may even have attacked us in the past.
It is thought that we fear these animals because they teach us the lessons that we don't want to learn, because we fear what we might lose in the process and even what we may gain. We may fear what the animal may tell us about ourselves, often it forces us to confront harsh truths about ourselves. What we dislike most about the animal, may be what we dislike most in ourselves, or it might represent something that happened to us, or is happening to us, that feels harmful and unpleasant. In extreme cases, we can develop phobias of these animals. Or worse, we may begin to kill them en masse if we get the opportunity.
It is called a 'shadow' energy, because like many aspects of ourselves that we don't like, it is often marginalised and ignored. Even spiritual people have a tough time confronting and working with their shadow energies.
It is possible to have more than one shadow energy, and it is possible for them to change over time. Almost everyone has them. In some cases it's easier to know which animals we have problems with than others, because they might be animals we confront regularly like spiders or fleas. Sometimes it's more difficult, it's an animal that's easy to avoid because it might only be at the zoo, or in books.
Some common shadow energies:
- Ant
- Flea
- Bee
- Wasp
- Mosquito
- Fly
- Tick
- Spider
- Snake
- Horse
- Raven / Crow
- Wolf
- Hyena
- Cuckoo
There are of course a lot of others! You might think of fears and dislikes your friends have had in the past, or fears and dislikes you have had.
Ask yourself the question:
If you fear 'spiders', you need to be very exact. Do you fear ALL spiders? Or the poisonous ones? Or the fast ones? Or the big tarantula ones? Do you fear all wasps? Even the ones you've never seen? Why? What about cuckoos? Do you hate them because they push eggs out of the nest? Or because you think they're ugly?
Ask yourself the relevant questions, WHY do you fear or dislike the animal. Start simple. Write down some answers to these questions and you can start to narrow down the nature of your fear:
What kind of 'animal' is it?
What does it look like?
How does it act?
How does it move?
Can it hurt me?
Do I fear / hate it as much as other animals that can hurt me more or in the same way?
Powerful Medicine
Needless to say, one of the most powerful exercises we can do, is confront our shadow aspects and work with them consciously and subconsciously to create a working relationship with them. This is a spiritual process, often initiated through meditation and visualisation of the animal itself, and can force us to light a candle to the shadows of ourselves that we deny, or suppress, or ignore.
Shadow energies have powerful medicine, if we imagine that we are trying to always improve ourselves and get closer to the spirit and wholeness, the shadow animal can give us very direct paths to this. Shadow energies are not gentle, they do not coddle us, and sometimes working with them can involve tears, terror, and even pain if the animal has attacked us in the past, but they do show us very direct paths to the spirit, and to home truths that once confronted, often show that the animal itself is not half as fearful as we thought it was!
For example, venomous animals often force us to confront that we too are capable of brutal, poisonous acts to get what we want. There's no point denying it, and spiders and snakes (and other venomous animals) tell us that we need to not only confront this truth, but embrace it, and eventually learn how to love and understand it. Through this love and understanding, we reach a new respect of ourselves and the animal through spiritual work.
Here's one I have worked with and now respect and love :D
Sometimes shadow energies will even become your primary 'totem', or one of your more significant guides. If you are open and honest with the animal and with yourself, you may even develop a powerful ally who can help you in otherworlds, ritual and spellwork. You will also become well-equipped to help others face their own fears and dislikes of the same animal, because you will often know what you had to go through to get to a place of understanding.
Taking your time.
Some people like fast results in their spirituality, the idea of a long and protracted journey of hard work with little results can be frustrating to say the least. But with shadow animals it is important to understand that reconciling your shadow self, even aspects of your shadow self, with your conscious self can be a difficult and ongoing process.
Of course the process might also be very fast! You might have a lightning bolt of realisation and suddenly go 'yes! I do hate that about myself, and I fear this, and I'm going to do *this* to fix it, why did I never figure that out before?' But most of the time this process is slow and ongoing, and entirely worth it and rewarding in the end.
Don't force the process, sometimes you will not be ready at all, and you will know when it happens. Be patient with yourself. Respect and understand yourself and your spiritual journey as you are learning to respect and understand your shadow energies.
Wildspeak
We fear it, or we dislike it. We experience an irrational feeling of distaste or revulsion towards it. It is an animal that we might kill, or avoid, or turn off when we see it on television, and it is an animal that can feature in our nightmares or that may even have attacked us in the past.
It is thought that we fear these animals because they teach us the lessons that we don't want to learn, because we fear what we might lose in the process and even what we may gain. We may fear what the animal may tell us about ourselves, often it forces us to confront harsh truths about ourselves. What we dislike most about the animal, may be what we dislike most in ourselves, or it might represent something that happened to us, or is happening to us, that feels harmful and unpleasant. In extreme cases, we can develop phobias of these animals. Or worse, we may begin to kill them en masse if we get the opportunity.
It is called a 'shadow' energy, because like many aspects of ourselves that we don't like, it is often marginalised and ignored. Even spiritual people have a tough time confronting and working with their shadow energies.
It is possible to have more than one shadow energy, and it is possible for them to change over time. Almost everyone has them. In some cases it's easier to know which animals we have problems with than others, because they might be animals we confront regularly like spiders or fleas. Sometimes it's more difficult, it's an animal that's easy to avoid because it might only be at the zoo, or in books.
Some common shadow energies:
- Ant
- Flea
- Bee
- Wasp
- Mosquito
- Fly
- Tick
- Spider
- Snake
- Horse
- Raven / Crow
- Wolf
- Hyena
- Cuckoo
There are of course a lot of others! You might think of fears and dislikes your friends have had in the past, or fears and dislikes you have had.
Ask yourself the question:
If you fear 'spiders', you need to be very exact. Do you fear ALL spiders? Or the poisonous ones? Or the fast ones? Or the big tarantula ones? Do you fear all wasps? Even the ones you've never seen? Why? What about cuckoos? Do you hate them because they push eggs out of the nest? Or because you think they're ugly?
Ask yourself the relevant questions, WHY do you fear or dislike the animal. Start simple. Write down some answers to these questions and you can start to narrow down the nature of your fear:
What kind of 'animal' is it?
What does it look like?
How does it act?
How does it move?
Can it hurt me?
Do I fear / hate it as much as other animals that can hurt me more or in the same way?
Powerful Medicine
Needless to say, one of the most powerful exercises we can do, is confront our shadow aspects and work with them consciously and subconsciously to create a working relationship with them. This is a spiritual process, often initiated through meditation and visualisation of the animal itself, and can force us to light a candle to the shadows of ourselves that we deny, or suppress, or ignore.
Shadow energies have powerful medicine, if we imagine that we are trying to always improve ourselves and get closer to the spirit and wholeness, the shadow animal can give us very direct paths to this. Shadow energies are not gentle, they do not coddle us, and sometimes working with them can involve tears, terror, and even pain if the animal has attacked us in the past, but they do show us very direct paths to the spirit, and to home truths that once confronted, often show that the animal itself is not half as fearful as we thought it was!
For example, venomous animals often force us to confront that we too are capable of brutal, poisonous acts to get what we want. There's no point denying it, and spiders and snakes (and other venomous animals) tell us that we need to not only confront this truth, but embrace it, and eventually learn how to love and understand it. Through this love and understanding, we reach a new respect of ourselves and the animal through spiritual work.
Here's one I have worked with and now respect and love :D
Sometimes shadow energies will even become your primary 'totem', or one of your more significant guides. If you are open and honest with the animal and with yourself, you may even develop a powerful ally who can help you in otherworlds, ritual and spellwork. You will also become well-equipped to help others face their own fears and dislikes of the same animal, because you will often know what you had to go through to get to a place of understanding.
Taking your time.
Some people like fast results in their spirituality, the idea of a long and protracted journey of hard work with little results can be frustrating to say the least. But with shadow animals it is important to understand that reconciling your shadow self, even aspects of your shadow self, with your conscious self can be a difficult and ongoing process.
Of course the process might also be very fast! You might have a lightning bolt of realisation and suddenly go 'yes! I do hate that about myself, and I fear this, and I'm going to do *this* to fix it, why did I never figure that out before?' But most of the time this process is slow and ongoing, and entirely worth it and rewarding in the end.
Don't force the process, sometimes you will not be ready at all, and you will know when it happens. Be patient with yourself. Respect and understand yourself and your spiritual journey as you are learning to respect and understand your shadow energies.
Wildspeak
Last edited by GothInk on Sat Jul 30, 2011 5:06 pm; edited 1 time in total
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:19 pm
*The Fetch*
A third type of Animal Spirit, little heard of outside of Shamanism and Witchcraft is the 'fetch'. The fetch is a spiritual entity that will appear as a medium in the communion of Human, Animal and Spirit.
The true shaman or witch does not just decide to walk the “Path”. They must first be chosen by and then accept a spirit being or deity as their mentor. Usually, this mentor will send forth an animal spirit to guide the initiate to them, or in many cases, they themselves may take the form of an animal spirit, only later revealing their true nature.
