Animal Totems & Animal Wisdom

[BlueLightLife]

---

​
This thread is both a personal account, as well as a resource for people who might be interested in animal totems / Spirituality:

---

I am not a Shaman, nor do I have any practical access to one. In fact, the notion of visiting a Shaman did not evolve until recently---especially when I was spontaneously overcome with the urge to receive an animal totem reading. I am already aware of my deep connection to animals, but over the past few months, I noticed that specific ones kept appearing to me me (IRL). Then, out of no where, I remembered a powerful animal dream I had, when I was eighteen. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time, but in retrospect, it was clearly latent with meaning (I will share the details of this dream, later on in my post).

Anyway, I lately felt it was necessary to attempt to translate the animals' messages, and soon I began researching totems, including how to conduct a personal reading.

I'm lucky to have a friend whose mother is "new age", and who possesses a literal library of various tarot/ seer cards (including animal totems). Knowing that all of Linda's visionary tools are sacred to her, I carefully requested to borrow her deck of animal cards (along with its interpretive book). She graciously agreed to let me take them home for the weekend.

Several sources indicate that at least two of the nine essence totems are fixed, and that the remaining seven may only change once or twice over the course of a person's life, via major life events/ changes. Therefore, I made painstaking plans and preparations for the ritual---I wanted to "get it right" the first time. I chose a night when my SO would be at band practice (so that I could be alone); I cleansed my room with a sage candle; I meditated for a bit (though I would call it more of a mental "wipe"); and I smoked a small amount of cannabis (I don't usually take recreational drugs, but I felt an altered state was essential, and would open my receptive channels to these spirits).

Next, I sat on my floor, with the deck out in front of me. I requested out loud for my totems to please reveal themselves through the cards. Since I had some sense of who they might be, I spoke their names out loud, "Deer, Fox, Rabbit, Turkey, Bear, Hawk, and Porcupine---I have seen you, lately. Have you walked next to me my whole life?"

Then I fanned out the cards (face down) and began mindlessly selecting and turning over each card, placing them down in front of me, in the shape of an arch (i.e. per the book's illustration). Each positions represents a navigable direction (East, South, West, North), as well as a position (Above, Below, Within). Lastly, there are the Right and Left animals---these are not necessarily obtained through the reading, but they can be (Left=feminine side and Right=masculine side).

The spread looks like this:

This is what each position means (for the most part, according to Native American Custom):

East:
The animal in the East guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guards your path to illumination.

South:
The animal in the South protects the child within and reminds you when to be humble and when to trust, so that innocence will be balanced in your personality.

West:
The animal in the West leads you to your personal truth and inner answers. It also shows you the path to your goals.

North:
The North animal gives wise councel and reminds you when to speak and when to listen. It also reminds you to be grateful for every blessing every day.

Above:
The Above animal teaches you how to honor the Great Star Nation, and reminds you that you came from the stars and to the stars you will return. This animal is also the guardian of the Dreamtime - for your personal access to the other dimensions.

Below:
The Below animal teaches you about the inner Earth, and how to stay grounded and on the path.

Within:
The Within animal teaches you how to find your heart's joy and how to be faithful to your personal truths. It is also the protector of your sacred space, the place that is yours alone and is never shared except by invitation.

Right Side:
This animal protects your male side and teaches you that, no matter where you turn, it will be your Father-protector within. This animal also carries your courage and warrior spirit.

Left Side:
This animal is the protector of your female side and teaches you that you must learn to receive abundance as well as to nurture yourself and others. The left-side animal is also your teacher about relationships and mothering.

