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 SeekerVI |
Lead by fly? |
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Posts: 1 Nov 15, 2008 00:44:56 |
I'd been looking for a place with totem info for large variety of animals, without much luck, until today! ^_^ Hours ago large black fly quietly (no usual
buzzing) landed on me and walked around for a while without repetitively licking (also unusual). Then I realized I'd not seen information for flies
anywhere, so I googled housefly and found cedar rose's post and the
rest of the forum!
So... hello! ^_^ |
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SeekerVI |
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Posts: 2 Nov 15, 2008 01:34:16 |
Just remembered one of the reasons I've been looking for comprehensive totem info!
I know scientists classify humans as part of Animal Kingdom, and in Hinduism/Buddhism there's transmigration; but Judaism/Christianity we're considered something [other] than animals, not to mention the various other creation myths where we're made from straw or clay. So... could [homo sapien] be a totem / power animal?
In any case, all replies appreciated! ^_^ |
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SwanFeather |
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Posts: 1222 Nov 15, 2008 11:19:01 Honored Senior Member |
Hello, Seeker! And welcome to the forum!
You ask some very interesting questions. I can give my take on some of them, but I'm sure Cinnamon Moon and some others will have more insights for you. It could be a matter of semantics, but IMO, no, humans would not be totems. And Cinn could likely give you a better understanding of why in Native American terms. But my understanding is that NA spirituality terms objects (such as plants and stones) and animals, that are considered totems, in a different category from humans. I may be wrong here, because All are One, but we are kind of different sides of the same coin, IMO. Now we do have guides who take human form and we have our Ancestors, as well, but they are not totems. They may work in conjunction with totems, however. And that likely confuses you even more, yes? 
I have also worked with Archetypes and you may be thinking in those terms. I have seen direct correlation between some totems and some Archetypes: for instance, I have Companion as a main archetype which connects very well with my totems of Dog/Wolf. You might find THIS site interesting regarding archetypes. But! A totem is not an archetype, either. An archetype, while perhaps an over-arching symbolic image in group consciousness, is a static image and archetypes do not necessarily have any spiritual connotations. Totems are definitely more dynamic, interacting and are part of our spiritual journey. Keep reading the articles in the library regarding totems. I think that as you read you will find the distinctions more understandable. 
"A Fox is a Wolf who sends flowers." - Ruth Weston
Last Edited By: SwanFeather Nov 15, 2008 11:35:05.
Edited 2 times.
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CinnamonMoon |
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Posts: 1957 Nov 16, 2008 00:48:04
Admin/
Board Founder 
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Welcome to Spirit Lodge, Seeker!
It's good to have you joining us and you've asked some very interesting and entheusiastic questions. I have to agree with everything SwanFeather said. No, humans are not Totems but they do come to us as Spirit Guides. Totemic representation will be found in the animals, minerals, plants, and stones we work with. While science may classify us as the human animal Native teachings do not point to us in that direction other than to say we are all related. You will find an article or two about Power Animals in the Totem Library, there's a good amount of reading in there for you to come to understand this perspective. Yes, a chimp is an animal and could be a Totem animal for someone. I also agree that archetypes are not totemic; they will come through with guidance though and often do take representation with some of our Spirit Guides. The site SwanFeather linked for you is a going to be really helpful there. And yes the archetypes can be tied to the egrores/thought-forms too. You're not opening a can of worms at all, these are good questions to ask if you want to understand what Totems are about. 
~Wan-Tanna-Hey: "Walk In Peace With Spirit"~
~To Be A Feather In Spirit's Wing~ |
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SeekerVI |
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Posts: 3 Nov 19, 2008 14:57:22 |
Thanks for the replies! ^_^ I'll look into Myss' site and browse the Totem library.
Lurk mode initiated. |
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