One example, in the case of shamans and witches who come from the background of the European Celtic traditions, the Goddess Morrigan will often appear to the initiate in the form of a raven or crow as their “fetch” and She will reveal her true self only after the initiate has journeyed to the point of actualizing as an “ordained” being.
Spiritwalk
A third type of Animal Spirit, little heard of outside of Shamanism and Witchcraft is the 'fetch'. The fetch is a spiritual entity that will appear as a medium in the communion of Human, Animal and Spirit.
The true shaman or witch does not just decide to walk the “Path”. They must first be chosen by and then accept a spirit being or deity as their mentor. Usually, this mentor will send forth an animal spirit to guide the initiate to them, or in many cases, they themselves may take the form of an animal spirit, only later revealing their true nature.
One example, in the case of shamans and witches who come from the background of the European Celtic traditions, the Goddess Morrigan will often appear to the initiate in the form of a raven or crow as their “fetch” and She will reveal her true self only after the initiate has journeyed to the point of actualizing as an “ordained” being.
Spiritwalk
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:26 pm
"I'm your Spirit Animal"
My lifelong shadow energy has been this:
OMG I am getting heart palpitations just looking at it
And the bile is rising in my throat.... 
I really am frightened to my core of these things! I can handle spiders and snakes and cockroaches, but not CANE TOADS!!!And look where I live...
Yep, smack bang in the middle of toad central
Cane Toad - Toxicity
Keywords:
Adaptation and proliferation. Success at the cost of others. Earth and water mysteries. The visionary. Strong medicine. Toxic situations. Toxicity. Invasion. Poisonous situations. Poisoning others. Harm.
General Description:
The cane toad was introduced into Australia in the early 1900s in order to control cane beetles. They not only failed to control the beetles, but became a major pest growing in proportion yearly. Cane toads are poisonous, they oust other frogs and toads from wetlands, poison many creatures that try to eat them, and kill many pets who also attack them. They are hardy creatures with no known effective predators or methods for control in Australia.
Lessons and Challenges:
Cane toad has a strong and often overwhelming energy, and if it has shown up, it is letting you know that you are currently experiencing a situation (or many) that is toxic. It may be external circumstances beyond your control, or alternatively it may be thoughts and feelings within you that have become toxic.
Do a general scan of your life, and find out where the toxicity lies. Cane toad can help with this, and point your attention to specific situations which are toxic. Cane toad will also warn against certain people and situations who are particularly poisonous towards you. You may not be able to avoid these toxic situations, as you may be too overwhelmed and taxed at this point, but awareness is a step towards knowing how to work against them, and how to start leeching the toxins from your life; both internally and externally.
The presence of cane toad also warns against your own ability to 'poison' others, either with your words or actions. Watch out for how you speak to and interact with others. Are you being positive with them, or are you trying to clean your own inner toxicity out by spreading it in the direction of others? Watch out for harmful behaviour at this time.
In addition to watching out for general themes of toxicity, be aware that there may be some harm occurring in your life right now. Alternatively, you may be reacting in a toxic manner to harm that occurred in your past, or even harm that you imagine could occur in your future (i.e. such as pushing a partner away because you suspect they may do the same to you). Harm is not the same as hurt, it is long-lasting and has consequences on the body and spirit. Be careful at this time and look at what you fear, what harm has occurred, and how you can go about addressing it and healing.
Another 'cute, 'little' specimen...
Feral cane toad is 'strong medicine.' It comes into a person's life with lessons that are often very hard to face and as such, it is loathed by almost everyone Australia-wide. Its lessons are akin to having to swallow a herbal tincture that makes one gag, or knowing that that infected splinter has to come out, or it will get worse.
There is a theme of adaptation and proliferation around, or that of invasion. What may be happening at this time, is that because you have not been able to contain the hurt, fear or harm within you (or because others cannot), it is spreading outwards and infecting others. You have the choice to attempt to stop this from happening, whether by protecting yourself, or by helping others to heal themselves.
Despite some of the more distasteful lessons of cane toad, there is the energy of a true visionary around when cane toad comes to call. This is an animal that has managed to conquer territories and adapt to landscapes readily, and almost easily. It is a resourceful, proliferate creature that stretches its energy out across the land. When it is around, you have the potential to harness great success. This success may be at the cost of others, but if it is necessary for your survival, cane toad tells you to seize it and embrace it as your own birthright.
Chances are, with cane toad around, you have access to visionary ideas and thoughts that may change the course of the businesses, relationships and interactions around you. It is often overwhelming to have this energy around, but despite the costs, the benefits and reward can be great.
Cane toad teaches about profound earth and water mysteries, especially those that are challenging towards us, and force us to grow or look beyond what is comfortable for us.
I really can't see myself ever being as fond of toads as this little girl...
The Shadow Aspects:
Those who dislike or fear cane toad, often hate unpleasant change. The fact is that cane toad is a part of Australia now - whether we like it or not - but do we spend all our time funneling emotions like hatred and fear towards the cane toad, or do we become proactive and find ways to minimise their impact while maximising the survival chances for native wildlife? Cane toad let's us know that it's up to us to change our own attitudes. Unpleasant change / change for the worse is a part of life, it happens. How we deal with it determines how we experience life.
Cane toad challenges those who do their utmost to avoid 'toxic' situations and emotions. They might spend their entire lives running from memories that are hurtful or frightening, they might deny the presence of poisonous thoughts and emotions within their own person, or they might avoid others when they are going through times of crisis. Cane toad confronts such running and reminds us that toxicity can be a valuable teaching tool. Without acknowledging its presence and forcing ourselves to experiencing it, we cannot begin to assimilate it and leach the poisons from our unpleasant experiences.
Communion:
Like all animal helpers, this animal will only appear when right and appropriate, and cannot be forced to visit you, commune with you, or share messages with you. Cane toad is an overwhelming energy, and because it so easily reaches out, it is readily accessed through visualisation and journeying. Its presence is strong, and in my own experiences with cane toad, I found that it was never ever alone. There were always others hiding nearby.
Cane toad responds well to offerings, and I'd recommend offering anything (water, food, etc.) to prevent it from taking offerings of energy. It can be quite a communicative guide, one that 'talks' and converses rather than teaching through example. If you want to voluntarily work with the energy of cane toad, make sure that you are able to connect with other more cleansing energies afterwards, whether this is guides in the spirit worlds, or people in real life who can help you to feel grounded once more.
Wildspeak cane toads
Keywords:
Adaptation and proliferation. Success at the cost of others. Earth and water mysteries. The visionary. Strong medicine. Toxic situations. Toxicity. Invasion. Poisonous situations. Poisoning others. Harm.
General Description:
The cane toad was introduced into Australia in the early 1900s in order to control cane beetles. They not only failed to control the beetles, but became a major pest growing in proportion yearly. Cane toads are poisonous, they oust other frogs and toads from wetlands, poison many creatures that try to eat them, and kill many pets who also attack them. They are hardy creatures with no known effective predators or methods for control in Australia.
Lessons and Challenges:
Cane toad has a strong and often overwhelming energy, and if it has shown up, it is letting you know that you are currently experiencing a situation (or many) that is toxic. It may be external circumstances beyond your control, or alternatively it may be thoughts and feelings within you that have become toxic.
Do a general scan of your life, and find out where the toxicity lies. Cane toad can help with this, and point your attention to specific situations which are toxic. Cane toad will also warn against certain people and situations who are particularly poisonous towards you. You may not be able to avoid these toxic situations, as you may be too overwhelmed and taxed at this point, but awareness is a step towards knowing how to work against them, and how to start leeching the toxins from your life; both internally and externally.
The presence of cane toad also warns against your own ability to 'poison' others, either with your words or actions. Watch out for how you speak to and interact with others. Are you being positive with them, or are you trying to clean your own inner toxicity out by spreading it in the direction of others? Watch out for harmful behaviour at this time.
In addition to watching out for general themes of toxicity, be aware that there may be some harm occurring in your life right now. Alternatively, you may be reacting in a toxic manner to harm that occurred in your past, or even harm that you imagine could occur in your future (i.e. such as pushing a partner away because you suspect they may do the same to you). Harm is not the same as hurt, it is long-lasting and has consequences on the body and spirit. Be careful at this time and look at what you fear, what harm has occurred, and how you can go about addressing it and healing.
Another 'cute, 'little' specimen...
Feral cane toad is 'strong medicine.' It comes into a person's life with lessons that are often very hard to face and as such, it is loathed by almost everyone Australia-wide. Its lessons are akin to having to swallow a herbal tincture that makes one gag, or knowing that that infected splinter has to come out, or it will get worse.
There is a theme of adaptation and proliferation around, or that of invasion. What may be happening at this time, is that because you have not been able to contain the hurt, fear or harm within you (or because others cannot), it is spreading outwards and infecting others. You have the choice to attempt to stop this from happening, whether by protecting yourself, or by helping others to heal themselves.
