Animal Totems

In the esoteric tradition, life evolved from vegetable to mineral to animal.

Animals, like us, are conscious.  They feel pain, have memories, and are intuitive.

The animal world follows the Universe's rhythms so say the Esoteric schools.  Accordingly, as the other conscious creatures, we can align ourselves with animal energies.

We are said by the Schools to be born with life totems.  An animal to which you feel a special affinity is probably your totem(s) and you should look into the characteristics of the animal; how and what it eats, its nature, its habitat, its enemies (the Shadow Self in mystic translation), etc.

Some totems come to us for a short while.   Seeing a lot of turtles lately?  Dreaming about snakes for some reason?  Could be the animal medicine is there for you if you take the time to observe it.

Ted Andrews' book Animal Speak  is highly recommended if you are interested in finding out more about this.