This is the first article in the "My Totem" series, created at the request of our readers in order to understand this concept, determine your totem and get its power (consciously).
He who knows his totem knows himself. The characteristic signs of totem animals can tell a lot about our inherent abilities and talents, point out our strengths and weaknesses, and clarify to us the reasons for our strengths and weaknesses. In general, the totem clarifies the inner potential of a person, awakening him to self-expression for the benefit of all.
Learning how your totem adapt to environmental conditions in order to survive can help you deal with difficult circumstances in your own life. In addition, understanding your totem expands the scope of perception, which makes it possible to connect to its energy and draw strength. A person understands his totem not so much when he knows its distinctive features, but when he, studying it and communicating with him, sees its manifestations in himself, he unites with him consciously.
Totem can unite people. Often the same totem can be found in people connected by close relationships. Such a totem protects relationships, helps to make them stronger and more harmonious. More often than pairs of totems are used by groups of people, they choose one totem animal for themselves, which determines the direction of their activities (for example, the well-known bear logo of the United Russia party).
Determining your totem will be useful not only for self-knowledge, but also for magical development. After all, the totem is our connection with the invisible worlds. Each creation of nature is a manifestation of some properties of the divine mind or power. And through these manifestations of nature, we can communicate with higher powers. This is a privilege not only for a narrow circle of dedicated people - priests and shamans. If desired, each person is able to make contact with them, including through his totem.
The image of your totem is not a separate individual, not some, for example, a separate animal, it is a manifestation of a certain force, according to which the appearance and behavior of living beings is formed. Interaction with such power opens doors to other worlds. All forms of life are interconnected, therefore, if we learn to interact with our totem, we will be able to interact with representatives of the other three levels of being. As C. Meadows, a scholar of American Indian culture, writes: "Totems serve as 'connectors' between different levels of perception in the human, animal, plant and mineral kingdoms." All these kingdoms are interconnected and interdependent, one kingdom exists and develops at the expense of another, and this process is closed in a cycle. And thanks to this connection, we have the opportunity to tune in to other levels of being. All this contributes to the expansion of our perception and deepening of understanding of the laws of Nature. And Nature is a storehouse of Magic.
Through his totem, the shaman reconnects with the natural world and the realm of spirits. Using the image of an animal, he goes beyond his consciousness and plunges into a trance. Thus, the shaman can tune in to invisible worlds and entities. Imitating his totem animal, the shaman puts on a special ritual attire and imitates its movements in the dance. This is necessary in order to use its power in the material world. When a shaman turns to his totem, pays homage to it, the archetypal energies hidden in it become part of his life.
Those who know their totem and have acquired the skills to connect with it can turn to its energy. With the help of an animal, a shaman comes into contact with special primordial forces and comprehends himself and his life, from those angles that are inaccessible to ordinary people. Showing respect for the totem, he honors the essence hidden in it - a special spiritual substance that uses the image and form of the animal to communicate with it.
Having gained access to the power of his totem, the shaman comprehends the language of nature and opens his mind to her secrets.
The question should sound like this, because a person cannot choose his totem. After all, it is given from birth, as a kind of inseparable essence. A person behaves and builds his life based on this meta-image - and this is a fact. Here, but how does one person get the totem that he has? (What do you think? Tell us about it in the comments below the article.) Several hypotheses can be put forward in this regard.
The very word "totem" Indian origin, it means - kind, ancestor. The North American Indians believed that they were united and protected by the spirit of the tribe's ancestor, for example, the Cherokee tribe has such an ancestor totem - the wolf. Indian tribes wore a coat of arms depicting their totem animal (plant, stone, object or natural phenomenon). From this it can be assumed that the totem of a person (and his family, like the Indian tribe) comes from his distant ancestor, which, for example, like the Cherokee Indians, can be a wolf or some other creature.
There is another explanation for this issue. A totem is one of the past incarnations of a person in the animal kingdom (also in the plant and mineral kingdoms), in which he most vividly and fully lived his life.
A person's totem can manifest itself during the period of its creative or other realization. It's right. When a person understands who he is in this world, his place in it and his destiny, he meets his totem.