Despite some of the more distasteful lessons of cane toad, there is the energy of a true visionary around when cane toad comes to call. This is an animal that has managed to conquer territories and adapt to landscapes readily, and almost easily. It is a resourceful, proliferate creature that stretches its energy out across the land. When it is around, you have the potential to harness great success. This success may be at the cost of others, but if it is necessary for your survival, cane toad tells you to seize it and embrace it as your own birthright.
Chances are, with cane toad around, you have access to visionary ideas and thoughts that may change the course of the businesses, relationships and interactions around you. It is often overwhelming to have this energy around, but despite the costs, the benefits and reward can be great.
Cane toad teaches about profound earth and water mysteries, especially those that are challenging towards us, and force us to grow or look beyond what is comfortable for us.
I really can't see myself ever being as fond of toads as this little girl...
The Shadow Aspects:
Those who dislike or fear cane toad, often hate unpleasant change. The fact is that cane toad is a part of Australia now - whether we like it or not - but do we spend all our time funneling emotions like hatred and fear towards the cane toad, or do we become proactive and find ways to minimise their impact while maximising the survival chances for native wildlife? Cane toad let's us know that it's up to us to change our own attitudes. Unpleasant change / change for the worse is a part of life, it happens. How we deal with it determines how we experience life.
Cane toad challenges those who do their utmost to avoid 'toxic' situations and emotions. They might spend their entire lives running from memories that are hurtful or frightening, they might deny the presence of poisonous thoughts and emotions within their own person, or they might avoid others when they are going through times of crisis. Cane toad confronts such running and reminds us that toxicity can be a valuable teaching tool. Without acknowledging its presence and forcing ourselves to experiencing it, we cannot begin to assimilate it and leach the poisons from our unpleasant experiences.
Communion:
Like all animal helpers, this animal will only appear when right and appropriate, and cannot be forced to visit you, commune with you, or share messages with you. Cane toad is an overwhelming energy, and because it so easily reaches out, it is readily accessed through visualisation and journeying. Its presence is strong, and in my own experiences with cane toad, I found that it was never ever alone. There were always others hiding nearby.
Cane toad responds well to offerings, and I'd recommend offering anything (water, food, etc.) to prevent it from taking offerings of energy. It can be quite a communicative guide, one that 'talks' and converses rather than teaching through example. If you want to voluntarily work with the energy of cane toad, make sure that you are able to connect with other more cleansing energies afterwards, whether this is guides in the spirit worlds, or people in real life who can help you to feel grounded once more.
Wildspeak cane toads
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:28 pm
OMG, can we move on to a more traditional *cuddly, user-friendly* one now...please???
Wolves are the epitome of stamina, known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit of prey. They are highly misunderstood animals, who have gained the reputation of being cold blooded. In reality wolves are friendly and social creatures. Aggression is something they avoid, preferring rather to growl or create a posture to show dominance. Even though living in close knit packs provide wolves with a strong sense of family, they are still able to maintain their individuality. Wolves represent the spirit of freedom, but they realize that having individual freedom requires having responsibilities.
Because wolf is a teacher and pathfinder, he comes when we need guidance in our lives. Those who have a Wolf Totem will move on to teach others about sacredness and spirituality. Wolf can also teach how to balance the responsibility of family needs and not to lose one's personal identity.
Wolf teaches us to develop strength and confidence in our decisions. He shows we will learn to trust our insights once we learn how to value our inner voice. This wisdom keeps us from inappropriate action. If wolf appears in your life examine where you need to develop more confidence and if you need more balance between friends, family, and yourself.
animal totem.com
Wolf Totems
Wolves are the epitome of stamina, known to run 35 miles a day in pursuit of prey. They are highly misunderstood animals, who have gained the reputation of being cold blooded. In reality wolves are friendly and social creatures. Aggression is something they avoid, preferring rather to growl or create a posture to show dominance. Even though living in close knit packs provide wolves with a strong sense of family, they are still able to maintain their individuality. Wolves represent the spirit of freedom, but they realize that having individual freedom requires having responsibilities.
Because wolf is a teacher and pathfinder, he comes when we need guidance in our lives. Those who have a Wolf Totem will move on to teach others about sacredness and spirituality. Wolf can also teach how to balance the responsibility of family needs and not to lose one's personal identity.
Wolf teaches us to develop strength and confidence in our decisions. He shows we will learn to trust our insights once we learn how to value our inner voice. This wisdom keeps us from inappropriate action. If wolf appears in your life examine where you need to develop more confidence and if you need more balance between friends, family, and yourself.
animal totem.com
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:35 pm
Some more I have had to work with over the years, from the nice to the not so nice...
Tawny Frogmouth
There were two of them and they were outside my bedroom and then my daughter's bedroom so I think that we both needed to work with their wisdom which is camouflage, unity, oneness and breakthrough.
General Description:
The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal bird with mottled grey or brown plumage that is excellent for camouflage on grey and brown trees. This is highlighted by the frogmouth's ability to extend its body to resemble a broken off tree branch. It closes its eyes to hide its startling red or orange eyes, but has even evolved two nicks in its eyelids to help it see while camouflaged. During the night they will attack potential predators by diving at them and clacking their beak together loudly.
Frogmouths have wide gapes, hence the name 'frogmouth.' They eat arthropods, small vertebrates and snails. Frogmouths nest between tree forks, and though the male incubates by day, both sexes will share incubation at night. They have broad wings and primary feathers fringed to help them fly silently. They are sadly quite slow to take off and are often harmed and killed in car collisions. They can make a very bass-like 'oom' noise, and will hiss if disturbed.
Lessons and Challenges:
Tawny frogmouth shares the ability to understand your relationship to spirit and nature. Sometimes we lose sight of our place in the grand scheme of things, and then forget that we are always inter-connected with life around us. We are never truly separate from nature, even when we are physically alone, or feel spiritually lonely.
The spirit of tawny frogmouth teaches breakthrough. If there has been an issue bothering you for some time, or if you have been coasting on a plateau, frogmouth pushes you into the next phase. There will be literal breakthroughs in different areas of your life with frogmouth around. And consciously working with tawny frogmouth can create dramatic movement into new and healthful phases of your life.
The concept of synchronicity was developed fully by psychologist C. G. Jung. It refers to two or more events which occur, that are related to one another, and are quite meaningful and yet unrelated (for example, discovering a talent in art, only to have art classes start up down your street a week later). Conceptually it describes an inter-relationship in all things, cosmically and on the mundane level. Synchronicity when it occurs lets us know that everything works on some level with everything else. Sometimes it is obvious to us, sometimes it isn't. Tawny frogmouth is a good representative for the idea of synchronicity, and working with tawny frogmouth reminds us that the universe is working with a sense of harmony, even when we feel everything is descending into chaos.
In line with synchronicity, there is also an emphasis on things falling into their rightful place. Be aware at this time that some of aspects of your life will begin to run more smoothly. Situations will be resolved, and opposing ideas will start to find a common ground.
Tawny frogmouth teaches positive camouflage. Less healthy camouflage involves hiding ourselves from others to our own detriment. Positive camouflage is hiding ourselves (or facets of ourselves) from others in order to ensure our continued health and protection.
Tawny frogmouth uses positive camouflage in order to blend in with its environment and look like an extension of a tree, in response, it can avoid predation and is also less likely to be spotted by its prey. Frogmouth teaches us that the appropriate use of 'hiding from others' can actually be very healthy for us. At times it is perfectly alright to blend into the background, not disclose information about yourself, or become invisible. In fact doing this at a time when tawny frogmouth is around even reinforces your connection with nature.
There is a great theme of becoming one with nature, with Tawny Frogmouth. At a crude level, it 'becomes one,' by having evolved to look precisely like the trees that house it. It further approaches unification by changing its posture drastically to then 'become' the tree. Its very evolution has made it able to become a part of the nature around it. When tawny frogmouth has flown into your life, it is reminding you to actively, consciously reinforce your connection with nature. Go out into it, walk in it, research it and understand it, eventually you will learn that you possess a oneness with it which cannot be taken away from you; only hidden, until you are ready to realise it again.
The Shadow Aspects:
Tawny frogmouth suggests that you have lost touch not only with nature and the spirit, but you might even be questioning why such oneness and unity is necessary. Tawny frogmouth encourages you to breakthrough this time of despair and ambivalence towards nature and its energy. Such ambivalence at this time in your life is not nourishing, and can lead to a general disconnection from life and living.
Tawny frogmouth as a shadow aspect also challenges you to question your relationship to spirit in a provocative manner. It is not enough sometimes to simply 'know where you stand.' Sometimes you need to question everything you believe, shake it up, determine your needs, wants and desires, and determine the needs and wants of the great spirit in order to understand your place in this world. If you hide behind false beliefs and reassurances that all is well between yourself and the spirit, you may find that you drift even further away from unity with nature.
