Both contain symbolic objects and images which reflects one personal vision of what is needed or desired to be achieved. The vision boards of today can be considered a modern day, watered-down version of the Personal Medicine Shields of the Native American. After healing ceremonies were completed, all traces of the circle were erased. Depending on the circumstances, medicine circles may contain drawings or parts of animals used for the purpose of healing. Medicine circles are used by medicine men/women as a spiritual tool of healing for a person, clan or tribe.
Medicine shields should not be confused with war shields or medicine circles/wheels.Ī war shield was a tool used for protection during confrontations with enemies to deflect airborne objects and could have contained some portrayal of strong and ferocious animals. However, Personal Animal Guides could be displayed on one’s own personal medicine shield. As a rule, an individual’s Animal Guides were not presented in such a public display as a totem pole. Some totem poles were said to be made as commemorative works of art for major achievements or celebrations.Ī totem pole did not represent a person’s Personal Animal Guides. Most totem poles either represented 1) the status or lineage of a family, clan or tribe or 2) a recorded history or a tribal legend that was previously handed down orally which conveyed a life lesson, similar to ancient myths. Totem poles were important to the Native American tribes of southeastern Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Totem Animals should not be confused with totem poles. How are all these animal energies fitting into our lives to guide us? Are there different categories of animal guidance and when and where do they help us? Misconceptions: Animal Guides Versus Totem Poles These familiar titles are often used indiscriminately and interchangeably, causing confusion as to which animal guide helps when and for how long in our lives.
Recent interest in Animal Spirits, Spirit Guides and Animal “Totems” is bringing about the resurgence of the deeper study into the guidance of animals and the knowledge that they hold for us. Native Americans traditionally honored everything of Earth and Sky: through observations, they gained intimate knowledge of the world they lived in.
In the Chinese ancient art of Feng Shui the three principles of Chi holds that everything is alive, connected and ever-changing. What is Animism?Īnimism is said to be the seed of most spiritual and religious thought: animism is the concept that everything in nature has consciousness and spirit (soul) which survives after its hosts’ destruction, prevalent in ancient times. Each member of Mother Earth had something valuable to contribute to the collective knowledge and Ancient Civilizations were well aware of this. Many Ancient Civilizations believed that humans did not stand superior to nature’s inhabitants but revered each as brothers and sisters, coexisting for each other’s benefit. Many people enjoy looking into the symbology of animals, but few are aware of the origins, scope and depth of the benefits in which animal guides are capable of supporting you.
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