The concept of a totem came to us from antiquity. This item served as a symbol of worship in various Indian tribes: Maya, Maori, Aztecs. The emergence of totems is associated with people's belief in the divine power of natural phenomena, the power of living beings. The tribe chose an animal that became a symbol, sacrifices were made to it. Also, each person could have totems. Most often, they looked like an object with an image and signs, or body tattoos were applied.
Symbolism
According to the Indians, totem animals endowed the warrior with superpowers, so each had a certain meaning. Here are some of them:
- Bear - strength, self-exploration, constancy;
- Wolf - the ability to exist in a pack, loyalty;
- - cunning;
- Coyote - quickness, resourcefulness, agility;
- Owl - wisdom;
- Snake - the ability to change, transform, adapt;
- - visual acuity, foresight;
- Turtle - perseverance in pursuing your goal.
Having chosen a totem, a person carried it with him as an amulet or made a tattoo on his body. In ancient times, men lived by hunting, and the totem animal really shared its abilities. This was due to the fact that the owner of the amulet began to observe his living creature and adopt from him habits, protective abilities, hunting instincts. This approach could save lives in the thicket of the forest. The presence of a totem tattoo gives its owner strength, protects from the evil eye, and serves as a guard.
The Maya Indians tied totem animals to each day and month of the calendar. Such a totem tattoo designates the energy of creativity of a particular Time. To a certain extent, this is an analogue of the signs of the zodiac. The calendar contains not only animals, but also natural phenomena, plants, a house and others.
How to choose a totem?
There are several ways to identify your totem animal:
- Based on the calendar, each person has their own animal.
- Performing magical rituals.
- Following signs showing which totem has chosen you.
- Using meditation.
- See in a dream.
The totem reflects the inner essence of a person, his hidden abilities and qualities, therefore it is believed that the totem animal must choose its owner.
A totem tattoo can be done in black and white or in color, they are suitable for both guys and girls. The place for the tattoo must be chosen commensurate with the size of the image, since there are usually many small details in them.
Many people are interested in the question of what is. This article contains basic information about the methods of finding him and gaining a spiritual connection with him. It is important to know that the totem is a symbol of certain aspects of a person. The use of the powers of the corresponding totem helps the individual to find a connection with his personality and to discover previously hidden energies and talents in himself.
Methods
There are several ways. You can use special calendars or astrological tables. Another option is to resort to specialized meditation techniques. Of course, the latter method has more advantages, since it gives a better chance of success in finding your individual totem animal. During meditations, a subtle connection arises between consciousness and subconsciousness, which allows hidden energies to gain strength and show themselves. It must be remembered that a totem is a symbol of different sides of personality, so you can use several totems at once. This option will make it easier to work with them. Plus, in a variety of problematic situations, it will be possible to think more pragmatically and productively. For example, during a period of illness, you can resort to the properties of a totem that is associated with the earth, and in solving problems of a psychological or intellectual nature - to the help of totems related to the air. The characteristics of totem animals given in this article will be useful to a person who wants to find his totem and start using his hidden powers.
It's important to know
Before you start looking for your own totem animal, you need to study some necessary information. The totem is usually a wild or mystical animal. Each person has one main totem and several minor ones. The individual must find it himself, without resorting to anyone's help, since this connection is too intimate. The totem does not always accompany its owner throughout his life. He can influence his fate for several years, and then leave or affect a person only during the period of his creative activity. Different totems correspond to different spheres of life. Working with them, you don't have to worry about any restrictions, because there are none. Most importantly, you first need to learn how to cooperate with at least one totem, and then try to establish contact with others. The totem animal can leave the owner, for example, due to his wrong actions or mistakes.
Shamans say that ...
Taking into account the teachings of ancient shamans, we can say that the presence of animal power in a person does not mean that its qualities and energy are available to him. They only exist in the consciousness of the individual, but they are waiting for their manifestation and development. The totem animal was determined by date of birth and year. And in the world of ancient shamans, it was believed that if an individual easily finds contact with animals of a certain kind, then most likely this person has his own strong totem. The relationship between a person and her totem should gradually improve and develop. He should be treated with respect, showing respect. If the totem comes to the rescue, you need to thank it in your thoughts. What is a totem animal, shamans have known since time immemorial. They were omniscient and understood that a totem can give a person good health, great strength, powerful energy. He also helps in solving problems, prompting a person the right way out of difficult situations.
