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TOTEM ANIMALS

DO YOU KNOW YOUR ANIMAL TOTEMS?

Begin the process of discovering your animal totems by examining the animals you have been most interested in & the times of your life that interest was piqued. Use the following questions to help determine which animals are probably totems to you in your life.

1. Which animal or bird has always fascinated you? (We are drawn to that which most resonates with us. Those animals which fascinate us have something to teach us.)

2. When you visit the zoo, which animal do you wish to visit the most or first? (esp. children)

3. What animal(s) do you see most frequently when you are out in nature? Have you had encounters with animals in the wild? (The animals we encounter, in their city environments or in the wild, have significance for us. We can learn from them, even if only about survival within that environment.)

4. Of all the animals in the world, which are you most interested in now? (Our interests in animals change. Yes, we usually have one or two that are lifetime, power animals, but others become prominent when there is something importance or specific to teach us.)

5.What animal most frightens you? (That which we fear the most is often something we must learn to come to terms with. When we do that, it then becomes a power. Some shamans believe that fears will take the shape of animals, and only when we confront them without fear do their powers/medicine work for us instead of against us. Such an animal become a shadow totem.)

6. Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal? (Historically, if a shaman survived an attack, it was believed that the animal was the shaman's spirit totem and the attack was the totem's way oftesting the shaman's ability to handle the power.)

7. Do you have dreams with animals in them or are there animal dreams you have never forgotten? (This is especially important if the dreams are recurring or if at least the animal image in the dream is a recurring one. Children often dream of animals, & attention should be given to these animals. They will often reflect specific spirit totems of the child.)

IRISH POWER ANIMALS

Cat - Cat
As a "domestic" animal, Cats have many associations with people, however, unlike the dog, devotion and loyalty are not normally considered among their traits. Intelligence, mystery and a definite sensitivity for Otherworldly activity are more common aspects. Their independence and often contrary behaviour has given them a bad reputation among some people, and there is a saying in Ireland upon entering a house which goes: "God bless all here except the cat". Cat is often associated with women, and sensuality - the Goddess Brighid for example, had a Cat as a companion. In the Voyage of Maelduin the questors come to an island which has a fabulously decorated hall upon it. Inside, among all the treasure is a solitary cat. When someone tries to take something from the hall, the Cat turns into a firey arrow and slays him. Cat is a fierce warrior when provoked, and will fight with both wile and ferocity. Also known for stealth and secrecy, they are familiar with the hidden paths and will never misdirect you.

Cow - Bó
In the tribal culture of early Ireland, cows were the measure of a person's wealth and prosperity. As such they were honoured as being closely associated with the Land, and being a source of milk, meat and leather. The Goddess Bóinn is most associated with the Cow. The river Boyne, which runs through the Boyne Valley, upon which the great Newgrange rests, is named after her. Cow is patient, understanding and stubborn. She will give measured advice, and can ground you easily. A white cow was often considered to be a "fairy" cow, and Irish people would guard them suspiciously, suspecting the Sidhe would try to steal it away from them. On Bealtaine (May 1st) cattle were driven between two bonfires as a way to purify and envigorate them, and it was considered very bad luck to give away any milk on that day (though spilling some for the Sidhe as an offering was considered wise).

The Crow Family
Crow and Raven - Préachán agus Fiach Dubh
Ravens and crows were often used interchangeably, so it's pretty hard to distinguish between them as far as mythology goes. The most obvious association between them is with the war-Goddesses, Macha, Badbh and the Morrígan - a triple Goddess. Since death and destruction followed the war-Goddesses, these birds have a similar reputation. They are often seen as omens of bad luck, and death. Some old sayings associated with them: "The Raven's Curse on you", and "The Raven thinks her own brood is white". However, Crows and Ravens are also known for their cunning and keen insight - "as the crow flies" indicates the quickest way to something, though that's not to say it will be the easiest path! Also, death was not feared by early Irish society, it was seen as just a gateway to a new life; therefore, early associations with the Crow and the Raven might not have have been as negative as they are today. They can been seen as gatekeepers for the Land beyond the Waves, Tír na NÓg. They bring important messages to the living, which are the straight shooting kind. You won't misunderstand what Crow or Raven have to say with you. When observed in this world, Crows and Ravens are particularly good parents, and form close (if noisy) communities. So, as an Animal Guides, they are steadfast, loyal and good in a fight. Since the Morrígan herself was often a prophet, the birds also have an element of being Oracles and bringers of omens.

Magpie - Meaig
With their striking black and white plumage (with streaks of blue), and their intense curiosity, Magpies are very visible birds. They have very outgoing personalities, are extremely intelligent, and are thieves of the highest order. I always feel there is a great trickster quality to the Magpie, so the first thing is to make sure a joke isn't being played on you by this bird. Again, they can be associated with omens, especially since how many you see at any time was supposed to predict your luck. Seeing a lone magpie was always bad ("one for sorrow"), and particularly if starting out on a journey. Interestingly, Magpies are very good nest builders. An old story goes that the Magpie offered to teach its skills to the other birds, but they all flew away in a huff except the Wren, to whom the Magpie taught its tricks. Therefore, the Magpie and the Wren build the best nests. So, this Animal Guide will be smart, knowledgeable and will always know the safest (and least visible) route in and out of somewhere; however, it is probably a bit of a risk-taker and its stream of joking comments could irritate at times.