Special Notation:
The Right Side animal and the Left Side animal are always with you. ALL of us carry male AND female essences within us, and the two related animal spirits are with you at all times. Not all people, but some people already know who these animals are, or who at least one of them is. During the revealing ceremony explained above, special consideration is given concerning these particular two animal totems. When it is time for animals of these Directions to be revealed, you may simply state aloud who they are, should you already, and without a doubt, know which animal it is for which Direction. It is highly unwise and extremely disrespectful to proceed with a "ceremonial" revealing if you already know. If your feelings, truly, are not that strong about it, then the wise thing to do is to put your trust into the ceremony (source: http://www.angelfire.com/ok/bobbiesues/pg8mwNINE.html).

---

These are the animal cards I drew in my "ceremony"---along with a bit of information about the individual medicines:

East

Deer: Love, Gracefulness, Femininity, Gentleness, Sensitivity, Beauty, Peace, Spirituality, Cautiousness (follow this link, to read more about Deer)

South

Porcupine: Innocence, Wonder, Faith, Trust, Playfulness, Curiosity (follow this link, to read more about Porcupine)

West

Bat: Rebirth, Initiation, Illusion, Intuition, Dreams, Inner Depth, Communication (follow this link, to read more about Bat)


This ad goes away when you register.

North

Eagle: Swiftness, Strength, Courage, Wisdom, Keen Sight, Illumination of Spirit, Healing (follow this link, to read more about Eagle)

Above

Turkey: Sacrifice, Common Good, Awareness, Pride, Abundance, Fertility, Preparation, Generosity (follow this link, to learn more about Turkey)

Below

Rabbit: Creativity, Paradox, Fear, Intuition, Awareness, Wit, Cowardice, Acute Hearing, Fertility (follow this link, to learn more about Rabbit)

Within

Wolf: Teacher, Wisdom, Family, Loyalty, Wildness, Intelligence, Compassion, Intuition, Spirituality (follow this link, to learn more about Wolf)

Left and Right (The "Deer & Bear Dream")

My grandparent's house has been the setting for my most spiritual and significant dreams. It is an extremely old, large, white colonial, emerging at the end of a long dirt road, in a VERY small town in Southern Vermont. The house is also extremely energetic and haunted.

When I was eighteen, I had an especially vivid dream, in which Deer (Doe) and Bear appeared to me. Not much happened in the dream, except that I was first standing at the kitchen window, looking down upon the meadow below. There, standing in the tall grass and flowers, was Deer. She raised her head to look at me, still chewing her cud. Then she seemed to look past me, or rather behind me, and so did I. I was startled to find Bear standing on his hind legs, just on the other side of the patio door. I was neither scared, nor curious---I was captivated.

Then, abruptly, the dream ended.

Another important feature of this dream, which did not occur to me until much later, is that (relative to me) Deer was on my left side, and bear was on my right. I know now that they are my lifelong spiritual companions, and revealed themselves to me upon the start of my own journey into adulthood.

Left

Dear: (see East)

Right

Bear: Strength, Introspection, Bravery, Knowledge, Dreamtime, Motherhood, Freedom, Power, Transformation (follow this link, to learn more about bear)

---

As it turns out, the cards validated some of the totem animals I was encountering, around the time of my reading. Wolf, Eagle, and Bat were the truly surprising. I am glad that I now know who they are, and what they might teach me along the path. The greatest benefit of knowing who your spirit animals are, is how easily and readily they can be invoked for a specific task/ purpose/ lesson.


Here are some additional links, to learn more about animal medicine and totems:

http://www.drstandley.com/nativeamerican_animal_medicine.shtml

http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/contentsindex.html

http://www.spiritualnetwork.net/totems/index.html

http://www.starstuffs.com/animal_totems/

http://www.animalspirits.com/index1.html

---

Disclaimer:

I am not Native American, therefore I have no first-hand knowledge of Native American Culture or Spirituality. In fact, you might say I'm exactly the opposite---or rather, I am a Native European American. My ancestors were part of a very small band of Pilgrims, who traveled here in the 17th century, upon a ship called the Mayflower---their only motivation was to escape overwhelming religious oppression in England. Despite modern confusion, Mayflower Pilgrims did not come here to exploit the New World, nor to profit from it; they certainly had no intention of decimating its native inhabitants.

