Animal Totem Meanings

~ ANIMAL POWER TOTEM MEANINGS ~

Alligator ~ Survival, Adaptability, Stealth

Ant ~ Perseverance, Teamwork, Orderliness

Antelope ~ Grace, Beauty, Attentive

Ape ~ Strength, Benevolence, Protective

Armadillo -Boundaries, Self Protection, Grounded

Badger ~ Solitude, Self Awareness, Self Sufficient

Bat ~ Guardian of the Night, Cleaner, Messenger

Bee ~ Immortality, Rebirth, Purity, Soul, Messengers between Worlds, Secret
Wisdom, Mother and Priestesses

Birds ~ The Soul, Transcendence, Communication, Freedom, Sight

Bear ~ Primal Power, Healer, Gentle Strength, Nurturing, Protective, Introspection

Beaver ~ Builder, Gatherer, Accomplishing Goals

Boar ~ The Warrior Spirit, Leadership, Direction

Buffalo ~ Sacredness, Life Builder, Prayer, Abundance

Bull ~ Wealth, Potency, Male Procreative Strength, Kingship

Butterfly ~ Metamorphosis, Transformer, Rebirth, Resurrection

Cat ~ Guardianship, Sensuality, Magic, Pride, Intuition

Cock ~ Solar, Courage, Supremacy

Cougar ~ Leadership, Courage, Power, Swiftness and Balance.

Cow ~ Nourishment, Motherhood, Plenty

Coyote ~ Prankster, Insight, Playful

Crane ~ Solitude, Independence, Higher state of Consciousness, Wisdom

Crow ~ Sacred Law, Messenger, Wisdom, Communication, the Underworld

Deer ~ Love, Gentleness, Kindness, Walking in the Light

Dog ~ Guidance, Protection, Loyalty, the Hunt

Dolphin ~ Breath of Life, Kindness, Sea Power, Intelligence, Communication

Donkey ~ Humility, Peace, Stubbornness

Dove ~ Peace, Love, Gentleness and Kindness

Dragon ~ Transformation, Power of Earth, Power, Magic, Guardian

Dragonfly ~ Illusion, Carefree, Swift

Eagle ~ Spirit, Clear Vision, Success, Prosperity

Elephant ~ Commitment, Strength, Memory

Elk ~ Stamina, Strength, Freedom, Majesty

Fish ~ Water, Current, Flow of Life

Fox ~ Camouflage, Cunning, Provider, Feminine Magic

Frog ~ Emotional Healing, Medicine, Cleansing, Peace

Goose ~ Inspiration, Happiness, Safe return, Love of Home

Giraffe ~ Grounded Vision, Peace, Insight

Hawk ~ Messenger, Nobility, Recollection, Observer, Truth

Horse ~ Power, Stamina, Devotion

Hummingbird ~ Joy, Stopper of Time, Optimism, Sweetness

Jaguar ~ Solitary Path, Forest Spirits, Power

Ladybug ~ Helper, Delight, Trust

Lion ~ Courage, Solar, Splendor, Majesty

Lizard ~ Dreaming, Conservation, Agility, Letting go, Illusiveness

Monkeys ~ Quick and Keen of Wit, Curious, Excellent in small Enterprises

Moose ~ Self Esteem, Headstrong, Longevity

Mouse ~ Scrutiny, Illusion, Charm

Octopus ~ The Spiral, Water, Unconscious

Otter ~ Woman Medicine, Laughter, Mischievous, Empathy

Owl ~ Wisdom, Truth, Patience, Divination, Totem of Clairvoyants and Mystics

Peacock ~ Wholeness, Recognition, Beauty, Self-Assurance

Pig ~ Highly Intelligent, Scholarly, Emotions

Rabbit ~ Alertness, Conquering Fear, Safety, Fertility

Raccoon ~ Dexterity, Disguise, Survival, Persona

Ram ~ Sacrifice, Breakthrough, Achievement, Strength, Determination

Raven ~ Trickster, Teacher, Healing, Initiation, Shaman’s Power, Transformation, Change in Consciousness, Mark of a Shape Shifter

Scorpion ~ Defense, Self-protection, Vengence

Seahorse ~ Confidence, Grace, Nourishing, Fathering

Shark ~ Hunter, Survival, Adaptability

Sheep ~ Proud, Domineering, Strive to Help and Guard their Fellows

Skunk ~ Perseverance, Determination Reputation, Respect, Caution

Snake ~ Transformation, Life, Death and Rebirth, Fertility, Knowledge, Power, Life Force, Sexual potency

Spider ~ Weaver, Creative, Pattern of Life, Connects the Past with the Future, Creating Possibilities, The Web of Life, Interconnectedness, Industry

Squirrel ~ Gathering, Trust, Thrift

Stag ~ Pride, Independence, Purification

Swan ~ Grace, Balance, Innocence

Tiger ~ Being in the Now, Creator, Destroyer, Ferocity

Turtle ~ Mother Earth, Self Contained, Creative Source, Love, Protection

Unicorn ~ Chastity, Purity, Dreams, Virtue

Whale ~ Record Keeper, Power of Water, Regeneration

Wolf ~ Teacher, Loyalty, Success, Stability, Pathfinder,

Woodpecker ~ Prophecy, Magic, Guardian of Trees, Change

Wren ~ Spirit, Witchcraft, the Oak King

Zebra ~ Individuality, Protective, Individuality, Deep Truths

All Paintings by Susan Seddon Boulet

Finding your Animal Spirit Guide

An Animal Totem is an important symbolic object used by a person to get in touch with specific qualities found within an animal which the person needs, connects with, or feels a deep affinity toward. In Native American traditions it is beleived that each individual is connected with different animals that will accompany them 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 tasks that need to be completed along our journey. These guides offer wisdom to the individual when they “communicate” with it. This does not necessarily mean that you actually need to spend time with this animal, only that there is a lesson to be learn from it’s charateristics. They are spiritual symbols that convey to us qualities we are needing or lacking in our daily lives.

How To Find Your Animal Totem:

Since we are drawn to that which resonates with us, what animal, bird, or insect are you drawn to?

When you go to the park, forest, or zoo what animal are you most interested in seeing?

Does a certain kind of animal consistently appear in your life? This doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical appearance, they could be represented in other ways such as unexplained dreams or watching television and seeing the same animal featured again and again.

Are there any animals you are currantly curious to learn more about?

Which animal do you find most frightening or intriguing?

Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal?

Have you ever had a recurring dream about a certain animal, been an animal in your dream, or have a dream from childhood that you have never been able to forget?

Are you drawn to figurines or paintings of a specific animal?

If you are still unsure what your Animal Guide is, Find a place where you can be alone to meditate. Sit quietly and ask your animal to make it’s nature known to you. Feel free to use tools such as incense, smudge, and candles to help you reach a peaceful and receptive space. Don’t give up, sometimes your animal totem is nearby watching to see if you’re serious about connecting with it. Keep doing the above exercises until your animal totem makes itself known to you.