Connecting to the Wisdom of Your Animal Totem In this one-day workshop, you will be called to embrace your creative spirit and awaken you inner wisdom through the power of animals. You may not have ever considered the bounty of wisdom that could be garnered from the animals that share the Earth with us. However, there is a wisdom that is represented in animal symbolism and this workshop is designed to help you discover it. As part of the preparation for this course, we invite you to read this quick informational guide on what animal totems are and how they can help you. We have included brief, basic information on some of the animal totems which the instructors Sumaiyah, Misty, and Sofia have painted as a precursor to the workshop. The information here is simply an overview to help you prepare to be open to the process and to receiving the messages which are being sent by your animal totem to you.
What is an Animal Totem? It is said in Native American tradition that each individual is connected to nine different animals that will accompany them throughout life acting as guides. These animal guides come in and out of your life depending on the direction that we are heading in and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey.1 Although there are said to be nine which help you to guide your life, of those nine one is your main guide. Determining which of your animal totems is your main guide is part and parcel of this workshop. Have you ever felt drawn to a particular animal? Do you often dream of the same animal? In your dayto-day activities, do you often see this same animal repeatedly? This is not coincidence‌ It is your 1
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animal totem speaking to you, showing you that your guide is present, helping you to guide your personal journey. When we open to this spirit guide, when we embrace the wisdom that the animal totem has to offer, we often find our difficulties to be lessened as we have a better understanding of ourselves and our situations.
Interesting Facts on a Few Animal Totems 2 The horse symbolizes personal drive, passion and appetite for freedom. Among all the spirit animals, it is the one that shows a strong motivation that carries one through life. The meaning of the horse varies depending on whether this animal spirit guide is represented as wild, tamed, moving freely or constrained. Horses generally represent: A driving force, what you thrive for or carries you in life. The balance between instinctive and tamed parts of your personality. Sexual energy, especially -- but not limited to – masculine energy Strong emotions, passionate desires
The owl is emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most. When the spirit of this animal guides you, you can see the true reality, beyond illusion and deceit. The owl also offers for those who have it as a personal totem the inspiration and guidance necessary to deeply explore the unknown and the magic of life. Owl symbolic meanings: Intuition, ability to see what others do not see. The presence of the owl announces change. Capacity to see beyond deceit and masks. Wisdom. The traditional meaning of the owl spirit animal is the announcer of death, most likely symbolic like a life transition, change.
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Information on these pages is courtesy of www.spiritanimal.info unless otherwise noted.
The bear is emblematic of grounding forces and strength. This animal has been worshipped throughout time as a powerful totem, inspiring those who need the courage to stand up against adversity. As a spirit animal in touch with the earth and the cycles of nature, it is a powerful guide to support physical and emotional healing.
The bear has several meanings that will inspire those who have this animal as totem The primary meaning of the bear spirit animal is strength and confidence. Standing against adversity; taking action and leadership. The spirit of the bear indicates that it’s time for healing or using healing abilities to help self or others. The bear medicine emphasizes the importance of solitude, quiet time, rest. The spirit of the bear provides strong grounding forces.
Elephant’s medicine includes strength, royalty, connection to ancient wisdom, removal of obstacles and barriers, confidence, patience, using education opportunities, commitment, gentleness, communicating in relationships, discernment, intelligence, compassion. Elephants can teach us that gentleness, commitment, and communication in relationships is very powerful and necessary to keep relationships alive, trusting and loving, whether it be friends, family, or partner. Deeply committed to all creatures with whom they have relationships, elephants are tough when protecting others and gentle when nurturing them. The matriarch (the oldest, most experienced female leader of a herd) leads in a way that is both gentle and inclusive. Elephants are able to communicate telepathically. This can teach us how to truly listen to others.3
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Information courtesy of: www.shamanicjourney.com
The wolf offers some of the most striking animal meanings in the realm of spirit animals. The power of the wolf brings forth instinct, intelligence, appetite for freedom, and awareness of the importance of social connections. This animal can also symbolize fear of being threatened and lack of trust. When the wolf shows up in your life, pay attention to what your intuition is telling you. The wolf symbolizes: Sharp intelligence, deep connection with instincts. Appetite for freedom. Expression of strong instincts. Feeling threatened, lack of trust in someone or in yourself.
If cougar is your animal totem then you are most likely a natural leader. You walk your talk and lead by example. You know how to set your boundaries and are very clear when someone crosses them. When happy and satisfied your purr can be heard by all those around you. You also have the ability to be seen or not seen as you are the master of camouflage. Your roar is feared by many. If cougar has come into your life then take it as an indication that you have come into your own power. It is time for you to take charge of the situation and be strong. Cougar can also signify that you should leap into all the opportunities on offer for you right now. Use the power of your intentions to be clear with where you are going. Cougar also asks us to balance our power. Learn to know when gentleness is needed and when asserting your energy will bring you your goal. Above all cougar teaches us how to use our leadership qualities without ego. 4
What is Your Animal Totem? There are many methods for discovering what animal totem is there to guide you and assist you on your journey. The most reliable method is your own intuition -- what animal are you drawn to? which animal do you see over and over again as you go about your regular daily activities? is there a particular animal that is recurrent in your dreams? If these things are happening to you, it is a clear sign that this animal is 4
Information courtesy of: www.spirit-animals.com
your animal totem and that they have a message and some guidance for you. Be open to realizing the signs that are given to you which indicate to you which animal is your animal totem. Don’t brush these things off as coincidence -- they keep recurring because they want you to realize their presence, embrace them and their wisdom, and use them to help you guide your path. Other methods include assistance from a shaman or other healer who will guide you through processes which will help you to connect with your animal totem. Online quizzes are also available from a multitude of reputable websites which offer not only the quiz, but also copious information on animal totems. However, it is our opinion that the best method is through guided meditation and creative activities which help to manifest that which lies deep down in your own personal Inner Wisdom Essence. This process allows you to manifest what you truly see, and not bring up visions of things which are mere suggestions made by others. Through meditation, journaling, sketching, group discussion, and sincere inward reflection you will be able to manifest your truth and thereby your true animal totem. We are excited to have you join us on this journey! Thank you for your registration. We look forward to seeing you on November 15th.