Communion:
Like all animal helpers, this animal will only appear when right and appropriate, and cannot be forced to visit you, commune with you, or share messages with you. Tawny frogmouth has a communicative face and eyes, and so you may find that when you encounter tawny frogmouth in journeying (and to a lesser degree, visualisation), verbal dialogue is less important than visual cues. After all, tawny frogmouth communicates very well with its body, from camouflaging in its environment, using its wide gape, and beak clacking to express displeasure etc. On an aside, if it's possible for a bird to be both cheerful and grumpy at the same time…
The one problem with consciously seeking out tawny frogmouth in journeying, is that they are often in camouflage when you find them, you may need a fair bit of time just to find it. I see it as a sort of 'test,' if you have the patience to locate the tawny frogmouth, then you're more likely to strike up a good and solid relationship with them. My encounters with tawny frogmouth are also quite spontaneous, he literally 'flies into my life.' If you live in Australia and encounter tawny frogmouths more frequently than usual, chances are, he's getting your attention to remind you of your connection to nature.
source: spheres of light
Hmm, there were two and it was day time which means they were both female -mother and daughter? And they were outside my room first and then my daughter's...and she was in the pool when she spotted them, then it began to rain...interesting. And our small fox terrier (whom we are almost certain is a reincarnation of the foxy we lost last year) kept barking at them from the living room. None of our other animals were worried by their presence. Perhaps he was trying to draw our attention to them?
Tawny Frogmouth
There were two of them and they were outside my bedroom and then my daughter's bedroom so I think that we both needed to work with their wisdom which is camouflage, unity, oneness and breakthrough.
General Description:
The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal bird with mottled grey or brown plumage that is excellent for camouflage on grey and brown trees. This is highlighted by the frogmouth's ability to extend its body to resemble a broken off tree branch. It closes its eyes to hide its startling red or orange eyes, but has even evolved two nicks in its eyelids to help it see while camouflaged. During the night they will attack potential predators by diving at them and clacking their beak together loudly.
Frogmouths have wide gapes, hence the name 'frogmouth.' They eat arthropods, small vertebrates and snails. Frogmouths nest between tree forks, and though the male incubates by day, both sexes will share incubation at night. They have broad wings and primary feathers fringed to help them fly silently. They are sadly quite slow to take off and are often harmed and killed in car collisions. They can make a very bass-like 'oom' noise, and will hiss if disturbed.
Lessons and Challenges:
Tawny frogmouth shares the ability to understand your relationship to spirit and nature. Sometimes we lose sight of our place in the grand scheme of things, and then forget that we are always inter-connected with life around us. We are never truly separate from nature, even when we are physically alone, or feel spiritually lonely.
The spirit of tawny frogmouth teaches breakthrough. If there has been an issue bothering you for some time, or if you have been coasting on a plateau, frogmouth pushes you into the next phase. There will be literal breakthroughs in different areas of your life with frogmouth around. And consciously working with tawny frogmouth can create dramatic movement into new and healthful phases of your life.
The concept of synchronicity was developed fully by psychologist C. G. Jung. It refers to two or more events which occur, that are related to one another, and are quite meaningful and yet unrelated (for example, discovering a talent in art, only to have art classes start up down your street a week later). Conceptually it describes an inter-relationship in all things, cosmically and on the mundane level. Synchronicity when it occurs lets us know that everything works on some level with everything else. Sometimes it is obvious to us, sometimes it isn't. Tawny frogmouth is a good representative for the idea of synchronicity, and working with tawny frogmouth reminds us that the universe is working with a sense of harmony, even when we feel everything is descending into chaos.
In line with synchronicity, there is also an emphasis on things falling into their rightful place. Be aware at this time that some of aspects of your life will begin to run more smoothly. Situations will be resolved, and opposing ideas will start to find a common ground.
Tawny frogmouth teaches positive camouflage. Less healthy camouflage involves hiding ourselves from others to our own detriment. Positive camouflage is hiding ourselves (or facets of ourselves) from others in order to ensure our continued health and protection.
Tawny frogmouth uses positive camouflage in order to blend in with its environment and look like an extension of a tree, in response, it can avoid predation and is also less likely to be spotted by its prey. Frogmouth teaches us that the appropriate use of 'hiding from others' can actually be very healthy for us. At times it is perfectly alright to blend into the background, not disclose information about yourself, or become invisible. In fact doing this at a time when tawny frogmouth is around even reinforces your connection with nature.
There is a great theme of becoming one with nature, with Tawny Frogmouth. At a crude level, it 'becomes one,' by having evolved to look precisely like the trees that house it. It further approaches unification by changing its posture drastically to then 'become' the tree. Its very evolution has made it able to become a part of the nature around it. When tawny frogmouth has flown into your life, it is reminding you to actively, consciously reinforce your connection with nature. Go out into it, walk in it, research it and understand it, eventually you will learn that you possess a oneness with it which cannot be taken away from you; only hidden, until you are ready to realise it again.
The Shadow Aspects:
Tawny frogmouth suggests that you have lost touch not only with nature and the spirit, but you might even be questioning why such oneness and unity is necessary. Tawny frogmouth encourages you to breakthrough this time of despair and ambivalence towards nature and its energy. Such ambivalence at this time in your life is not nourishing, and can lead to a general disconnection from life and living.
Tawny frogmouth as a shadow aspect also challenges you to question your relationship to spirit in a provocative manner. It is not enough sometimes to simply 'know where you stand.' Sometimes you need to question everything you believe, shake it up, determine your needs, wants and desires, and determine the needs and wants of the great spirit in order to understand your place in this world. If you hide behind false beliefs and reassurances that all is well between yourself and the spirit, you may find that you drift even further away from unity with nature.
Communion:
Like all animal helpers, this animal will only appear when right and appropriate, and cannot be forced to visit you, commune with you, or share messages with you. Tawny frogmouth has a communicative face and eyes, and so you may find that when you encounter tawny frogmouth in journeying (and to a lesser degree, visualisation), verbal dialogue is less important than visual cues. After all, tawny frogmouth communicates very well with its body, from camouflaging in its environment, using its wide gape, and beak clacking to express displeasure etc. On an aside, if it's possible for a bird to be both cheerful and grumpy at the same time…
The one problem with consciously seeking out tawny frogmouth in journeying, is that they are often in camouflage when you find them, you may need a fair bit of time just to find it. I see it as a sort of 'test,' if you have the patience to locate the tawny frogmouth, then you're more likely to strike up a good and solid relationship with them. My encounters with tawny frogmouth are also quite spontaneous, he literally 'flies into my life.' If you live in Australia and encounter tawny frogmouths more frequently than usual, chances are, he's getting your attention to remind you of your connection to nature.
source: spheres of light
Hmm, there were two and it was day time which means they were both female -mother and daughter? And they were outside my room first and then my daughter's...and she was in the pool when she spotted them, then it began to rain...interesting. And our small fox terrier (whom we are almost certain is a reincarnation of the foxy we lost last year) kept barking at them from the living room. None of our other animals were worried by their presence. Perhaps he was trying to draw our attention to them?
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:40 pm
I've also had ants, fleas, cane toads, and ... drum roll please ...
Cockroaches
The Cockroach teaches us how to use what we have available to us for survival.
To clean out the dead and useless aspects of our lives.
When the Cockroach appears as a totem,
our sensitivity to subtle changes will be magnified.
We will have the power to scurry out of danger.
People with this totem often find that they had an abbreviated childhood –
a premature movement into adulthood, the necessity to take on early responsibility.
Although often seen as a disgusting animal,
the Cockroach is actually a gifted teacher in the art of survival and successful adaptability, especially in environment that may seem a bit hostile.
source: lins domain
Mosquito
Signs of irritation, yearning to “do something”, and stagnation. Is there something in your life your “itching to do”? Is something in your life irritating, or is there something stagnant in your life… something that needs stirring up? Are you irritating someone else?… or Do you need to “annoy” someone to get them motivated. The mosquito entering your life may indicate the need to look into these irritations.
Naturocity
Cockroaches
The Cockroach teaches us how to use what we have available to us for survival.
To clean out the dead and useless aspects of our lives.
When the Cockroach appears as a totem,
our sensitivity to subtle changes will be magnified.
We will have the power to scurry out of danger.
People with this totem often find that they had an abbreviated childhood –
a premature movement into adulthood, the necessity to take on early responsibility.
Although often seen as a disgusting animal,
the Cockroach is actually a gifted teacher in the art of survival and successful adaptability, especially in environment that may seem a bit hostile.
source: lins domain
Mosquito
Signs of irritation, yearning to “do something”, and stagnation. Is there something in your life your “itching to do”? Is something in your life irritating, or is there something stagnant in your life… something that needs stirring up? Are you irritating someone else?… or Do you need to “annoy” someone to get them motivated. The mosquito entering your life may indicate the need to look into these irritations.
Naturocity
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:43 pm
Flea - Dependent Vampire
Keywords:
Accumulative Damage. Vampirism (emotional, physical, other). Aversion to Light. Metamorphosis. Rebirthing. Looking After Ourselves and our Environment. Running Away From Problems. Sensitivity to Environment. Dependence Upon Others. Hurting the ones you Love. Blood Wisdom. The Dependent Vampire.
