The concept of Spirit Animals can be traced back 60,000 years to the Aboriginal tribes in Australia and undated, but suspected thousands of years, in the Native American tribes of North America also. Spirit Animals and Totems are the ancient belief of animals lending their wisdom. Native Americans believed that we all have a connection to all living beings be it plant or animal. Whereas the Kapell Tribe of Liberia, consider natural phenomenon such as; Tornado, rain, hail, etc. a totem as well.
The word Totem derives from the word ototeman in Ojibwa, meaning one's brother or sister. The Ojibwa Indians are a group of Native Americans who settled on Lake Huron in the Great Lakes. They are also called the Chippewa. It was common among Native Americans to treat their village as family, therefore, treating their Totems as so.
A Totem is thought to stay with you throughout life. It is with you at birth and never leaves much like a Guardian Angel. You do not get to pick this animal as it was pre-picked for your soul before you came to earth. As we grow in life our totem will grow with us.
Natives have passed down through oral tradition that a Totem is a spirit that represents a tribe, clan, or family. This bond is considered sacred and the Natives have great reverence for nature.
The idea of Totems was coined as Animistic in the 1800's by a man named Sir Edward Tylor. He believed animistics were childish and tried to dismiss them but he couldn’t have been further from the truth. Animistics are compassionate and activists often involved in conservation. Animistic beliefs are to treat everything as equal be it plant or animal. Respecting all life.
Pantheistic is another phrase used to describe those that believe that all of earth's creations are derived from God. Pantheis' believe not a particle be it plant, animal, or dust, would not exist if it were not for God.
Both of these ideas are seen throughout the world in many cultures.
Other terms you may have heard with Totem are: Power Animal, Spirit Animal, and Animal Medicine.
A power animal is one that joins you through a certain time in your life. It could be through trials and tribulations, or through joyous moments. The animal will depend on your needs at that time. The animal will stay until you have learned all you can from them, they have given you all the guidance they have to offer, or you may simply have moved on from that particular lesson and the animals services are no longer needed by you. Its job is to guide and teach you what you need at that particular time.
A Spirit Animal is one that comes to you and you embody parts of its characteristics. These may be characteristics you currently have, need to embody, or are aspiring to become. Spirit Animals deliver messages and help us throughout our path. A Spirit Animal will make itself known to you. You will see it, hear it, dream it. With that will come its messages for you. It will protect and guide.
Animal Medicine is something commonly used by Native Americans. It is the practice of observing an animal's habits, habitat, and actions and using that wisdom in our everyday lives to help us achieve our goals and dreams. Commonly a Shaman will use animal Medicine for the wellness of the tribe.
The relationship between a human and their Totem and Spirit Animal is a special bond no matter the term used to describe it. A belief that a Totem or Spirit Animal will be protector, helper, and companion is apparent throughout history. From Vikings who believed the animal they praised would help them in battle, to the Native Americans who believed the animals they encountered were there to help through life's obstacles. Mankind's connection to animals has been passed down throughout time.