Deer - Fia
For a hunting society, the Deer was a powerful symbol - it represents the Land, and the ultimate treasure. It was often seen as a magical creature, and transformations between people and Deer are common. Fionn's wife, Sava is turned into a fawn by a Druid, and their son, Oisín, is often considered half deer, half human. The Goddess associated with Deer was Flidais, who also rules over wild animals in general. Deer teaches us about beauty, honesty and innocence, and is the perfect Guide when all around us seems chaotic and illusionary. She can see through all to the centre of things, and is a true companion of the heart.

Dog - Madra
Irish people have traditionally depended upon dogs for companionship, protection, loyalty and hunting. Along with the Horse, Dogs are probably the animal which is most associated with humans, and there are many stories and legends about them. Cú Chulainn for example, was first known as Sétanta, but when he killed Chulainn's dog by mistake, he agreed to take its place, and thus became the Hound of Chulainn, or Cú Chulainn. The fact that Cú Chulainn was able to take the place of a hound, showed the importance of protection, loyalty and unswerving devotion - qualities highly regarded in humans and dogs. Dog as an Animal guide will never point you in the wrong direction, and will always be at your side. It has a strong association with Earth, and will keep you grounded and "realistic", and has unfailing instincts. Fionn Mac Cumhaill had two enormous hounds, called Bran and Sceolaing who were also his cousins (long story!). He loved them devotedly, but once in a fit of impatience he struck at Bran and it went and drowned itself from grief. From that time on Fionn would occassionally be haunted by the howling of his hound, and it left him heart-broken. Loyalty is as highly regarded by the dog, as it is by the human.

Fox - Sionnach or Madra Rua
The trait most commonly associated with Fox in Ireland is cunning. There are many folktales about how Fox uses his wiles to raid a chicken coop, or better still, slink into the farmer's kitchen itself. When caught, a classic trick of Fox was to play dead, so that the fooled farmer would set off to inform everyone of his latest catch, while the miraculously resusitated Fox would hop up to get away before his return. The reason the Fox could get into so many places is his ability to figure out traps and locks, to many a farmer's frustration. The old story is that Foxes were brought to Ireland by the Vikings, who originally used them as their dogs! Fox, as a power animal is an amiable, stealthy and clever companion. He is exceedingly good at finding his way into otherwise tricky locations, and he can sense a trap or a situation that is best avoided. Not one for a direct fight, he will do everything in his power to circumvent trouble, though if forced to he will defend fiercely. Brash and intelligent, he will keep you amused during your journeys with his opinions on everything.

Horse - Capall
Horses were intrinstic to Irish society, and were seen as a sign of wealth and standing in a community. As a basic necessity, Horses were depended upon for transport and also to help with the tilling of the land. No other animal was a more important partner to humans. Strength, intelligence, patience and friendship are just the beginning of this Guide's attributes. Irish mythology is rife with stories about Horse, in particular the White enchanted horse of the Sidhe. Oisín travels to Tír na NÓg with Niamh upon a white horse. When he returns in order to see his homeland, he is warned not to get off the horse, which is his protection, transport and link to Tir na NÓg. Of course, mishap occurs and he falls off, whereupon the horse disappears instantly and the path back to the Land of the Young is forever closed to him. One of the main functions a Horse as animal Guide can provide for you is transport - it will carry you quickly in and out of any place, and will guard you constantly. Horse is also seen as being very sensitive to danger and "Otherworldly" occurences - Cú Chulainn's two horses demonstrate this most obviously, one of them sheds tears of blood on the way to Cú Chulainn's last battle. Always pay heed to Horses's warnings.

Salmon - Bradán
The Salmon is seen as the oldest of all creatures and as the holder of all wisdom in Irish tradition. The Salmon of Knowledge, a mythical creature, had eaten hazel nuts from the nine trees that grew along the Well of Wisdom. Anyone who would eat this salmon would gain all the Wisdom of the Ages. In the stories, it is Fionn who, accidentally, first partakes of the Salmon and thus takes the knowledge into himself. The Salmon, with its obvious associations with water, can navigate between the sea and the river and thus is knowlegeable about the gateways between Worlds and the hidden emotions within us. It is a sure Guide when emotions are turbulent, and brings calm and peace to upsetting situations with its sage advice.

Swan - Eala
One of the most beautiful birds in Ireland, the Swan has many associations. It is most famous for being the bird the Children of Lir were turned into when their Step Mother wanted to be rid of them. As such it is considered a "royal" bird, and is graceful and long-lived. Swans are very fierce when under threat, and their beautiful exterior often belies their strength and determination. They are viewed as destructive when they descend upon Emhain Macha and ravage the area as an omen of Cú Chulainn's conception - swans appear several times during his lifetime. There is a strong shape-shifting quality to them due to the many stories of humans turning into Swans and vice versa, so they are highly magical birds, with much information about mastering transformation and change. Romance is also tied into the Swan, for the "Love God" of the Tuatha De Danna, Óengus fell in love with Cáer, who was under a magical enchantment by her father so that she was in the form of a swan for a year, followed the next year by being in the form of a human. Óengus transforms himself into a Swan in order to be with his beloved. Midhir and Étain escape from her husband's fortress in the shape of swans in order to be together.

Totem Animals