General Description:
All fleas are compressed laterally and are wingless, parasitic insects that subsist on blood. They have well-developed back legs in their mature stage that enables them to leap from host to host. Fleas have a sense organ on their bodies which is very sensitive to vibration and air currents. Fleas have multiple stages of complete metamorphosis, moving from eggs, to larvae, to pupa and then to adult. In their larval stages they avoid light and will survive off feathers, adult flea feces, hair and skin. Only the adult flea requires blood to survive. There are many different species of flea, some are cat-specific, human-specific, dog-specific etc. Each have different adaptations suited to this animal.
Lessons:
Please remember that if this animal is contacting you, it will often be the best resource for teaching you what its lessons are. What I write is only intended to be a guide, it is not absolute, nor is it infallible.
- If flea has come into your life as a guide (usually through biting us!) we are reminded to look after ourselves and our environment, and to practice vigilance. If we are lazy about how we look after ourselves, we can get physically, emotionally and spiritually harmed. We can even become seriously ill. Make sure you look after your environment and your body.
- Flea represents vampirism (emotional, physical, other). Flea suggests that we might be taking the energy from others - particularly those close to us - without even realising it. This vampirism is a sign of dependence upon others that can become unhealthy. We may also be preyed upon for energy, because we give our energy away too easily. Flea represents the dependent vampire, who will take from those he cares about most.
- Flea indicates a need for darkness and can represent the people who have an aversion to light. If flea has come into your life, it might be time to retreat into shelter, and take stock of your life. Fleas are highly sensitive to their environment, and you might find yourself overwhelmed by too much environmental stimuli. Quiet, dark places will heal you during the time that flea is around.
- Flea represents a time of accumulative damage. Flea bites are small, but the more we get, the more our health and immune system struggles. This accumulative damage can happen in other aspects of our life, small problems that never get sorted out add up until they become overwhelming. Look at each small problem in your life, and address them thoroughly to prevent a situation that feels uncontrollable.
- Fleas are adept at running away from their problems. It might be time for you to actually get away from a dangerous situation, if confrontation is no longer helping. Sometimes walking away is the healthiest thing we can do.
- Flea represents metamorphosis and rebirthing. When flea comes into our life, particularly in our dreams and visualisations, it is be time to turn over a new leaf and change our lifestyle. It is time to embrace change.
- When flea comes into our lives, it is time to assess whether we are hurting the ones we love, by either pulling on too many of their resources, using them emotionally, materially or spiritually, or if we're literally just taking away too much of their energy through never listening to them or giving them a chance to recharge.
- Finally flea represents blood wisdom. All aspects of blood, ancestry, knowledge, energy, wisdom etc. are part of the flea's domain. Indeed the domain of any animal that requires blood to survive. If you wish to understand blood memories, blood secrets and how to connect to your ancestry, a connection with flea may aid you.
If you have Flea as your Totem:
People with this animal as a totem will often manifest traits similar to the animal itself. I work on the philosophy that we only have one totem, and it teaches us lessons as well as representing the core aspects of our personality. Therefore -
- Flea people tend to be codependent, or in codependent relationships throughout their whole lives. They may be abusive, but usually just tend to be people who need the energy of other people and animals in order to live. One of their main lessons in life is to learn how give and take in a way that permits their partner or friends to survive emotionally and spiritually in long-term relationships. These people are able to get away from their problems with ease, which also means they may never confront some of the less savoury aspects of their behaviour. It is a rare person who will admit to having flea medicine, which is a powerful medicine for directing energy.
There will be other ways your totem manifests, and you will recognise them with awareness and communion.
As shadow guide/totem:
The shadow totem is the animal we often fear irrationally, that teaches us things about ourselves that are profound and difficult to confront. Often the traits we fear most within the shadow totem, are the traits that we dislike in ourselves. We must scrutinise why this is, and learn how to work with them.
- Well, I don't know many people who like flea, who seems to be far more common as a shadow totem, mainly because flea drinks blood. Flea attacks us, and threatens our physical well being, and the wellbeing of any pets we may have too. For this reason, we tend not to like flea, because flea reminds us that even when we are being vigilant there is a chance that we can be used for our resources and taken advantage of. Every part of our lives is constantly under threat, and the creatures that take from us, remind us of the humans that can take from us, and how life can put us in situations where we are taken advantage. It is important then, to learn that despite the constant threat of harm, we are able to live our lives as fully as possible. Fleas are a problem, but they are not the end of the world if we are vigilant and enjoy our lives. It is important to learn that flea reminds us of something positive, that despite harm, we are able to soldier on and lead fulfilling and wholesome lives.
- Those who hate flea are people who (understandably) tend to hate those around them who use and abuse people. They might know of people who vampiristically use their friends, they might never seem to give anything back. Hating these people is a response that enables us to protect ourselves from these people, but is it effective? And is hatred healthy? We need to confront this hatred, and understand the people what we may revile because of their decisions to use the people around them. Without understanding, we are left in a situation of ignorance and intolerance. We don't have to like their actions, but it is important to take the time to understand the motivations of using/abusing, and then understand why we don't do it.
Contacting Flea:
Like all animal helpers, this animal will only appear when right and appropriate, and cannot be forced to visit you, commune with you, or share messages with you. Flea can be contacted via meditation / visualisation / journeying and of course in real life. Flea can be a cryptic guide and teacher, but the lessons are valuable.
Wildspeak
Keywords:
Accumulative Damage. Vampirism (emotional, physical, other). Aversion to Light. Metamorphosis. Rebirthing. Looking After Ourselves and our Environment. Running Away From Problems. Sensitivity to Environment. Dependence Upon Others. Hurting the ones you Love. Blood Wisdom. The Dependent Vampire.
General Description:
All fleas are compressed laterally and are wingless, parasitic insects that subsist on blood. They have well-developed back legs in their mature stage that enables them to leap from host to host. Fleas have a sense organ on their bodies which is very sensitive to vibration and air currents. Fleas have multiple stages of complete metamorphosis, moving from eggs, to larvae, to pupa and then to adult. In their larval stages they avoid light and will survive off feathers, adult flea feces, hair and skin. Only the adult flea requires blood to survive. There are many different species of flea, some are cat-specific, human-specific, dog-specific etc. Each have different adaptations suited to this animal.
Lessons:
Please remember that if this animal is contacting you, it will often be the best resource for teaching you what its lessons are. What I write is only intended to be a guide, it is not absolute, nor is it infallible.
- If flea has come into your life as a guide (usually through biting us!) we are reminded to look after ourselves and our environment, and to practice vigilance. If we are lazy about how we look after ourselves, we can get physically, emotionally and spiritually harmed. We can even become seriously ill. Make sure you look after your environment and your body.
- Flea represents vampirism (emotional, physical, other). Flea suggests that we might be taking the energy from others - particularly those close to us - without even realising it. This vampirism is a sign of dependence upon others that can become unhealthy. We may also be preyed upon for energy, because we give our energy away too easily. Flea represents the dependent vampire, who will take from those he cares about most.
- Flea indicates a need for darkness and can represent the people who have an aversion to light. If flea has come into your life, it might be time to retreat into shelter, and take stock of your life. Fleas are highly sensitive to their environment, and you might find yourself overwhelmed by too much environmental stimuli. Quiet, dark places will heal you during the time that flea is around.
- Flea represents a time of accumulative damage. Flea bites are small, but the more we get, the more our health and immune system struggles. This accumulative damage can happen in other aspects of our life, small problems that never get sorted out add up until they become overwhelming. Look at each small problem in your life, and address them thoroughly to prevent a situation that feels uncontrollable.
- Fleas are adept at running away from their problems. It might be time for you to actually get away from a dangerous situation, if confrontation is no longer helping. Sometimes walking away is the healthiest thing we can do.
- Flea represents metamorphosis and rebirthing. When flea comes into our life, particularly in our dreams and visualisations, it is be time to turn over a new leaf and change our lifestyle. It is time to embrace change.
- When flea comes into our lives, it is time to assess whether we are hurting the ones we love, by either pulling on too many of their resources, using them emotionally, materially or spiritually, or if we're literally just taking away too much of their energy through never listening to them or giving them a chance to recharge.
- Finally flea represents blood wisdom. All aspects of blood, ancestry, knowledge, energy, wisdom etc. are part of the flea's domain. Indeed the domain of any animal that requires blood to survive. If you wish to understand blood memories, blood secrets and how to connect to your ancestry, a connection with flea may aid you.
If you have Flea as your Totem:
People with this animal as a totem will often manifest traits similar to the animal itself. I work on the philosophy that we only have one totem, and it teaches us lessons as well as representing the core aspects of our personality. Therefore -
- Flea people tend to be codependent, or in codependent relationships throughout their whole lives. They may be abusive, but usually just tend to be people who need the energy of other people and animals in order to live. One of their main lessons in life is to learn how give and take in a way that permits their partner or friends to survive emotionally and spiritually in long-term relationships. These people are able to get away from their problems with ease, which also means they may never confront some of the less savoury aspects of their behaviour. It is a rare person who will admit to having flea medicine, which is a powerful medicine for directing energy.
