Hey Jordana, it’s Derek! Great video. Mouse people seem to have some similar traits, needs and tendencies as the cancer sign- being sensitive, homebody and in control. I can’t but help to think of myself a lot listening through this.
Hi, Derek! I never thanked you for the beautiful message you sent me after I retired from working with clients, so please consider this my most profound thanks. There were sniffles, Dude 💗💗💗. I hope you're doing wonderfully! And you nailed it - -there are a lot of Cancerian traits in Mouse People. When I initially talked about this in the video, it required that I balance it with explanations of Mouse's Aries and Gemini traits as well, and the video became too long. So in the end, I left it out. But bless your insightfulness, you caught it! Happy Thanksgiving! Warmly, Jordana
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Aw man! I really wasn't trying to make things harder on you, haha, I promise! I'm glad it landed well, though :) And also, that makes so much sense about mouse people. Man, I just keep learning about all this stuff largely thanks to you. Keep em' coming Jordana!
Excited to see a new video! I discovered you a month ago through your moth totem video, and (while I only recognize Moth and Snake as my totems right now), quickly binged all your other animal videos and they were just as lovely and thorough. This one no exception. Thank you for putting this information in your eloquent words.
Thank you so very much for your kind words, Brendan; I'm delighted you're enjoying my work so much! 🥰 If you were not already aware, I wrote a a full book on Snake as a totem and spirit guide that goes into considerable detail (far more so than my videos on Snake). It is called Animal Totems and Spirit Guides: The Wisdom of Snake, and you can find it on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. Warmly, Jordana
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I already added it to my wishlist after watching your snake video! Thanks again for all you've given us for free, and hope to support you soon by purchasing the book.
We have been seeing a lot of mice lately. It is exciting that you just made a video on mice. I know there is a message mouse is trying to tell me. Getting ready to watch this video. Thank you so much!
My pleasure, and I hope the video gave you some info on your Mouse experiences! If not, I'm working on the Mouse as a spirit guide video as we speak, and those messages are in some cases pretty different from what Mouse represents as a totem. So if the totem video didn't help, the spirit guide video should! Wishing you a beautiful holiday season, Joyce! XO! Jordana
My Pleasure (Taurus Sun and Moon, so oooooh did I feel that eclipse! Indeed, there were lots of mousy security concerns and a whole lot of rampant overthinking!😆) Blessings! -J
5:40 ... I wondered about me watching it. The answers came quickly: There is a mouse (or more) in my parents' apple/pear storage and it possibly evaded and two traps and made them disappear. So mouse is currently around here. My Mum has always been terrified by mouse. I'm not sure if "shadow animals" are a thing ... Maybe they are just animal guides people do not want to accept or recognise. Maybe they are reflections of shadow sides that are already part of one's animal guides that need a own symbol and expression for some time. (I see both qualities in the animal that used to scare me at least.) ... now I'm continuing to watch.
With regard to "shadow animals", I think you and I are probably on the same page here, FROST. At the end of the day, a "shadow" totem is really just a critter that represents needs, drives, or other parts of ourself which our ego is simply unable to accept at that time. For example, a lot of folks fear aggressive-seeming animals, because they are afraid of their own perceived aggression. Or they fear animals with ties to sex (Snake, most famously!), because they are repressive of or rigid in their sexual needs. I used to be terrified as all get-out of mountain lions, which are a totem of mine, and which I would once have called a "shadow" totem. Mtn. lions represent so many of the qualities I knew I possessed, but believed were "bad" or "wrong". If the Mouse Totem video doesn't shed light on the reason for your present visitors, hopefully the Spirit Guide video will do so. I'll have it ready soon :)
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Thanks a lot for the answer. Well ... the video did a lot for me. It had a quite grounding effect ... for it helped to understand Mum ... and the challenging conflicts I had with her lately way better. Especially the light shed on security issues and defensiveness did a lot for me ... Both are issues mouse and fox struggle with. Yet, when they entangle ... worry, insecurity and other bad things easily take over ... and can create a downward spiral. (The way out is: Survival specialists - which both fox and mouse are - need to be trusted concerning their survival skills. Unasked inference may easily mean trapping them or pushing them into the corner.)
