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Celtic Radio Community > The Grove > Spirit Animals & Totems


Posted by: celticwoodsman 24-Sep-2004, 09:30 AM
Some if not most of us have stories of totem animals, or spirit guides. I just want to have another forum for us where we can share some stories, such as what is your spirit animal? What gifts do you share with your spirit animal/totem, or do you have any cool stories reguarding you and non-domesticated animals that put a spiritual spin on your life?

Posted by: celticwoodsman 01-Oct-2004, 08:43 AM
Coyote: symbol of Cunning, Cleverness, negotiating difficult situations
There are many stories about the Coyote as being a trickster. Don't let that fool you, because Coyote protects the home and the people in it from foolishness. Living in hills or underground dens, Coyotes always make sure the family is fully protected. He helps to keep the family close.

Learn from coyote in negotiating a difficult situations. He can help you to discover a trap that you are caught in, or show you you how you might be fooling yourself. If you are in a relationship where you think you may be fooling yourself, use the coyote to help see the truth of the matter and release yourself from the trap.

Posted by: Balachasen 01-Oct-2004, 05:50 PM
Maideann mhath Celticwoodsman..........

saru wa hane ga nai kedo tobu, Hebi wa ashi ga nai kedo aruku...........

This is a Japanese proverb meaning monkeys have no wings but they fly,
snakes have no legs but they walk.

The idea being that all have different strengths and weaknesses, sometimes surprising strengths from unexpected places.

Slainte mhath,

Balachasen

Posted by: celticwoodsman 06-Oct-2004, 02:26 PM
I understand that there is even a tarot of spirit animals out there somewhere, although the concept seems odd to me, I am sure that this can be a good resource for those who are looking for a liberal list of totems or spirit animals. I understand that even in the native lands the different totem animals are dependant on the area... As well as I am sure that a person who lives on a different land mass may be different. For example, it would be a lil odd for a person from Italy, or Florida USA to say that they have a reindeer totem, but not as odd for a Scandanavian to say such. What are some odd examples of spirit animals, or a totem that others have that too some may never have heard of or now the "power/gifts" of?




Posted by: freekenny 10-Oct-2004, 02:21 AM
O'siyo,
~ Being of Native American culture my responses/beliefs may differ from others when it comes to defintion/application of 'words' rolleyes.gif
~ My totem animals are many but, my Animal Spirit/Guide is the owl~ 'Strong and powerful medicine..drawn to 'strong women', 'magic' women', tremendous psychic ability, healer'..The owl is also a messenger~ In my culture, animal spirits used for personal spirituality/growth/development don't come to you in spirit form..they are drawn/sensitive to your magnetic field, drawn to you for a specific reason here on Mother Earth, real form~ If a Animal Guide comes to you in spirit form they are strictly there to give you assistance or a warning/message~ The owl 'assists' me in every day life, part of me so to speak~ wink.gif
~ My Animal Totems- dolphin (awareness), turtle (patience), bear (natural healer/helper), hawk (sight)..Totem Animals are known as Power Animals throughout various Native American tribes..these animals 'make-up' your characteristics/traits..who you are~To give 'thanks'/to 'bond' with your Totem/Power Animals, ceremonies were held where 'shape-shifting' took place~
~Native Americans believe the first animal you 'saw' or 'interacted' with and continued to 'visit' you is and will always be your most important Guide~ wink.gif We believe if an animal comes to you in a 'dream' and is angry or bared its teeth/fangs this is not your Guide~
~Gift that I share with my totems? 'Keen insight'..compassion...
~Developing 'communication' with Animal Guides/Spirits takes time, dedication, meditation, patience..new attitudes and behaviours are required in order for your intuition to be 'finely tuned' wink.gif The only way one will ever 'realize' and develop all their Power Animals is by showing respect to all living things, their 'ways', their sacredness and the connection to you~ One must have the knowledge of their own existence as a divine being in order to communicate with other divine beings such as the Power Animals~ fox.gif
~~ My beliefs..thoughts..ways of life.... sleep.gif
~Sty-U red_bandana.gif

