Totem Magic

(Excerpt from: “A Handbook to Awaken The Magic Within”, by Maya Nash, MoonWords Press ©2002)

Animals — and when I use the word ‘animal’ I am including birds, fish and insects — as well as mystical creatures, have played an important role in magic since time began. In Ancient Times, the Gods and Goddesses of many different cultures were often depicted in animal form. In Rome much business was conducted by asking the animals for omens. History speaks of witches and their ‘familiar’ — usually a cat, thought to be a spirit that had crossed over and returned to this world possessing supernatural powers, to be a witch’s companion.

Early man understood that he was simply a small part of the Earth. He knew to respect all things that made up the Earth along with him. Even when it came to killing animals to feed his family, he took only what he could eat and used every part of what he killed. He honored and expressed thanks to animal spirits for providing what was needed. Early man often gave recognition to animal spirits by imitating that animal — wearing skins, singing, dancing and offering prayers. By doing so, man remained linked to the animal spirits and saw them as guides.

Today many of us know the importance and practice of animal totems. Our totem is a natural object or animal we share an affinity with. This goes beyond a preference in choosing a pet. The recurring appearance of a particular animal could well mean that it is part of your personal totem. When that totem keeps reappearing, it is the Universe’s way of telling you to heed the message and comfort it brings!

I first felt the power of Butterfly many years ago, when my dad announced to our family that he would be dead in a matter of a few weeks, and that after his death, each time we saw a butterfly we would know it was him watching over us. A few weeks later my Dad died suddenly of a massive heart attack. True to his word, whenever I needed comfort a butterfly would appear.

Years later my Mum was gravely ill with cancer. One beautiful August morning I looked outside into my fairy garden — hundreds of huge yellow butterflies covered the fence and danced atop the flowers and statuary. I knew what I was witnessing was something from an ethereal world — my dad along with the souls of family members that had passed, coming to help my Mum cross over. I wasn’t afraid or sad, but filled with a calm and peace, knowing that soon she would be free from pain. I looked at the clock: it was 10:24 am. When I made my morning call to the hospital, I was told she had passed — at 10:24 am.

To this day butterfly appears to let me know my parents are still near to comfort and guide me — and that is why I sport the tiny butterfly tattoo above my left wrist.

We can all recognize these totems if we take time to notice their presence and listen to the message they bring. Be it as teacher, guide, or to offer succor, our totem transmits a magic that is there for our acceptance.