Lindsey Pritchett - Native American Animal Totems

It is a common belief amongst Native Americans that each individual is connected with nine various animals that will act as guide through their life. These nine animals are believed to appear in life at random moments, however there is one that stays with the individual for life. This animal is the individuals "totem animal" which stays with them for life in both the spiritual and physical world.
With this animal, a connection is shared (usually signified by appearance in dreams, favoritism/ interest, or other interaction). The purpose of this animal totem is to offer power and wisdom to the individual when they "communicate" with it. For example, my favorite animal is a panther. It is the animal I am most drawn to and feel most connected with. Native Americans believe the Panther signifies, or means, "protection, hidden emotions, introspection, caution, careful decisions."

To me, the panther is just my favorite animal. I like the way it moves and remains elusive. I like the color of it and the fact that it is a predator. I also like that I usually don't see panthers in the zoo, as I prefer to think of it as free. However, Native Americans believe there is something to be learned from the animal. The animal not only carries meaning but it communicates that meaning by appearing in a person's life. The animal is a very personal entity, not at all objective like we see in the technological world's many zoos and circuses. It is meant to be encountered in the wild.

Furthermore, when we encountered the bear on the Appalachian Trail, we did not see the animal as a symbol of being the "guardian of the world." If we had been of Native American culture and we were familiar with the symbolism and power of each, we would know and associate the bear instead with it's characteristics. Ironically, these characteristics are numerous and as follows: "Industrious, instinctive, healing, power, sovereignty, guardian of the world, watcher, courage, will power, self-preservation, introspection, and great strength." Many of these characteristics, I feel, were applicable to the place and time period the bear appeared.