There are two options for how to recognize your totem. The totem itself can come into your life when you need it: you will dream about it, come in meditations, manifest itself in your actions. At the same time, the more self-awareness you have, the more likely you will be able to use its power. In other words, if you know which totem is manifested in you, you know its qualities, you can receive its power.
You can figure it out on your own or contact a specialist. But, do not try to recognize your spirit animal by the date of your birth. It's unlikely that you can guess. You can independently find out “who you are” through meditation and personal observation of the characteristic features of your totem and how these qualities have a place in you. We will talk about this in more detail in the next article. I will say in the end that there can really only be one totem: one from the Lower World, and... :)
Totemism as a form of religion appeared among primitive people. A totem can be any object, animal or plant that a person worships, from whom he asks for protection, patronage and advice in a difficult situation. In ancient times, the totem was considered the patron of the entire tribe, they even made sacrifices to it. Only dedicated priests knew the secrets of how to make a totem with their own hands, but some of the techniques for making it have survived to this day. Now it practically loses its ritual significance and becomes just a decoration of the home.
The process of creating a totem
Not much has been written about how to make a totem out of wood, because this symbol of the first religious cults is truly popular only in certain circles of esoteric lovers. However, if you still want the totem to become a wonderful element of your home decor, try making it yourself. To do this, you need to do the following:
- Take a linden board measuring 0.5 * 0.3 m, beads of various colors and shapes, pencils, gouache, a furniture stapler, a long narrow fur strip and a set of cutters;
- To create a totem yourself, draw a pencil sketch of your totem, and then transfer the resulting image to a tree using incisors. Excess must be cut off with a sharp cutter;
- Sand the totem. To do this, you can use fine-grained sandpaper or a small cutter. This is a rather painstaking work that requires perseverance, but the result will really justify your efforts. Now the main part of the totem is ready;
- Now it's time to finish the totem. First of all, you need to color it, while it is advisable to first carefully consider its color scheme and not go beyond it. When finished painting, dry your product thoroughly and coat it with clear furniture varnish;
- String beads on a strong thread in random order, regardless of size. Glue the resulting beads around the perimeter of the totem. Along the edges, the totem should be sheathed with fur using a furniture stapler;
- The finished totem can be hung both in the hallway and in the bedroom: it will drive away evil spirits, bring you happiness and good luck, and will patronize in all matters.
The most common animal totems you can make are: cat, lynx, tiger, jaguar, lion, raven, panther, wolf, snake, etc. Just choose among them the animal whose character best suits yours. And you already know how to make a totem with your own hands.
It has always been difficult for a person to cope with life's difficulties alone. Therefore, he often turned to higher powers for help. The ancient religion of totemism claims that each of us has our own patron animal, a source of internal energy and strength. It is called totemic. How to recognize your totem animal, establish a connection with it and become happy - all these questions are asked by people who need help and protection.
Totem - a symbol of a sacred animal
In the cultures of different nations there is a cult of animals. Man, according to the beliefs of many peoples, descended from the so-called "our smaller brothers", who in fact are not them. The animal is higher than man, stronger and wiser than him, because he has the abilities that man has lost over time, the advent of civilization and due to the destruction of nature.
All totems are divided into two types: Lunar and Solar. Totem animals are not divided into male - female. But there is an opinion that a woman, due to her sensitivity and developed intuition, can acquire any totem. Each sacred assistant has his own talent and abilities, strength and preferences. In endowing a person with these features, there is an interaction between them.
In most cultures, a person cannot choose a totem himself. The symbolic animal makes its own choice. Moreover, this can happen at any time: both at birth and during a difficult life period. A person only needs to go to meet his totem animal.
One totem can protect both the whole life and a certain period. Much depends on the level of spiritual development of a person and the changes taking place in his inner world. The totem can not only protect and help: constant spiritual practice and work on oneself can lead to the next level of interaction with the patron animal. This happens when a person discovers in himself new opportunities and character traits that he needs at the moment: nobility, enterprise, courage, charisma, etc.
Some are patronized by two or three totems. But not everyone is so lucky, most are protected by only one.
