Animal

Totems
The Indians related everything to what could be observed and understood from
the environment. They knew that in order to comprehend an abstraction like a
force, a power, an energy an essence, or an intangible spiritual quality, it was
necessary for the mind to have something to grip onto, something in manifest
reality that would serve as a means of understanding, or containing that "elusive"
intangible element is some kind of form, so that it might be examined and related
to more readily.

They compared the Hidden Forces of Nature and the qualities found therein with
similar characteristics that were observed in certain animals, reptiles, birds, or
fish. Thus, any principle, natural, or cosmic law which affected the life of the
human being - even the mysteries of birth and death and of one's destiny -
could/can be understood thorough observing the natural forces at work. The
Indians personified these intangible forces. These personifications were, and are
called totems.

What we are talking about here is spirit. Simply stated, spirit is individuated Life
Force. Spirit is the source of every physical form's power and expression. Spirit is
within every human, in all animals, all trees, all plants, and within rocks and
stones, because there is life force in everything, but it is differently organized.
There is spirit even in the Earth, and in the Sun, the Moon and the stars. So, when
we talk of Spirit, we are referring to an unmanifest life source that infuses and
empowers whatever is manifested.

Every animal, whether it runs, crawls, swims or flies, has purpose. Every creature
in the Universe, and on this Planet, is a Manifestation of a Thought from, and in, the
Mind of Great Spirit and is Great Spirit, expressing Itself in the Universe, on this
Earth, and within each and everyone of us.

A totem is a means of alignment with other levels of being. It is a means of linking
one's own organism with energy sources and formative forces that are beyond
external manifestation and the range of appearances. The representation serves
merely as a tangible link with the qualities and energies the totem represents and
it also provides a vital means of getting through to the subconscious mind. It
serves, also, as a valuable aid to meditation, and for developing the intuitive
senses.

Totems are like transistors in an electronic circuit concerned with directing the
flow of energy from one level of "being" to another, whether physical (mineral,
plant, animal), or non-physical (emotional, mental, spiritual). Directional and
elemental totems are concerned with cosmic energies from "Above", while other
totems are associated with Earth energies, which come from "Below."

Totems are spiritual tools; to be honored and respected for what they represent.
The animal representations serve as a means of comparison. It is not the animal
itself, but its essential quality, its essence, which helps in the comparison. The
animal itself is a helper because its essential quality, which can be recognized,
helps us to understand the hidden quality in Nature, and in ourselves.


A totem animal, then, is an expression, in animal form, of an intangible spiritual
energy-force. It is a spirit- pattern from the subconscious and unconscious levels
that has been given life by the human spirit. So although a totem animal possesses
all the qualities of its earth animal counterpart, it is supplying physical, emotional,
mental and spiritual energy that can be expressed humanly. By connecting to this
power source, one can draw upon its characteristic qualities.

A totem animal increases physical and emotional energy and mental and spiritual
alertness because the connection that is made is with the power-giving frequency
of that particular source. A totem animal is not an outside entity. It is an energized
connection with one's own spirit-source, or pattern of spirit energy. It is not
something that possesses you. Rather you possess it! A totem animal provides a
means for you to communicate with aspects of your own mortal nature. A totem
animal represents a potential, or a talent, an ability or strength, that constitutes an
expression of your personality. The purpose of each individual totem animal is to
bring an understanding of it attributes, and an understanding of what needs to be
developed, tamed or trained within you. When you identify with a totem animal, its
desired qualities flow more positively within your energy system.

Totem animals are providers and protectors of power. They give their power or
"medicine" to supplement and enhance your own power, or to protect your energy
from being depleted through the intrusion of unwanted and/or harmful energies.

A totem animal's primary power source equates with the essential qualities the
animal displays in physical appearance. For instance, a lion's main attribute might
be "strength"; an eagle's "spirit"; a fox's "camouflage"; a beaver "builder"; a turtle
"persistence"' a snake's "transformation", and so on. However, while such
generalizations may be helpful, the power animal will usually indicate its main
attribute to you, in the physical, in some way.

We all have animal allies (totems) whether we are aware of them or not. (One
method of discovering what our animal totems are is through the use of The Indian
Medicine Cards created by Jamie Sams and David Carson. I believe it is possible to
use The Medicine Cards, plus information pertinent to your entry point on the
Medicine Wheel (as determined by your date of birth) to find out if you are "on
purpose" If you are living the life you want to live.