Totem animal in different cultures
Many thousands of years ago, it was believed that animals are the progenitors of humans, which, however, does not dispute Darwin's theory of evolution. Animals have always been in reverence in all the ancient cults of ancient civilizations. Totem animals of different peoples of the world almost do not differ. Basically, these are the same wild animals and birds. Only some animals are endowed with the gift of magnetism and incredible strength, determination and courage, while others are the embodiment of wisdom and patience. In ancient India, each god had his own individual animal, which served him as a messenger and means of transportation. It is believed that the Supreme Spirit is in every animal and plant, and even in stones.
Totem animal and date of birth
Each personality has its own beast-protector, which reveals certain qualities of temperament in a person. Even the ancient Slavs were guided by an old tradition in the question of how to recognize a human totem animal. Knowing his individual guardian animal, a person gets the opportunity to better understand himself, to quickly achieve inner harmony. Knowledge about totem animals can help a person understand his essence and discover new talents in himself. Each of them has its own specific and unique properties. How to recognize a totem animal by date of birth and start using the latent energy of your "I"? The Celtic, Zoroastrian and Turkic astrological totem calendars-horoscopes will help to find the answer to this question. Using them, you can determine the totem animal based on your date or year of birth.
Bear (December 10 - January 9) 1931, 1963, 1995
Totem Bear is endowed with many noble qualities. He is independent and loves to fight for power and his place in the sun. This game gives him pleasure. The bear is a powerful but benevolent beast. If he is not pissed off, he will always act openly. He has a strong sense of justice. The bear often protects the weak and helps the poor, even if it doesn't do him good. He is patient, but for the time being. Better not to play with his endurance. The main character traits are wisdom and poise. Bears are generally unpretentious, but often too passive.
Squirrel Totem (January 10 - February 9) 1948, 1980, 2012
People who live under the auspices of the totem animal Squirrel are inherently quite sociable, but they do not like strangers. The main traits of their character are readiness for action and They lead a restless lifestyle and poorly concentrate on one thing. However, in the household, such people are irreplaceable. They know how to give the house a coziness and a family atmosphere. They treat little things superficially and rarely pay attention to them.
Wolf - March 9) 1941, 1973, 2005
The totem animal Wolf has masculine and strong character traits. People who have the Wolf as their protector animal are very outgoing and friendly. They are loyal to their friends and remain faithful to their partner. Nobility for them is not an empty word. They try to be honest both with other people and with themselves, in any problem situations. Such individuals are intellectually gifted, but they are not proud of it. They tend to be compassionate and sensitive. They love children and are endowed with pedagogical talent.
Totem Dog - April 9) 1954, 1986, 2018
What is a totem animal Dog and what are its main qualities? The main character traits of Dogs are courage and justice. People guarded by the Dog do not tolerate bias and lies, have a highly developed sensory perception. They are loyal and devoted, capable of doing anything for a friend or loved one. In life, they often show ingenuity and resourcefulness. But in some cases they can be too trusting and naive, since for Dogs the main thing in life is disinterestedness.
Totem animal Cat (April 10 - May 9) 1961, 1993, 2025
A person under the auspices of a Cat has high insight and quick wits. He is agile and agile in business, often shows his cunning to achieve his own goals. He captivates the interlocutors with the fact that he has an excellent sense of humor and sharp-tongued. The main qualities are independence and love of freedom. A cat behaves cautiously in life, tries to always be alert and alert. Often they are helped by a highly developed intuition. It is rather difficult to look into their inner world. These people are very secretive and carefully guard their true being. It is important to remember that a message about a totem animal can come unexpectedly, the main thing is to understand it and correctly use the tips of nature itself.
Tiger (May 10 - June 9) 1958, 1990, 2022
The totem animal Tiger has a strong sense of ownership, is very proud and stubborn. They always go ahead to their goal, not paying attention to anything or anyone. Tigers are stubborn, and it is almost impossible to convince them if they have their own established opinion about something. However, they are endowed with the ability to teach others, can be generous and noble. Tigers are prone to contemplation and philosophical thinking.
Raven (June 10 - July 9) 1949, 1981, 2013
Since ancient times, the Raven has been considered a mystical bird, shrouded in mystery and mystery. Therefore, a person who is inclined towards occult sciences and has a very strong intuition. She has a sharp mind and is not inclined to material values. For Raven, the main thing is a high ideal and spiritual development. He is able to think deeply and seriously, which often interferes in everyday life, where it is necessary to understand everyday life and solve real problems. The raven is a swift and shrewd bird. The people under his protection have hidden and may even have clairvoyance.