Thank YOU for the kind words, Julie-Anne! I didn't go majorly into detail about the astrological associations with Mouse due to time constraints, but Mouse energy has a lot of Cancer, Aries, Gemini, and Libra components, along with the Taurus I mentioned. If you have any of these as strong placements in your astro chart, it might explain the shared traits with Mouse. Wishing you Joy! Jordana
I'm delighted that you enjoy them! 💗 My TH-cam Channel Members are in charge of which videos I make. Every time I'm ready to make a new video, 2nd and 3rd Tier Members submit their requests, I randomly draw 3 animals from the request list, and then 3rd Tier Members get to vote on their fave. Whatever they pick becomes the next video! 😊. If you're interested in becoming a Channel Member, just click JOIN next to the Subscribe button adjacent to any of my videos, and you'll see all the details. If you can't find the JOIN button (which happens for a variety of reasons), there are quick and easy directions on my website for making it visible here: www.ravenlightholistichealing.com/youtubemember.php Warmly, Jordana
Listening to this makes me think of a couple different things. An observation and a general question. First, I'm reminded of two sisters I've played D&D with. Both of them are natural rogues not afraid to put their characters over the group. It's fascinating to watch their minds at work. Maybe it's because this way seems so different from my own approach, and that it seems to run in that family. Second, I'm reminded of my time working at a kennel. I was the only one who ever wore hearing protection (or much in the way of protection in general). Without it, my stress levels immediately went through the roof. If someone is without an affinity for mice, would you still consider looking at mouse, or look to different animals? Good work, as always. I'm looking forward to the companion spirit guide video, and to see which animal is coming next.
That's a good question, Daniel. I would definitely say not to push the Mouse connection if it's just not vibing with you. With regard to the kind of hearing sensitivity that severely messes with one's stress levels, I would ironically put Dog at the top of that list. Given your love for dogs and your history of working with them, perhaps that's a new area of totemic wisdom for you to explore (I've often considered making a video on Dog, but each breed is so very different in temperament that it would be difficult to make a "general" video). Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving and sending much love! -J
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I like this suggestion of Dog. It makes sense for the reasons you've mentioned, and I have been pondering concepts I'd closely associate with Dog, namely friendship and loyalty. It's with some amusement that I'm reminded of a character from a childhood cartoon named Anubis. His literal assigned principle is Loyalty, and part of his redemption arc deals with it. Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes. May your own be restful, and full of laughter! -D
Hi, Boza! My 2nd/3rd Tier TH-cam Channel Members are in charge of which videos I make - it's one of the perks they receive as thanks for their support. Every time I'm ready to make a new video, 2nd and 3rd Tier Members submit their requests, I randomly draw 3 animals from the request list, and then 3rd Tier Members get to vote on their fave. Whatever they pick becomes the next video! 😊. If you're interested in becoming a Channel Member, just click JOIN next to the Subscribe button adjacent to any of my videos, and you'll see all the details, including what you get at each tier of Membership. If you can't find the JOIN button (which happens for a variety of reasons), there are quick and easy directions on my website for making it visible here: www.ravenlightholistichealing.com/youtubemember.php Warmly, Jordana
Hi, Savy! Thank you so very much for your kind words; I'm delighted you've enjoyed my work so much! 💗 My 2nd/3rd Tier TH-cam Channel Members are actually in charge of which videos I make - it's one of the perks they receive as thanks for their support. Every time I'm ready to make a new video, 2nd and 3rd Tier Members submit their requests, I randomly draw 3 animals from the request list, and then 3rd Tier Members get to vote on their fave. Whatever they pick becomes the next video! 😊. If you're interested in becoming a Channel Member, just click JOIN next to the Subscribe button adjacent to any of my videos, and you'll see all the details, including what you get at each tier of Membership. If you can't find the JOIN button (which happens for a variety of reasons), there are quick and easy directions on my website for making it visible here: www.ravenlightholistichealing.com/youtubemember.php Warmest blessings to you, J
Ohmygosh...I'm pretty sure my jaw just hit the floor! Wow, Obsessive--I'm blown away that you found my work so helpful that you would want to respond with such profound generosity. Thank YOU for both the act itself and the sentiment behind it; I am beyond moved 💗💗💗💗. Warmest blessings to you, and may your day bring you as much joy as your kindness brought me. -J
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing are you kidding! I am obsessed with your videos since I found you. I will buy all your books as soon as I land in the US this summer! The effort and energy you put in all of these is phenomenal and much appretiated 🥰.