Quite the contrary: the Pilgrims earnestly needed the support and teachings, offered to them by America's native people. Otherwise, they most certainly would have died of exposure and starvation. I believe I am taking an ancestral cue, by upholding thier tradition of openness and learning, in this time of Spiritual famine.

In conclusion, I highly recommend you seek authentic, expert guidance on such matters as Native American Mysticism, or its related rituals. I do not take it lightly myself, nor do I recommend it trivially to anyone else.

[Alludor]

Thank you friend, for your post. I, as well, have nurtered interest upon such matters. My animal totem is something that I've never known for sure: I do possess a strong attraction towards the wolf, and it's qualities resonate clearly with me.

[BlueLightLife]

Thank you friend, for your post. I, as well, have nurtered interest upon such matters. My animal totem is something that I've never known for sure: I do possess a strong attraction towards the wolf, and it's qualities resonate clearly with me.

Then I shall bring you wolf medicine (er, knowledge):

http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/wolftotem.html;

http://www.shamanicjourney.com/artic...-family-values

I have to say, I was very excited and pleased for Wolf to take the "WITHIN" position, on my medicine wheel. I did not wish or hope for him, and tried to keep my mind open to whatever I drew from the deck. However, I must also say that Wolf has already proven himself---I felt so inspired by his presence, that a few days later, I registering to take the MTEL Test (Massachusetts Teaching and Education Licensure). After my reading, I suddenly accepted and knew what I was always meant to do (which I had always secretly known, but which Wolf reassured me was true)---I was meant to go into the field of education, and change it from the inside out. Indeed, I plan to enroll in Graduate School next semester, to pursue my Masters in Education Leadership & Curriculum Development.

See? There's animal magic at work, all around us....the only thing we must do, is stay attuned to their ancient wisdom!

[Alludor]

You seem to be a kind soul, and you are quite generous for sending me these links. My deepest thanks, once again.

[blissfulheart]

I had a really awesome experience I wanted to share and the meaning of the animal spirit that is sharing our space with us here at Dancing Heart. I had done a painting on the side of the barn by the door On Thursday and ended up writing a bunch of Egyptian names. Luna I added because of the stars and she is one of the kitties here, and Ra who is the other. So along w/ Ra and Luna we embraced Isis, Horus, Osiris and Thoth. 7 of us headed off to the EarthDance Festival which embraces peace and harmony through Dubstep music all weekend long. We ended up going to a friends beach house for 2 days w/ 6 other people we met at the festival. We did Om's and chanting all weekend and really had a great time....sat on top of a waterfall and got to smoke out of a Tree...it was a beautiful experience. Got back to Dancing Heart and the one day we were sitting by the painting and happened to look up to see a falcon circling. Another soon appeared and we watched the 2 of them and then a third one appeared. It was a brilliant experience to share w/ these people. This was the symbolic meaning that I found for the Falcon...I guess invoking there presence brought the energy.

The falcon in Ancient Egyptian cult, represents Horus, the legitimate Pharaoh on earth and the sun god.

That's why you often find Pharaohs are depicted as falcons , or combined some how with falcon

Throughout history, culture and myth, Falcons symbolize superiority, spirit, light, freedom and aspiration. The Falcon is a solar emblem for success, victory and rising above a situation.

Further evidence of its solar influence, the Falcon was symbolic of the rising sun in Egypt. (*my name translated actually means "longed for the rising sun" *) It is also the king of all birds where many gods were shown with the head or body of the Falcon (including Ra).

In Western tradition, the Falcon represents the huntsman and is associated with the Germanic sky-gods Wodan as well as Frigg and the trickster Loki. In European culture the Falcon is considered a warlike symbol.

