posted November 08, 2007 11:53 AM         

What's Your Zodiac Animal?

Many Native American cultures have myths and legends where animals are the main characters or play an important role in teaching the younger generation important life lessons. Some of these cultures have created a belief system, or zodiac, based on animal guides.

The horoscopes on this page are based on Native American beliefs. Due to the number of indigenous tribes, who do not all have the same beliefs, we have selected some of the more widely accepted zodiacs and totems.

When an animal's name is underlined you can click on that name and it will bring you to a page of totem information about that animal.
http://www.animaltotem.com/horoscope.html

More animal totem definitions
http://www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm
Some Info on Native American Totem Animals

The idea of totem animals in the Native American tradition has been made famous from years of less than accurate books and movies. Classically everyone is a wolf or an eagle or some other noble beast and the idea of totem animals seems to be fraught with superstition. However, the idea has it's own basis in being similar to not only being provided with guides, similar in a sense to angels, but also in being guided or taught lessons. In addition we see similarities to astrology with it's use of animal symbolism, as well as animal symbolism woven through many religions and spiritual systems. Perhaps most shocking to the modern mind is the Jungian idea of Archetypes, universal symbols that can to a degree be looked at in conjunction with totem animal symbolism. Totems are a part of the spiritual path but also represent far more in their value for understanding cultural heritage as well as personality types, once totem animals were agreed upon.

First and foremost some common misconceptions about totem animals should be addressed. The idea that everyone is an eagle or a wolf or a bear, a mighty animal with the most wonderful of traits, animals that the person can choose for themselves based on their own opinions, is not part of the actual belief system. Numerous animals are considered a part of the system of totem animals and also may be dependent on the tribe or geographical area or tradition. Animals means different things to different tribes additionally. However for the sake of explanation whether it is a bear or an otter or a dog the animal that is most appropriate is actually thought to choose the person, not the other way around. Traditionally (once again depending on tribe or tradition) the person starts to see what appear to be coincidences or signs or omens concerning what animal is their appropriate animal. In the modern world this could be the sighting of a stag (deer) followed, by reading a magazine with a striking picture of a stag, followed by seeing a billboard with a stag displayed upon it. The animal in question may have qualities the person has or needs. However once that person is convinced this is the chose animal totem, as a guide it has great power and significance. In point of fact psychologically the person would of course start to make traditional associations with that animal and might start to act in the forms attributed. Wise as an owl or a fox might be a modern interpretation. While the bear, as bears do follow the same path over and over again, symbolizing a person with key patterns, as well as possible might and strength and more. Wolves are considered social creatures. The Raven is the wise trickster, although the Coyote also can play that role.

The idea of these symbols as all symbols and belief systems has vast importance. In Jungian psychology the idea of archetypes was very important. Common understanding or symbols throughout humanity and part of the collective unconsciousness or memory of all human beings what key symbols such as death or birth meant. Archetypes basically means greater symbol. Animal totems have the same relevance. Each animal has symbolic significance and is in and of itself a key to lessons that might need to be imparted by what some would call a spirit guide, as well as lessons that need to be learned. The animal totems might embody things or characteristics that the person needs. In Jungian psychology there is a concept of facing our shadow and integrating the things that we cannot accept about ourselves in order to come into the light. In this sense then animal totems embody not only spiritual beings, messengers and guides in a similar sense to angels, but also embody some very firm principles in facing internal psychological conflicts that can have a bearing on many aspects of life including the spiritual aspect.

Deciding how to choose your totem animal may be a matter of looking for the right signs and interpreting them in many cases. However in the final analyis this practice can have great therapeutic and spiritual value. It can be a religious or spiritual epiphany, or a more practical down to earth lesson in wisdom. It is all about finding your true path, learning many lessons and indeed stretching yourself for personal growth. Indeed there is no one lesson to be learned and a person may go from one totem animal or symbol to another, one lesson to the next. Life is not a destination, it is a journey and we should enjoy and experience each step. So take the chance, take the first step, go down the path to deepening spirituality and remember to look at the richness offered in many different traditions.

posted November 08, 2007 03:42 PM         

Deer is a messenger of serenity, can see between shadows and hear what isn't being said.

posted November 08, 2007 04:09 PM         

They both fit. I even have the overbite of a beaver.