There will be other ways your totem manifests, and you will recognise them with awareness and communion.
As shadow guide/totem:
The shadow totem is the animal we often fear irrationally, that teaches us things about ourselves that are profound and difficult to confront. Often the traits we fear most within the shadow totem, are the traits that we dislike in ourselves. We must scrutinise why this is, and learn how to work with them.
- Well, I don't know many people who like flea, who seems to be far more common as a shadow totem, mainly because flea drinks blood. Flea attacks us, and threatens our physical well being, and the wellbeing of any pets we may have too. For this reason, we tend not to like flea, because flea reminds us that even when we are being vigilant there is a chance that we can be used for our resources and taken advantage of. Every part of our lives is constantly under threat, and the creatures that take from us, remind us of the humans that can take from us, and how life can put us in situations where we are taken advantage. It is important then, to learn that despite the constant threat of harm, we are able to live our lives as fully as possible. Fleas are a problem, but they are not the end of the world if we are vigilant and enjoy our lives. It is important to learn that flea reminds us of something positive, that despite harm, we are able to soldier on and lead fulfilling and wholesome lives.
- Those who hate flea are people who (understandably) tend to hate those around them who use and abuse people. They might know of people who vampiristically use their friends, they might never seem to give anything back. Hating these people is a response that enables us to protect ourselves from these people, but is it effective? And is hatred healthy? We need to confront this hatred, and understand the people what we may revile because of their decisions to use the people around them. Without understanding, we are left in a situation of ignorance and intolerance. We don't have to like their actions, but it is important to take the time to understand the motivations of using/abusing, and then understand why we don't do it.
Contacting Flea:
Like all animal helpers, this animal will only appear when right and appropriate, and cannot be forced to visit you, commune with you, or share messages with you. Flea can be contacted via meditation / visualisation / journeying and of course in real life. Flea can be a cryptic guide and teacher, but the lessons are valuable.
Wildspeak
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:45 pm
Snake
This a powerful totem -- it is
the symbol of transformation and healing.
The Snake is wisdom expressed through healing.
It is a protector and guardian totem,
along with its sister totems, the Dragon and the Serpent.
If a snake totem has come into your life, your creative forces are awakening.
Your intuition will sharpen and be more accurate.
Snake energy is the energy of wholeness, cosmic consciousness, and
the ability to experience anything willingly and without resistance.
It is the knowledge that all things are equal in creation.
It also signals a transition in your life.
New opportunities and/or changes.
Snake is fire medicine, the medicine of transmutation.
On a material level, it is vitality; on an emotional level, it is ambition and dreams;
on a mental level, it is intellect and power; on a spiritual level (the highest level),
it is wisdom, understanding and wholeness.
Snake magic is heavy magic.
Become the Magician and transmute the energy and accept the power of the fire.
The Snake is one of the symbols of Thoth.
source: lins domain
Snake is one of my favourite totems because it brings with it rebirth and change. And I generally just like snakes
Again, it was my daughter who noticed this one. I truly feel there is an atmosphere of shifting energy in my home. We are all on a creative vent and working together to build an environment that better reflects who we are - as individuals and as a family unit. This has been like a rebirth and all the animal messengers coming to support our evolution seem tied to that.
This a powerful totem -- it is
the symbol of transformation and healing.
The Snake is wisdom expressed through healing.
It is a protector and guardian totem,
along with its sister totems, the Dragon and the Serpent.
If a snake totem has come into your life, your creative forces are awakening.
Your intuition will sharpen and be more accurate.
Snake energy is the energy of wholeness, cosmic consciousness, and
the ability to experience anything willingly and without resistance.
It is the knowledge that all things are equal in creation.
It also signals a transition in your life.
New opportunities and/or changes.
Snake is fire medicine, the medicine of transmutation.
On a material level, it is vitality; on an emotional level, it is ambition and dreams;
on a mental level, it is intellect and power; on a spiritual level (the highest level),
it is wisdom, understanding and wholeness.
Snake magic is heavy magic.
Become the Magician and transmute the energy and accept the power of the fire.
The Snake is one of the symbols of Thoth.
source: lins domain
Snake is one of my favourite totems because it brings with it rebirth and change. And I generally just like snakes
Again, it was my daughter who noticed this one. I truly feel there is an atmosphere of shifting energy in my home. We are all on a creative vent and working together to build an environment that better reflects who we are - as individuals and as a family unit. This has been like a rebirth and all the animal messengers coming to support our evolution seem tied to that.
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:54 pm
KANGAROO
Moving Forward
Kangaroo signals that a nine-month cycle is at play.
After starting a project, it will take nine months to mature and benefit you.
After that, it is time to move forward and commit fully.
Kangaroo only moves forward, never backward and Kangaroo people should do the same.
Kangaroo also teaches how to balance the creative energies needed to complete your task.
Those with a Kangaroo totem are given the strength and power needed.
You will have the strength and stamina to continue,
just as long as you go forward and not backward.
source: linsdomain
These kangaroos were right up close to the front of my house - from where I was sitting at the computer, there is a big window and looking out they were no more than 5 metres away.
GOOSE
Communication
Imprinting Your Life Path
A Goose totem reflects a stimulation of childhood thrills
and the belief in stories and legends.
The stories we loved as children often reflect our life quest.
Think about the stories that affected you the most
and see what in them you took into your adult life.
The Goose also helps in communication, especially with the written word.
It is also a symbol of fertility and marital fidelity.
Goose people have an innate belief that there is just one special person for each one.
Since Geese are vegetarians, those with a Goose totem should always
incorporate plenty of vegetables into their diet.
The Goose was a sacred bird in the Roman temples of Juno;
associated with the North Wind in Greek Mythology;
and the totem for the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans.
Their honking call speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring.
linsdomain
Moving Forward
Kangaroo signals that a nine-month cycle is at play.
After starting a project, it will take nine months to mature and benefit you.
After that, it is time to move forward and commit fully.
Kangaroo only moves forward, never backward and Kangaroo people should do the same.
Kangaroo also teaches how to balance the creative energies needed to complete your task.
Those with a Kangaroo totem are given the strength and power needed.
You will have the strength and stamina to continue,
just as long as you go forward and not backward.
source: linsdomain
These kangaroos were right up close to the front of my house - from where I was sitting at the computer, there is a big window and looking out they were no more than 5 metres away.
GOOSE
Communication
Imprinting Your Life Path
A Goose totem reflects a stimulation of childhood thrills
and the belief in stories and legends.
The stories we loved as children often reflect our life quest.
Think about the stories that affected you the most
and see what in them you took into your adult life.
The Goose also helps in communication, especially with the written word.
It is also a symbol of fertility and marital fidelity.
Goose people have an innate belief that there is just one special person for each one.
Since Geese are vegetarians, those with a Goose totem should always
incorporate plenty of vegetables into their diet.
The Goose was a sacred bird in the Roman temples of Juno;
associated with the North Wind in Greek Mythology;
and the totem for the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans.
Their honking call speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring.
linsdomain
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 4:58 pm
Hmm, I had an interesting bit of communication yesterday that involved animals.
I was driving towards the town where I was born and where my family lives when right in front of the car above the road in the sky a face appeared. This face was huge and very clear. It was that of the daughter I lost when I was 21. The cloud formation clearly showed her and as luck would have it, she would have been 21 this year. Her face changed and morphed into mine for a few minutes before morphing into my grandmother's face. Both my daughter and grandmother are dead. Both also have psychic abilities and links to me. So then I turned into another section of road and there was a dead echidna right beside the road. These are very shy animals and not often seen. In the entire 11 years of living where I do, I have probably seen three. After seeing the faces, I took note of this. Not far past there, was a dead bird beside the road - same side, the left or feminine side. Can't recall what sort it was, but not far past that was another dead bird on the same side - this one was a magpie. Then just past that a big black work boot. I remember thinking this is the most things I have ever seen a long there and any other time there is usually nothing! It did not end there. I was telling my mother about something and she mentioned that on that very road only a day before two cars hit some cows that had gotten loose. COWS! Me being a Taurean, this got my attention. I knew there was something coming through from spirit.
When I came home, in the drain right beside my driveway was another bird - this time on the opposite side to the dead ones earlier - the right or masculine side. It was a grey egret. It was really weird because it just stood there staring at me and didn't leave even when I pulled the car into the driveway right beside it. These birds I associate with my past life in Egypt and I often call them memory birds.
Anyhoo, I am watching tv last night and flicking through random channels when what should come on - a show about an injured echidna hit by a car on the road. It survived and was released into the wild. But what were the chances that I would see two echidnas in one day?
