Animal Totems at Birth Part II

Preface: This is a sequel to the post on Animal Totems at Birth. To make sense of this second half, you can read the first part here.

In the first of this two-part series on animal totems, I left you with the idea that everybody born into this physical world is greeted by at least one animal guide.

In ancient times, a Shaman or Seer carefully observed nature to identify specific animals who ventured forth to connect with you, and only you on your birthday.

Which begs the question: “How do we know our birth totems in this modern age?”

I’m going to address this question from three approaches (in no order of importance):

1. Inquiry
2. Observation
3. Inheritance

Inquiry

Perhaps the best, and most often overlooked method to determine our birth animal totems is simply asking.

• Ask the wind what winged creatures caught the currents in route to you upon your birth.
• Ask the waters which slick and scaled dwellers surfaced to acknowledge your newness in this world.
• Ask the earth which one of her beasts bowed to honour your awakening to this Earth plane.

I’m serious. Ask. And if the domains do not release their answers, ask the Shamans and Seers who attended your birth.

These Masters are still performing spiritual midwifery for every human entering this planet – not seen, but certainly participating in your life’s journey here on Earth. Ask them, they observed the animals gathering to welcome you here. They’ll tell you.

And if you are still unclear, ask the animals directly. Go to the source, they are as generous as saints with their wisdom – they are as candid as your heart is open to receive.

Observation

This is going to seem oversimplified, but totemic living is 90% observation. Observe the animals who gravitate to you – the ones who speak to you – those who always pop up in your attention (on nature walks, in movies, billboards, front yards – wherever).

The animal totems who selected us at birth usually hang around with us our entire lives – even when other totems come and go from our experience. This kind of strong connection prompts our birth totems to show themselves more predominantly in our physical world too.

Just pay attention. They’ll show themselves. If you’re not sure, go back to tip #1 and ask them for confirmation of their connection with you.

Inheritance

Certain animals step into their power more fully during certain times of the year. Essentially, you’ve inherited a standard group of animal totems because they are at their peak at the time of your birth.

The classic Greek zodiac (from Latin zodiacus which means circle of animals) depicts animals who harmonize within corresponding cycles of time. And those signs who are not animals or animal hybrids (i.e., Virgo, Aquarius, Gemini) still have animals associated with their signs and these animals are at their apex during the date range of your astrological sign. You can find out more about your astrological sign via Michele’s outstanding astrology web resource here.

Native North American tribes are reputed to have zodiacs too. According to your date of birth, there is an animal that governs and serves as a guardian for you. The Celts, who abided by a lunar calendar, understood certain animals climaxed during specific ranges in time too.

But you don’t have to look to these cultures for inherited birth totems. You can look as closely as your home town. Do some research into which animals in your birth region are at the height of activity around your birthday.

Use all three methods to determine your birth animal totems . Be persistent. Be patient. Be aware.

I guarantee there are specific animal guides who knowingly chose YOU – and wilfully elected to be by your side when you came into this world. Give them the same devotion; learn more about their presence. It’s well worth the investment.