What is a Totem Animal?

by Eric Willison

A Totem Animal is any supposed entity, living or extinct, that watches over or assists an individual person or group of people, such as a family or tribe.

Although the term “Totem” originated among the North American Ojibwa people, totemistic beliefs are not limited to Native Americans.  The belief that Totem Animals hold a spiritual power has been historically present in societies throughout much of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Arctic polar region.

In modern times, many individuals not otherwise involved in the practice of a tribal religion have chosen to adopt a personal spirit animal helper.  This animal holds a special meaning to them, and they may refer to this animal as a Totem Animal.

In many New Age movements, a Totem Animal or Spirit Animal is representative of a specific energy force or power.  The closer a practitioner aligns their personal energy with that of a specific Totem Animal, the more likely the practitioner will be able to benefit from the power of that Totem Animal.  It is believed that some people are able to align themselves with many Totem Animals.  The merging of multiple energies that results from these multiple alignments may be short-lived, or it can last a lifetime.

It is quite common for Shamans to use Totem Animals as guides when journeying between the world of traditional reality and the spirit world.  Each Totem Animal holds a different energy or power and a different arcane knowledge.  By communicating with Totem Animals, Shamans can apply their energy and knowledge to guide them when treating illness and to assist them with obtaining solutions to problems that afflict their community.