Snake Totem (July 10 - August 9) 1944, 1976, 2008
What is the totem animal Snake and what properties does it have? This is an interesting and ambivalent totem. People under the auspices of the Snake have hidden opportunities for recovery. They have grace and agility. They know how to act skillfully and quickly. Snakes are patient and mysterious creatures who love to protect those who are weaker than them. The snake has good intuition and is endowed with the ability to heal. Snakes are not indifferent to wealth and abundance, but they can carefully hide it, since they have a dual nature.
Dolphin (August 10 - September 9) 1966, 1998, 2030
The main qualities of the Dolphin's character are cheerfulness and optimism. They easily find a common language with others, because they are mostly friendly and playful, full of cheerfulness and have an active life position. They have a sharp intellect and can find a sharp joke or an appropriate phrase at the right time. The people with the Dolphin totem are very kind and generous. They are loyal to their friends and expect the same from them. They love everything that is harmonious and spiritual. They are far from the material world and pay special attention to spirituality and its development. Dolphin is a dreamy creature, prone to clairvoyance and romanticism. Constantly strives for excellence in everything.
Totem animal Deer (September 10 - October 9) 1970, 2002, 2034
Deer are peaceful and observant animals. Individuals under the protection of the Protector Deer are prone to creativity and philanthropy. They are able to love deeply and truly without expecting anything in return. Deer are characterized by modesty and simplicity. They dislike pretentiousness and pathos. The main qualities of their character are humility, generosity and gentleness. Deer are not indifferent to beauty in any form of its manifestation, strive for perfection and often show agility and swiftness in solving difficult situations.
Totem Buffalo (October 10 - November 9) 1967, 1999, 2031
A totem animal by the date of birth of a person can determine his future fate. If an individual was born under the auspices of a Buffalo, then this means that he is reliable and logical in business. The buffalo totem animal will help to reveal personality traits such as reliability and consistency. He is always true to his words and keeps promises. Buffalo has tremendous physical strength and stamina. Its main qualities are thrifty and prudence. Buffaloes are excellent owners and keepers of the hearth. They are always grateful if they are helped, and never remain in debt. Kind and stable, they try to build their lives according to the example of a fortress, so that there is always wealth and stability.
Fox (November 10 - December 9) 1965, 1997, 2029
As you know, the Fox is a cunning and agile animal. The totem animal Fox will help its owner to discover the ability for determination and resourcefulness. She is endowed with life wisdom and education. Can find a way out of any situation, using natural cunning. The main qualities of the Fox are adaptability to the environment, dedication and passion.
Totem and zodiac sign
It is not difficult to recognize a totem animal by date. It is necessary to choose a suitable totem calendar and find out which animal patronizes a certain period. There you can also view secondary totems that can affect the disclosure of abilities and human behavior in difficult situations. Everyone can hear the voice of their totem guardian, you just need to understand it and turn to it. Of course, the result may not appear immediately, but after a while. But life will definitely start to change for the better. If a person does not want to turn to himself, then he can simply find his totem animal by the sign of the zodiac. However, this method does not always work. It is better to try meditation techniques to reveal your essence and determine the appropriate totem individually.
List of totems according to the zodiac sign:
- Aries - Bear.
- Taurus - Tiger.
- Gemini - Eagle.
- Cancer - Crocodile.
- Leo - Peacock.
- Virgo is the Wolf.
- Libra - Owl.
- Scorpio - Dolphin.
- Sagittarius - Cheetah.
- Capricorn - Elephant.
- Aquarius - Swan.
- Pisces - Turtle.
Totemic essence
How do you recognize your totem animal? Of course, you can use the above information. But still, it is better to look for your totem with the help of meditation. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to identify their true guardian animal right away. For example, someone from birth gets along with cats, another has never been bitten by snakes, and dogs are disposed towards someone. If you look closely at the behavior of animals in relation to themselves, then it will not be difficult to recognize your totem. Totemic roots are manifested in all spheres of life, but not every person notices this. It is very important to understand that a totemic animal is not something foreign and distant from a person. This is the true essence of personality, its character and abilities in the form of a wild animal. This totemic appearance contains internal energy and personal qualities.