At its core, the Falcon represents visionary power, wisdom, and guardianship. This powerful bird awakens visionary power, and leads you to your life purpose. The Falcon carries with it a message of transition and change - perhaps in your vocation, work, career, etc.
Source(s):
http://symbolic-meanings.com/

The falcon was the god of the sky. His name was Horus. He was an important god as he could fly and protect Kings. Horus was the son of the god Osiris and godess Isis. Sometimes he was depicted as a baby with his mother Isis nursung him.
The most famous representaion of Horus is in the Egyptian museum of antiquities. In the museum there is a statue of King Chefren with the falcon Horus behind the head of the King. His wings are embracing the head of the King and his tail is touching the throne, by this the bird has changed its natural angel of his tail as a sign of complete protection. It is a beautiful statue and its photo can be found in all books dealing with ancient Egyptian art.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...4190601AAPBklh

[BlueLightLife]

7 of us headed off to the EarthDance Festival which embraces peace and harmony through Dubstep music all weekend long. We ended up going to a friends beach house for 2 days w/ 6 other people we met at the festival. We did Om's and chanting all weekend and really had a great time....sat on top of a waterfall and got to smoke out of a Tree...it was a beautiful experience.

First of all, this sounds...amaaaazing!! I must admit (in spite of its negative connotations), I feel a pang of jealousy...what fun!!

I am, of course, more happy to hear that such incredible adventures are out there to be had, and that you were able to recently embark on one of them! I'm so glad, too, that it sounds like yours was a truly meaningful event, and not just a raucous good time (although I wouldn't diminish the value in either experience)!!

Got back to Dancing Heart and the one day we were sitting by the painting and happened to look up to see a falcon circling. Another soon appeared and we watched the 2 of them and then a third one appeared. It was a brilliant experience to share w/ these people. This was the symbolic meaning that I found for the Falcon...I guess invoking there presence brought the energy

Allow me to elaborate on further interpretations of Brother Falcon:

The falcon is the messenger among the animals; it is roughly comparable to the divine messenger in Greek mythology. The cry of the falcon always announces a special event, which may be associated with joy as well as danger. It is important to observe the present situation closely and, if necessary, take the initiative and act courageously. The message of the falcon also says to reach out and accept the gifts of the Great Spirit, which are there but may not yet have been noticed. People who have the power of the falcon are keen observers, who do not miss the smallest detail nor lose sight of the whole. They recognize the signs and receive advice from the other worlds. Whenever you hear the piercing cry of the falcon, take note! Aim for a better perspective to be able to interpret the message from the falcon.

Source: http://www.goddessrealm.com/inspiration/animal.html#FALCON

And I hope that you do not take any offense---I'm sure the collective group of you was perfectly adept to tell the difference---but Falcon and Hawk are sometimes difficult to tell apart, especially when they soar so high above us! In fact, the two are so similar, that some interpretations combine these two birds into one totem (though they are clearly, and more commonly, distinguished from each other). Nevertheless, here is a bit on the significance of Hawk medicine:

Universal characteristics common to all hawks as power animal:

• The totem hawk offers deep wisdom and knowledge thanks to his wide perspective on the world and its events. This also applies to his understanding of the spirit world, which makes his assistance invaluable to the shaman in unfamiliar realms.

• The hawk shaman benefits from the bird’s natural psychic sense, at times gaining the gift of second sight through him.

• The hawk spirit guide gives his shaman powers of natural and unforced leadership. People will naturally feel drawn to follow the hawk shaman’s guidance through trust and affection.

In addition to the universal characteristics of hawk spirit guides, each species brings its own special qualities to the shamans they guide into the spirit world:

• The diet of the sparrowhawk, sharp-shinned hawk and goshawk is mainly feathered, giving these birds an enhanced affinity with the air, symbolizing creativity, vision and focus. As power animals, these hawks gives great energy to new projects of ambitious scope.

• The noble peregrine falcon is renowned for his incredible speed and skill in flight; the peregrine falcon spirit guide bestows patience and precision.