Posted by: gaberlunzie 10-Oct-2004, 12:57 PM
That was very interesting for me to read, freekenny.
I have an eagle "visiting" me. In my dreams I sometimes fly with him and often during the day I can hear his scream.
He seems to appear when I am in need of something...and it is giving me comfort, strength or a warning as well. It seems to be the same scream, the same feeling and knowledge of presence but I can tell apart if it is meant e.g. as a warning or as an encouragement though.
I'm listening and learning each time.
Don't mind that I still have some problems to put things in right words.. I'm quite new to this path ... well, I'd better say I have been running away from it for a long, long time. Now, that I'm following it I've found peace, shelter and most of all ...freedom. I'm complete in a way...

Posted by: celticwoodsman 11-Oct-2004, 08:30 AM
freekenny:
I also follow the path of the people, I was adopted into the seneca nation and have learned much in the way of tradition, as well as gained much insight into the realms of nature. I am glad that you mentioned the baring of teeth, for I was taught that if you have a "dream" where a spirit visits you with an aggressive behavior you have done somethin to deserve it. Meaning there is something in your life that you have to change.
Now be it that every animal has something to teach all of us, and that is why I hope that this discussion bridges the gap of the culture of the people, and celtic pagan culture in the fact that we all have some affinity to animal spirits, and this may be a good way to discuss the effects of them, and the effect of the message in our lives.

Posted by: Shadows 11-Oct-2004, 10:30 AM
My spiritual roots follow the Lenape and Shawnee...

My teachers always told me that these guides and totems where as individual and private as each human being. The messages they teach are for consumption one on one and to divulge the messages they bring was a sure way to an end to them speaking to you.

Posted by: freekenny 11-Oct-2004, 02:56 PM
QUOTE (celticwoodsman @ 11-Oct-2004, 09:30 AM)
freekenny:
I also follow the path of the people, I was adopted into the seneca nation and have learned much in the way of tradition, as well as gained much insight into the realms of nature. I am glad that you mentioned the baring of teeth, for I was taught that if you have a "dream" where a spirit visits you with an aggressive behavior you have done somethin to deserve it. Meaning there is something in your life that you have to change.
Now be it that every animal has something to teach all of us, and that is why I hope that this discussion bridges the gap of the culture of the people, and celtic pagan culture in the fact that we all have some affinity to animal spirits, and this may be a good way to discuss the effects of them, and the effect of the message in our lives.

O'siyo celticwoodsman,
~ Ni Ya We for sharing..very interesting~
~Even having the 'same culture' of sorts, shows us the beauty of observation and interpretation happy.gif The fact that everything 'works, aids and means' something individual for each~ I find that beautiful and so peaceful~
~ I am intrigued with your observation and 'definition' of the baring of teeth~ That makes perfect sense~ I was taught, but, not limited to believing 'my way' is the 'right' way sleep.gif that an animal baring teeth or in an aggitated state is a warning that something is about to occur that will not be the 'right' choice for you~ Or if you had a 'choice' to make that was weighing heavy on your mind, if an animal comes baring teeth go against that decision..means 'avoidance'..not necessarily 'change', so I enjoy 'learning' of others interpretations and observations~
~ In my opinion it doesn't matter what your culture is, animals teach us all many, many lessons if we just observe~ wink.gif
~~Sty-U and may you enjoy all that Mother Earth has to offer~ red_bandana.gif

Posted by: freekenny 11-Oct-2004, 03:07 PM
QUOTE (Shadows @ 11-Oct-2004, 11:30 AM)
My spiritual roots follow the Lenape and Shawnee...

My teachers always told me that these guides and totems where as individual and private as each human being. The messages they teach are for consumption one on one and to divulge the messages they bring was a sure way to an end to them speaking to you.

