Looking Within

A totem animal is a symbol for our inner nature, and the choice of animal can have much to say about our hidden feelings about ourselves. Popular animals chosen among western Neo-Pagans are the cat (in one form or another) and the “lone wolf.” You don’t come across a lot of people choosing a gerbil for their animal; although, I have seen them mentioned in the “Passages” section of Circle Network News.

Tribal peoples historically have identified with animals that are found in their environments. This makes sense simply because these are the animals that they are exposed to, but there is a more important point to make. They know the habits of the animals because they experience them in their world. The identification is made in regard to the animal’s actual characteristics.

City Pagans do not hunt their food or protect their villages. Animals are kept as pets or visited in zoos and on excursions to the country. Many Pagans I have met identify with the common house cat, or a slightly more wild version that they have seen in a zoo. A cat is by nature rather sensual, a hunter whom one would not wish to offend and a creature of beauty. But looking at the situation from another viewpoint, the cat is fed by a human if it lives in a house or a zoo. It is a kept animal. How many city Pagans who choose a cat as their animal. would truly wish to fend for him/herself in the wild? How many would be able to catch their food, kill it, eat it raw? Looking within, cat people may find a true appreciation for luxury and the relative ease of civilized living.

Even more poignantly, look at the “lone wolf.” I have known many people who call themselves by this name. Deep inside, I think they know the truth — wolves prefer to travel in packs! Every “lone wolf’ I have ever met has been a person who has spent much time alone and has been an individualist, but deep inside wished to be with others of his or her kind. A look inside may reveal a need for companionship which, if acknowledged, could save years of analysis.

I would suggest to every Pagan who has identified him/herself with a totem animal to closely examine the habits of their animal, read about it, and observe it in some setting. Then look inside and see your true nature, your motivations and feelings revealed.