''In the beginning of all things, wisdom & knowledge were with the animals; for Tuawa, the One Above, did not speak directly to man. He sent Animals to tell man that he showed himself through the beasts, and that from them,and from the stars and the sun and the moon,man should learn . . . for all things speak of Tuawa." ~ Cheif Letakos

All animals, from the wolf to the ant, the mongoose to the fox, carry messages of guidance and hope. When your animal guide, or 'power animal', is invited into your life, it may help heal past issues and inspire you to move  forward into the future.  Your animal Guide may come to you in a dream ,a vision, through meditation or in an every day event. It is important to remember that the animal chooses the person and not the other way around. It may not be the glamorous animal that you hoped that comes to you, but how glamorous or big the animal is is not of importance. All animals have different qualities and lessons to teach, the right animal will come depending on the lessons you need to learn at any given time .

Native American  tradition provides that each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey. Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit. With this one animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.

How do you know which animal totems belong to you?

• Be aware of animals around you, does a particular one always appear to you on a regular basis?
• Do you have re occurring dreams of a particular animal?
• Have you always been attracted to a specific animal since childhood?

Any of the above may be an indication about an animal with whom your spirit connects with.

Sometimes an animal will appear suddenly , then leaves once the message has been understood. Other animals will remain with us throughout our lives and will reflet your inner spiritual self. You can have more than one animal guide connect with you throughout your life. Some will stay for a while untill you have learnt their medicine while a messeger guide may leave quickly once the message is understood. Animal Totem awareness is by no means a worship of the animals but rather using the animal totems as spiritual tools, or rather a spiritual symbiosis, along our personal path of awareness. There is honor and respect for all of nature. Man is not above nature, man is one with nature. Totems and all of nature, demonstrate a spiritual connectedness that helps guide us into self discovery.

Alligator : Integration - honoring personal progress while realizing that quick fix solutions do not support long time goals.

Ant : Patience, diligence, work, loyalty.

Antelope : Speed, grace, awareness of ones surroundings.

Armadillo : Boundaries, objectivity, personal protection

Badger : Aggressiveness, passion and drive.

Bat : Death and Rebirth on personal & spiritual Level.

Bear : Strength and the power of introspection, dreams and visions.

Beaver : It is time to put your ideas into action and complete a project. Look for alternatives to life's problems.

Black Panther : Embracing the unknown and not fearing the future.

Blue Heron : Self- reflection. Are you willing to dive into the watery depths of your own feelings and discover your spiritual essence? Trust.

Buffalo : Prayers are being heard. Sustenance. You may be called upon to be an instrument of someone else's answer to prayer.

Butterfly : Self transformation, balance, grace, beauty.

Cat : Guardianship, detachment, sensuality, mystery, magic, independence

Cheetah : Swiftness, insight, focus

Cougar : Leadership, loyalty, courage, spiritual strength, fearless.

Coyote : Going beneath the surface of your experiences and asking yourself what you are really doing and why.

Crow : The Law. The Creator's Book of Laws or Book of Seals is bound in Crow feathers. Human Law is not the same as Sacred Law. Omen for change and allowing your personal integrity to be your guide.

Deer : Gentleness, Compassion and Kindness

Dog : Examining how readily your sense of loyalty is countermanded by your need for approval.

Dolphin : A time to link to the Great Spirit and bring answers to your own questions or to those of others. Communication with the rhythms of nature.

Dragonfly : Illusion. Changing habits by breaking down unrealistic views.

Eagle : Spiritual enlightenment, clarity of vision, transcendence, spiritual messenger, inspiration, illumination of spirit, healing and creation.

Elk : Realigning with the warrior spirit and spending time in the company of those of like gender. Pacing the self and maintaining equilibrium.

Fox: Camouflage, Adaptability, Integration, family.

Frog : Fluidity, water and rain, cleansing , song.

Grouse : Time to meditate on the various qualities of movement within your world.

Hawk : Messenger, truth seeker, clear vision and heightened awareness.

Hummingbird : Joy and the ability to see beauty in everything.

Horse : Speed, endurance, freedom of spirit.

Jaguar : Maintaining integrity ans resolving to be at your personal best.

Lizard : Dreams and the shadow side of reality. Can you physically manifest your dreams?

Lynx : Clairvoyance - getting mental pictures concerning other people and the exact things they have hidden, either from themselves or others.

Moose : Stamina, speed, energy.

Mountain Lion : Stand on your convictions and let your heart lead you. Balancing power, intention, physical strength and grace.

Mouse : Scrutiny. Look at yourself and others carefully.

Opossum : Diversion - expect the unexpected and be clever in achieving your victory.

Otter : Examining the meaning of bounty in one's life. Honoring the right of others to just "be."

Owl : Insight, magic, lies and deceit, death.

Porcupine : Self protection, memory, security, innocence, humility and renewed sense of wonder.

Prarie Dog : You may be  pushing too hard and creating a resistance that does not allow for interaction. Take a break.

Rabbit : Fear, cowardice, fertility, vigilance.

Raccoon : Are you a protector? Who needs your strength at this time? It may be time for you to speak up in defense of another instead of remaining silent while others are gossiping.

Raven : Examining the flow of energy of ceremonial magic between the ceremony itself and the intended destination. The power of the unknown is at work.

Salmon : Rebirth, renewal, knowledge, strength and determination.

Skunk : Reputation, respect, caution.

Squirrel : Honor your future by readying yourself for change. Lighten your load of things that no longer serve you.

Snake : Transmutation, Life Cycles.

Spider : Fate and the Wheel of Life. Being decisive about changing one's lot in life lest you be consumed by fear. Look for alternatives to a present impasse as you may be coming too close to an entangling situtation. "Creativity." It may be time to journal, write or do something artistic.

Swan : Surrendering to the grace of the Universe - altered states of awareness and development of the intuitive abilities is at hand. Accept your ability to know what lies ahead.

Turtle : Developing ideas before bringing them to light.

Weasel : Stealth. Others may be underestimating you.

Whale : Tapping into the Akashic Records. "Sing" and find your "voice.'

Wild Boar : Confrontation. Confront anything or anyone you have been avoiding - it is time!

Wolf : Pathfinder, courage, teacher.