Totemic Thoughts
"Totem" is a global concept. It's present in so many cultures throughout the globe that it seems ridiculous that it's not present in Western Culture. The closest thought we have is of a Werewolf . . . that there are humans walking around with beasts in their hearts, beasts that walk in the open a few nights a month. (The Full Moon is a phase, like any other. It lasts three days, not one.)
Most other cultures (including the Plains Indians, whose writings first taught me about this) see totems in a much more benevolent light. The way I think of them is this: humans fucked up. We did something wrong a long time ago, something that took us off our path. Instead of living in balance with the rest of the Earth, we behave as if we are the only (or at least, the most important) creatures in the world. Totems are animal and plant spirits. We are all still animals, but totems can help teach us to be animals who walk in balance with the rest of the inhabitants of Earth. Watch The Lion King or read White Wolf's Werewolf: the Apocolypse for further explanation of this concept.
I have taken many totem spirits into my heart. But the one who I listen to most is Wolf. Spend time with others, but run alone when you need to. Love fearlessly and seriously. Avoid sick animals, avoid confrontations that won't benefit you. Howl the joys and sorrows in your heart. (Often I sing, but sometimes I need to just howl.) Teach others the ways of the hunt, the songs of the trees, the patterns in the stars. Listen to the wind. Stay healthy: alpha wolves are the ones with the brightest eyes, the strongest muscles, the softest fur. Don't forget your cubhood: roll in the grass and play tag with the ravens and fellow creatures of all ages. These are some of Wolf's teachings, but there are many others.
There are many people who follow Wolf. In general, most people with totemic leanings choose predators to follow. (Though I have once met a vegetarian follower of Fox- this perplexes me. Wolf loves me to eat red, raw meat.) I think that, though we say "Wolf", it is actually a different aspect of Wolf that we each follow. I have met a follower of Wolf who was taught to fight fiercely and often by his Wolf. Mine says no such thing. Maybe some other totemic people will start talking to me via LiveJournal. It would be neat to know more.
Secretly, of course, I pretend I know the primary totems of most of my friends. Is Oak Tree *really* an Oak Tree? Only he would know.
Most other cultures (including the Plains Indians, whose writings first taught me about this) see totems in a much more benevolent light. The way I think of them is this: humans fucked up. We did something wrong a long time ago, something that took us off our path. Instead of living in balance with the rest of the Earth, we behave as if we are the only (or at least, the most important) creatures in the world. Totems are animal and plant spirits. We are all still animals, but totems can help teach us to be animals who walk in balance with the rest of the inhabitants of Earth. Watch The Lion King or read White Wolf's Werewolf: the Apocolypse for further explanation of this concept.
I have taken many totem spirits into my heart. But the one who I listen to most is Wolf. Spend time with others, but run alone when you need to. Love fearlessly and seriously. Avoid sick animals, avoid confrontations that won't benefit you. Howl the joys and sorrows in your heart. (Often I sing, but sometimes I need to just howl.) Teach others the ways of the hunt, the songs of the trees, the patterns in the stars. Listen to the wind. Stay healthy: alpha wolves are the ones with the brightest eyes, the strongest muscles, the softest fur. Don't forget your cubhood: roll in the grass and play tag with the ravens and fellow creatures of all ages. These are some of Wolf's teachings, but there are many others.
There are many people who follow Wolf. In general, most people with totemic leanings choose predators to follow. (Though I have once met a vegetarian follower of Fox- this perplexes me. Wolf loves me to eat red, raw meat.) I think that, though we say "Wolf", it is actually a different aspect of Wolf that we each follow. I have met a follower of Wolf who was taught to fight fiercely and often by his Wolf. Mine says no such thing. Maybe some other totemic people will start talking to me via LiveJournal. It would be neat to know more.
Secretly, of course, I pretend I know the primary totems of most of my friends. Is Oak Tree *really* an Oak Tree? Only he would know.