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[1] What are we talking about? (terms)
[2] Information (elaboration on terms)
[3] FAQs
[4] Additional information
[5] Credits


[1] What are we talking about?

Much of what encompasses this tome involves spirit animal guides, but you will also be presented with information on totems, spirit guides, and familiars. The following breaks these down into appropriate divisions and describes each of them. There may also be references to outside sources to further your own information.


[2] The Information

Let's start with the thread title.

Spirit animals/guides - “Animal spirit guides often show themselves in the form of a magistic/ demi- god(dess) form. I usually see them with a wide array of colors, and they adorn themselves with trinkets that would anthropomorphize them and set them apart from mundane animals. They are also there to help you get in touch with your inner self. Animal Spirit guides are said to be the strongest and most wise.” ~ Miss Randa

These guides are generally explained to be more of the metaphysical realm, seen in visions, dreams, or meditative states, etc. They may be distinguished from other mundane creatures by different colourings or trinkets worn/carried. These guides may teach you about yourself or about other things. They may also be able to speak to you.

Familiars - “Familiars are worked with with witches and the like. Familiars are animals that a person feels is magickally inclined towards them. They can often be blessed, and included in rituals.” ~ Miss Randa

They are not limited to witches or the like, though this is the setting these are usually though of in. They are physical creatures that can generally be petted/touched and may very well be your pet. (And usually they are.) In most cases, the animal has a strong connection to you. They may follow you around, warn you of strange happenings with odd behaviors, etc.

Totems - “Totems relate to how you are dealing with your current life. Totems are affiliated within a certain amount of time, and usually go away once you have resolved said problems.” ~ Miss Randa

The term totem generally refers to the Native American references, though this is broadened by some to encompass most, if not all, animals. Totems, much like Familiars are physical animals that influence your life, though they are generally not your pet. These are usually wildlife in the area that seem to appear often in your life (generally daily life, ie, you see hawks often and they catch your eye and not necessarily the eyes of others). “Totemic definitions have been written by observing the animals behavior and lore and applying it to a magickal and life style sense.” ~ Miss Randa





[3] FAQs

-What do you mean by “magickally inclined?”-
“Magickally inclined is another way to say you feel that this animal is meant to help you in your magickal life, and that this pet/wild animal has helped you through supernatural means in the past.” ~ Miss Randa

-I've heard about therians/otherkin. Are those related to this?-
For some, yes. Most generally defined? No. Therians and otherkin generally believe the have a soul/spiritual connection to an animal or that they have a soul from said animal. More could be said, but, for the purposes of this topic, that will be left for other things.

-”Guide: Animal you visit astrally.” So, does that mean you have to be able to astral project or otherwise have an out of body experience to encounter these?-
Not at all, this just means they are not physical, as in, on this plane and tangible. As stated before, they can be seen in dreams or during meditation as well.


[4] Additional Information

This thread is by no means comprehensive and complete. There are certainly other references and, as always, you are encouraged to do your own research and determine your own definitions, etc. Here are some other references for your reading pleasure.

Net references
[to be built]
Hard references
Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small – Ted Andrews


There are also card sets for totems that are pulled up, occasionally like tarot cards as well with a book of translations included. (I will get the name of my mother's set the next time I'm home.)


[5] Credits

Credit where credit is due:
Many thanks to members of the old regime. Jesuspunkrokr started the thread with questions. It can certainly be noted that I used a LOT of Miss Randa's information so much credit to her for filling in most of this with her posts on the thread.