When you seek more answers and guidance in life you can call upon the animal spirit guides just like our ancestors did centuries ago. Animal totems play huge roles in our lives. They help you self-discover end express your emotions.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a totem as: “A natural object, usually an animal that serves as a distinctive, often venerated emblem or symbol. A means of personal or spiritual identity. “

     Native American animal totems most commonly come to mind when discussing this topic. However, animal signs are found throughout all cultures. Every animal responds to a unique kind of energy. We can break them down like this:

Land Animal Totems

  These animals symbolize intuition, cognizance, and awareness. This group also represents mental and physical stability as well as the state of being grounded. Popular animals that belong to this group include Cats, Dogs, Bears and more. These are the mammals on earth. Some examples of the land totem include:

Wolf Totem - The wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. It is also a social and friendly creature. Those whose Animal Totem is a wolf possess high intellect, creative side is also strong. They are also loyal, compassionate and independent.

Bear Totem – Just like the mighty bear this totem represents duality in a person. On one side you have a fierce, strong warrior and on the other a compassionate and peaceful person. Some traits of this totem are motherhood, peace, bravery, and power.

Cat Totem - Almost every culture has some kind of myth or story about a human’s favorite pet. Just like people today either love them or hate them, through history they were represented as both the villain and the worshipped animal. Some traits of the cat totem are clever, selective, mysterious, intelligent and highly independent. Just like the furry friend people associated with this totem carefully choose who to trust but once they are on your side they will be there through thick and thin.

Fox Totem – Just like cats, the fox has been in many stories. Usually, it is represented as cunning. In Japan, the fox was considered one of the rain spirits, and a messenger of Inari the rice god. In Native American lore, fox animal symbolism deals with two interpretations. One perspective from the Northern tribes looks at the fox as a wise and noble messenger. Plains tribes, however, view the fox as a trickster playing pranks, or even as a bad omen sometimes. The traits of the fox totem are cunning, wisdom, clever, adaptable and quick on their feet.

Water Animal Totems

     Water is an unknown quantity, understanding water animal totems will help us to understand some unknown elements in our lives. They help us reveal and discover our hidden actions or thoughts. Popular water animal totems include Dolphins, Crabs, Frogs and more. Since you can only see the surface of the water and what is underneath people that are drawn to these totems are not afraid of the unknown and they want to dig deeper to explore themselves.

Dolphin Totem – Dolphins are considered the “king of fish” by many ancient cultures. They are also considered very gracious. Some other traits associated with the dolphin totem are intelligence, playfulness, gentleness, friendly, generous and power.

Shark Totem - Shark is an authority on all fronts of survival. Those who connect with the shark totem will be masters at survival in their waters of life. Shark people are extremely good at summing up social situations, manipulating people and events. This is not necessarily in a bad way, they are just very calculating and know what has to be done when. Some other traits include perceptive, intelligent, powerful, efficient and strong focused.

Otter Totem – The first thing that comes to mind when looking at an otter is cute and playful. And that stands correct for this animal. Usual traits are playful, fun, curious and creative. But also, there is a strong sense of friendship and love and protection of loved ones.

Koi Fish Totem – Japanese people have a long history with animal totems. One of the most used ones is the koi fish. The term ‘nishikigoi’ in Japanese means ‘colored carp’ and refers to the koi fish. The Japanese symbolism of fish goes so far as to categorize certain fish according to their attributes. So, we have:

•Yamabuki - The gold fish represents gold, wealth and prosperity.

•Ogon - The platinum-colored fish also represents the fulfillment of wealth in the form of success in business.

•Kumonryu - A midnight black colored fish that is named after a Japanese dragon of transformation, and this fish is said to bring about change in life circumstances.

•Kohoku - A white and red fish believed to encourage advancement in career.

•Kuchibeni - Also white and red said to inspire long-lasting, loving relationships.

Air Animal Totems

     Animals that inhabit air, which is considered as the most ethereal of elements, are equipped with the capacity to lend the best understanding of things you do not understand. They are also symbols of strength, physical and mental, as well as independence. Popular air animal totems include Falcons, Doves, Eagles and more.

Bat Totem - Bat isn’t the most popular of animal totems. In fact, it’s largely misunderstood and so many of its symbolic meanings are inappropriately based on fear. Bats are a symbol of communication, the Native Americans observed the bat as a highly social creature. Some other traits include intuition, communication, and self-awareness.

Owl Totem – The first association that comes with the Owl is wisdom. However, in ancient Egyptian, Celtic, and Hindu cultures the symbolic meaning of owl revolved around guardianship of the underworlds and protection of the dead. Owl was the keeper of spirits who had passed from one plane to another. Some other traits associated with owls are wisdom, mystery, transition, and intelligence.

Dove Totem – Dove is sometimes associated with Christian culture with Mary as a symbol of care, devotion, purity, and peace. The dove is a companion of Ishtar too, the Great Mother of Assyrian culture. Doves also symbolize grace, peace, love, sacrifice, and hope.

Dove Totem Orb

Sparrow Totem - Sparrows derive power and protection from their numbers. Always with their kind, they move together and eat in together. This can be quite intimidating to some predators. Safety in numbers is a lesson the sparrow offered us. They are also joyful, creative, resourceful and friendly.

Insect Animal Totems

     Insects are not the most popular creatures of the animal kingdom. However, they symbolize patience and tenacity. They are progressive, proactive and have the natural capability of balancing the importance of minding one’s own business and keeping a strong sense of community. Popular insect totems include Bees, Cicadas, Grasshoppers and more.

Spider Totem - Spider is an ancient symbol of mystery, power, and growth. The spider reminds us that our choices construct our lives just like they weave their web. Other spider traits are fate, mystery, intelligence and time.

Dragonfly Totem – Dragonfly represents change. They are creatures of both air and water so they symbolize good luck, prosperity, harmony, and peace.

Bee Totem – Bees are a very social and hardworking animal. A common expression is ‘hardworking as a bee’.
They represent unity, family, nurture, and beauty.

Reptile and Amphibian Animal Totems

  Animals belonging to this group are masters of perception. They are intuitive and value independence. They might insight fear in some people, but once you get past that they are very brave and intelligent creatures. Popular reptile and amphibian totems include Lizards, Crocodiles, Chameleons and more.

Snake Totem – Snakes are probably the first reptile that comes to mind. Many people fear them, but since ancient times, snakes have been used as a symbol of power. Even today snakes are either feared or admired. They also represent rebirth, balance, intuition, and awareness.

Lizard Totem – Lizards are one of the oldest animals on earth. Just like the animal itself symbolism behind the lizard totem is colorful. They are very perceptive and in tune with nature. They are also down to earth, playful, intelligent, intuitive and adaptable to the environment.