It is very important to decide: it is you who will be able to recognize your totem animal. Success and quality of life depend on it. When choosing any way to search for a totem, you need to remember important rules: never joke with your protector, never offend his bodily representatives, do not keep his stuffed animal in the house, do not eat his meat. A respectful attitude is necessary, otherwise the totem will go away and leave its owner without vital patronage.
In total, there are three main ways to recognize your spirit animal:
- Meditative.
- Calendar-numeric.
- Analytical (general).
Meditative way
In order to determine your totem, you need to dive into the subconscious. Meditation is a way to hear the inner "I" and call your patron for contact.
- First, calm down, do not talk for a few minutes, dim the lights and sit comfortably. Try to pick a time when no one can disturb or interfere. Try to breathe slowly in the same rhythm. The heart chakra will open for interaction with energy flows.
- Close your eyes and try to ask the Higher Powers to help you find your sacred protector. Mentally feel the warmth and golden light that pours from the sky. Imagine yourself in the place where you feel most comfortable: in the mountains, in the forest, by the lake, etc. Listen to the sounds of nature and try to feel the silence and a moment of complete solitude. Mentally go for a walk.
- Wait a bit. The totem itself will appear in front of you. Notice where he came from. A hole, a tree, a dense forest - everything has a symbolic meaning and in the future can become a sign for making a decision.
- Get in touch with your totem. Ask him or wait for action on his part. Stroke, refer to the sacred animal. According to its energy message, you will immediately understand whether this is your totem or not.
- Thank the animal and wait for it to leave. In the next three days, signs or messages from him should be expected.
During meditation, in no case should you fantasize or connect thinking. Everything should happen harmoniously and gradually.
In case of unsuccessful meditation, dreams can help. It is necessary to remember which animal or bird most often appeared to him in dreams. Whether the animal was trying to communicate or warn, where it was going and what it looked like.
Befriending a totem is very easy.
Calendar-Number Method
According to the oldest astrological totem calendars found in the ancient cemeteries of ancient peoples, depending on the date and year of birth, each person is protected by his own totem. This opinion was held by the Celts, Zoroastrians and Turks.
Year of birth Totem Characteristics of the year
- 1938, 1970, 2002 - Deer (noble, a strong creative principle and bright thoughts prevail).
- 1939, 1971, 2003 - Baran (stubborn, submissive to superiors, diligent and hardworking).
- 1940, 1972, 2004 - Mongoose (capable of self-sacrifice, courageous and altruistic).
- 1941, 1973, 2005 - Wolf (talented in military affairs, secretive, harsh and cruel).
- 1942, 1974, 2006 - Stork (developed intuition, great willpower and ability to work).
- 1943, 1975, 2007 - Spider (intellectual principle prevails, great pedagogical abilities).
- 1944, 1976, 2008 - Snake (Uzh) (the main thing is the knowledge of the world and oneself, spiritual growth and the constant accumulation of the experience of ancestors).
- 1945, 1977, 2009 - Beaver (jack of all trades, lucky and cunning).
- 1946, 1978, 2010 - Turtle (contemplative, talented, secretive, usually long-lived).
- 1947, 1979, 2011 - Magpie (talkative, mercenary, idle talker).
- 1948, 1980, 2012 - Squirrel (easy-going, restless, smart and attentive).
- 1949, 1981, 2013 - Raven (proud, with inner and outer beauty and fortitude).
- 1950, 1982, 2014 - Rooster (lazy, the desire to show off and stand out prevails, selfishness, love of love).
- 1951, 1983, 2015 - Tour (Bull) (able-bodied, reliable, knows how to be a friend and is able to attract money).
- 1952, 1984, 2016 - Badger (lucky, thrifty, rich).
- 1953, 1985, 2017 - Camel (hardy and strong, strives for self-restraint, knows how to work and earn money).
- 1954, 1986, 2018 - Hedgehog (Sensitive, kind, sympathetic, reliable friend).
- 1955, 1987, 2019 - Doe (honest, has a quick reaction and the ability to make decisions with lightning speed, with heightened intuition, a sense of taste and style).
- 1956, 1988, 2020 - Elephant (reliable, often rich, achieving great success in any business, but often sick and in poor health).
- 1957, 1989, 2021 - Horse (brave, honest, in constant motion and action).
