ABSTRACT

Since the night of time man has recognised his identification with the animal kingdom and the elements in nature. Totemism is the practice of taking on one’s own animal nature so as to participate more deeply in nature’s mysteries and power. Entering into one’s totem animal or essence in nature, totem tree or other, brings with it certain powers that are not accessible in ordinary states. The psychic or spiritual connection with the totem animal brings with it the particular attributes and capacities that characterise the specific animal. One is far more powerful when one has psychically incorporated one’s totem. One becomes an integral part of nature and an initiated participant in the mysteries of the elements. Subsequently the right to hunt may be bestowed or the right to avail oneself of the essences in nature for one’s own development, maturation and well-being. The spontaneous drawing of totems often reveals a deeper insight into the unconscious perception of life and events.