Faithful helper
A totem is a psychological portrait of a person. Looking through the totem animals of different peoples, you can see that our ancient ancestors also turned to the animal and vegetable world for help. It helped people reach their potential at the time, so why not now? The main thing is to understand and accept your real totem animal, to establish a connection and trusting relationship with it. Then, when spiritual difficulties arise or during an illness, it will come to the rescue and allow a person to release internal energy, to know the essence of his "I" and to use his hidden abilities. Totems are important companions of man on the path of an ornate and confusing life.
Materials for work:
- cardboard tube from paper towels;
- colored paper;
- paints;
- brushes;
- glue;
- scissors with rounded ends;
- markers.
Progress
The principle of making the totem of emotions is simple: one side is joy, the other is sadness!
Step 1. Paint the pipe your favorite color. Make a pencil mark in the middle of the pipe.
Step 2. Cut out curly pieces from colored paper to decorate your totem. Four circles for the cheeks, four more circles for the eyes. Strips of paper to make hair. This work should be done by adults.
Step 3. Glue the strip in the middle of the tube where you marked with a pencil. At each end of the totem, make a face with cheeks and eyes.
Step 4. Draw a funny face on one side and a sad one on the other. 
Explain to your child how to play with the totem. Tell a sad story and show a sad face. Ask why the baby is sad?
What makes a child happy? When can you show the funny half of the totem? Such a simple toy will teach the kid to express their feelings and describe their emotions in words.
Dear Readers! Tell us what kind of crafts you got in our master class.
Totemism, along with animism, fetishism and magic, is a type of primitive belief that indicates the relationship between a certain group of people and a totem, which can be either an inanimate object or different animals, plants, forces of nature.
This term appeared at the end of the 18th century thanks to the English merchant John Long, who borrowed this word from the North American Ojibwa tribe. In their language, this word denotes the sign, coat of arms and name of the animal they worship.
Since ancient times, people have been inherent in the belief in the forces of nature and its inhabitants, so it was they who most often became totems. Indian tribes, as an object of worship, preferred natural phenomena and animals, African - plants. In Australia, where totemism has survived to this day, worship of fish, sea inhabitants, objects of the inorganic world, and minerals is widespread.
After a totem was chosen by a person or a group of people, it became sacred, and it was forbidden to kill it (with the exception of the cult of eating totem meat for food).
Meaning for men and women
The meaning of a totem tattoo is based on the qualities and abstract powers of the animals chosen as an object of worship. The most widespread tattoos are Indian totems, among which there are 23 representatives of the local fauna. Consider the meanings of some of them, which, by the way, are the same for both men and women:
- ... This powerful bird flies above everyone else. From the height of her flight, she sees absolutely everything that happens below. The eagle is fearless, it moves only forward towards its goal.
- ... Fast, courageous and hardworking insect. The web is associated with destiny - we ourselves are its creators.
- - freedom, strength, power, beauty. Having chosen this beast as a totem, they count on the ability to also quickly move long distances, to overcome life barriers and obstacles with the same ease.
- ... Indicates both powerful strength and solitude. This animal goes into hibernation every winter, being there in complete silence with itself. Perfect for people who are thinking, or looking for answers to numerous questions.
- ... Lives in a flock, while quite an independent animal. Yelling at the moon with his voice, it seems that he draws strength and energy from it.
- ... Being food for many animals, this rodent has learned to feel danger, is famous for good intuition. The mouse pays attention to small details without disregarding them.
- Porcupine. Kind and friendly, childishly naive. He will never attack first, not aggressive at all. However, thanks to the huge needles, it can easily protect itself.
In what style to make a totem?
Animals are most often used as totem drawings. Such images are best done in color, to clearly convey the color of the coat and other small details. Black and white drawings, in turn, look quite strict and restrained.
Most of these tattoos are executed in realism, abstract and neo-traditional style. Often, totem images are combined with other attributes of Native American themes: dream catchers, headdresses with feathers.
The photo of totem tattoo in the article will help you choose the most suitable style.
Where to get a tattoo?
The place for the future tattoo must be chosen in accordance with the size of the image. For example, an owl as a totem tattoo on the forearm looks good only with folded wings. If an owl is depicted in the picture with spread wings, such an image should be placed on large and wide-sized parts of the body: chest, abdomen, back.
This is the first article from the series "My totem", created at the request of our readers in order to understand this concept, define your totem and get its power (consciously).
He who knows his totem knows himself. The characteristic signs of totem animals can tell a lot about our inherent abilities and talents, point out our strengths and weaknesses, and clarify to us the reasons for our strengths and weaknesses. In general, the totem clarifies the inner potential of a person, awakening him to self-expression for the good of everyone.