- 1958.1990, 2022 - Cheetah (graceful, fair, excellent family man and parent).
- 1959, 1991, 2023 - Peacock (politician, ambitious and stern).
- 1960, 1992, 2024 - Swan (closed, faithful, seducer and hypocrite).
- 1961, 1993, 2025 - Lynx (prefers loneliness, diplomat and strategist).
- 1935, 1967, 1999 - Vepr (passionate, loving, energetic and resourceful).
- 1936, 1968, 2000 - Owl (wise, smart, sensitive and strong).
- 1937, 1969, 2001 - Sokol (freedom-loving, physically developed, capable of a feat, usually chooses heroic professions).
Analytical method (method of general information collection)
Some of us have been connected to our totem while still in the womb. This betrays their appearance: facial features, demeanor or other subtle signs resemble some kind of animal or bird. You should not panic or complex about this: being under the invisible protection of your sacred friend, a person receives unlimited possibilities. Listen to the opinions of others. Perhaps someone has already said: “You walk like a cat!” or compared the look with an eagle.
A totem animal can also pass by inheritance, from deceased ancestors. Then they talk about a family or family totem. An analogy can be drawn with the family coat of arms, which depicted the symbols of the family. If you manage to learn about such a hereditary totem and start revering it, then it will become easier to find your patron. But the main thing that you can do for a family totem in gratitude for its work is to keep the memory of it and tell other members of the family about its miraculous power.
In special cases, you need to act on the contrary. If the rational principle is very strong in a person, then he will begin to be afraid and repel his totem. So people are afraid of wolves, spiders and other animals. But only panic and can be seen as a signal that a protector and patron has been found.
Step-by-step Algorithm of Traveling in the Spirit behind your Totem:
Clearly state the goal. For example, I want to see my Totem and connect with it.
Open the sacred space, light a candle. To create a sacred space, focus your gaze straight ahead, or simply close your eyes and fold your palms as if in prayer. Then, without opening your hands, raise them, touching your forehead in the center above your head. In this way, you touch your soul plexus, which is the soul itself. Then lower and raise your hands several times through the sides up to clothe your entire body with the radiance of the plexus of the soul. Put your hands on your knees and feel how the space around you is filled with radiant soul energy.
Light a candle. Turn to all directions of the World: East, South, West and North, as well as to the Sun and Earth with the words:
I turn to the Winds of the East and the Great Eagle.
Surround me with Light
Teach me Wisdom
Give me inspiration
Lift me above the world
And show me the Path of Beauty.
I turn to the Fires of the South and the Great Lion.
Surround me with Light
Teach me courage
And empower.
Protect me and show me the Way of Peace.
I address the Lands of the West and the Great Horse.
Surround me with Light
Teach me the Knowledge of the Past
And endow with Healing Power.
Reveal to me the Paths between the Worlds.
I speak to the Waters of the North and the Great Deer.
Surround me with Light
Teach me the Vision of Truth
And endow with the Memory of the Ancestors.
Bless me with gifts
Knowledge of Life and Death.
Thanks to all the ancestors.
Come and warm your hands by this Fire.
Whisper in my ear with the voice of the Wind.
I honor those who came into the world before me,
And those who will come after me, children, my children.
Mother Earth - I pray for the healing of all your children.
People of stones and people of the forest.
Bipedal, arthropod, waterfowl,
Furry and winged. All my relatives.
Father Sun and Mother Moon.
Star brothers and sisters
Great Spirit. You are known by a thousand names
And you are one and nameless.
I thank you for
That let me sing the Song of Life.
Enter the state through breathing practice (calming the mind - inhibitory). Each approach consists of 4 actions: 7 counts - inhale, 7 counts - breath holding, 7 counts - exhale and again 7 counts - breath holding. As a rule, “little death” is performed in 7 approaches, but, nevertheless, their number, as well as the counting rate, can be more or less, depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. Slight dizziness and / or complete relaxation indicate that this exercise is done correctly.
Slowly move into the Underworld. Mentally leave your body and go down. (If you are at home, high above ground level, then imagine how you go through all the floors, going down.) Stand on the ground, feel it under your feet. Dive even lower and feel the roots of the trees, the stones in the ground.