Keywords:
Uniqueness. Ant and termite energy. Primitive wisdom. Focusing on the little things. Stubbornness. Stability. Remaining grounded at all times. Digging deeper. Look beneath the surface. Technology and electricity. Power. Further investigation. Scrutiny. Earth wisdom. Sifting through old thought patterns for nourishment.
Lessons and Challenges:
- Echidna teaches us the value of focusing on the little things. Paying attention to the small details in areas of finance, relationships, our home, or anywhere, can make the bigger picture that much more successful and nourishing. Take the time to look closely at the matters around you.
- As well as looking at the little things, there is something in your life at the moment which requires further investigation. It's time to dig a little deeper. This might be through research, conversation, chasing up leads or simply meditating or spending time ruminating on an issue until 'it' comes to you. Echidna energy is valuable for helping us to scrutinise problems that - up until now - have been mysterious or difficult to understand. Echidna gives you the tools and power to not only look beneath the surface, but tunnel deeply into your problems and thoughts and find nourishment from what you find there.
- Echidna comes into our lives to show us what an asset being stubborn can be! Dig your claws in, brace your spines against your threshold, and protect yourself, your family, your ideas and your creations. When you let echidna teach you nourishing stubbornness, you also access stability. Echidna teaches you to remain grounded at all times, even when you are sailing through the lands of your creative imagination, coming up with new ideas and plans to make your life happier and healthier.
- Echidna energy also brings ant and termite energy with it. Working with both energies at the same time will create a greater sense of balance within your life. Chances are, if echidna has wandered into your world, your own ant energy (inner strength / concerns for the future) may have attracted it.
- Monotremes also share a lesson of uniqueness. The echidna is a lot like other mammalian ant-eaters, but differs radically in that it lays eggs. It is a unique creature, and can come into our lives to show us our own uniqueness.
- Echidna shares the primitive wisdoms of Australia if you are patient with its teachings. This knowledge can help you to better understand your place within the land, and help you to centre yourself at times when you feel yourself spinning out of control. It is a grounding earth wisdom, and will help you connect with the deep heartbeat that sounds beneath us at all times.
- Echidna energy is strong, and lends power to ritual, meditation, and 'everyday' endeavours. Echidna energy is not so much protective, as it is empowering, teaching us how to stand up for ourselves and how to stay our ground.
wildspeak
I was driving towards the town where I was born and where my family lives when right in front of the car above the road in the sky a face appeared. This face was huge and very clear. It was that of the daughter I lost when I was 21. The cloud formation clearly showed her and as luck would have it, she would have been 21 this year. Her face changed and morphed into mine for a few minutes before morphing into my grandmother's face. Both my daughter and grandmother are dead. Both also have psychic abilities and links to me. So then I turned into another section of road and there was a dead echidna right beside the road. These are very shy animals and not often seen. In the entire 11 years of living where I do, I have probably seen three. After seeing the faces, I took note of this. Not far past there, was a dead bird beside the road - same side, the left or feminine side. Can't recall what sort it was, but not far past that was another dead bird on the same side - this one was a magpie. Then just past that a big black work boot. I remember thinking this is the most things I have ever seen a long there and any other time there is usually nothing! It did not end there. I was telling my mother about something and she mentioned that on that very road only a day before two cars hit some cows that had gotten loose. COWS! Me being a Taurean, this got my attention. I knew there was something coming through from spirit.
When I came home, in the drain right beside my driveway was another bird - this time on the opposite side to the dead ones earlier - the right or masculine side. It was a grey egret. It was really weird because it just stood there staring at me and didn't leave even when I pulled the car into the driveway right beside it. These birds I associate with my past life in Egypt and I often call them memory birds.
Anyhoo, I am watching tv last night and flicking through random channels when what should come on - a show about an injured echidna hit by a car on the road. It survived and was released into the wild. But what were the chances that I would see two echidnas in one day?
Keywords:
Uniqueness. Ant and termite energy. Primitive wisdom. Focusing on the little things. Stubbornness. Stability. Remaining grounded at all times. Digging deeper. Look beneath the surface. Technology and electricity. Power. Further investigation. Scrutiny. Earth wisdom. Sifting through old thought patterns for nourishment.
Lessons and Challenges:
- Echidna teaches us the value of focusing on the little things. Paying attention to the small details in areas of finance, relationships, our home, or anywhere, can make the bigger picture that much more successful and nourishing. Take the time to look closely at the matters around you.
- As well as looking at the little things, there is something in your life at the moment which requires further investigation. It's time to dig a little deeper. This might be through research, conversation, chasing up leads or simply meditating or spending time ruminating on an issue until 'it' comes to you. Echidna energy is valuable for helping us to scrutinise problems that - up until now - have been mysterious or difficult to understand. Echidna gives you the tools and power to not only look beneath the surface, but tunnel deeply into your problems and thoughts and find nourishment from what you find there.
- Echidna comes into our lives to show us what an asset being stubborn can be! Dig your claws in, brace your spines against your threshold, and protect yourself, your family, your ideas and your creations. When you let echidna teach you nourishing stubbornness, you also access stability. Echidna teaches you to remain grounded at all times, even when you are sailing through the lands of your creative imagination, coming up with new ideas and plans to make your life happier and healthier.
- Echidna energy also brings ant and termite energy with it. Working with both energies at the same time will create a greater sense of balance within your life. Chances are, if echidna has wandered into your world, your own ant energy (inner strength / concerns for the future) may have attracted it.
- Monotremes also share a lesson of uniqueness. The echidna is a lot like other mammalian ant-eaters, but differs radically in that it lays eggs. It is a unique creature, and can come into our lives to show us our own uniqueness.
- Echidna shares the primitive wisdoms of Australia if you are patient with its teachings. This knowledge can help you to better understand your place within the land, and help you to centre yourself at times when you feel yourself spinning out of control. It is a grounding earth wisdom, and will help you connect with the deep heartbeat that sounds beneath us at all times.
- Echidna energy is strong, and lends power to ritual, meditation, and 'everyday' endeavours. Echidna energy is not so much protective, as it is empowering, teaching us how to stand up for ourselves and how to stay our ground.
wildspeak
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Fri Jul 29, 2011 5:01 pm
Egret:
Egret teaches to stand in the physical and spiritual worlds. He teaches healing of the emotions in order to bridge the heart and mind. This also correlates to grounding properties in order to receive and process spiritual and emotional insights for clarity. Egret helps look deeper into aspects of life, brings out innate wisdom and shows how to become self-reliant. Egret is sharp, direct and to the point. Determination, balance, follow your own path. He aids in seeing the bigger picture as a whole instead of the small parts. He will instill security and confidence in exploring the mind and emotions.
starstuffs
A Heron and Egret totem teaches balance;
the ability to progress and evolve --
to walk into deeper waters without fear.
It is important for someone with a Heron and Egret
totem to learn to stand on their own two feet,
to become independent and self-reliant.
Heron and Egret has a strong connection to the element of Earth
and you must also be aware and cultivate this connection.
The Mother Earth is a source of strength
and will help you stand strong and firm.
Heron medicine allows you to perform many tasks at the same time,
keeping all in balance.
If one way doesn't work, then another way will.
Heron and Egret people seem to instinctively know this.
Heron people do not need a lot of people in their life
and they are often follow non-traditional roles.
They feel no need to "keep up with the Jones."
They stand out in their uniqueness
and know how to take advantage of things
and events that most people wouldn't bother with.
You know what is best for you and you should follow that path.
Be aggressive when opportunities present themselves --
don't let them get away from you.
Meditation on color will provide insight to Heron and Egret people.
linsdomain
Egret teaches to stand in the physical and spiritual worlds. He teaches healing of the emotions in order to bridge the heart and mind. This also correlates to grounding properties in order to receive and process spiritual and emotional insights for clarity. Egret helps look deeper into aspects of life, brings out innate wisdom and shows how to become self-reliant. Egret is sharp, direct and to the point. Determination, balance, follow your own path. He aids in seeing the bigger picture as a whole instead of the small parts. He will instill security and confidence in exploring the mind and emotions.
starstuffs
A Heron and Egret totem teaches balance;
the ability to progress and evolve --
to walk into deeper waters without fear.
It is important for someone with a Heron and Egret
totem to learn to stand on their own two feet,
to become independent and self-reliant.
Heron and Egret has a strong connection to the element of Earth
and you must also be aware and cultivate this connection.
The Mother Earth is a source of strength
and will help you stand strong and firm.
Heron medicine allows you to perform many tasks at the same time,
keeping all in balance.
If one way doesn't work, then another way will.
Heron and Egret people seem to instinctively know this.
Heron people do not need a lot of people in their life
and they are often follow non-traditional roles.
They feel no need to "keep up with the Jones."
They stand out in their uniqueness
and know how to take advantage of things
and events that most people wouldn't bother with.
You know what is best for you and you should follow that path.
Be aggressive when opportunities present themselves --
don't let them get away from you.
Meditation on color will provide insight to Heron and Egret people.
linsdomain
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
Seven, the Rogue Guru on Sat Jul 30, 2011 5:07 am
Fascinating! 
