As pagans, witches, and shamans, we connect with animals in many ways, both living and in the spirit world. We connect with animals through our heredity and family structures. We also have close relationships with our pets and even the wildlife we observe in our backyards.
This article will walk you through the differences between the familiar, the spirit animal, totems, and power animals. The terms are often used interchangeably but there are some differences. Here are my definitions based on my heritage, pagan/witch, and wildlife rehabilitation experiences.
Familiars
We often associate black cats as familiars for witches but any animal can be a familiar. Typically we think of familiars as physical beings that are domesticated and companions with their humans. They may be physical in this lifetime but are often reincarnations or someone sent to help us.
Sadly the history of “familiars” dates back to the witch hunts that began in Europe in the Middle Ages. These persecutions of anyone felt to be a witch or a witch’s friend were often killed. This included animals associated with witches such as black cats, crows, toads, and bats. That is why these wonderful animals are often seen negatively today.
Familiars are true friends and have their own magic. They are not pets but unique companions and soul mates.
I hope you will join me on YouTube! Check out my video below as an introduction to animal spirit guides.
Spirit Animals
A spirit animal enters our life when we need them. They offer guidance and teach us lessons. When a spirit animal appears to us it tells us that we need to reflect.
You do not choose your Spirit Animal, it chooses you! There is a popular misconception that you pick your spirit animal. Your spirit animals choose you based on the challenges you are facing in your life.
Spirit animals represent different traits and characteristics. These traits fit the lifestyle of the animals and give them the wisdom to help you if you have a problem that relates to their skills.
You may have one spirit animal you may have many. Spirit animals are fluid. Remember they choose you. However, there are things you can do to connect with your animal spirit guide.
Be observant especially when you are walking outside.
Keep a dream journal.
Meditate and open yourself up to guidance.
Pay attention to art work, music or other ways an animal is presenting itself to you.
Check out my YouTube video on ways to connect with your animal spirit guide.
TOTEMs
Traditionally, a totem is an entity that interacts with a group of people and serves magical and symbolic purposes.
A totem is usually described as a sacred object or animal that serves as an emblem for a group of people. The totem has spiritual significance and is a symbol that represents a particular family, clan, or tribe. Totems are found in pagan cultures around the world.
Check out my article on Norse Spirit Animals.
A totem is often an animal but totems are also plants or sacred objects. They are often considered to be a wise ancestor. Larger groups or tribes were often divided into clans that were symbolized by an animal totem. The people in clans are related by actual or perceived kinship.
Totems also served to give social organization to groups and to allow persons family structure and identity. Clan members are considered brothers and sisters and can’t marry within the clan.
The word totem comes from the Ojibwe word doodem. Their word for clan is doodeman.
Power Animal or Individual Totem
People can also have an individual totem. An animal that is with them consistently. Sometimes this is also referred to as a power animal.
A power animal is a more neo-pagan term and is often associated with the strengths of the animal. These powers can unite with a person to guide and shape them.
A power animal is someone that you call on when you need strength, courage, or protection. Many people wear their totem or power animal as jewelry or have objects to represent them.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOTEM AND SPIRIT ANIMAL
The very basic difference is that a totem is a group symbol or emblem. A spirit animal is personal identification.
You may hear the totem animal described as who you are. Many clans of our ancestors were based on an animal.
Among Cherokee clans, there are Wild Potatoes, Deer, Wolf, and Bird as well as Long Hair, Paint, and Blue. Often there are sub-clans. For example, the Blue Clan is sub-divided into Panther or Wildcat, and Bear.
Spirit animals are guides that come to us to offer help when we are in need. We identify with them on a personal level.
Animal spirit guides travel through life with us and visit us in times of uncertainty to offer protection and guidance. We may ask for their guidance.
Read our article 167 ANIMAL SPIRIT GUIDES AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of CPH. Learn more about us on our Who We Are Page.
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The bear symbolizes great strength and courage. They meet you at a crossroads and guide you in the right direction.
The bear spirit animal is a force to be reckoned with; powerful, strong, and fiercely protective. The bear often guides parents and shamans.