Go down lower and lower until you see an underground river. Her waters will purify you: they will take away your fatigue, anxious thoughts and all the negativity that is in you. Lie down at the bottom of the river and let it wash away everything that prevents you at the moment from going on a journey for your totem. Feel the coolness of the river and its flow - you are moving deep into the bowels of the earth. You're sinking lower and lower, lower and lower.
And now the river takes you to the bank of a flowering garden. There you will find a lawn, a stream and a forest. Look for a boulder on the lawn where you can sit down to relax and enjoy the birds singing. You are not alone here - soon you will be met by the Gatekeeper of the Lower World.
Negotiate with the Gatekeeper announce the goal, go to your Personal Paradise. With all due respect and respect, say:
Greetings, Gatekeeper of the Underworld. You, who are called by many names, are the lord of life and death." Look directly into his eyes and say: “Keeper of the seasons, let me enter your domain, help me (announce the purpose of the trip, for example, help me see my Totem and connect with it).
See Totem. With the permission of the Gatekeeper, mentally call your totem - call the one with whom your whole life is connected. Feel the spirit of the beast (or other being) approaching you or sneaking up behind you. Feel the look in his eyes. Listen to how he breathes. And then turn around, mentally open your eyes and look at your totem. (If you experience a surge of emotion at this moment, that will be a good sign.) Reach out to him and touch his body. What do you feel? Feathers, wool, or perhaps bare skin or hard shell? Look at him: how he looks, how he moves, how he looks at you, what sounds he makes, what color he has, etc.
Talk and negotiate with him, connect with him, feel his strength in yourself. Look into his eyes and ask: “Who are you?”, “What is your name?”, “What can I learn from you?”, “What is your strength?”, “What are your strengths?”, “In what are your weaknesses? etc. When you're done, thank him and invite him to come back with you. (His consent will be a symbol of your reunion, so the totem itself will remain living in the Lower World.) If this creature agrees, ask him to give you a sign in the Middle World (in our world of people), which will be confirmation that he really is your totem.
Thank the Gatekeeper, ask what needs to be done in the open world to thank him, say goodbye to him. Thank the Gatekeeper, ask what you need to do to thank him, say goodbye to him. Call your totem with you.
Slowly return back, feeling the power of the Totem in yourself. Return the same way: through the river, stream and soil to your body. Feel every cell of your body, stretch, tighten all your muscles, and then relax, rub your palms and face. Slowly open your eyes. You are here and now.
Extend your arms and feel the energy of your totem. Pull it towards you - to the place that your intuition will point to (usually it is the heart plexus). Feel how this energy spreads throughout the body. Try to repeat some movement of your totem, feeling how it merges with your body.
Say a prayer, close the sacred space.
I thank the world for what I have.
I thank the World for what I don't have.
I am happy (a) to live in the world.
Extinguish the candle, or let it burn out. Close sacred space. Focus your gaze straight ahead, or simply close your eyes and fold your palms as if in prayer. Lower your arms, opening them and passing through the sides, again connect them above your head. Then, without opening your arms, lower them to chest level. Repeat several times. The space is closed.
What is a Totem and what is it for?
Journey for the Totem. Part 1
Journey for the Totem. Part 2
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This master class will be even more saturated with pictures than the previous one, and I want to tell you about how I did
recently Raven Totem to order. Usually I make totem animals in the form of yawara (palm sticks), this time
the customer wished to receive the Raven totem in the form of a figurine.
So, to create a Raven totem, we need:
- a block of wood (in our case, it is a cedar);
- symbol (in our case, it is a silver "Valknut");
- shungite stone 3-4 mm ball (to create the eyes of a raven);
- wood cutters;
- ink for graphic works / ink (for painting in black);
- wood protection products (oil, wax, varnish);
- composure (because "large" products require a "big" attitude - it took me about 60 days).
By tradition, I divide the story into chapters, but by tradition, you do not hesitate to press the "I like it!" button. Let's fly!
Stage 0. Sketching
I'll start the story with the most interesting - with sketches. I don’t make them every time, but I try - in interesting and new orders.
At first, the introduction was like this: a raven made of wood + a valknut. Got the following options:
The option on the left was not invented by me (it was offered to the customer after I received the "go-ahead" from the authors - the Ruyan Workshop).