Here is more info on the Beaver for those born April 20 to May 20

This information was given to me by Solane Star:

People born during the Frogs Return Moon, April 20 to May 20, have the beaver totem in the animal kingdom,the blue camas as their totem in the plant kingdom and the chrysocolla as their totem in the mineral kingdom. Their color is blue, and they are of the Turtle elemental clan.

Their stone, the chrysocolla, is similiar, in many ways, to the turquoise. It is often found as a by-product of the cooper mining process, as is the turquoise. Chrysocolla is a hydrous cooper silicate. It ranges from a true green to greenish blue to true blue color. It has a shining, glassy luster and, at the same time, an earthy look to the stone. Chrysocolla has the property of sticking to the tongue, and this is often the way it is distinguished.

Like turquoise, chrysocolla has been used for adornment since early times, although it is not as valued as turquoise. Its startling blue color, when it is found in the shade, mixed with its earthy luster, has given it a reputation of being a stone that has the possibility of helping its wearer to balance the elements of earth and sky within himself. It is considered a stone of good medicine that will help to bring luck and good health to its owner. It is also considered a stone that can purify the body, hearet, mind and spirit. It has been used in earlier times, and today, to make fetishes or nuggets which have and will retain the color that is often associated with pure turquoise. It tends to retain its original color more than turquoise will.

From this stone Beaver people can learn to combine within themselves the powers of the earth and the sky. Most Beaver people, by their natures and by their membership in the Turtle clan, are very rooted in the earth, sometimes too rooted. They can find happiness by living well the earth level without ever looking skyward to see what lessons there are for them in this realm. the beautiful blue shade of the chrysocolla can be an especially helpful reminder to them that, to be balanced, they must look upward as well, to find what is there for them to learn in the other realms of living.

Like their stone. Beaver people appear lucky, although often their apparent luck comes about as the result of hard work, and a practicality that lets them know when to be at the right place at the right time. They also have strong bodies and can enjoy good health, especially if they wear their stone, as long as they remember to curb their tendency to overindulge. These folks, like chrysocolla, will retain their original color, or nature, unless something really drastic happens to make them change. They are very stable people, and they are most comfortable being in situations that allow them to retain whatever stability that they can. It is unusual to find people of the Beaver totem who will throw knapsacks on their backs unless they are traveling through another position on the wheel. When they travel or change their environments, they like to do so in as systematic a way as possible. They just feel more comfortable having at least some familiar things around them.

This unchanging part of their natures, which reflects a quality of their mineral, makes these folks very good friends to have. Once they decide that they are your friend, they will not easily change their minds. They are loyal associates to have and ones that can bring stability to people or projects of a more mercurial nature.

posted November 08, 2007 08:04 PM         

The Raven is intelligent, clever, mystical. Raven people are peace-loving, idealistic and charming. They long for harmony in the community and must stay away from uncertainty and inconsistency.

posted November 08, 2007 11:21 PM         

Life Paths~
Animal Totems & Earth Medicine

Birth Totem Goose

Birth dates: December 22 - January 19

Birth Totem is: Goose

Clan of: Turtle (Earth Chief)

Wind is: North

Directional Totem is: Buffalo

Conscious intent is: Conserve Resources

Motive of Higher Self is: Integrity through Proper Action

Plant/Flower:Bramble

Mineral: Peridot

Keywords

Determination Perseverance Ambitious

Resourceful Level Headed

Self Involved

Birth Totem Goose is an individual whose outer personality is one of quiet
determination and resourcefulness.

As one who is born under the Birth Totem of Goose goes about his/her daily life, they are conscious of the need to preserve all resources, both their own internal energies, and the resources of Nature.