Knowing you as I do, I can clearly see why those animals have been close to you. The cane toad, in particular, had an urgent message!
By the time I got to Wolf, I realized you were going to include a picture of each *ahem* "animal"... so I started scrolling more slowly. I have to admit I skipped Cockroach and Flea. I don't like looking at bugs!
Knowing you as I do, I can clearly see why those animals have been close to you. The cane toad, in particular, had an urgent message!By the time I got to Wolf, I realized you were going to include a picture of each *ahem* "animal"... so I started scrolling more slowly. I have to admit I skipped Cockroach and Flea. I don't like looking at bugs!
Seven, the Rogue Guru- Lord of the Manor
- Posts: 143
Join date: 2011-05-28 -
Re: Animal Totems
Night Star on Wed Aug 03, 2011 8:18 pm
I had no idea you were afraid of cane toads!!!! 
Sorry, I think he's cute.
Yet another fascinating and informative thread! As you know, I adore animals!!!!!!!!! If I ever had a wooden animal totem, it would have to be a mile high!
Sorry, I think he's cute.Yet another fascinating and informative thread! As you know, I adore animals!!!!!!!!! If I ever had a wooden animal totem, it would have to be a mile high!
Night Star- Novice
-
Posts: 23
Join date: 2011-08-03
Age: 54 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:43 pm
I think I am doing well. I have recently overcome my fear of green frogs and can now touch one and even hold the smaller ones in my hand. I used to scream and run from them. But cane toads...omg, no luck there I am afraid. They still are number one on my most disgusting creature list and it doesn't look like changing anytime soon. I wonder if I could move to somewhere that doesn't have them? Or would that just be avoiding their teaching? I bet one would hide in my belongings and breed into thousands wherever I moved to in a karmic twist just to get me to take notice again. 
Stupid damn toads! Why did I have to get them as a teacher??
Stupid damn toads! Why did I have to get them as a teacher??
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
Night Star on Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:02 pm
You used to be afraid of green frogs??? Oh my God, they are adorable! So funny! For me, don't put me anywhere near a spider unless it is very small and colorful, or worms!!!!!!!!!!!!! My neice's little boy is 3 and LOVES worms. My niece said, "Auntie, I don't get it, you love snakes but hate worms, why?" I said, "At least a snake has a damned face and they arn't mushy!" Little 3 year old Cody will say, "Auntie, I have a worm, but I won't bring it to you." I'm like, "Good boy!!!!!"
Oh my God, they are adorable! So funny! For me, don't put me anywhere near a spider unless it is very small and colorful, or worms!!!!!!!!!!!!! My neice's little boy is 3 and LOVES worms. My niece said, "Auntie, I don't get it, you love snakes but hate worms, why?" I said, "At least a snake has a damned face and they arn't mushy!" Little 3 year old Cody will say, "Auntie, I have a worm, but I won't bring it to you." I'm like, "Good boy!!!!!"
Night Star- Novice
- Posts: 23
Join date: 2011-08-03
Age: 54 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:09 pm
Oh that is too cute! Isn't it interesting how different creatures affect different people in opposing ways? I am fine with spiders - I let them crawl all over me much to the horror of my spider-fearing kids. I even give them names and treat them like pets. Snakes are just beautiful too. Frogs are cute but I had such an aversion to them because I refused to differentiate between them and toads (which are not cute ugh....). Now I can. Frogs are not warty or arrogant looking. They hop differently and they are much more laidback energy-wise than toads.
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
Night Star on Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:16 pm
I used to pick toads up when I was a kid. I havn't seen one in ages. There was only one spider I met and kinda liked. It was really small and had a tad of green and yellow in it. I told it as long as it doesn't hop on me, I wouldn't kill it. Savy?
Night Star- Novice
- Posts: 23
Join date: 2011-08-03
Age: 54 -
Re: Animal Totems
Faith on Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:03 am
An interesting topic this is. As I read through the lists of animals I wondered what my totem could possibly be. Nothing came to me. When I got to the 'shadow' section, I had an ah-ha moment. Dog came up for me. Not any particular dog, simply dogs in general. Investigate this now I will. Thank you. 
Faith- Novice
- Posts: 38
Join date: 2011-08-07 -
Re: Animal Totems
Faith on Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:11 am
DOG
Goddess-company, we trail the truth.
Understand our night cries!
We guide and protect her children.
Heed our warnings!
We sing to the Moon to show you the way
To ancient Moon magics!
We stand at the gates between the worlds.
Follow us!
Faithfulness and Protection
The Dog is a symbol of the small becoming the great.
People with this totem have great spirit
and a great ability to love.
It takes a lot to break a dog spirit.
People with a Dog totem are usually helping others or serving humanity in some way.
Dog medicine embodies the loving gentleness of best friend and the fierce energy of protector.
You will have a deep understanding and compassion of human shortcomings.
Study the quality of the breed of dog that has entered your life:
is it a hunter, a protector, a companion, playful?
Each of these qualities will give you insight into the qualities needed for your own life.
A Dog totem is a great spirit booster.
Faith- Novice
- Posts: 38
Join date: 2011-08-07 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:29 pm
It is thought that we fear these animals because they teach us the lessons that we don't want to learn, because we fear what we might lose in the process and even what we may gain. We may fear what the animal may tell us about ourselves, often it forces us to confront harsh truths about ourselves. What we dislike most about the animal, may be what we dislike most in ourselves, or it might represent something that happened to us, or is happening to us, that feels harmful and unpleasant... ~ Shadow Totems
Interesting shadow totem Faith. Rogue and I were just having a conversation about our shadow totems last night and we found it strange how he thinks mine is cute (cane toad) and I like his (spider) and yet we each have such abject terror towards our own. Perception plays a huge role in how we respond to things. It is like the lens we personalize our experience of life through.
When I was a child, I was terrified of large dogs. Now not so much. In fact I have gone from being a cat person to being a cat and dog person. It was a few years ago that dogs came into my life and started playing a big role. Before that, their influence upon me was not so positive. I wonder if the change happened because the lessons they brought in childhood had been learned and now the reward in adulthood is that I get to enjoy them? Dogs are great teachers about unconditional love and healing.
Interesting shadow totem Faith. Rogue and I were just having a conversation about our shadow totems last night and we found it strange how he thinks mine is cute (cane toad) and I like his (spider) and yet we each have such abject terror towards our own. Perception plays a huge role in how we respond to things. It is like the lens we personalize our experience of life through.
When I was a child, I was terrified of large dogs. Now not so much. In fact I have gone from being a cat person to being a cat and dog person. It was a few years ago that dogs came into my life and started playing a big role. Before that, their influence upon me was not so positive. I wonder if the change happened because the lessons they brought in childhood had been learned and now the reward in adulthood is that I get to enjoy them? Dogs are great teachers about unconditional love and healing.
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
Re: Animal Totems
Faith on Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:58 pm
I have had a fear of dogs ever since I was 11 years old when I was bitten by a cute little silky terrier that I had met on a previous occassion whilst door-knocking for a lamington drive for my school. I bent down to pat it and it tore my index finger open. From that day on I learnt not to trust dogs. I have struggled with liking dogs ever since then. I have my own little mini foxi cross shih-tzu now, who is an adorable little fellow and is helping me to overcome my concern. He is a bundle of energy and a beautiful companion and I am happy to say, he is alleviating my fear of dogs. 
Faith- Novice
- Posts: 38
Join date: 2011-08-07 -
Re: Animal Totems
GothInk on Thu Sep 08, 2011 4:08 pm
Tick
(Sorry Seven - I know you hate the pictures of the less cuddly ones
)
Tick's Wisdom Includes:
Transmission of ideas
Patience
Ability to use heat and movement to see
Ingenuity
Taken from ANIMAL TOTEMS: THE POWER AND PROPHESY OF YOUR ANIMAL GUIDES by Millie Gemondo and Trish MacGregor:
The tick asks what is attacking your joy and pep in life. Are you not paying attention to your health? Tick symbolizes the common sense need to be careful, even about small things. Like a tick, fear can be a parasite sucking life from you. Do what you want to do, take sensible precautions, don't let your fears cripple your enjoyment of life.
Sources:
yolasite, animal spirits
(Sorry Seven - I know you hate the pictures of the less cuddly ones
)Tick's Wisdom Includes:
Transmission of ideas
Patience
Ability to use heat and movement to see
Ingenuity
Taken from ANIMAL TOTEMS: THE POWER AND PROPHESY OF YOUR ANIMAL GUIDES by Millie Gemondo and Trish MacGregor:
The tick asks what is attacking your joy and pep in life. Are you not paying attention to your health? Tick symbolizes the common sense need to be careful, even about small things. Like a tick, fear can be a parasite sucking life from you. Do what you want to do, take sensible precautions, don't let your fears cripple your enjoyment of life.
Sources:
yolasite, animal spirits
GothInk- Practitioner
- Posts: 170
Join date: 2011-06-19 -
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