Animal Totems

Animal Totems. Discover facts and information about the culture of Native American Indians and the meanings of the Animal Totems used by different tribes

What are Totems

Definition of Animal Totems: What are Animal Totems and what are the meanings of Animal Totems? Native American Animal Totems are emblems of tribes or groups of people such as a family or clan. Animal totems or emblems, also reflect the lineage of a tribe, reminding them of their ancestry or their mythical past and creation myths. The word totem is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) word 'odoodem' meaning "his kinship group". Many tribes also hold the belief that each of their people have animal totems that are spirit guides who sometimes appear in dreams or Vision Quests in the form of Power Animals and their dream meanings. These animal totems, or spirit guides walk through life with them, teaching and guiding them and in some instances, protecting them.

Meanings

Animal Totems that also included supernatural creatures of mythology and legend all had a special meaning, characteristic and significance. Animal Totems are Animal Spirits that can be called upon, by an individual or a tribe, for its special powers to serve as a guardian or protector when facing adversity. Animal Totems and their meanings are detailed on our Animal Totems chart.

North west totems

Animal Totems are particularly associated with the Totem Poles that are created by six tribes of Northwest Indians, the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The names of the Northwest Tribes who carved Animal Totems on Totem Poles were the Tlingit, Haida, Bella Coola, Kwakiutl, Tsimshian and the West Coast tribes. Animal Totems and symbols are carved and painted on to long wooden poles that represented the emblems of clans or families and relate to their belief in Totemism. Animal totems were believed to have spiritual significance and watched over the family, clan, or tribe symbolizing their guardian spirit or helper. Animal Totems were not worshipped but they inspired immense respect. Refer to Totem Pole Art and Design for additional facts and information about the design of Totem Poles and their symbolism.

Animism totems

The idea and concept behind Totemism is that people have a spiritual connection or kinship with creatures or objects in nature, making the practice very similar to Animism. Animism is a belief based on the spiritual idea that the universe, and all natural objects within the universe, have souls or spirits. It is believed that souls or spirits exist not only in humans but also in animals, plants, trees, rocks and all natural forces. The concepts of Totemism, Animism, Ritualism and Shamanism should all be considered to gain a full understanding of the religious beliefs of the Native American tribes that included Animal totems.

Meanings

Each one of the animal totems had a special meaning, characteristics and significance. The following chart details the common Animal totems used by Native Indian Tribes across North America. The meanings of each of the Animal Totems are also detailed although there might be some regional and tribal variations to their symbolism and meaning.

Animal Totems & Meanings	Alligator	Alligator - Emotional understanding, cleansing &Spiritual Healing
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Badger	Badger - Bold, out-going, good communicator
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Bat	Bat - Death and Rebirth and Guardian of the Night
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Beaver	Beaver - Creative and Artistic ability, builder, resourcefulness and determination
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Bear	Bear - Strength, Solitude, Motherhood, Teaching and to learn Humility Meaning of Bear
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Bobcat	Bobcat - Independence, Clear Vision and self reliance
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Bumblebee	Bumblebee - Honesty, Pure Thinking, Willingness and Drive
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Buffalo	Buffalo - A manifestation of the Great Spirit, Knowledge, Generosity and abundance
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Butterfly	Butterfly - Represents transformation and the ability to accept change
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Cougar	Cougar - Power, leadership, humility and encourages responsibility for life
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Cow	Cow - Represents Motherhood, contentment, fertility and nourishment
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Crocodile	Crocodile - Strong will, Emotional understanding, cleansing and healing
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Coyote	Coyote - Helps you recognize your own mistakes, Stealth, Clowning and Humor
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Crow	Crow - Find balance living in present, release past beliefs, Skill and Cunning
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Deer	Deer - Healing, Gentleness, kindness & compassion
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Dolphin	Dolphin - Interpreting dreams, Change, Wisdom, Communication,
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Dog	Dog - Guidance, Loyalty and trust
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Dogfish	Dogfish - Persistence and Strength A Born Leader
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Dove	Dove - Love, Gentleness and Kindness
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Dragonfly	Dragonfly - Dreams, Illusions, Ever-changing Life
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Eagle	Eagle - Great Strength, courage Leadership and Prestige
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Elk	Elk - Bravery, agility and independence
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Falcon	The Falcon - Soul Healing, Speed and Movement
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Fox	The Fox - Cunning, Stealth and Feminine Courage
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Frog	Frog - Spring & New Life, Sensitivity, Communicator, Stability
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Grizzly Bear	The Grizzly Bear - Strength and Ferocity
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Halibut	The Halibut - Life protector, Strength and Stability
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Hawk	The Hawk - Guardianship, Strength, Far Sighted
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Heron	The Heron - Patience, Graceful and Easy Going
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Horse	Horse - Energy, Power, Message carrier, communicates with other realms
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Hummingbird	Hummingbird - Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger and Stopper of Time
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Killer Whale	The Killer Whale - Seas and the Underworld, Traveler & Guardian and Symbol of Good
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Kingfisher	The Kingfisher - Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Lizard	The Lizard - Awareness, Conservation, subconscious hopes and fears
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Moose	The Moose - Headstrong, Balance and Longevity
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Mouse	Mouse - Observant qualities and diligence
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Otter	The Otter - Feminine Power, Playful, Trusting, Inquisitive, Bright, Loyal and speedy
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Owl	The Owl - Wisdom, silent and swift, ability to see things normally, a creature of the night
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Raccoon	Raccoon - Curiosity, Creativity, Dexterity, Disguise
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Raven	Raven - Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Porcupine	Porcupine - Safety and Protection
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Salmon	Salmon - Persistence, Dependability and Renewal - A Provider
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Seal	The Seal - Bright, Inquisitive, Organized
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Shark	The Shark - Remorselessness, Survival, Adaptability
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Snake	The Snake - Rebirth, Resurrection, Initiation and Transformation
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Spider	The Spider - Creativity, weaving the web of fate
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Squirrel	Squirrel - Planning and Preparation
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Turtle	The Turtle - Self-Reliance, Tenacity, Slow Progress
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Weasel	The Weasel - Encourages you to develop your sense of inner hearing and to pay attention to your inner voice
	Animal Totems & Meanings	Whale	The Whale - Ancient Knowledge, Awareness
	Animals Totem & Meaning	Wolf	The Wolf - Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family