The Nine Totems

 

Did you know each person has nine animal essences or totems that walk through life with them, teaching and guiding them and in some cases, protecting them? These nine totems usually remain the same throughout your lifetime; however, major life alterations can cause your totems to change as your totems adapt to your new lifestyle. I have been experiencing a few big changes in my personal life and as a result, some of my totems have changed as well.

Your totems are found in 7 directions around you: East, South, West, North, Above, Below, and Spirit. The last two animals are walking beside you at all times; your Right Side (male) and your Left Side (feminine). And each of these has their own meaning.

EAST: Your Totem Animal in the East guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guards you while you are on that path of illumination.

SOUTH: Your Totem Animal in the South brings you trust, balance, and innocence. He protects your inner child.

WEST: Your Totem Animal in the West leads you to your personal truth. He helps you find the answers you have already buried deep within.

NORTH: Your Totem Animal in the North is very wise. He helps you to discern when to listen and when to speak. He also reminds you of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.

ABOVE: Your Totem Animal from Above connects you to the Great Star Nation, the Universe and reminds you that you came from the stars and so shall return to them one day. This Totem also brings you the dreams you experience in the Dream Time, helping you to connect to other dimensions other than this one.

BELOW: Your Totem Animal from Below brings lessons about Mother Earth and how to stay grounded and balanced while here in the Earth Walk.

WITHIN: Your Totem Animal from Within brings you your heart's desire and gives you the strength to be true to your dreams and Walk your Talk. (This is also considered Spirit)

RIGHT SIDE: Is the Male: Your totem animal on your Right Side protects you like a father. He is your protector as well as the one who gives you your courage and spirit to fight when necessary.

LEFT SIDE: Is Feminine: Your totem animal on your Left Side protects you like a mother. She teaches nurturing of yourself as well as others. She teaches how to experience and have loving relationships.

While sometimes the living animal is around you, most often they are only the essence of the animal.

At different times in your life, you may also have Special Helpers and/or Special Protectors.  These stay with you for a limited period of time, depending on the challenges that you must face.  They usually appear in person, in dreams or during meditation. A while ago found my Uncle has come to me in his Spirit form of Wolf and is working with me on a daily basis with some of the more difficult challenges I have found on my journey. I am more than thankful he has come to my aid, it's not only education but he brings comfort as well.

Children also benefit greatly from having their totems around them.  Placing figurines or stuffed versions of their totems in their room is very soothing for a child  and brings the essence of their totems even closer. Their room becomes a safe haven and your child will be happy there. They grow up instinctively knowing their animal  even if they've never heard of totems. Our Witchling has been able to identify a couple of hers and talks to them frequently.

~NOTE:~ I HIGHLY recommend the book "Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals" by Jamie Sams, David Carson, Angela C. Werneke. You can find it on Amazon for $33.99 if you are an Amazon Prime Member.