totems (is that spelled right?) (priests, America, myth, verse)

[kreeden]

I know a person who is very much a Butterfly . But she also says that Monkey plays an important part in her life . { notice that I don't say that either one is a totem } .

Butterfly ? That would be a very interesting Totem , I think . I believe that I read that about insects not being Totems . Quite sure of it . Personally , I can't see why , so I asked . Thank you for your reply Painted Wolf . And I hope that you are able to finf a cougar . They are wonderful creatures .

Hiya Mister V. How did your report go ? Now I'm no expert on Totems or anything , but I wonder why a tree can't be as powerful as a cat ? I'm crossing beliefs here ... again , but the Celts also had Spirit guides , some of which were trees , were they not ?

Mmmm , I recall reading that Totems can sometimes take on human form , and plant form . Perhaps that is what is happening with your friend ? Just a thought . What say you Painted Wolf ?

[painted wolf]

in some tribes I have heard that plants, rocks, mountains, and weather could all be totems.. but I'm not 100% sure if they really were totems per say or if they were 'spirit guides' and teachers.

One problem with the 'popularity' of native terms is that thier meanings have become jumbled with ideas from other groups and cultures.

I'll see what I can find out.

wa:do

[kreeden]

That they have Painted Wolf . It is that way , I believe , when any two cultures come together . The actual meaning of the terms are kinda watered down into something that the other culture can understand . Being Canadian , I see it with the French and English even . The terms just don't translate that well sometimes .

BTW , I believe that in South American , they used plants and the like more often then in NA , but I could be mistaken .

[martha]

I have tried to connect with my Totem and I have come close. What I need is more discipline in my meditation.

Regarding the loss and mix up of history and legends, I say that is very sad. I believe that if a soul has the advantage of knowing the historic language and stories of their heritage, then it is their responsibility to share with the young. If we do not share our language and stories with our youth, these beautiful parts of who we are will be lost forever. We have become so wrapped up in the present that we have forgotten our past. Our past and the stories of it is what we are made of, it is where we come from and we should never forget.
Even if we don't have access to children often, we should at least write down these stories and share them with the local library or some such organization.

Preservation of one's history lengthens one's history. Just my humble opinion.

Joyfully,
Martha

[Master Vigil]

My idea of spirits were only taught to me by my spirit guides. Then I tried to see how similar it was to other cultures ideas. I find they are extremely similar (all of them), just the terms and how they are used are different. My background may very well be Zingari (italian gypsy), and their ideas of nature and nature spirits are extremely similar to what my wolves have taught me. So who knows.

[kreeden]

I too believe that there is an underlaying similarity Mister V . However , one has to respect others views too . And respect the differences . Sometimes , the differences can be as important as the similarities . After all , this part of the forum is on " Native American " beliefs . { and believe me , I'm having a hard time staying on topic }

Perhaps another thread on animal guides in general is in order ?

Martha , the problem with a verbal tradition is that , well , it wasn't written down . And when it was , it usually was written by another culture ... But many stories do remain . I have been thinking of sharing one of my favorites for some time now , but .. well , the story isn't really mine to share , if that makes sense ?

[Master Vigil]

I agree kreeden that the differences should be respected and understood. But if one focuses more on the differences and not the similarities, perhaps the respect would not happen.

[kreeden]

At the risk of going completely of topic ... There is a political slogan here " Celebrate the difference " . { it's a multi-cultural slogan } .

Of course , both should be respected Mister V.

[S3RAPH1M]

The All is my Totem.

[methylatedghosts]

So I guess it's up to the individual whether their totem represents Who They Are or whether it represents Who They Could Be?