The concept of a Totem animal is universal to all cultures. Tribal cultures will recognize a Totem for the tribe, one for the clan one belongs to, and one for the family that one is born into. In the United States, and in other countries, the Tribal and Clan Totem still exists, although it is thought of in a slightly different manner. The Totem for our tribe (the U.S.A.) is the Bald Eagle. The totem for the clans (each state) is the State Animal. For example the California clan Totem is the California Grizzly Bear and the Michigan clan Totem is the Wolverine. There are also totems for our adopted cultures, such as clubs or societies which we may belong to, such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Lions Club. Even Christianity, the prevalent religion of this country, has maintained two Totem animals, these being the Fish and the Lamb. Specialized Totems are also seen in organized sports, their names being reflected in the team names. Examples are the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins.

The next type of Power Animal or Totem is that which is personal for the individual. These Totems are protective spirits which help us in our everyday life. Everyone has such a Totem. Even today most parents give a special protective Power Animal to their children and tell the child that it will be protected over night by that Power Animal. They don't realize that is what they are doing when they give a teddy bear to their little one.

We often unconsciously recognize the Power Animal affecting someone, and use terms which give away our unconscious recognition. How many times have we thought or said something like, "That guy is a real bear.", "She's a lynx!", or "Watch out for him, he's a snake in the grass!"

The first item of business for a potential Shaman is to learn to travel in the other worlds, then to discover his Totem or Power Animal. That knowledge is necessary in order to start the long process of learning.

My experience has shown me that a Totem Power Animal is usually in the form of an animal such as a bear, lion, bison, squirrel, mouse, or any other. These Power Animals are usually a reflection of your deepest self and also represent qualities which you need in this world, but which are often hidden or obscured. A mistake that people often make is to be dissatisfied when they find that their Power Animal is some non-ferocious animal like a mouse. We tend to think that a mouse is not very powerful -- that it is meek and afraid. What they forget is that spirits are not limited to physical reality and that size is irrelevant. Your Power Animal may be a tiny mouse, but in times of need this mouse can and will change its size and deportment to that which is appropriate to the occasion. There is nothing weak of meek about a 500-foot tall mouse! Your personal Power Animal (as opposed to your family, clan, or tribal spirit) may change several times in your lifetime, depending upon your specific needs. If you are dispirited, your animal is far away from you and needs to be brought back, or a replacement found.

When you make your first exploratory journey you are likely to encounter spirits which may represent themselves as being your Totem or Power Animal. If you are already aware of your spirit that spirit may greet you and give you additional power.

You need to be aware that some spirits are negative. They are bringers of physical and mental disease. According to Michael Harner, you can recognize them because they come in for form of insects and arachnids (including all bugs, lobsters, crabs or bug-like things), and reptiles or fish that are showing their teeth. Reptiles and fish that are not showing their teeth are positive spirits. I don't think Harner is entirely accurate on this, but it wouldn't hurt to exercise the caution he urges until you gain more experience.

All mammals and birds are positive spirits. Any positive spirit may be your Power Animal. Your Power Animal may also be a mythical animal, such as a unicorn or Pegasus, or even one which does not exist in myth or legend.