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 most countries the Tribal and Clan Totem still exists, although it is thought of in a slightly different manner.
There are also totems for our adopted cultures, such as clubs or societies which we may belong to.
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.
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.
Totem animals represent Great Spirit or that which they need to survive.
We all have power animals which can be accessed by meditation.
Call your animal guide and ask them to come and make themselves known to you. Imagine yourself getting as relaxed as possible. As soon as you are ready, imagine yourself opening your eyes.
The first image you see before you is your animal spirit. Either on the land or in the water, the animal makes itself known to you.
So greet it.
The remainder of this meditation is up to the individual. You can ask their name, ask them what lessons you have to learn from them. Ask them what strengths and/or weaknesses they bring to you. Ask them how they can help you combat these weaknesses. And ask them how you can call on their strengths to help you during stressful situations or when ever you need a little extra energy and power.