February 16, 2018
Relationship with your Totem
“The modern view is that human beings are the most highly evolved form of life and that other life forms… are inferior to us human beings. The more traditional view is… the other way around…”
--Eliot Cowan
In most traditional indigenous cultures, the family clan has a Totem which is a powerful part of their identity. The secret knowledge, power and wisdom of their totem is passed down generation after generation in service and support of the clan members. Their totem represents the gifts and strengths of the clan. Traditional peoples often wear amulets of their totem not only as an identifier, but as a source of protection and connection to the gifts they had been given.
Though most of us in the modern world have not received the blessing of being born into a family with knowledge of our helpers from the animal or plant world, most people have a strong connection to beings from other species. It could be an animal, a bird, a sea dweller, an insect, a reptile, a plant or one of each! These friends show up for us in a variety of ways, and not only in nature. They can show up for us in our dreams for example, or while we are meditating. Our totem connections are among the most beautiful allies we have in our lives, and they offer their help generously to those who remember to ask.
Whether you do or do not know what your totem is, you can ask for a messenger in your dreams or in a meditation. Before you go to sleep express your openness to meeting her, and ask 3 times for her to visit you in your dreams. State that you would like to develop or deepen your relationship with her. She is there and she has gifts to share with you, but you must bring forth your hearts longing for that relationship, and ask.
Be open, persistent and patient. She will come.
The special attributes of your totem are some of the gifts she has to bring you. To learn about those attributes, observe her in nature. Study her, see how she lives. Is your totem Owl— who sees and hunts in the darkness, while others are sleeping? Call on her to help you find your way in the darkness. Is your totem Dolphin, whose playful nature and high intelligence moves you towards being light in community and helps you in letting go of fear? Call on him when you need his natural lightness of being and ability to be with others in joy.
There are many books on totems that are wonderful sources of information as well. One of my favorites is Animal Speak by Ted Andrews. And if you want to go deeper into creating a powerful working relationship with your totem(s), my favorite totem class is taught by Eliot Cowan and Justin Starting. You can find out more about that here—
http://www.bluedeer.org/events...
Lastly, check out our newTotem Collection at Tulku!
https://tulkujewels.com/shop/a...
We are at the beginning stages of creating this line and welcome your feedback, requests, and ideas.
Keep checking back, as more are coming soon.
If you have a totem that you would like to see created in the form of an amulet, please share your story with me. Send me an email at karla@tulkujewels.com
As ever, wishing you great blessings on your journey through this magnificent gift of Life.
Karla