One walks on the left to guard and guide the feminine side of our energies while the other walks on our right to guard and guide the masculine characteristics. Those with a female totem on the right and a male totem on the left are born with a special kind of energy balance and usually have very important Spirit work to do in their lifetime.
To discover the remaining 7 totems, we should read and learn as much about animals and their physical characteristics as we can. One excellent book for this is Animal-Speak by Ted Andrews. Psychics, people who do healing and special work with animals, and others who have a good understanding of animal energies, should also be able to help. Those who meditate can ask for the animals to show themselves during meditations and identify themselves as totems.
The animal chooses the person, not the other way around. Many believe that they can just choose an animal and start communicating with it.. usually ego gets in the way at these times. The individual chooses the animal he or she believes to be the most glamorous and powerful, rather than what is harmonious to the individual. The results are ineffectual and often frustrating. No animal is better or worse than any other. Every animals medicine is unque. It is always much better to be powerful in mouse medicine than to be clumsy and ineffectual in eagle medicine. You will find your greatest sucess in the animal that comes to you.
Do keep in mind that your interactions with animal energies is not limited to those which have "specifically" called to you. Any animal may be called on "when you are in need." If you're feeling depressed think of Hummingbird for joy. When details are slipping through your fingers call on meticulous Mouse. If you're having a communication difficulty ask for Dolphin's help. Butterfly helps all those who are going through important life changes. Also keep in mind that while the attributes given to animals in most books on the subject are usually singular, each species (to say nothing of individual animals) has many other qualities. Squirrel, for example, is given the quality of Gathering, meaning gathering only that which is needed. For humans, this refers not only to material possessions but to the ability to shed old sorrows, fixations, beliefs. If you study Squirrel you will also discover that it is an incredibly inventive animal, and one which does not know the meaning of defeat. The squirrel-proof bird feeder has not yet been invented.
Get into a comfortable position, either sitting up or lying down. Just relax and breath deep from your stomach, in through your nose and out your mouth. Take four deep breaths. Imagine a ball of white or gold light above you, a brilliant yet gentle ball of light, made of pure love. Allow it to send a beam of pure light into the top of your head. Feel this loving energy flowing into you, relaxing you and making you feel protected and relaxed. Let it flow down your spine, absorbing all the tension and fear within you, leaving you relaxed and at peace. When it has reached the bottom of your spine, take a few deep breaths to make sure that all the tension and resistance has been absorbed by the pure light.
Now, imagine that this pillar of light within you expands, so that it encircles you entirely in a sphere or egg of pure light. Know that you are loved and protected. If you wish, call upon Great Spirit (Jesus, Goddess, etc.) to guide and protect you.
Now, imagine that you are walking along a woodland path. Feel yourself there. Feel the grass beneath your feet and the gentle breeze upon your face. Smell the flowers and trees. Hear all the sounds of the surrounding forest. (Try to imagine yourself as being "fully there", but don't force the images to come. Let them come naturally.) Ahead you hear the sound of a gentle steam.
Soon you are able to make it out and find yourself in a small clearing. Sit down near the stream and relax. Ask now that your animal ally come to you to help guide you in your life. At the edge of the clearing, you feel a presence. You know that this is your animal guide. You know that it cannot enter the clearing, which is your protective space, without your permission. (If you feel afraid or something just doesn't seem right, know that you can return to waking state immediately if necessary, at any time) Allow the animal to come into the clearing. Let it come to you. When it does, you may wish to speak with it, or even play with it. Feel free to follow your heart in this matter.
When you are finished, thank the animal for coming to you and watch as it leaves the clearing. Also thank Spirit for allowing you to meet your animal ally. Now go back to the trail to retrace your path. Again, allow yourself to experience it fully.
Soon you reach the point from which you started. Then you find yourself back here. Feel the sphere of light still protecting you. Take a few breaths, and when you feel ready, slowly open your eyes.
FINDING, KNOWING, & KEEPING YOUR TOTEM/POWER ANIMAL