If the time has come for you to take part, to a greater degree, in the Art Of Making A
Difference In Your Own Life, you might want to devote some time to contacting
your sacred animal totem(s). [Before you begin this exercise, you might want to
click here to view the list of animal totems that are presented in the Medicine
Cards. Then return to this page and read through the exercise.]

EXERCISE: Sit comfortably. Take a few deep breaths and relax as much as possible.
Tell the animal kingdom that you wish to learn more about yourself through the
presence of your spirit animal. Ask this animal to come into your presence now.
Take the first image that you are given. Accept the animal that willingly presents
itself. Watch the animal as it approaches you. Observe how it moves and how it

sounds. Notice its most outstanding and unusual characteristics. Ask the animal if
you might see yourself through its eyes. Every aspect of the animal's behavior will
have some significance to you. Then give yourself to experiencing the environment
as you think your animal totem might. Allow your body to move as the animal
moves. How does this movement feel?
Take several minutes to do this exercise. Then thank the animal for its gifts to you.
Digest and feel what you have experienced. Take time to write about it.

If you desire, your totem animal will visit you often. Be open and observant to all
that happens. After each encounter, it is extremely important that you thank the
animal for its presence in your life.

Medicine Cards: Eagle

1 - Eagle: Spirit

Eagle medicine is the power of the Great Spirit, the connection to the Divine. It is the
ability to live in the realm of spirit, and yet remain connected and balanced within the realm of
Earth. Eagle soars, and is quick to observe expansiveness within the overall pattern of life.
From the heights of the clouds, Eagle is close to the heavens where the Great Spirit dwells.
The fathers of Eagle are considered to be the most sacred of healing tools. They have
been used for centuries by shamans to cleanse the auras of patients coming to them for healing.
Within the belief systems of Native American tribes, Eagle represents a state of grace achieved
through hard work, understanding, and a completion of the tests of initiation which results in the
taking of one's personal power. It is only through the trial of experienced the lows in life as well
as the highs, and through the trial of trusting one's connection to the Great Spirit, that the right to
use the essence of Eagle medicine is earned.
If you have pulled this symbol, Eagle is reminding you to take heart and gather your
courage, for the Universe is presenting you with an opportunity to soar above the mundane levels
of your life. The power of recognizing this opportunity may come in the form of a spiritual test.
In being astute, you may recognize the places within your soul, personality, emotions, or psyche
that need bolstering or refinement. By looking at the overall tapestry, Eagle teaches you to
broaden your sense of self beyond the horizon of what is presently visible.
In learning to fiercely attack your personal fear of the unknown, the wings of your soul
will be supported by the ever-present breezes which are the breath of Great Spirit.
Feed your body, but more importantly feed your soul. Within the realm of Mother Earth
and Father Sky, the dance that leads to flight involves the conquering of fear and the willingness
to join in the adventure that you are co-creating with the Divine.
If Eagle has majestically soared into your cards, you are being put on notice to reconnect
with the element of air. Air is of the mental plane, and in this instance, it is of the higher mind.
Wisdom comes in many strange and curious forms and is always related to the creative force of
the Great Spirit.
If you have been walking in the shadows of former realities, Eagle brings illumination.
Eagle teaches you to look higher and to touch Father Sun with your heart, to love the shadows as
well as the light. See the beauty in both, and you will take flight like the Eagle.
Eagle medicine is the gift we give ourselves to remind us of the freedom of the skies.
Eagle asks you to give yourself permission to legalize freedom and to follow the joy your heart
desires.
Contrary