O'siyo Shadow,
~ Interesting indeed~ I have never been 'taught' that sharing/divulging a message would end that 'line of communication' with your Animal Guide~ tongue.gif That's the beauty of a culture, inside the 'main' culture are many smaller 'cultures' that make up the whole of the people but, interpret and observe the aspects of that culture in an individual way~
~Aye, I do believe that one's Totems and Guides are as individual as that person~ It assists in creating the personality/characteristics of a person~ My opinion anyway wink.gif
~ Always good to read what you post biggrin.gif
~~Sty-U, have a blessed and peaceful eve red_bandana.gif

Posted by: Shadows 11-Oct-2004, 03:14 PM
If sharing the message is to be, the guide will let you know... but most is on a personal level... or so I have been taught. Diversity is what makes life grand!

Posted by: celticwoodsman 11-Oct-2004, 03:30 PM
i have to agree with master tongue.gif shadows in a way, I was taught that we can not divulge the intimate messages given to us in the realm of the dreams. For those messages passed on to us are a private conversation. There is no way that even if I tried to explain what the coyote has said to me in a dream that I could actually put it to words here. My woman has had been given messages by the badger, and she knows nothing of badgers or the interpretation in the dreams so I said to her what the holy man had said to me, "What do you think she is trying to say to you?" I enlighten her with stories of the badger, and what they are well known for, but for the private message she must turn inword to interpret.
I would never devulge a personnal revelation from a spirit to anyone, But this in a way, is a way for those who are confused to ask, and for those brothers and sisters to share.

Posted by: Shadows 11-Oct-2004, 03:48 PM
QUOTE (celticwoodsman @ 11-Oct-2004, 04:30 PM)
i have to agree with master tongue.gif shadows ...

Again you refer to me as master... I am no more a master then you... again I say "bow down to no one" we are all students and teachers! Learn what you can from each other , but never , ever put one above the other!

Posted by: urian 11-Oct-2004, 04:27 PM
Wolf:Intuition, Learning, Spirit

This totem brings faithfulness, inner strength
and intuition when he enters our lives.
But he also brings learning to live with one's self.
The wolf teaches us to learn about our inner self
and to find our inner power and strength.
But to achieve this, we must take risks
and face our deepest fears.
A wolf totem demands sincerity.

This totem demands a lot of us
but gives us much in return;
a spirit helper that is always there to help
and gives us extraordinary powers of endurance.
He reminds us to listen to our inner thoughts
and trust our insights.


crow:Keeper of the Sacred Law

Crows are the keepers of the Sacred Law
and to have a Crow totem is very powerful.

Personal Integrity are your watchwords
and your guide in Life.
If you have a Crow totem, your prime path
is to be mindful of your opinions and actions.
You must be willing to walk your talk,
to speak your truth and to know your life's mission.

Crow is a omen of Change.
Crow lives in the void and has no sense of time,
therefore, it sees past, present and future simultaneously.
Crow merges both light and dark, both inner and outer.
It is the totem of the Great Spirit
and must be respected as such.

They are symbols of creation and spiritual strength.
Look for opportunities to create and manifest the magic of life.
Crows are messengers calling to us
about the creation and magic that is alive in the world today
and available to us.

Dragon:
Protector
Exists between thoughts
Ability to move between worlds
Connection to the birth of the Universe
Transformation
Though Celtic tradition gives specific qualities for dragons of the elements of earth, fire, water, and air, in general terms, Dragon's power is that of shedding its skin and emerging as a new, transformed being.

Dragon: longevity, infinity, wisdom, movement through space


Posted by: freekenny 11-Oct-2004, 04:42 PM
QUOTE (Shadows @ 11-Oct-2004, 04:48 PM)
Again you refer to me as master... I am no more a master then you... again I say "bow down to no one" we are all students and teachers! Learn what you can from each other , but never , ever put one above the other!