• The kestrel is a bird that can gracefully hover and choose the right moment to act. The shaman with a kestrel animal familiar approaches all situations with great skill and judgment.

• The red-tailed hawk shaman is as great in spirit as the red tailed hawk is great in stature. The realization of noble visions and great deeds is to be expected when this beautiful hawk accompanies the shaman.

Shamans fortunate enough to be blessed with a hawk as power animal enjoy great perception, perspective on complex situations and powers of leadership. They quickly gain perspective and intuitive understanding on shamanic journeys. Often gifted spiritual leaders, the hawk shaman is a respected and important elder in his or her community, regardless of age.

Read more at Suite101: Totem Hawk Spirit Guide: Symbolism of the Hawk as Power Animal or Animal Familiar to Shamans | Suite101.com http://joanne-e-brannan.suite101.com...#ixzz1ZhRABWbr

Have a wonderful day...and may the power of animal magic continue to move you!

[MYSTIKDRAGON]

I know one of my main animals ( but its also not listed above probably havin to do with the culture difference ).. so its probably either the left or right..

[blissfulheart]

First of all, this sounds...amaaaazing!! I must admit (in spite of its negative connotations), I feel a pang of jealousy...what fun!!

I am, of course, more happy to hear that such incredible adventures are out there to be had, and that you were able to recently embark on one of them! I'm so glad, too, that it sounds like yours was a truly meaningful event, and not just a raucous good time (although I wouldn't diminish the value in either experience)!!




Allow me to elaborate on further interpretations of Brother Falcon:

Source: http://www.goddessrealm.com/inspiration/animal.html#FALCON

And I hope that you do not take any offense---I'm sure the collective group of you was perfectly adept to tell the difference---but Falcon and Hawk are sometimes difficult to tell apart, especially when they soar so high above us! In fact, the two are so similar, that some interpretations combine these two birds into one totem (though they are clearly, and more commonly, distinguished from each other). Nevertheless, here is a bit on the significance of Hawk medicine:



Have a wonderful day...and may the power of animal magic continue to move you!

I appreciate the added information. What I found resonated because of the experience and to see it from another perspective is great. There's much magic created here everyday at least that's how it feels for me and we have friend joining us from Portland and a few others, we're having a sweat. The group's energy flowed so beautifully together when we were together before, we've discussed maybe increasing the memories of our past lives together to come up so that we can understand our interactions together a bit more. Yes animals are quite beautiful. I'll actually share a few of the ones that I work with.

My Birth Totem is the deer

~Life Paths~
Animal Totems & Earth Medicine


Birth Totem Deer


with


Wolf`s Moon

native bar

Birth dates: May 21 - June 20

Birth Totem is: Deer

Clan of: Butterfly (Air Chief)

Wind is: East

Directional Totem: Eagle

Conscious intent is: Bringing Humanity Together

Motive of Higher Self is: Develop and Integrate the Mind

Plant/Flower: Mullein

Mineral: Agate

native bar


Keywords


Intelligent Skilled Communicator Knowledgeable

The Conveyor of Ideas Friend to All

Restless

native bar

Birth Totem Deer is one whose outer personality is one of apparent contradictions as she is gentle in appearance, yet strong, fleet of mind, yet slow in putting her thoughts into action.

Her conscious desire is to be an integral part of the threading together of Humanity, to weave a blanket of Oneness from all races, spiritual beliefs and cultural backgrounds, and yet she may have difficulty in integrating her Mind to her Emotional Center.

So long as Deer flees from the “demons” of her own making, she will not achieve her dream of becoming a thread in the Quilt of Acceptance, for she is not accepting of her own Inner Self.

Think of Sister Deer as she moves quietly through the forest, ever alert for the subtlest of movements, the slightest of sounds that will warn her of impending danger, and yet her own flightiness often leads her straight into the sights of the Hunter.

