People often ask me about the Native American Totems and how they work. Generally when I try to explain to them by using an example of an animal totem that is working with me, they say I want that totem too. It really doesn’t work that way. The Animal Totem picks you because you need to have the lesson. You have totems that stay with you from the time you are born and those are determined by the Moon you were born under. Throughout your life you will have Messenger Totems that will come to you with a lesson that you need. The Messenger totems can be with you for a day, a week, or an extended time. It depends on how long it takes you to listen and learn from the message.
I use the Medicine Cards from Jamie Sams to learn about the totems that work with me on my journey here on Mother Earth. They are in essence a form of Tarot from the Native American perspective. To find out the 9 totems that are always with you (who have chosen to be with you) you can do the initial spread which is outlined in the beginning of the book that goes with the cards. After you have determined your power totems you will find out a little more of your purpose in this lifetime.
Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals
There are other spreads that you can place the cards in to look into specific areas of your life and what is going on in the now. I do these occasionally to get a broad picture. Daily, I pick 1 card from the deck to see which animal is working with me on a daily basis. There are times the same card returns for days. I don’t find this odd as it tells me that the message of that animal still needs to be worked on. I’m always amazed at how dead on these cards are with what is happening in the here and now.
You do not have to use these cards to be aware of what animal is working with you. If you are suddenly drawn to a certain animal that animal is working with you. It might be that you are physically seeing them more than usual. It might be that you see pictures of that animal and it catches your attention. You are suddenly more aware of a particular animal. Pay attention and do some research on the animal as this is one way that the Native American Totems are calling to you.
~Mitakuye Oyasin~ We are all related