Medicine Cards: Eagle

If you have pulled Eagle in the reverse, you have forgotten your power and connectedness
to the Great Spirit. You may have failed to recognize the light that is always available for those
who seek illumination. Heal your broken wings with love. Loving yourself as you are loved by
the Great Spirit is the lesson which the contrary Eagle brings.
On some level, Eagle is telling you to seek higher ground on which to build your nest.
The nest is the home of the heart and cannot remain in a swamp. If your nest is in a swamp, this
may be connected to your belief that your wings are clipped by an impossibility in your present
status.
Eagle's nest is high in the mountains, where the air is clean and the movement free. It
may be your time for a Vision Quest so that you can commune with the Great Spirit. Fasting and
praying will surely bring an answer. Seek lofty ideals, and illumination will be close at hand.
Overview
Eagle helps you to see beyond the mundane levels of visible existence, for Eagle as a
power animal is your connection with your soul Self - your High Self. Eagle can help you to
reach for the shy while still keeping your feet firmly on the ground, and thus combine lofty ideals
with practical reality. Eagle can show you that principles and
actions are equally expressions of the spirit.
In American Indian cosmology the eagle "flies closest to the sun," meaning the
illuminating light of the Great Spirit. Therefore, Eagle as a power animal brings enlightenment,
which is a sudden flash of illumination of seeing into spiritual truth which hitherto were obscured
of unknown. Fly like an Eagle.
Connect with spirit. Feel the freedom found in Oneness. Let your spirit soar.
Source: Sams, Jamie and Carson, David. Medicine Cards (Santa Fe: Bear and Company, 1988).

Medicine Cards: Hawk

2 - Hawk: Messenger

Hawk is akin to Mercury, the messenger of the gods. Hawk medicine teaches you to be
observant, to look at your surroundings. Observe the obvious in everything that you do. Life is
sending you signals.
Life in the initiation. If you have pulled the Hawk card, then right now a clue about the
magic of life is being brought to you. This magic can imbue you with the power of overcome a
currently stressful or difficult situation. The test is your ability to observe the nuances of power
lurking nearby. Is power the talent you have and are not using? Are solutions always hard to
find because you have lost the broader vision of Hawk? Or is the Great Spirit displaying a gift
that you need only to receive? Have the colors of the morning inspired you to create? Of has the
gloominess of a present situation left you earthbound, unable to hear the voice within the
raindrops splashing on your window? Pay attention! You are only as powerful as your capacity
to
What is called for here is an intuitive ability to discern the message carried with the cry of
Hawk. The shrillness of Hawk's call pierces the state of awareness, and asks you to seek the
truth.
The Ancients recognized this magnificent bird of prey as a messenger bringing tidings to
their Earth Walk, the Good Red Road, from the world of the grandfathers and grandmothers who
lived before them. If Hawk were to magically cry, it was a sign to beware or be aware. This
could mark the coming of a warring tribe, the birth of a child, or the celebration of counting
coup. Hawk's cry signalled the need for the beholder to heighten awareness and receive a
message.
Hawk medicine is a totem that is filled with responsibility, because Hawk people see the
overall view. Hawk is not like Mouse, who sees everything through a magnifying glass. Hawk
medicine people are aware of omens, messages from the spirit, and the color of the calling card
you gave them three months ago. No detail slips by them unnoticed.
If Hawk has circled and landed in your card spread, you are to be aware of signals in your
life - so notice and receive them. Hawk may be teaching you to grab an opportunity which is
coming your way. On the other hand, Hawk may be bringing you the message that you should
circle over your life, and examine if from a higher perspective. From this vantage point you may
be able to discern the hazards which bar you from freedom of flight. Remember: Hawk has a
keen eye and a bold heart, for Hawk flies close to the light of Father Sun.
Contrary

Medicine Cards: Hawk

If you have drawn Hawk reversed, it may be because you something in your life has
become too painful to feel, too unbelievable to hear, or too dark to see, it is time to examine the
point at which you chose to let yourself become emotionally involved, and to no longer be the
observer. When you allow your emotions to override your perceptions, the message from Hawk
cannot penetrate the chaos and confusion. At this point, you are asked to be mindful of the honest
observer's neutral position, which allows the message to be intuitively and clearly understood,
without emotion coloring its true meaning.
Emotional coloring is a tendency of Hawk medicine people when they are off-balance.
Their emotions cloud their vision and lead to a crash landing. The ego can clip the winds and
leave Hawk grounded. Also, if Hawk believes that those who cannot fly the same way he/she
does have weaker perceptions, then the winged messenger has not understood his or her own
medicine.
Freedom of flight is a privilege, and being a messenger is an honor. The responsibility
for delivery of the message is up to you. Take your flight and forget about interpreting the omen
your own way. Let the receiver decide what the message means. After all, unless it was sent
specifically for you, you would be tampering,
Hawk in the contrary position teaches you: (1) To open up to the powers of observation;
(2) Not to tell others how to think or believe; (3) To take care of your own emotional baggage
before you begin receiving omens, visions, or messages; (4) To remember that all gifts are equal
in the eyes of the Great Spirit.
Overview
As a power animal, Hawk "awakens" not only the memory, but also the elements and the
kingdoms, and it teaches you to look. Hawk can help you to be more observant, and to see ways
out of a difficult situation. It encourages you to examine life from a higher perspective so you
can identify new opportunities, as well as hazards that might block your progress.
Hawk also encourages you to look more closely at your everyday life, and especially for
"messages" that lie hidden in ordinary happenings. Messages of the spirit are often close at hand
but obscured by the obvious.
Should you hear the shrill cry of the Hawk during your journey, it may be warning you to
beware of an impending event that may force you off balance, or it may be a call to be bold and
decisive at the arrival of an unexpected opportunity. In any event, Hawk encourages you to
follow the dictates of the heart. Look more closely.
Honor all life forms and humans as messengers. Trust lifes messages and signals.
Source: Sams, Jamie and Carson, David. Medicine Cards (Santa Fe: Bear and Company, 1988).

