My Totem Animals

As part of my Correllian Shaman course we were to find our own totem animals. This took me a bit to meditate on, but they finally came to me in a variety of ways. One was merely a presence,  two were discovered in dreams, one during a meditation session and one because it fits very well in my life... always has.

My first totem is the firefly. She came to me in a dream of my childhood. This dream was of my sister and I playing and catching fireflies at dusk. We were happy and laughing. When I awoke I knew this was to be one of my totems. Even as an adult, I enjoy watching lightning bugs at dusk. They bring me joy and I am in awe of their ability to produce light without electricity! 

My drawing of a firefly... looks more like a dragonfly doesn't it?

My firefly has been placed at the Star Nation location of my medicine wheel. The firefly represents inspiration and hope. It tells us to trust our own rhythms, both the physical and the spiritual. When the firefly presents itself it may also indicate that there have been a variety of misjudgments  or it may be warning of the possibility. It tells us to be sure we are focusing on the right things. She may also be telling us to look at our health habits, especially what we are eating. Positive hope is a critical component to fulfillment and inspiration. 

Firefly taking flight. Photo courtesy of pbase.com

My next totem location is the Plant Nation. In this location I have placed the ladybug. She came to me before the assignment was given. I kept seeing ladybugs in November and even now in December I have seen two. This is quite unusual as ladybugs are most prevalent during warm weather months. 

Ladybugs represent a time of luck and protection while wishes are fulfilled. Worries begin to dissipate  New happiness may be coming into light. It is a time of shielding from our own aggravations and pests. The ladybug is never the aggressor, but they will defend. She reminds us to not try too hard to go too fast to fulfill our dreams. In due time, dreams will come true. 

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

My third totem is placed in the Cosmic Waters area of the medicine wheel. I have placed a dolphin in this location. This came to me during meditation. 

The dolphin represents joy and happiness; harmony with ones self and surroundings. It recognizes and balances the rhythms of body with those of nature. It also represents: wisdom, depth of emotions, playfulness  intelligence and communication. It is also a helper with dream interpretations. 

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

The fourth location is in the Stone Nation location of the Medicine Wheel. In this location I have placed the Horned Toad Lizard. This also came to me during a dream. After meditating one evening I had a dream about the horned toad I found in the front yard of my old house in South Texas. 

My Tribal representation of the Horned Toad Lizard

The Horned Toad is believed to be the grandfather, the creator, in animal form. It is thought to bring good luck. It helps you to better understand dreams and mental creations. It also helps you to face fears and ask for guidance in facing difficult situations that you fear. 

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

My final totem location is in the center of the Medicine Wheel. In this area I felt that the dog was best here. I have always had a bond with dogs, to the point that I have had strays come to me for medical help! Dogs, in my opinion, are the BEST mammals in the animal kingdom. 

Dogs represent loyalty, friendship and nobility. They give unconditional love and forgiveness  They have an uncanny ability to read situations and hold a high level of psychic awareness. 

My best friend!

This project was very enjoyable! It took a lot of time to meditate and think about what animals fit appropriately for me. Now, I need to assign the stones that represent all 29 locations of my wheel. More to come on that I am certain!