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A totem animal is an animal that you already feel drawn to or bonded with. Perhaps it has the same characteristics as you have, or perhaps you admire it because you would like to have more of its characteristics. It doesn't even need to be a mammal - you could choose a fish or insect - or even a mythical creature. Whatever you are drawn to is your own Totem Animal.

You need not restrict yourself to one totem animal. A totem animal should not be difficult to choose - most people have a favourite animal and this would therefore be your first choice for a totem. Most people have two major totem animals and a small number of 'follow-ons'. Once you have chosen your animal/s (or perhaps it chose you!) you can call upon it for learning, protection or guidance in your dreams and meditations. You could also wear a charm of your totem animal/s on your charm bracelet to further enhance the psychic connection. You may even be lucky enough to actually find, make or buy a totem pole of your chosen animal, which you could then display on your altar, place by your bedside (to draw the desired qualities from) or meditate upon.

As always, everyone is different and you particular totem animal could mean something completely different to those characteristics shown below - that's fine. It is your totem animal and so only you can know what it truly means to you. This list is meant purely as a guide.

I have two totem animals - the Wolf and the Owl.

Animal	Characteristics/Symbolises
ALLIGATOR	Survival, Stealth
ANT	Patience, family, team-work
ANTELOPE	Action, Speed, Grace, Rapid Advancement
ARMADILLO	Boundaries
BADGER	Aggressiveness
BAT	Rebirth
BEAR	Healing, Inner knowing, Strength, Introspection
BEAVER	Building, Shaping, Structure
BUFFALO	Prayer, Abundance, Healing, Good Fortune
BUTTERFLY	Transformation, Balance, Grace
CAMEL	Patience, resilience
CANARY	Faithful, friendly
CARIBOU	Travel, Mobility
CAT	Agile, Resourceful
COUGAR	Balance, Majesty
COYOTE	Humor, Trickiness, Reversal of Fortune
COW	Placid, gentle, faithful
CRANE	Balance, Majesty
CROW	Council, Wisdom, Resourcefulness, Law
DEER	body awareness, alertness, Gentleness, Sensitivity, Peace
DOG	Loyalty, team-work, family
DOLPHIN	Psychic abilities, initiators, Joy, Harmony, Connection with Self
DOVE	Peace, tranquility
DOVE, TURTLE	Safety, peace
DRAGON	Protection, fertility, balance
DRAGONFLY	Skill, Refinement, Relentlessness
EAGLE	Potency, Healing Power, Illumination, High ideals, spiritual philosophy
ELK	Stamina, Pride, Power, Majesty
FAERY	Gentleness, friendship
FOX	Elusiveness, agility, cleverness, Camouflage, Subtlety, Discretion
FROG	Cleansing, Peace, Emotional Healing
GARGOYLE	Faithful, patient
GOAT	Tenacity, Diligence
GOOSE	Safe Return, Love of Home
HAWK	Perception, Focus, protection, Awareness, Truth
HEDGEHOG	Self-preservation
HERON	Intuition, organization
HORSE	Stability, courage, Freedom, Power, Safe Movement
HUMMINGBIRD	Beauty, Wonder, Agility, Joy
JAGUAR	shamanic wisdom, focused power
LION, MOUNTAIN	Strength, elusiveness, leadership
LIZARD	Dreaming, Letting Go, Elusiveness
LOON	Communication, Serenity
LYNX	Secrets
MOLE	Trusting, instrospection
MOOSE	Self-esteem, Unpredictability, Spontaneity
MOUSE	Innocence, faith, trust, scrutiny, illusion, charm
OCTOPUS	Resourceful
OPOSSUM	Diversion
OTTER	Medicine (woman), Joy, Laughter, Lightness
OWL	symbolic wisdom, shadow work, vision, insight
PANDA	Shy, introspection
PARROT	Intelligent, patient
PIG	Resourcefulness, family
PORCUPINE	Innocence, Humility
QUAIL	Protectiveness, Group Harmony
RABBIT	faith, nurturance, Conquering Fear, Safety, Innocence
RAT	Resilient, family, resourceful
RAVEN	Inner journeys, dreams, Mystery, Exploration of the Unknown, Magick
SALMON	Trust, Strength, Determination, Persistence
SANDPIPER	Quickness, Foraging, Scavenging
SEAGULL	Carefree Attitude, Versatility, Freedom
SEAL	Contentment
SHARK	Dominant, confident, intelligent
SKUNK	Caution, Warning, Respect, Reputation
SLOTH	Tenacious, patient
SNAIL	Perserverance, Determination
SNAKE	Transmutation, Power, Life Force, Sexual Potency
SPIDER	Web of Life, Interconnectedness, Industrious, Weaving
SQUIRREL	Trust, Thrift, Gathering
SWAN	Grace, Elegance, Nurturing Together, Relationship, Oneness
THUNDERBIRD	Protection, good luck
TIGER	Strength, resourcefulness
TURKEY	Resourcefulness
TURTLE	Peaceful, Symbolic of the Goddess, Love & Protection, Healing & Knowledge
UNICORN	Peace, love, tranquility
VULTURE	Patience, perseverance
WHALE	Record Keeper, Creativity & Intuition
WEASEL	Stealth
WOLF	Earth wisdom, protection, Creativity & Intuition, Teacher

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Discovering your Totem Animal

To discover your totem animals, you should start paying attention to your dreams, signs and pictures, your daydreams, visions, or other sources - you may find a particular creature is literally trying to grab your attention.

