Below are some of the different terms used to describe the ways animals and insects are referred to within the modern New Age spiritualist movement. I've also shared here my interpretation of what these words and phrases mean, as well as some tips on how they can be used by a spiritual seeker or metaphysical minded person.
- What's A Totem?
- Animal Spirit Guides
- Ghosts
- Animal Fetish
- Medicine Totem
- Temporary Totems & Everyday Messengers; OMEN SIGNS
- Power Animals
What's A Totem?
A totem animal shares its strengths and weaknesses with its human partner. However, many agree that a totem is a creature whose energy has been, or will be, a long term effect upon a person. Your favorite animal from childhood is often lingering with you still as a life totem. The creepy crawler from repetitive nightmares or unfounded fears may also be a life totem, for all creatures have the balance of dark and light within. Your life totem can reveal how you got to the place you're in now and where you're likely to go in the future. What aspects or habits do you always seem to have with you in life? Behind that answer lives your totem. What are the things you want to develop and achieve? What qualities do you admire and wish to see in your self? How do you want to grow as a person overall? A life totem is a partner and spirit guide through the journey.
Animal Spirit Guides
An animal spirit guide may or may not be a pet or animal you once knew that has died. It is the actual essence of a particular animal communicating from the place of the dead, The Sprit World, or perhaps another dimension; reaching from the Akashic realm. Spirit guides tend to stay in contact with a chosen person for quite some time. They generally are present to help guide the person through a portion of growth, a layer on the Spiral of Life. They're influence may seem to come and go at times, and the visits may continue for years or only months. Eventually though, once the needed goal, or layer of the Spiral, is reached, the animals influence, is no longer needed. The person, if true growth has indeed happened, will know when this time has come, understanding that animal's particular energy is no longer required there is little sense of loss or remorse.
Ghosts
Animal ghosts, (also sometimes referred to as a spirit animal) can pass messages to us through human helpers, such as pet psychics, or may even directly effect a location, such as in a haunting. An animal ghost was once a living creature that you somehow encountered in life, but has since passed away. It too is the actual essence of a particular animal communicating from the place of the dead, The Spirit World, or perhaps another dimension.
Animal Fetish
An animal fetish is also sometimes today called a totem. A fetish is an artistic representation of an animal, with spiritual design. It stands as a dwelling for the general aspects and energies of a particular creature, (similar to a Hindu deity statue). It is an example of Native American society using a form of sympathetic magic, where the form of the animal itself is thought to attract the gifts that animal has to offer. Akin to a prayer, the fetish offers a hope for the person, or makes a declaration he/she will act in a different way. A fetish is a three dimensional shape of an animal that the person who carries or wears hopes will pass on some of the good quality traits; power. A fetish can be used as 'totem medicine' when the fetish does indeed represent your totem, and is worn or carried in a medicine bag. It is not an actual totem, but only a representation of the totem animal; a spiritual keepsake to remind you of your path.
Medicine Totem
A medicine totem is like a charm, or a sacred trinket. It can be a reminder of a sacred or special event in life; keeping that spirit with the holder. Material of construction doesn't matter because every thing holds energy. However, animal medicine needs to involve an animal in some way. A symbolic representation of the chosen animal can be made or obtained, (see "fetish" above). Some may also choose to have a physical connection to a particular species. In such cases, medicine takes the form of a claw, tooth, feather, or tuft of fur. This raises moral and ecological issues, and such use is a personal choice, tempered by legality. Read below about ANIMAL PARTS. A medicine totem of any kind can also be a form of treatment for ailment. Any time a person has a way of being to overcome, be it too much of this or too little of that, the person is in a state of dis-ease. Medicine is required to help in the healing of the diseased state of being. It is an expression of sympathetic magic, where the form of the animal itself is thought to attract the gifts that animal has to offer. In the movie, "Crocodile Dundee", the main character wears a necklace made of the tooth of a croc of which he'd shared a memorable encounter, as both a keepsake and protection amulet.
Temporary Totems & Everyday Messengers; OMEN SIGNS
Totem animals aren't always life long partners. Any animal can temporarily take on the role of a message delivery service from Spirit. How does one recognize when an animal is trying to deliver a message? If a creature suddenly begins to catch your attention -- shows itself in your yard, catches your eye often on television programs, in books, manifests in your thoughts, dreams or doodles -- then it probably has something to tell you. Messages are delivered to you on a daily basis from the world around; any creature can be trying to communicate to you at any given moment. Has a common housefly ever seemed to look right at you? Maybe it was! Let's say a bird you've never noticed before lands outside your window right at the moment you decide to look outside. Is that just a coincidence or were you put in the right place at the right time for a reason? It depends on how you feel about it inside. Did seeing the bird make you think of anything in particular? If there's a little nagging sense in the top of your tummy afterwards, you might want to do a little research about that bird. You are very likely to discover something useful for your immediate future from that rare visitor of the example.
Power Animals
A power animal can teach you about yourself right now in this space of your life. It holds a greater depth of meaning than a messenger passing by to do a job. What are the things you'll need to get through the next step of the journey of your life? Gain confidence in your current knowledge and abilities by recognizing the positive qualities of a creature that has come to you. Discover what aspects of your life and self may need improvement by learning the more negative qualities associated with a power animal -- it lends its power to you!
Above contents are copyright Tree (Theresa) Pruitt, ©2006/13, and were previously published on the former Realm of the Mystic Griffin website.