When one who has Deer as their Birth Totem can learn to calm her restless nature, learns to quiet her frantically beating heart, she may begin the process of formulating her thoughts, untangling them from the massive ball of jangled threads into a garment of Higher Knowledge that can then be passed along to Others.

By first addressing her own acceptance of herself, then embracing and bringing together friends, associates and new acquaintances who are friends not yet known, into a common ground of shared goals, she will ultimately learn mastery over her restless mind, and thus truly begin the process of integrating her Mind with her Emotional Center.








Deer, Power Animal, Symbol of Gentleness, Unconditional Love and Kindness

By Ina Woolcott

Deer's medicine includes gentleness in word, thought and touch. The ability to listen, grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance. Understanding of what's necessary for survival, power of gratitude and giving, ability to sacrifice for the higher good, connection to the woodland goddess, alternative paths to a goal

In the Celtic tradition, there are two aspects of deer - female and male. The Hind (the red female deer), called Eilid in the Gaelic language, symbolises femininity, subtlety and gracefulness. The Hind is believed to call to us from the Faery realm, tempting us to release the material trappings of so-called 'civilization', to go deep into the forest of magic, to explore our own magical and spiritual nature. The topic gentleness is part of this tradition. Many stories tell of Hinds changing into women, often goddesses, to protect does from being hunted. The lesson to be gleaned here is that when we explore magic and spirituality, it must be with good intention, to harm no living being, but to enter the realm of the wild things in the spirit of love and communion. The Stag, Damh in the Gaelic tongue, is also linked to the sacredness of the magical forest. The Damh represents independence, purification, and pride. It is known as the King of the Forest, the protector of its creatures. For time immemorial people have sought to identify with the stag by ceremonially wearing antlered headdresses and imitating the deer's leaping grace.

Both Celtic and Native American hunters prayed to the deer to give them a good hunt, and in return promised to take no more than was essential for the survival of the tribe. This helps remind us that our spirit of gentleness and unconditional love should extend to all species, not only our own.

Maybe the most effective way to summarize the lessons of these beliefs, is to say that only when we move through life in the spirit of love for all beings can we melt the barriers that separate us from others, from other life forms, and from the beautiful mystery which is our own magical and spiritual gift.

By observing the ways in which deer behave, it is possible to see what amazing qualities - or powers - they possess. From the deer we can learn that the gift of gentleness and caring can help us overcome and put aside many testing situations. Only love, both for ourselves and for others, helps us understand the true meaning of wholeness.

If a deer crosses your path, this may show you that you are a very compassionate, gentle and loving person. If you don't have these qualities, then consider if you have a problem that needs addressing. Are you facing a challenge in your life, whether with a fellow human being or a delicate situation? If you are feeling negative emotions such as anger, try letting go. Think about whether a gentler and more loving approach can sort the issue out. It may be necessary to speak the truth, this is best done with kindness and from the heart, this will generally give a better result.

Deer teaches us how powerful it is to be of gentle demeanour, to exert keen observation and sensitivity. Deer's are in tune with nature and all it comprises. They are sacred carriers of peace and show those with this power animal how to open their hearts and love unconditionally.

Frequently twins or even triplets are born in the spring. Females and males reside in separate groups until the mating season. White-tailed deer are rather sociable, and family members forage food together along with other family groups, which gives the appearance of a large herd. Fawns are born a colour that protects them, camouflaging them from a predator’s sight. In the first few days of their life they hardly move, until their energy field is strong and grounded. They then stand up and begin to follow their mother around. A magical sight to behold is fawns coming out of forests, following their tenderly protective mothers. Even when grazing, the mothers are constantly watchful, fully aware and alert of what is going on all around them. They travel through forest and field with deliberateness and clarity, mindful of the fragile creature they nurture and protect. There is a powerful lesson to be learned here by us. Though we are born with an inborn ability to be unconditionally loving, often we are born to parents whose life experiences have taught them to become hard, and to lose that ability to experience and give unconditional love. Watching the deer and her babies is a reminder to honour and respect the child-like innocence within your self and go about your life with gentleness and an open heart. You should also stand strong on your path, in your beliefs, and not allow yourself to get distracted by outside influences.

