Greetings! Flidais, in your description for this thread mentioned totem animals. In Michael Harner's book, "The Way of the Shaman," if I remember correctly, had those who read his book, for their first shamanic experience, go and meet their totem animal. Again, as I mentioned previously in the College, this I feel is going into a meditative state, and then visualizing or being receptive to what totem animal chooses you. I have noticed that this can change. When I first did this, I was met by a white bear. Years later, I received a white wolf which, I feel, is still with me.

The totem animal is an aid or guide. A visualization of ones' inner self to converse with, seek guidance, or whatever is needed from within. A shamanistic guardian angel.