These options were revised, and they settled on this one: Raven sits on a stone (rock), into which the "Valknut" is inserted.
Since I started with sketches, I’ll show you what crows were before (there were 2 of them):
The first is a simple yawara "Raven", but with a "live" hematite look.
The second one is a larger yawara "Voron-2", also with a "hematite" look and more detailed feathers. eye hole
and the smile was made not by me, but by mother nature: these are cracks in the rock. Since the material of the tree is pear root (very hard, however), it’s not a fact that I could make indentations under the eyes myself. As they say, successfully "attached to the area."
Now the third Raven is in line! Let's see how it turned out and most importantly - how! Ka-a-ar! Let's take off!
Stage 1. Cut out the contour of the figure
See how fast! And everything is clear :) In fact, there is nothing complicated here: they put a drawing on a wooden block and built
gali bar along the contour of the picture. You can still sniff the shavings as a sign of the completion of the initial stage - the cedar is very fragrant
wood! I have been putting all the chips from the products in a separate bag for a long time in the hope of getting out to the dacha and, without hurrying anywhere,
put it all on fire, enjoying the aroma of wood shavings! But dreams are dreams, but for now photos:
Stage 2. Working on the feathers
We are working on the feathers of the wings, back, chest and tail + outline the paws + make a recess in the base under the symbol.
The process is laborious, so 10 approaches in a day or two. But the result is certainly pleasing to the eye. See for yourself:
Stage 3. Cut through everything else
We cut the second wing of the Raven + finish the tail:
We detail the paws, making them more bird-like + give the base rock the effect of a hewn stone with chips:
We are working on the second wing + the space between the wings and the Raven's body (below):
Everything! The raven is cut, we applaud ourselves, turn on our favorite music, dance.
Ah, I almost forgot! We take Raven to work, show colleagues, learn from them that "the feathers are classy, but the head is not a crow",
we return home, continue to create, forgetting what they told us there!
Stage 4. "Trying on" the eyes
With a semicircular stoma of a suitable size, we cut out recesses for the eye-stones.
We make a "fitting" of the eyes.
The stones fit. We take them out of the eye sockets, turn on the music, take out the abrasive skins.
Stage 5. We grind the surface of the figure
We remove irregularities with sandpaper, grind burrs:
Stage 5. Painting or "dancing with a tambourine"
Now we need to color our Raven black. The easiest way would be to find a hardware store in
which sells black non-aqueous (spiral) stain, but since: firstly, such a store is not so easy to find,
and secondly, we are not looking for easy ways - we do the following:
- we buy black ink in the stationery store and cover the Crow with it with a brush.
I think I covered twice (2 coats = 2 sets), I don't remember. But the problem is that the surface got dirty - that we
completely unsatisfied. This is where the "dancing with a tambourine" began. But before we take out the tambourine and dance - we look at color pictures - the Raven, although it gets dirty, is already beautiful, however!
Coated with wax - it still gets dirty. To walk, so to walk - I take out the recently bought and actively praised by experts
for the manufacture of wooden handles for knives, the finish coating is Danish oil.
I covered only one wing with it to compare the resulting shade with ink. The result is obvious: the color has become "thicker", more saturated! What we need.
Coated Raven in Danish oil all over. He became less dirty, but still dirty. Probably, if I had time, I would cover the figurine a couple more times with oil, but it dries for 5-6 hours and there is no time for this. I run to the store for varnish
(a good reason to buy new materials) and (oh, miracle!) I find an odorless quick-drying varnish specifically for wood.
I apply in one layer - and remove the tambourine under the table. Everything! The floats are over! Paint the base rock with dark brown paint-
stain and insert his eye-stones (we insert without glue, lately I have been more and more successful with it).
Raven Totem Ready!
Unfortunately, there are no photos of the final version of the Raven (I mean by color), so I'm attaching a photo of the raven with ink.
It was an interesting commission, which turned out to be a powerful master class, I think. Thank you for your attention!
I look forward to your comments. All the best to you!
Sincerely yours, Oleg Shamanovich Totemov.
Workshop "7I*Shaman"
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