Learning how your totem adapts to environmental conditions in order to survive can help you cope with the difficult circumstances of your own life. In addition, understanding your totem expands the sphere of perception, which makes it possible to connect to its energy and draw strength. A person understands his totem not so much when he knows its distinctive features, but when, studying it and communicating with it, he sees its manifestations in himself, he consciously connects with it.
The totem can bring people together. Often, the same totem can be found in people who have close relationships. Such a totem protects relationships, helps to make them stronger and more harmonious. More often than couples totems are used by groups of people, they choose one totem animal for themselves, which determines the direction of their activities (for example, the well-known bear logo of the United Russia party).
Defining your totem will be useful not only for self-knowledge, but also for magical development. After all, the totem is our connection with the invisible worlds. Each creation of nature is a manifestation of some properties of divine intelligence or power. And through these manifestations of nature, we can communicate with higher forces. This is the privilege of not only a narrow circle of initiated people - priests and shamans. If desired, each person is able to come into contact with them, including through his totem.
The image of your totem is not a separate individual, not some, for example, a separate animal, it is a manifestation of a certain force, according to which the external appearance and behavior of living beings is formed. Interaction with such power opens doors to other worlds. All life forms are interconnected, so if we learn to interact with our totem, we can interact with representatives of the other three levels of being. As American Indian culture researcher K. Meadows writes: "Totems serve as 'connecting devices' between different levels of perception in the human, animal, plant and mineral kingdoms." All these kingdoms are interconnected and interdependent, one kingdom exists and develops at the expense of another, and this process is closed in a cycle. And thanks to this connection, we have the opportunity to tune in to other levels of being. All this contributes to the expansion of our perception and deeper understanding of the laws of Nature. And Nature is a storehouse of Magic.
Through his totem, the shaman is reunited with the natural world and the kingdom of spirits. Using the image of an animal, he goes beyond the limits of his consciousness and plunges into a trance. Thus, the shaman can tune in to invisible worlds and entities. Imitating his animal-totem, the shaman puts on a special ritual attire and imitates his movements in dance. This is necessary in order to use its power in the material world. When a shaman turns to his totem, honors him, the archetypal energies hidden in him become a part of his life.
Anyone who knows his totem and has acquired the skills to connect with it can turn to its energy. With the help of an animal, the shaman comes into contact with special primordial forces and comprehends himself and his life, from those angles that are inaccessible to ordinary people. Showing respect for the totem, he also honors the essence hidden in it - a special spiritual substance that uses the image and form of an animal to communicate with it.
Having gained access to the power of his totem, the shaman comprehends the language of nature and opens his consciousness towards its secrets.
The question should sound like this, because man cannot choose his totem. After all, it is given from birth, as a kind of inseparable essence. A person behaves and builds his life based on this meta image - and this is a fact. Here, just how does one person get the totem that he has? (What do you think? Tell us about it in the comments below the article.) Several hypotheses can be presented on this score.
The word itself "totem" of Indian origin, it means - clan, ancestor. North American Indians believed that they were united and protected by the spirit of the ancestor of the tribe, for example, among the Cherokee tribe such an ancestor totem is a wolf. Indian tribes wore a coat of arms depicting their totem animal (plant, stone, object or natural phenomenon). Hence, it can be assumed that the totem of a person (and his family, like the tribe among the Indians) comes from his distant ancestor, which, for example, like the Cherokee Indians, may be a wolf or some other creature.
There is another explanation for this question. Totem is one of the past incarnations of man in the animal kingdom (also in the kingdoms of plants and minerals), in which he most vividly and fully lived his life.
A person's totem can manifest itself during the period of his creative or other realization. It's right. When a person understands who he is in this world, his place in it and his purpose, he meets his totem.
There are two options for how to recognize your totem. The totem can itself come into your life when you need it: you will dream about it, come in meditations, manifest in your actions. At the same time, the more awareness you have over yourself, the more surely you will be able to use its power. In other words, if you know which totem is manifested in you, you know its qualities, you can receive its power.
You can figure it out on your own or contact a specialist. But, do not try to recognize your totem animal by the date of your birth. It is unlikely that you will guess. You can independently find out “who you are” through meditation and personal observation of the characteristic features of your totem and how much these qualities have a place in you. We will talk about this in more detail in the next article. Finally, there can be only one totem: one from the Lower World, and ... :)
