With my love of animals and nature it seems fitting that I have always had an interest in the Native American/Canadian First Nation belief of animal totems.
Totems are spirits that take the form of an animal that guides/protects you through your life. Now some folks believe that you cannot choose your animal totem--they will choose you. Say, you've noticed a particular animal popping up in your life recently. That's your animal totem(s) (you can have more than one). If that's the case, then cats, possums, and raccoons are definitely my totems!!
Now other folks believe that you can choose your totems. If you feel particularly drawn to a certain animal(s), the belief is that that animal spirit is calling you to them. If that's the case, then cats and possums are still my totems, along with polar bears and elephants.
Each animal has different strengths to help you through life.
The cat totem qualities are mystery, magic, independence and encourages agility in both body and mind.
The possum totem qualities are (now honestly, confess...you didn't think there were any possum qualities did you!) diversity, earthy wisdom and encourages using your brain (playing dead) over brawn (fighting).
The elephant totem qualities are ancient wisdom, confidence and patience, and encourages us to care for the young and the elderly.
The polar bear totem qualities are healing, introspection, and solitude and encourages us to quiet our minds as the answers to all questions lie within us.
While we were in Grand Marais, we stopped at a wonderful art gallery, Sivertson Gallery. According to their website, "The gallery offers art on the North Shore of Lake Superior, exhibiting the work of over 60 regional artists in addition to Canadian Inuit and Alaskan native art, Canadian First Nation and Native American art". I was looking through some prints when my sister called me over to the jewelry section. Now, I'm not much of a jewelry person, but when she mentioned polar bears, I was there in a flash! Oooo, such unique necklaces and earrings. The prices made me gulp, but it WAS my 50th birthday celebration. Really, how could I resist this...
Totems are spirits that take the form of an animal that guides/protects you through your life. Now some folks believe that you cannot choose your animal totem--they will choose you. Say, you've noticed a particular animal popping up in your life recently. That's your animal totem(s) (you can have more than one). If that's the case, then cats, possums, and raccoons are definitely my totems!!
Now other folks believe that you can choose your totems. If you feel particularly drawn to a certain animal(s), the belief is that that animal spirit is calling you to them. If that's the case, then cats and possums are still my totems, along with polar bears and elephants.
Each animal has different strengths to help you through life.
The cat totem qualities are mystery, magic, independence and encourages agility in both body and mind.
The possum totem qualities are (now honestly, confess...you didn't think there were any possum qualities did you!) diversity, earthy wisdom and encourages using your brain (playing dead) over brawn (fighting).
The elephant totem qualities are ancient wisdom, confidence and patience, and encourages us to care for the young and the elderly.
The polar bear totem qualities are healing, introspection, and solitude and encourages us to quiet our minds as the answers to all questions lie within us.
While we were in Grand Marais, we stopped at a wonderful art gallery, Sivertson Gallery. According to their website, "The gallery offers art on the North Shore of Lake Superior, exhibiting the work of over 60 regional artists in addition to Canadian Inuit and Alaskan native art, Canadian First Nation and Native American art". I was looking through some prints when my sister called me over to the jewelry section. Now, I'm not much of a jewelry person, but when she mentioned polar bears, I was there in a flash! Oooo, such unique necklaces and earrings. The prices made me gulp, but it WAS my 50th birthday celebration. Really, how could I resist this...
The pendant incorporates sterling silver with prehistoric fossilized or mineralized walrus tusk, which is between 500 to 3,000 years old. It is legally obtained, having been excavated by native Alaskan families on native owned lands along the Bering Sea coast of Alaska. I am so in love with this necklace that I wear it almost every day. I think it will become my signature piece of jewelry. Yes, my own personal totem.
What about you? What particular animals are you drawn to?
6 comments:
I believe the Turkey Vulture is my totem animal.
That necklace is amazing!
I love your totem polar bear. Very cool.
Hmm--what animals am I drawn to? Elephants, of course. On the domestic scene, cats and dogs.
But back to wild animals--having grown up in southern Africa, I always thought elands were wonderful. So, maybe that...don't see many here though!
Ah Lynne, yes the Turkey Vulture is definitely your totem! I looked it up and here is what it says:
"The Vulture is a symbol of death and rebirth, the mother symbol, and represents purification." It also states that "This totem is a permanent totem; once it enters your life it will be with you always."
Well Donna, I couldn't find a totem as specific as the Eland, but since it is an antelope, I looked and found this: "The antelope qualities are action, speed, adaptability of the mind. The antelope teaches survival. How to avoid indiscriminate destruction of life. It also signifies knowledgeable action."
As with Lynne, a quite appropriate totem for you!
i had a possum experience tonight...ghost marsupial..but ya...possums eh
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