Healing Drum Retreat

Sometimes we have a totem that stays with us a lifetime.  For me, I have dragonflies, butterflies, and horses.  For Estee there is the hummingbird, eagle, and she is typically greeted by a wolf when she takes her totem walks.

There is no right or wrong totem, all totems have a significant purpose.  If I started seeing a lot of porcupines I would think I should hold my ground to withstand something coming my way, or I may hear it as a reminder that I am being a little “prickly”.

Sometimes a totem will appear for a specific event or time in your life.  Pay attention to those repeat reminders that come your way.  If you see or perceive an animal over and over, they may be there to give a little “wiggle” to the web of life.  For example: If a flock of crows show up in your yard, and this is not normal, then others may be talking about you, or are you talking without honor about others.  Listen and pay attention to the signs.

There can be many messages, and the best thing you can do is let go of the perceptions of good and bad, and just listen.  They are not here to scold, reprimand, or speak through any of our humanistic judgments.  They are here to share attributes or virtues and help us grow more intently into the all-that-is.

One example of working with totems: if you use totem cards, and you draw “the dog”, or if dogs start coming to you in an unusual way, then you might be looking into the virtue of loyalty and commitment.  Your message can come in many forms, and may seem a bit cryptic, but that is half of the fun.  After all, when you receive a gift you appreciate the gifting, the wrapping, and the joy of discovering what is inside.