Deer has entered your life to help you walk the path of love with full consciousness and awareness, to know that love sometimes requires caring and protection, not only in how we love others, but also in how we love ourselves.

A deer's senses are very acute and they see extremely well in low light, giving them the ability to understand the deeper symbolic meanings of things. They can hear a twig snap a very long way off. People with this power animal are often described as being swift and alert. They are intuitive, often seeming to possess well developed, even extrasensory perceptions. Sometimes their thoughts seem to race ahead, and they appear not to be listening, to be somewhere else. Anyone with power animal has latent clairvoyant and clairaudient abilities. They can see between the shadows, detect subtle movements and hear that which is not being uttered. Ask the deer to help you develop these true gifts.

The set of antlers grown by the male deer are antennae that connect it to higher energies. If you come across a deer in the wild, try to count the number of points on their antlers. This number is associated with numerology and can carry great significance for those with this power animal.

Deer teaches us to be gentle, to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings who are in our lives. Don't push people to change, rather gently nudge them in right direction, with the love that comes from deer. Love and accept people as they are. The balance of true power lays in love and compassion.

When a Deer totem enters your world, a new innocence and freshness in about to be awakened. New adventures are just around the corner and there will be an opportunity to express the gentle love that will open new doors for you.






Power animal and also my closest spirit guide is the Butterfly


Butterfly, Power Animal, Symbol of Change, The Soul, Creativity, Freedom, Joy and Colour

By Ina Woolcott

Native Americans see the butterfly as a symbol of joy. Feeding on the flowers they help pollinate, they further spread beauty. Butterflies eyes consist of thousands of individual lenses. This gives them the gift of being able to see a single image clearly. They can perceive ultraviolet wavelengths of light, suggesting clairvoyant abilities for those with Butterfly as power animal. The antennae of the butterfly has small knobs on each end which are said to aid orientation. If an antennae is missing the butterfly will fly in circles unable to find its way. If butterfly is your ally you need to remain consciously connected to spirit at all times so you may fulfil your goals.

Butterfly is the symbol of change, the soul, creativity, freedom, joy and colour. Their power is transformation, shape shifting and soul evolution. They represent the element of air, quickly changing and always on the move gracefully. Butterflies are messengers of the moment and come in a wide array of colours. Studying these colours can help you uncover butterflies message to you. It reminds us not to take things too seriously and to get up and move. They teach us that growth and transformation does not have to be a traumatic experience. It can be joyous. Butterflies possess the ability to grow and change, leaving the safety of their cocoon to discover a new world in a new form without fear, trusting their untested wings to fly without a doubt in their minds. They work through many important stages to become the beautiful creature they are. Similar to the butterfly, we too are always moving through different stages, each equally as vital. It is no good rushing to a particular stage, nor is it good getting stuck at a stage and becoming stagnant. Butterfly is a potent symbol for those considering, or in the throes of, a big change. Butterfly is also one of the most inspiring symbols of the animal world, knowing precisely the time to leave the comfort and limitation of its cocoon, flying freely into the world. Quite frequently, we are not so certain. The cocoon of our thoughts and fears may be limiting, they are also safe and familiar. We can become afraid of what may be outside of our limiting thoughts and belief systems, trapping us and holding us back from ourselves, from our dreams and desires, from our unlimited potential.

We can learn how to move on, how to grow from and improve a situation by finding out which stage we are at. This may be the egg stage, the beginning - where an idea is born and not yet reality. The larvae stage is when you physically get your idea going, usually involving preparation such as planning. The cocoon stage entails developing your ideas, project or talent. The ultimate stage of transformation is coming out of the chrysalis, the birth of the butterfly. This last stage is about sharing the colours and ecstasy of your creation with the rest of the world. Remember that we are always evolving, growing and that we are always at one of these stages. Figure out which stage you are at, whether you need more time to complete one stage before being ready going on to the next. Be careful not to rush, nor get stuck either.