Medicine Cards: Elk

3 - Elk: Stamina

Elk wandered through the forest looking for a partner. The mating season was in full
swing, and the bucks that usually traveled with the other males had dispersed to find mates for
the season. As Elk bellowed his mating call through the forest, his bugling alerted Mountain
Lion that a feast could be in the making.
Mountain Lion circled Elk, getting closer to his prey moment by moment. Elk sensed the
impending danger when the forest grew suddenly silent. He broke for the high country when he
spotted his pursuer, but Mountain Lion was far behind. As Elk made a running leap for the
timberline, Mountain Lion gained on him, but Elk continued to run onward, displaying
tremendous stamina. Finally Mountain Lion gave up, having spent his energy in spurts as he
tried to jump over boulders to reach Elk. Elk paced himself, making headway as he climbed
skyward toward the high country. Elk had no other defense except his ability to go the distance,
setting a pace that allowed him to utilize his stamina and energy to the fullest.
Elk medicine teaches that pacing yourself will increase your stamina. Elk medicine
people may not be the first ones to arrive at a goal, but they always arrive without getting burned
out. If you have taken on too much recently, it might be a good idea to look at how you plan to
finish what you have started without ending up in the hospital.
Elk have a curious kind of warrior energy because, except at mating time, they honor the
company of their own gender. They can call on the medicine of brotherhood or sisterhood. In
discovering the strength which is gained from loving the gender that is your own, you will feel
the comradeship that arises from similarity of experience. This is a special medicine that allows
the friendship of others of your same sex to overcome potential competition or jealousy.
If you have picked Elk medicine, you may be telling yourself to seek the company of your
own gender for awhile. You may need a support group to realign yourself with the stamina of the
warrior/warrioress energy that you are a part of. This communication with others of your own
sex allows you to air your feelings in safety and to get feedback from others who have had the
same experience. You may need a new sense of community - communication in unity.
Elk could also be telling you to look at how you are holding up physically to the stresses
in your life, and to pace yourself so that you maintain an equilibrium of energy over the distance
you plan to cover. Vitamins or high-energy foods may be one solution, along with some personal
quiet time for replenishment.
Contrary

Medicine Cards: Elk

If Elk has appeared in the reverse position, you may be stretching the rubber band to the
breaking point. Be careful of undue stress levels, or you might just create an illness to force you
to take a break.
On another level, you may not be honoring your desires for companionship with the
opposite sex, and you may have forgotten the excitement of mating season. If this is the case,
you may find that your best option is to invite friends of the opposite sex for dinner or an
afternoon outing. This is not to say that you would be sexually interested in these friends; it is
merely suggesting that the exchange of opposite energies could be rewarding.
If you are in a relationship, it may be that the honeymoon is waning and that you need to
stir up some excitement. Persistently creating a "change of pace" is the kind of stamina needed
for any relationship to last.
In all cases, Elk is telling you to look at how you choose to create your present pathway,
and how you intend to perpetuate it to reach your goal. Your best weapon is the same as Elk's: to
stop when you need to, to persist when you need to, and to allow room for change and exchange
of energies.
Overview
Elk stresses friendship and co-operation - the sense of unity that comes from belonging to
a group or community. It emphasizes the need to establish relationships. If you are engaged in
some kind of competitive activity, whether in your working life or in a personal relationship, you
may feel threatened and under pressure. You need some equilibrium. Elk shows the value of
friendships and of sharing your interests and experiences with others.
Elk stresses the importance of finding time for refreshment and reflection, and of
renewing one's strength. Elk has to do with stamina and the need to go to t hose of the same
gender for support. Bonding and renewal.
Persistence brings rewards. Support your health and stamina. Honor your ability to endure.
Source: Sams, Jamie and Carson, David. Medicine Cards (Santa Fe: Bear and Company, 1988).

