Totem Animals

There is a major misconception that just because you are Pagan, somehow you have a "Totem" animal. There are probably thousands upon thousands of quizzes on line that will tell you which Totem animal you have, but no quiz tells you exactly what Totems ACTUALLY are. They are another cultural misappropriation that most people don't realize ARE misappropriated into the Neo-Pagan system.

The mis-impression about Totems is that they are somehow like familiars, or animals that people feel are their favorite or see on such a regular basis they believe they are their guide in some way. This is not so.

The Totem (pronounced "do-dem", not "Tote-em") is a Native (Aboriginal) concept. The totem is a revered symbol for most Native tribes in North America. They are revered in that they are representative of that which originated the tribe.

Marten image from Wikipedia

I can say with total honesty, and while understanding the true nature of the term "Totem" that my Totem is the marten. A member of the weasel family is not exactly my first choice, nor is it my favorite animal (despite being totally cute), but it being my animal Totem...it's not my choice. It is thought to be representative of my clan or tribe.

Unless you are of a Native tribe that can be traced and is recorded, you have no Totem. I don't say this to be mean or exclusive, but I say this as an educated member of the Ojibwe. It doesn't matter how many quizzes you take online or who you talk to...unless you are a member of a Native tribe, YOU HAVE NO TOTEM!