I'm really honored, Obsessive. Thank you! I can't make any promises, but I do plan to start making some new videos in the not-too-distant future, and I always love knowing what viewers would like to see. Is there a particular critter about which you'd like a video? Wishing you safe and happy travels!
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I would love to hear your wisdom on Praying Mantis or Grass Hopper 😍. Thank you for asking 🙏🏻. Looking forward to anything you create.
Thank you! Both of those have been high on the request list for ages, especially praying mantis, so there's a good chance there will be a video or book chapter on one of them in the future 😊 Have a very happy weekend!
Hi Jordan I'm just curious, is there a difference between mouse and rat traits as a totem? Also I'm not 100% clear, how does one constitute a certain animal as a totem? Is it an animal you feel a connection with? Because I research online about animal totems and several articles say you don't choose your totem, they choose you.
Yep, Rat and Mouse are two different totem critters, though there *are* a lot of similarities. Suffice it to say that they are not interchangeable! In a nutshell, totems *ARE* most often animals with which we feel a connection, because we are MEANT to feel that connection. We unconsciously recognize that they represent qualities within ourselves that we either need to develop or accept. The whole "they choose you" thing gives the totem animals a sort of consciousness that they don't generally possess; we're not usually talking about a sentient being that "picks" us, but rather, a symbol that our Higher Self recognizes. The idea here is really that when we are investigating an animal as a totem, it's up to us to try to recognize when we are wanting to connect with it because it really, truly calls to something within us (or scares the bejeezus out of us! That happens, too!) OR we are doing it for ego-based reasons, i.e., we are naming something a totem because we think it will impress other people, or because we think its qualities are more acceptable than those of the animal we *really* like. If we can let go of the need to have our totems SAY something about us to society, rather than just moving towards the totem that feels right for us, whatever that happens to be, and however humble or scary it may be, then we naturally choose the ones that ARE right for us. Hope that helps! Cheers! J
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I see. I was just asking because of coming up with the lore of my stories since the concept is humans can shapeshift into their animal totems at will, and figuring out how the characters are connected to their animal totems. I initially thought the totems would be a part of their souls.
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I'm just wondering if there's anyway I can ask you questions and advice about animal totems in private so no one can steal my ideas?
Mouse! All Around me my Neighbours have had Mouse Infestations!! I told one of them to give them all names.. and then you do not have an Infestation, you have Pets.. I do not think my suggestion was appreciated.. My Two Boys have an agreement with the local Mice, they do not Go In to the Mouse Houses and the Mice do not come in to the Cat's House, well..My House..But Really the Cat's house!
😂 LOVE this, Phoenix! Of COURSE, we suddenly have mice in our crawlspace as I am working on the video on Mouse as a Spirit Guide. I've been telling myself that this is to help me experience Mouse's wisdom first-hand so that I can do a better, more accurate video, but in the mean time, I strongly suspect they are chewing on the vapor barrier, which is not fabulous. So perhaps I just need to give them all names! Lol! Then it's standard wear and tear associated with pets (like what our cats do to our sofas and our carpets, when they feel like using them as scratching posts) rather than pest-damage 😆 Thank you for the Monday morning giggle! Wishing you joy! -J
Good question! It depends -- Something that we think is a spirit guide may eventually reveal itself as a totem. These are usually the spirit guides that we think are here to help us with something temporary, and as time goes on, we realize that the "temporary" thing has actually been an issue for us for some time, just in ways we perhaps didn't recognize. Bats were this way for me. They were around for a loooooong time before I finally recognized that they were a totem (Some we just "know", some we just eventually accept based on the evidence). However, if something is already a totem, it wouldn't also be considered a spirit guide, as the totem's purpose is basically to provide ongoing spirit-guide wisdom. Does that make sense? Basically, if it goes away after we put its wisdom to use and see a change, it was a spirit guide. If it makes its presence known repeatedly over the long term, it's a totem. These aren't concrete rules, however; some spirit guides seem to stick around forever! It just depends on how long it takes for us to get with the program! 😂 Also, remember that we don't have to get it "right." There is no part of the Universe that is waiting around to criticize or punish us for thinking something is a totem or spirit guide when it is not. As long as we're open to learning whatever we feel we are being offered, we're on the right track. Have a wonderful weekend, Estara!
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Thank you so much as that makes sense now as I know a few shamanic practitioners have mentioned that power animals can stick around, but I am not sure what type of shamanic wisdom and knowledge they were practicing.
