Shamanic and pagan traditions are not only concerned about the interaction with the spirit realms, they also encompass how those aspects are integrated into everyday life.
A cornerstone of pagan tradition is the assistance received from totem or power animals. The main animal totem reflects the person’s major strengths and growth areas. It is also the primary way they interact with the world around them. Understanding someone’s totem will give an insight into their character and lifestyle habits.
In relationships there are a lot of factors that will determine if it is going to be successful. Looking at the totems of the people involved gives clues to how the person is going to behave.
Predator Prey Relationships
One of the fundamentals of animal behavior is an animal being either a predator or prey. In human relationships this dynamic is played out as well. It is not uncommon for a predator and prey totem to be attracted as they fulfill a need with each other. In cases of wolves and ungulates (deer, elk, moose, caribou), it is the predation by the wolf that keeps the hoof clan herd healthy.
Two predator totems will work well together if that is their natural inclination. For example, two wolves work very effectively together, while two cougars would not tolerate the other’s presence.
Monogamous versus Promiscuous
Sex and bonding styles are reflected in the mating habits of their totem. Wolves for example have one partner, but it has to be the strongest of the pack. Male elk gather large harems of females, and females gravitate to the stronger males. Having a hoof clan totem doesn’t necessarily mean the person needs lots of sex partners, but they will feel an ego need to attract people of the opposite sex. Bears on the other hand are solitary by nature and come together only for brief sexual encounters.
The mating habits of the totem also reflect seasonal patterns. Hoof clan members will feel their power time as being in the autumn when the rut takes place. Bear and buffalo would feel their power time being spring.
Totem Communication Style
Let’s say an individual with an eagle totem is paired with someone with a buffalo totem. When things hit a bad patch what is going to happen? Well the eagle is going to fly off and sit in a tree, and the buffalo is going to bang their head against the base of the tree to knock it down.
Understanding someone’s major totem gives insight into their coping and defense strategies. Is the totem one that is slow to anger or is it impulsive? An elk for example is very tolerant and will usually just walk away from confrontation, but when cornered has been known to kill an attacking wolf.
Energy Time of Day
Daily compatibility is a major factor if a relationship can work. Are the totems active at the same time? Do they rest and play in a compatible manner? Don’t be surprised if a person with a bear totem wants to sleep all winter.
Territory and Jealousy
Herd animals tend to gravitate towards each other, and there is little in the way of territorial behavior except during mating. Wolves on the other hand cooperate well together as long as they are from the same pack. Bears and cougars are notoriously territorial and do not tolerate another in their space. Look to the totem to help understand issues of rivalry and jealousy.
Take the time to study the behavior of totems in the wild to help understand how it translates into relationship patterns.
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