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Animal Totems and Their Meanings

Although most people tend to think of Native American culture in connection with animal totems, there are in fact ancient traditions worldwide where animals play an important role in spiritual practices, acting as guides and givers of wisdom.

Australian Aborigines, Celts and Pagans (of European descent originally), the Chinese and many other races have all used, or continue to use, animals as significant parts of their spiritual beliefs.

Totem or guide animals are those with which the individual will share a strong connection and will empower, instruct, protect and help us to acquire wisdom.

Each culture attaches very different meanings to particular animals and there is no single system even according to Native American beliefs as the many different tribes each have their own traditions.

For the purposes of this listing I have used the most commonly occurring or accepted animal totems and their meanings according to Native American tribes and belief systems. It works on the principle of season and month of birth with the belief that individuals born at that time will have particular affinity with the animal of that month.

List of Animal Totems and Meanings

Aquarius – Otter, Magpie

Anyone born under this sign will be idealistic almost to the point of alienating others at time with their high demands. They can be playful and fun loving and also very creative.

Pisces – Wolf, Cougar, Whale

Symbolises grace and generosity. A lover of freedom and constantly seeking love which they themselves will give generously. Will display initiative, loyalty and trust.

Aries – Hawk, Falcon, Wolf

Sometimes impulsive, hawk people are natural leaders with their innate abilities of insight and adaptability. Being part of a whole is important while maintaining individuality.

Taurus – Elk, Beaver

Strength, pride and beauty all mark the elk person. With a tendency to become aggressive if confronted, the elk can be an exceptionally hard worker, striving for material possessions to symbolise their security.

Gemini – Eagle, Deer

The eagle can see many things from afar and will notice small details both through observation and intuition. Strong willed and elegant, the eagle will attempt to bring harmony and unison through creativity.

Cancer – Salmon, Woodpecker

Anyone born under these signs will be gentle and sensitive and have a great sense of home. Often displaying well developed imagination, the salmon person will be at one with nature and the environment.

Leo – Cougar, Salmon, Sturgeon

Courage and ambition often mark cougar people out as determined and brilliant leaders. They will focus on a goal and stick rigidly to it until complete success has been achieved.

Virgo – Owl, Bear

Intelligent, keen observers and personalities full of tact and discretion mark the owl. Often overly pragmatic and prone to perfectionism.

Libra – Raven, Crow, Dove

Charm and intelligence mark the crow or raven. Often seeming mystical, the raven will strive for balance, harmony and will avoid confrontation and uncertainty wherever possible.

Scorpio – Snake, Eel

Often possessing harsh qualities, the snake will strive constantly to change and overcome their own nature. Snakes love praise and can exhibit deep intuition.

Sagittarius – Horse, Owl, Elk

Full of vitality, strength and stamina, the horse will make a trustworthy companion who is sincere and generous.

Capricorn – Bear, Goose

Adaptable, protective of loved ones and lovers of tradition, the bear will work hard to achieve his goals while displaying caution.

This list of animal totems and meanings is a somewhat oversimplified but serves nonetheless to give a general overview. As with most spiritual practices according to culture, it isn’t possible to explain all of the complexities and variables in one short piece of writing. The system of Native American animal totems is no exception and further reading and guidance would need to be undertaken to get an in-depth understanding.

This article has been written by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton‘.