O'siyo,
~ I don't know about the bowing and such but, to me and tis my opinion only, a Master is someone who expells expertise on a particular issue/craft/gift... wink.gif One who has excellent knowledge first hand (experience), 'picks' a protege' and shares this knowledge while passing down His 'gift'...A true Master would never expect a person to 'bow down' before Him but, would graciously accept the gesture as one of the upmost respect sleep.gif Most of all, again tis my opinion only, a True Master would never put anyone, especially Himself above another, be it human, animal or plant~
~~ Just my 'two-cents' wine.gif
~Sty-U red_bandana.gif

Posted by: Shadows 11-Oct-2004, 04:47 PM
See you echo what I say!
To me when one calls another master.. it lessons them in their own eyes... we all teach and we all learn!

Posted by: MacErca 11-Oct-2004, 06:29 PM
I had posted this in an earlier thread but thought I would insert it here.

I guess that you could say that I have an affinity for wolves.

Which by the way started when I was a wee lad, we off on holiday, camping and such, and I had wandered off into the woods and became lost, not knowing what to do I sat down under an old Oak tree and just started thinking about all the things that my Granddad had told me and that the sound of a wolf howling seem to carry farther in the woods, so I started howling just like I was a wolf, it sounds silly just to think about it now that it still brings a smile to me when I think about it, well as the hours went by 6 in all, me just howling away till I got an answer, at first I was scared s***less, then off in the distance I could see what I thought at the time was a dog coming towards me, I could tell it was a female an that she had just had pups, as she got closer I could tell that this was no dog.

As a young boy living in the country we were raised around animals that tend to go with the farm, and never was I afraid of any of them, I just sorta got along with them. Which by the way made this seem really weird because we hunted all the time and never had a problem in the woods, as I was to find out years later I really was not lost according to what I was told but I had been summoned to this rendevous.

So anyway when this animal that I thought was a dog started getting closer I started whistling for her to come closer, but when she was about ten feet away I knew that this was no dog.

I could relate the whole story but as the way I remember it I might have to write a book, suffice it to say that she laid down not more than five yards from me and stayed there for about 2 hours just looking at me, and me her, it seemed like an eternity had passed before she moved, she started to roll back and forth and then she would return to the same position as earlier and if I tried to get up and leave she gave me this very low growl, then she sorta crawled up and just laid by where I was sitting and that is where she stayed, during that time I had the opportunity to reach out and pet her, I remember to this day how hard my heart was pumping, then all of a sudden she sat up and let out a howl that even today thinking about it I still feel the hair on my neck rise, then she turned and trotted off, just as she vanished into the woods she turned, and I swear it looked like she smiled at me, then about five minutes later the folks found me.

Years later I told an old woman from the Nations my story and after telling her the whole story and she wanted to know every thing down to the smallest detail, she then proceeded to tell me about the "Wolf Totem" and that I had been picked out by the Wolf Spirit,,, well anyway thats my story.

Posted by: freekenny 11-Oct-2004, 08:01 PM
O'siyo MacErca,
~ Splendid story! Ni Ya We for sharing~
~Sty-U red_bandana.gif

Posted by: dragonboy3611 06-Nov-2004, 04:30 PM
I'm just wondering...how do you find out you Spirit Animal/Come in contact with them. Yes I know how...I've read it in books...but how did you

Posted by: freekenny 29-Nov-2004, 09:41 PM
QUOTE (dragonboy3611 @ 06-Nov-2004, 05:30 PM)
I'm just wondering...how do you find out you Spirit Animal/Come in contact with them. Yes I know how...I've read it in books...but how did you

O'siyo dragonboy,
~ I 'discovered' my Spirit Animal/Guide after a vision quest in Demi, New Mexico many years back..after taking the Pipe, 2 of my Spirit Animals visited me in a vision..I had such a connection with them that they continued to 'visit' me often in my visions and during meditation gossip.gif I am still 'visited' by many of my Animal Guides mostly when I am in need of an answer or when something 'bad' is going to happen..its hard to explain but, I tried happy.gif
~~Sty-U red_bandana.gif

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