Does this suggest that these individuals are lazy? Hardly, what it does suggest is that they know how to make the most out of their energy, plotting and planning their moves and steps along the Red Road of Physical Life so that they can produce the most effective results. Less conservation minded individuals will lay collapsed along the wayside, while Goose is still plodding resolutely forward, eyes firmly focused on the goal ahead.

Goose souls may become so single-minded in their drive to provide a safe nest for their mate and offspring that the relationship to these loved ones may suffer as a result. It is not from lack of love or caring that interpersonal relationships suffer, it is rather from their tendency to block out all but the singular goal lest they become distracted and waver from attaining their objective. This is the greatest stumbling block for Goose as he/she may ultimately attain their beautifully feathered and sturdy nest, only to turn around when it has ultimately been achieved to find there is no mate their with which to share in the accomplishment.

Because they can become so driven and focused, these Birth Totem Goose may lose sight of those aspects that make life truly enjoyable, the connection to other souls along the Journey of Life. And while their own personal integrity in how they approach and operate in life is almost always above reproach due to their high standards of honesty, the ultimate lesson for these souls to learn from Goose is the need to balance material and physical aims with spiritual and emotional connections.

posted November 08, 2007 11:34 PM         

You can click on the other animal totem link I provided to find the meaning of the animal totem not underlined. Or just Google it. Lots of animal totem sites.

posted November 08, 2007 11:42 PM         

This part would be the lesson you need to learn for Goose.

"Goose souls may become so single-minded in their drive to provide a safe nest for their mate and offspring that the relationship to these loved ones may suffer as a result. It is not from lack of love or caring that interpersonal relationships suffer, it is rather from their tendency to block out all but the singular goal lest they become distracted and waver from attaining their objective. This is the greatest stumbling block for Goose as he/she may ultimately attain their beautifully feathered and sturdy nest, only to turn around when it has ultimately been achieved to find there is no mate there with which to share in the accomplishment. "

posted November 09, 2007 09:32 AM         

I think it's one the most Beautiful Animal Totems that I walk with in my life!!!

Dragonfly Totems

Dragonfly eggs are laid within their territory near the water. Once hatched, these nymphs will live nearly two years on the bottom of streams and ponds. As they reach adulthood an amazing thing occurs, they transform into dragonflies and ascend to the air. In the air, they travel with wings that sparkle with spectacular colors by reflecting and refracting light and other colors. No insect or bird can maneuver as well as a dragonfly. Flying up to 30 mph, they will twist, turn, move up and down, fly backwards, even change directions instantaneously and still will spot movement 40 feet away.

The power of Dragonfly lies in its ability to see around things by looking from different angles. Using its ability to transform colors and lights by reflecting and refracting them, Dragonfly shows us that life, like light, can bend, shift, and adapt in various ways, making life's appearance never be what it appears to be. Dragonfly's magic shows us to see through life's illusions and find our true vision. It calls us to transform within our lives and reminds us to feel deeply so we will have the compassion necessary to help ourselves and others.

Thanks so very much Star Mother for posting these Totem's for US ALL!!!

Your the greatest!!!

posted November 09, 2007 06:01 PM         

quote:

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The wolf is graceful, has initiative, and loves freedom. Wolf people are generally very trusting, and generous with deep feelings towards their loved ones. Their ultimate goal is to find and keep love in their life.

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Rock those pisces eyes baby!!

Kiss kiss

posted November 10, 2007 01:13 AM         

Another very good site for animal totems.

This site is good because it explains the clans which your birth animal belongs to.
http://www.geocities.com/freespirits_kindredspirits/zodiac.html

I am a member of the Turtle Clan.

posted November 10, 2007 05:56 PM         

I was just going through the list on the site I just posted today above and of all the totems the Saggies are the only ones who have their Yin and Yang balanced. Cool!!!

posted November 11, 2007 05:16 PM         

Yes! wolves are magical LTT! Especially when they sing to the Moon! omg it's hauntingly beautiful!