Totem-Gallery

Bee

Fertility, teamwork, enjoying the honey of life.

Butterfly

Transformation, shape shifting, lightness and joy.

Hummingbird

Joy, enjoying the sweet nectar of life.

Dragonfly

Transformation, adaptability, lightness of being.

Tern

Enjoying comforts of nature.

Heron

Authority, Self determination, self reliance.

Snowy Owl

Prophecy, spirit, wisdom of the elders, trusting your instincts.

Sandpiper

Wading into new waters, probing new possibilities.

Piping Plover

Work in relationships, especially unlikely or difficult ones.

Osprey

Visionary, assertiveness, taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.

ANIMAL TOTEMS

As a wildlife advocate and artist I am continually participating in different art shows throughout New England. One of the things that bring me great joy as an artist is to watch people at these shows connect with my paintings of wildlife and the natural world. I am continually hearing things like "I have always loved turtles, I don't know why but I have always been drawn to them since I was a little girl." Inevitably, this leads to conversations about animal totems and how they work with us in our lives. I have had many wonderful conversations with folks over the years, and have been frequently asked to expand on this information. So, for the many friends who have requested, here is more about animal totems! I hope you learn more about the empowerment of working with animal totems through your life.

Totem-Gallery2

Whale

Creation, the power of breath and song, awakening to inner depths.

Jellyfish

Balance, effectively managing time and labor.

Shark

Heightening of senses, relentlessly focused in pursuits.

Horseshoe crab

Protection, self preservation.

Seahorse

Chivalry, strength, power and protection.

Dolphin

The power of breath and sound, manifestation.

Turtle

Motherhood, turtles themselves are a symbol of the mother earth, longevity, awakening to opportunities and ancient wisdom.

Seal

Developing and focusing the imagination, creativity, lucid dreaming.

WHAT IS AN ANIMAL TOTEM?

The ancients, shamans, native and indigenous people all believe that animals represent some aspect or quality of the divine. Many native cultures and shamans believe that we are all born with a power animal, or totem that assists us throughout our lives. You do not choose your power animal, it chooses you, for life. Your power animal totem is there to assist you in what lessons you are here to learn in this incarnation. This animal connection is very powerful and will assist you throughout your life. Other animal totems show up at various times in our lives to lend us their energy and wisdom to assist us in what we are trying to accomplish at that specific time. These totems will work with us for periods of time, but are not usually for life.

Something I am frequently asked is how do you recognize a totem? If you have always had a strong draw to an animal, it is very likely a power animal. Totems also show up physically and in the dream state. However they show up, pay attention, there is usually a message. This is especially true when they show up repeatedly!

When I paint, I work with the animals’ energy and what they are trying to convey. I have repeatedly said, as an artist, what I am really doing is translating their message. This is why it brings me such joy when people connect with them. I have compiled a list of animals that I have painted and what their totems represent.

To all the friends that I have made that have requested this information, enjoy! To future friends that I have not met yet, I look forward to meeting you. For a more comprehensive understanding of animal totems and how to work with them, I strongly recommend “Animal Speak” by Ted Williams. - Amy Estes