Don't rely on other people to tell you what your totems are - only you will know. Psychic friends and acquaintances may see glimpses of your totems in your aura. If they do, they should tell you without insisting that the animal is your totem.

There are several ways to strengthen the connection between you and your totem animal. You can buy a statue and focus your energy on it, asking the totem animal to use it as a reference point.

You can make a collage using pictures of your totem and its habitat, or you can paint pictures of your totem. There are even services that will morph two photographs together - you could morph a picture of your totem with a picture of your face and create an otherworldly photo.

You can also talk to your totem, asking it to remain at your side and to make itself known.

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Totem Animal Protection Spell

A good spell for protection lies in summoning the spirit of your totem animal and 'fixing' it on an object in the room so that it can protect you. This can also work with animal spirits that aren't your totems.

You will need:

your athame

the statue, poster, or other object

a gift for the spirit

a clear mind

frankincense incense

Guardian Oil (see below)

Choose what form you would like your guardian to take. For this spell, you can even choose a dragon if you like. The spirit will assume the animal form.
Buy a statue, stuffed animal, or large poster of your chosen animal.
Choose a place in your home where you can leave the statue without disturbing it.
Light the incense and sit quietly, focusing on what you are intending to do. Cast a circle and invoke the elements. Invoke a deity aligned with the animal you've chosen. Examples include Artemis for dogs and bears, Bast for cats, Mielikki for stags and bears, Merlin or Morgana for dragons, Mab or Titania for unicorns, or Epona for horses.
Anoint the statue (toy, poster) with the oil. Raise energy on the item and say: I invoke thee, O Spirit of the (your chosen animal). Send one of your representatives here, to be my guardian, to watch over and protect this space. I will feed and nurture you, I will respect and love you. I will not hold you should you choose to leave. Please, come to this space, Guardian, and keep it safe against all unwelcome intruders.
Draw an invoking pentagram (clockwise) over the item. Then set the statue in place and give it the first gift. Repeat this spell, leaving the statue in place, for two more days.
Talk to the statue daily, as a friend. Thank it for guarding your space, ask it how things are going, and so forth. Anoint the statue with Guardian Oil on a regular basis.
Soon you should begin to notice little things that tell you the Guardian Spirit has manifested.
Leave gifts for it. Dragons like jewelry and money (and never take the jewelry or money away. If you give something to a dragon, it's gone!); big cats would probably like milk or steak (after a day or so, place outside in an area reserved for offerings); or perhaps your totem may just like to have his belly rubbed!
If you decide you don't want the guardian anymore, formally release it and show your gratitude for what it has done for you.

Guardian Oil

If psychic attack is your fear, then Guardian Oil is also a good choice for anointing a candle of protection or yourself.

1/2 ounce olive oil	5 drops pennyroyal oil
15 drops lemon oil	10 drops rosewood oil
10 drops clove oil	flower: rose
15 drops patchouli oil	gems: carnelian, citrine

Slow, rythmic breathing for at least a couple of minutes (breath in - 1-2-3-4, breathe out - 1-2-3-4).

Imagine yourself in a large field. you see before you in this field, a rock . Large enough to sit upon .It has been warmed by the sun and it is inviting. Seat yourself comfortably and breath easily .Slowly look at the horizon all around you. Know this rock is here always for you. It is safe and protected, anytime you need it, it is there.

Seated upon the safeguarded and stable rock, knowing yourself to be in total security , you feel the world around you dissipate, drop away, so that all there is the rock and yourself. You are in the nothing together.

When all clears before you again , you find yourself in a large clearing .Nature surrounds you. Breath calmly and gently whilst you take stock of your surrounding. The beauty of nature is all around. Listen, what sounds do you hear? What does it smell like?
How does it make you feels the sun warm, or is it night time?

When you feel comfortable with your surroundings , you may descend from your rock and wander into the surroundings, knowing that your rock is always there for your safety and convenience.

As you wander in this loveliness, you notice before you, the opening of a cave .At the entrance of the cave is a lamp. Pick up this lamp Enter this cave .You can light your way safely from the illumination of the lamp. You sense with in this cave a presence, but it is unthreatening. Step forwards in the darkness , hold your lamp high and look upon this presence. Speak in your minds eye to this creature, and let it speak to you in return. Obtain camaraderie and advice, seek a bond between you, but only if this feels agreeable for you.

When you feel the time is right , you may bow to your new friend , guide and teacher . You may exchange gifts if you please . Return to your rock. Remembering to return the lamp. This teacher and protector will be here for you always.

Once again the as you sit comfortably upon the rock , take a last look at your surroundings. Breath . Slowly your surroundings dissipate, and you return to your field .In your own time , return at a leisurely pace to the here and now, of the temple. Stretch and open your eyes.