Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Animal Totems"

Deep in slumber, dreams unending, Wise old bear, patient, strong, Send me dreams of transformation. Grant me intuition along With introspection of my life, Inner listening, no more strife. Caution, Healing, Leadership The power of the Bear totem is the power of introspection. The answers to all our questions lie within us. Each of us has the capacity to quiet the mind, enter the silence and know. Just as the bear hibernates during the winter, people with a Bear totem will be quieter during the winter months. But they must awaken in the spring and seek whatever opportunities are around them. When you have a Bear totem, you are being guided to a leadership role. You must be fearless in defending your beliefs. The Bear also encourages you to exercise your abilities as a natural healer. Bears are associated with trees which are natural antennas, linking the heavens and the Earth. Bear also has links to the seven color rays of the Universal Light as well as Lunar ties, linking the subconscious and the unconscious mind. It is associated with the Goddess Artemis.

Dark night flyer, lift me higher Realms of life where loved ones go, That I might find joy mind to mind, My heart hurt less. I miss them so. Teach me that death can hurt much less If I accept it as no end, But see it true, just another view Of life continuing round a bend. Transition, Rebirth A Bat totem appearing in your life is a call for the end of a way of life and the beginning of another. You must face your greatest fears and get rid of the part of your life that no longer is needed. This transition is very frightening for many: "better the devil you know..." But you will not grow spiritually until the old parts are gone. Face the darkness before you and you will find the light in rebirth.

Cunning badger of the forest, Guide me to wisdom, truth and light. All injustices against me, Wipe clean the slate and set them right. Aggressiveness, Reliance, Self-Expression The power of the Badger totem is its aggressiveness and the willingness to fight for what it wants. This aggression can also be turned to healing - for Badger is the keeper of Earth's healing herbs. Badger people are quick to express their feelings with concern for the consequences. They are often healers who have the courage to use unconventional methods. Badger has the ability to persist to find a cure. Badger people are often leaders and bosses, the one who will get the job done. If you have a Badger as a totem, you will likely be solitary but comfortable being alone. You are comfortable within yourself and very self-reliant. Badger anger can get your out of apathy, but be careful not to cut yourself (or others) to ribbons using. Badger is a powerful totem when used properly.

Boundaries, Protection, Empathy Armadillo wears its armor on its back, its medicine is part of its body. Its boundaries of safety are a part of its total being. Adjust your rhythms and senses and you will know what is safe and what is not. Armadillo teaches you how to protect yourself and when to let your defenses down. Make yourself a energy body shield using Armadillo medicine. Make a circle on a piece of paper and see it as a medicine shield. Write in the circle all the things that you want to have, experience, and give you joy. This shield will reflect what you are and what you will on an unconscious level. When you receive an Armadillo totem, it is time to define your space. You may have trouble saying "no" and are being taken for granted. Learn to guard your personal space and allow entry only when you want to.

Swift-footed antelope, teach me survival instincts. Make me aware of intuitive warnings. Let the aggressor be brought low by his or her own actions. Dispel his or her power to harm others. Show me the path to safety, peace and harmony. Action, Speed, Adaptability of the Mind Antelope teaches survival. How to avoid indiscriminate destruction of life. The Antelope signifies knowledgeable action. Antelope medicine is the knowledge of life’s circle, the knowledge and understanding of death. Through Antelope you can learn to truly live and action is the key and essence to living. If you have a problem which you cannot solve, call on Antelope and he will speak to you and set you free. Listen to Antelope, but more importantly, act. You will overcome any obstacle in your path. Antelope is the messenger of a higher purpose; he knows the way and through him, so will you. Antelope can teach clairvoyance by listening to his voice inside of you. An Antelope person is intrinsically psychic. Often it is in the form of clear-smelling – fragrances and odors will awaken this power. Mediate using a fragrance with musk in it. Trust your instincts. If a person or situation does not “smell” right, back away from it.

Curiosity Anteater people are naturally inquisitive, and can often sniff out trouble, or those in trouble, with little difficulty. Anteater also gives you the ability to find lost objects and an understanding the value of "rooting around" to find solutions. They are a connection to the insect world.

Patience, Order, Discipline A person with an ant totem is active, community-minded who sees future needs. You are a plannerbut content to build your dreams slowly over time. You are content in knowing that everything will come to you in time. The ant teaches you how to become the architect of your life. The greatest success comes with persistence. The ant shows you how to work with others. Ask yourself if you are making things harder than they need to be. Are you being patient with your own and others' efforts? Using discipline, you can lay a foundation for success. The ant is the promise of success through effort.

Primal Energies The Crocodile or Alligator totem contains the unbridled creative forces of the world, the fury and ferocity of Primal Energies. It is the symbol of creation and destruction. The Crocodile or Alligator is the keeper and protector of all knowledge. She is the primal mother in whom all knowledge rests and waits to be born. People with a Crocodile or Alligator totem have the opportunity to develop new wisdom but they must be careful not to be consumed by this wisdom. Study each bit of knowledge carefully before going on to the next. Care of the eyes is important for Crocodile or Alligator people. Also beneficial are breathing techniques like those practiced in Yoga. When a Crocodile or Alligator shows up look for an opportunity to touch very primal energies. There will be an opportunity for new knowledge and wisdom.