Not all change feels deliberate, it can be very subtle. Such as losing a job and then circumstances pushing you in to a new direction. There may have been things going on within you, getting you ready for a change subconsciously, that you didn't even recognise. If you are feeling insecure and unsure of what is going on in your life right now, then look back over what has been going on in your life recently or even long ago. Have you ever wished that you had a different job? Of changing career? Are you able to see that on some level your wishes are coming true? I’m sure you will remember the good old saying 'be careful what you wish for..' What you focus on, is sure to manifest.

Butterfly can help you see that exiting the cocoon suddenly opens a new door, that there is power in trust and vulnerability. No more than you does a butterfly know whether it can fly, but it opens its wings in perfect confidence, and discovers that their delicacy allow its graceful flight, its dance in the air. When we understand that transformation can be as natural as breathing, when we take ourselves lightly, when we trust in our own untried wings to support us, we learn the message of Butterfly, life itself is a joyous dance. Dance brings us the sweetness of life.

The four stages of the butterflies growth are parallel to the development of our first forming a thought to manifesting it in the outer world. Understanding that change can be as natural as breathing. We mustn't be so hard on ourselves, trusting that our own untried wings will bear our weight. This is when we receive the Butterflies gift: life itself is extraordinary and amazing. If Butterfly has found you, take note of the most important issues in your life and see what needs to be changed.

If an eco system becomes damaged, butterfly is usually first to leave, as they are highly sensitive to the harmony of the earth. If butterfly finds you and is unwell, hurt or caught, this is an indication that you must stop disturbing the natural design of life and to flow with events in a more gentle and natural manner.

[BlueLightLife]

I know one of my main animals ( but its also not listed above probably havin to do with the culture difference ).. so its probably either the left or right..

Which is your main animal? I have access to lots of information on the subject of animal mysticism, and I'm happy to share any of it with you...I get most of it from a book, called "Animal Wisdom: the definitive guide to the myth, folklore and medicine power of animals" (by Jessica Dawn Palmer)---her cross-cultural referencing is quite thorough, too. Maybe it could bridge the gap?

[Moonlitbutterfly117]

I hope no one minds if I share how I met my animal totem. C:
A while back, whenever I would close my eyes I would see a pair of yellow eyes staring back at me. This went on for a while and one day I was at my aunt's house. She's pretty highly intuitive. I asked her what the eyes could be and she said that it could be some kind of spirit guide. I then went to the only other intuitive sort of person I knew at the time, and asked her what she thought it could be. She said "iono, why don't you ask it?" So I did. And I was presented with the image of a great big black and gold creature. And once I saw her, I could not unsee her. So I start excitedly telling my friend what I'm seeing, describing it as a "big gold and black bear cat thing" and she says "...like a jaguar? It's a pretty famous shaman totem."
Shortly after, I moved near the Museum of Natural History. The train station that leaves you by the museum has mosaics all over the walls. Every day going home, I would get off the train right by the big beautiful mosaic of a jaguar. I started seeing advertisements for the "Jaguar" car EEEEEEEEVERYWHERE. And I mean everywhere. Synchronicity ftw <3

[MYSTIKDRAGON]

Which is your main animal? I have access to lots of information on the subject of animal mysticism, and I'm happy to share any of it with you...I get most of it from a book, called "Animal Wisdom: the definitive guide to the myth, folklore and medicine power of animals" (by Jessica Dawn Palmer)---her cross-cultural referencing is quite thorough, too. Maybe it could bridge the gap?

One of mine is the Crow.I know we always have one on the right and one on the left, ones male and the others female. And I've been told the animal shows in how we communicate.. just some dont really see it that much.