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Through out history, many tribal cultures all over the world believed in animal totems.  This is because they lived so close to nature and considered the animals around them to be their relations.  Many tribes did not even have a separate word for animal.  They were called the four-legged, crawling, flying and the swimming ones. These tribal people observed the animals around them and then learned from them.  They observed what plants the animals used when they were sick, how they interacted with each other, with enemies.  They paid attention to what the particular animals were good at doing, what their gifts were, and they honored the animals for their gifts.  They also noticed that some people had the same gifts as the animals, and these gifts brought balance to their lives.  Native Americans called these gifts that brought balance “medicine”.  When a person had very strong medicine of a particular animal, that animal was considered to be their totem. Today we have gotten away from nature and no longer recognize the importance of totems.  If we understand the medicine that we carry, then we better understand why we do the things we do and think the way we think.  We can begin to develop this medicine, which is a gift and which we have for a reason.  The reason we carry this medicine is often closely related to our lifes purpose.  When you are born, you are surrounded by seven directions.  These are East, South, West, North, Above, Below and Within.  Each of these directions corresponds to a different purpose in our life on this plane.  Each of these directions also has a guardian, or totem, that aids us on our Earth Walk.  The directional correspondences are as follows: East: This animal gives us our spiritual challenges and guards us on our Earth Walk. South: This animal protects our inner child, teaching us humility and trust. West: This animal teaches us to listen to our personal truth and helps us reach our goals. North: This animal teaches us when to speak and when to listen.  It brings us counsel and teaches us gratitude. Above: This animal teaches us about the Great Star Nation.  It reminds us that we came from the stars and to them we shall return.  This animal is also responsible for you during your dreamtime and may be the animal you frequently dream of or turn into during dreams. Below: This animal keeps you grounded and keeps you on your own personal path. Within: This animal has been with you from the beginning.  It teaches you how to find the joy within yourself and how to be true to yourself.  This animal is your protector. Other traditions also include the two animals who walk beside you, on your left and your right.  These correspondences are: Left: This animal protects your feminine side.  It teaches us to love, value and nurture ourselves. Right: This animal protects your masculine side.  This animal teaches you courage. The following pages are dedicated to our brothers and sisters and the Medicine that they carry.  To get to the next page, simply hit 'next' at the bottom of the page.  These pages are being added to regularly, so check back often!!

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