Totem Animals and their Meanings

Native American tradition provides that each individual is associated with nine different animals that will complement each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the responsibilities that need to be completed along our journey. The spiritual beliefs associated with having animal spirit guides are called "totemism." These beliefs stem from the idea that humans have a kinship or a spiritual relationship with spirit animals; such beliefs originate with the Native American cultures and tradition of hunting and gathering.A totem serves the emblem of a tribe, clan, family or individual.Members of the clan are not allowed to kill or eat their totemic animal.

Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for lifetime, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may recognize with different animal guides throughout their days, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit. With this one animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.

The idea of totem animals in the Native American tradition has been made famous from years of less than accurate books and movies. Classically everyone is a wolf or an eagle or some other noble beast and the idea of totem animals seems to be fraught with superstition. However, the idea has its own basis in being similar to not only being provided with guides, similar in a sense to angels, but also in being guided or taught lessons. Deciding how to choose your totem animal may be a matter of looking for the right signs and interpreting them in many cases. However in the final analysis this practice can have great therapeutic and spiritual value. It can be a religious or spiritual epiphany, or a more practical down to earth lesson in wisdom. It is all about finding your true path, learning many lessons and indeed stretching yourself for personal growth. Indeed there is no one lesson to be learned and a person may go from one totem animal or symbol to another, one lesson to the next.

Here are Totem Animals and their Meanings:

Alligator	Stealth and a fight for survival
Ant	Teamwork and overall perseverance
Antelope	Quick to bound into action
Armadillo	Understands personal boundaries; carries protection at all times
Badger	Aggressiveness, passion and drive
Bat	Guardian of the night
Bear	The protector and symbolizes physical strength and leadership
Bear Paw	Good omen; direction and power
Beaver	Hunter and gatherer
Bird	Carefree & light-hearted
Bobcat	Vigilance; ability to live in solitude
Buffalo	Provides the good things for those living as well as sacredness.
Butterfly	A symbol of metamorphosis and everlasting life
Cat	Self-sufficient; guardians of the spirit and good fortune
CougarQuick to bound into action	Power, leadership and swiftness
Coyote	Often times considered as omen of bad things and trickster
Crane	Solitude and independence
Crow	Carrier of souls fro darkness into light and guards against fear in the dark; likes to steal shiny bright things
Deer	Speed and family protection; plenty of game
Dog	Heals emotional wounds
Dolphin	A symbol of power and control
Donkey	Stubbornness; refusing to move when you know it's not right
Dragonfly	Messenger
Duck	Sees clearly through emotions; graceful on the water
Eagle	Freedom and Courage
Eagle Feather	Sacred pieces of spirit; a reflection of a person’s vision and accomplishment-- bravery, good judgments, humility and special perspective.
Elk	Nobility, power, freedom, great strength and agility
Falcon	Assists in soul healing
Fox	Cunning, intelligent and providing animal
Frog	Renewal, fertility and springtime
Hawk	Great messenger and observer of the sky
Horse	Journey
Hummingbird	Devotion, permanence and eternity
Lizard	Dreaming, agility and conversation
Loon	Peace, tranquility and generosity
Mole	Guardian of the lower regions; connects with the energies of the Earth
Moose	Scrutiny and attention to detail
Mountain Lion / Cougar / Puma	Wise leadership without ego; balancing power, intention, strength; self-confidence; freedom from guilt; cunning
Mouse	Humility and is the pathfinder. Humble, generous and innocent; small and hard to find, just as humility is
Owl	A very respected animal and is thought to symbolize the souls of the departed. They are connected with darkness and night and are considered a bad omen.
Otter	Laughter, curiosity, grace, and empathy
Parrot	Considered bringers of specific prayers and could bestow blessings
Pheasant	Warning and concealment
Polar Bear	Solitude; expert swimmer through emotional waters; ability to find food where none seems to exist; strength in the face of adversity; communication with the spirit; creature of dreamers
Porcupine	Gentle innocence and trust.
Possum	Proper use of deception; sensibility; guidance to uncovering talent, psychic or physical; gains wisdom; recovery
Quail	Lives close to the earth; ability to blend into the background; finds peaceful solutions to peril; courage to face hardships
Rabbit	Fear and overcoming limiting beliefs.
Raccoon	Understands the nature of masks / disguises; dexterity; seeks guidance and confidence; questioning without fear; balancing curiosity
Raven	Teacher, hoarder and the mark of a shape shifter. He is creator, deity, clown, caretaker and mischief-maker
Robin	The wisdom of change
Salmon	Instinct, persistence, and determination.
Seahorse	Confidence and grace
Shark	A great symbol of survival, adaptability, and hunting prowess.
Skunk	Understands energy flows; self-respect; courage; will power; self-confidence
Snake	Usually seen in healing and fertility rites. Also is often considered a hunter.
Sparrow	Desire and fertility
Spider	Connects the past with the future; creative and weaves the pattern of life
Starling	Ability to control mobs; imitation, adaptability and intelligence; mental receptivity.
Swan	The symbol of total grace, serenity, and innocence
Tadpole	Fertility, change, and renewal.
Turkey	Sacrifice of self for a higher purpose; understands the gift of giving; honors Earth Mother; harvest bounties.
Turtle	A very powerful symbol for women. It symbolizes fertility, long life, and perseverance. It is sometimes even considered able to defy death.
Weasel	Stealth,ingenuity, revenge, ability to see hidden reasons behind things; power of observation
Wolf	Shows intense loyalty with a balance of independence. Teaches cooperation, protectiveness and the value of extended families.
Wolf Print	Tracking and movement
Wren	Messenger from the gods; sibling relationships (brother/sister); power of the voice; fearlessness; sees future events

Totem Animals and their Meanings

Subscribe