Medicine Cards: Deer

4 - Deer: Gentleness

One day Fawn heard Great Spirit calling to her from the top of Sacred Mountain. Fawn
immediately started up the trail. She did not know that a horrible demon guarded the way to
Great Spirit's lodge. The demon was trying to keep all the being of creation from connecting
with Great Spirit. He wanted all of Great Spirit's creatures to feel that Great Spirit did not want to
be disturbed. This would make the demon fell powerful, and capable of causing them to fear
him.
Fawn was not at all frightened when she came upon the demon. This was curious, as the
demon as the archetype of all the ugly monsters that have ever been. The demon breathed fire
and smoke and made disgusting sounds to frighten Fawn. Any normal creature would have fled
or died on the spot from fright.
Fawn, however, said gently to the demon, "Please let me pass. I am on the way to see
Great Spirit."
Fawn's eyes were filled with love and compassion for this oversized bully of a demon.
The demon was astounded by Fawn's lack of fear. No matter how he tried, he could not frighten
Fawn, because her love had penetrated his hardened, ugly heart.
Much to demon's dismay, his rock-hard heart began to melt, and his body shrank to the
size of a walnut. Fawn's persistent love and gentleness had caused the melt-down of the demon.
Due to this gentleness and caring that Fawn embodied, the pathway is now clear for all of Great
Spirit's children to reach Sacred Mountain without having to feel the demons of fear blocking
their way.
Deer teaches us to use the power of gentleness to touch the hearts and minds of wounded
beings who are trying to keep us from Sacred Mountain. Like the dappling Fawn's coat, both the
light and dark may be loved to create gentleness and safety for those who are seeking peace.
If Deer has gently nudged its way into your cards today, you are being asked to find the
gentleness of spirit that heals all wounds. Stop pushing so hard to get others to change, and love
them as they are. Apply gentleness to your present situation and become like the summer breeze:
warm and caring. This is your tool for solving the present dilemma you are facing. If you use it,
you will connect with Sacred Mountain, your centering place of serenity, and Great Spirit will
guide you.
Contrary
Deer in the contrary position indicates that you are courting your fear by fighting the
internal demons of negative ideas. This is a clue to you that force is not always the best method.
You may not be willing to love yourself enough to feel your fears and let them go. You may be

Medicine Cards: Deer

projecting your fears on others. It may also be others whom you fear, reminding you of a time
when you reacted to life in much the same manner. At any rate, love is the key. The only true
balance to power is the love and compassion of Deer. Be willing to find things to love about
yourself and others, and your demons will melt away. Your fears cannot exist in the same place
that love and gentleness abide.
Remember, Fawn can teach you many lessons about unconditional love. In its true
application, unconditional love means that no strings are attached. The gentleness of Fawn is the
heart-space of Great Spirit which embodies Great Spirit's love for us all.
Overview
As a power animal, Deer stresses that there are other ways than force, and shows that
there is a power in the gentle word and touch, and that strength comes through caring.
You are confronted by those whose attitudes cause you pain and sorrow, and sometimes
even fear. But it is they who are the wounded ones, and whoever tries to help them will only
make matters worse. To soothe them you must touch their hearts with the healing balm of the
gentle spirit and the embrace of kindness.
Deer teaches the need for compassion and kindness towards others and yourself. Don't
drive yourself so harshly! Be gentle with yourself, and you will cease to project your fears onto
others. Deer is a power animal that is directing you towards a serenity of heart, mind and spirit.
Gentleness has the power to melt a heart of stone.
Be gentle with yourself and offer kindess to all living things.
Source: Sams, Jamie and Carson, David. Medicine Cards (Santa Fe: Bear and Company, 1988).