There is alot of talk among the pagan community about Totems, Messengers, and Familiars... oh my.
I do not speak for everyone, but only for myself as to definitions or meanings of such kindred.
You do not choose them, They choose you....
Totem: Bits of you, your soul, they carry your inner spark and you carry theirs. You work with them in ritual, and other magical workings but are also with you daily throughout the mundane world while you go about everyday life. They can bring messages to you, but are more like guides, reminding you of aspects to aspire to or characteristics you want to achieve and pursue.
I have one for each of the 5 elements, this "way" resonates with me for I am a daughter of the elements, they are essential to my magick and my path. Therefore it makes sense to me to have a totem for each element. Years ago, I spent a great deal of time from Litha to Lammas, in deep meditation on a spiritual totem journey (very shamanistic having a native American vibe to it). Basically my group of magickal folk and I built an elemental world and moving thru it, discovered our totems. Taking notes on what we saw in our minds eye. I took it a step further and looked for clues in the mundane world. Seeing the same animals in meditation, sacred circle and in reality, solidified for me, that these were my true Totems. Trust me, it's not every day that you're driving down town and a flock of peacocks cross your path and you not be moved by it!
We begin in the East....
East (Air) Owl - This was no surprise to me, I have followed the Goddess Athena for more than half my life, even before I realized I was Pagan, (and even when I flit between pantheons) She was with me and the Owl is Hers to call. If I had to pick just one owl, it'd have to be the Snowy Owl, but I honestly have several aspects; the Barn Owl and Horned Owl are familiar forms too. key words: Messenger, wisdom, healing, insight, clairvoyance, life/death and loyalty/devotion.*
South (Fire) Ladybug - Again, not really surprised here Ladybugs have always held me spellbound with their beauty. But I remember thinking (even in the meditative state) "Come on, one little Ladybug, with all this fiery heat and molten lava and heat just rising up from the hot sand... I get a tiny ladybug on a cactus flower... really??? I want a Dragon!" But then... a swarm of Ladybugs covered everything in front of me and it clicked like fire can be beneficial, used as light and a fuel source but can be used for mass destruction, so is the Ladybug, singular and one, is beauty, but swarms can be devastating. That is raw fire power, indeed. keywords: Luck, harvest, good fortune, transformation
West (Water) Peacock - I know what you are thinking.. peacocks do not live in the water! Well, I'm seriously fearful of water. (not the rain, LOVE it) but in our meditation, we went to the ocean. (wondering if we'd gone to a lake, river or swamp would I have had the same reaction.. possibly) Even, in this safe meditative state I couldn't get in the water. So I stood on the beach, I attempted to get on a boat, yeah that didn't work. I tried walking in the waves that touched the beach and all the sudden it was like I was staring at an aquarium (the size of an ocean!) and many sea creatures came to the glass and as soon as my focus cleared (and my excitement of receiving a water totem rose) the animal would quickly swim away. Like saying "Not even, nope, not gonna happen". I was very frustrated, sad and confused. This element, this totem was important for me to find, so all my pieces would be together. But, it was when I turned my back on the ocean and looked back towards the land, I saw him... the most beautiful peacock, ocean blue and dazzled me with his plumage. I was awe struck. (then seeing the flock in down town later that week cinched it for me) Also, the peacock is Hera's and again I'm akin to the Greek mythos. keyword: inner wisdom, death/resurrection, karmic connection, laughter, harmony**
North (Earth) Spider - This one was a bit of a surprise. Well... sorta... On one hand, spiders are really creepy and I don't like creepy crawlies. But the will to face this phobia, or fear is what allowed me to accept the Spider. Upon further reflection and research, the Spider is also connected to Athena, also The Spider Woman (native American Mother Goddess) and to Anansi (the storyteller & trickster). Spiders are the weavers and storytellers of the animal kingdom. (um hello I'm a writer and fiber artist, how could the Spider NOT be my totem). My spider is much like Charlotte, feminine and delicate and extremely smart. keywords: Creativity, self-expression, camouflage, self-protection.*
Spirit - This one was a bit tricky for me. I didn't really discover this one during those early meditation sessions. In fact, while whirling around in outer space I flew around with a great phoenix, it's feathers were a kaleidoscope of colored fire. Beautiful and wondrous at the same time, but not exactly my totem, a messenger for sure... more like a deliverer because eventually (years later) I had a dream of this same phoenix "handing me off" to a great Polar Bear, a mother Bear and she is glorious and I knew I was home and finally complete. keywords: Power, strength, solitude, individuality
Animal Messengers: That is what they are, be it that they come to you in an altered state or in reality, they bring tidings, greetings, warnings, lessons.. in short.. messages. Depending on the animal, its form, how they appeared to you lets you know the meaning behind the message. Sometimes the animal for can vary, but for me I have carriers. I usually see the same messengers. All birds, usually Canadian Geese, Swans, Red Cardinal, Wild Turkey, Crow or Raven. When I see them, it's different than seeing any other animal. Much like when I see my totem, my heart stops for a split second, there is a metaphysical shift in my being, kinda like vertigo(ish) sensation and I'm are like.. ooohhhhh.... sometimes the message is LOUD & CLEAR, other times I'm stubborn and it takes a while for me to get it, but I always do. I also believe you can share your totems as messengers and other people can send you a message using their own totems or messengers. I occasionally get a visit from a snake (that I know isn't me or mine) and recently a visit from a fox that has been coming around like a shadow, but hit me full force with a message recently that led to a poem. (but again, not me or mine)
Familiars: These are actual animals used during magickal workings, ie they come in circle and spell work and lend their natural energy to yours. (not animal scarifies, just to clarify that is NOT done here, nor acceptable behavior EVER). Usually and typically witches use cats. Well, I'm not typical anything and frankly not a fan of cats and have allergies... so.. yeah... I love dogs and am a dog person. But in all fairness to they choose you not you choosing them, my pet ferrets have lent me their energy a time or two on a few occasions although they are quiet curious and frisky little tykes, they don't spend alot of time with me in circle. I have been to open circle with other's familiars flitting through and it was very very nice energy!
Any way you put it, working with the energy of animals is complementary to magickal workings and I encourage you to discover your Totems, Messengers and Familiars (oh my).
xox
Ursula
*Animal Totems by Trish MacGregor & Millie Gemondo
**combined information from multiple sources