There's also the issue of "lingo" to consider here. Not every shamanic practitioner uses the same terms, or they may use them in different ways. The way I originally learned the terminology, for example, a "power animal" was neither a totem, nor a spirit guide, but a creature one called upon at need to lend certain strengths to the caller (For example, a hunter asking Owl to lend the hunter its ability to move silently). I don't use that term for very specific reasons, one of which is that it can be easily confused with a totem or spirit guide (though I do use it in video tags, as it helps people find my work). I've also observed newer practitioners using "animal guide" or "spirit animal" interchangeably with "totem" or "spirit guide." If you can, ask them exactly what they mean by using each term -- that might help provide you with some additional clarity.
This makes so much sense to me, thank you🙏
I'm so glad to hear that you found it helpful! 💗
I just love learning about these things
Me, too! I'm delighted you're enjoying learning along with me! 🙏💗
Hey Jordana, it’s Derek! Great video. Mouse people seem to have some similar traits, needs and tendencies as the cancer sign- being sensitive, homebody and in control. I can’t but help to think of myself a lot listening through this.
Hi, Derek! I never thanked you for the beautiful message you sent me after I retired from working with clients, so please consider this my most profound thanks. There were sniffles, Dude 💗💗💗. I hope you're doing wonderfully! And you nailed it - -there are a lot of Cancerian traits in Mouse People. When I initially talked about this in the video, it required that I balance it with explanations of Mouse's Aries and Gemini traits as well, and the video became too long. So in the end, I left it out. But bless your insightfulness, you caught it! Happy Thanksgiving! Warmly, Jordana
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Aw man! I really wasn't trying to make things harder on you, haha, I promise! I'm glad it landed well, though :) And also, that makes so much sense about mouse people. Man, I just keep learning about all this stuff largely thanks to you. Keep em' coming Jordana!
Excited to see a new video! I discovered you a month ago through your moth totem video, and (while I only recognize Moth and Snake as my totems right now), quickly binged all your other animal videos and they were just as lovely and thorough. This one no exception. Thank you for putting this information in your eloquent words.
Thank you so very much for your kind words, Brendan; I'm delighted you're enjoying my work so much! 🥰 If you were not already aware, I wrote a a full book on Snake as a totem and spirit guide that goes into considerable detail (far more so than my videos on Snake). It is called Animal Totems and Spirit Guides: The Wisdom of Snake, and you can find it on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. Warmly, Jordana
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I already added it to my wishlist after watching your snake video! Thanks again for all you've given us for free, and hope to support you soon by purchasing the book.
Good to hear from you Jordanna!!
Thank you!!
We have been seeing a lot of mice lately. It is exciting that you just made a video on mice. I know there is a message mouse is trying to tell me. Getting ready to watch this video. Thank you so much!
My pleasure, and I hope the video gave you some info on your Mouse experiences! If not, I'm working on the Mouse as a spirit guide video as we speak, and those messages are in some cases pretty different from what Mouse represents as a totem. So if the totem video didn't help, the spirit guide video should! Wishing you a beautiful holiday season, Joyce! XO! Jordana
The Taurus Lunar Eclipse on 11/19 is related to this energy thank you so very much this "mouse" detailed video🐭
My Pleasure (Taurus Sun and Moon, so oooooh did I feel that eclipse!
Indeed, there were lots of mousy security concerns and a whole lot of rampant overthinking!😆) Blessings! -J
5:40
... I wondered about me watching it. The answers came quickly:
There is a mouse (or more) in my parents' apple/pear storage and it possibly evaded and two traps and made them disappear. So mouse is currently around here.
My Mum has always been terrified by mouse.
I'm not sure if "shadow animals" are a thing ... Maybe they are just animal guides people do not want to accept or recognise. Maybe they are reflections of shadow sides that are already part of one's animal guides that need a own symbol and expression for some time. (I see both qualities in the animal that used to scare me at least.)
... now I'm continuing to watch.
With regard to "shadow animals", I think you and I are probably on the same page here, FROST. At the end of the day, a "shadow" totem is really just a critter that represents needs, drives, or other parts of ourself which our ego is simply unable to accept at that time. For example, a lot of folks fear aggressive-seeming animals, because they are afraid of their own perceived aggression. Or they fear animals with ties to sex (Snake, most famously!), because they are repressive of or rigid in their sexual needs. I used to be terrified as all get-out of mountain lions, which are a totem of mine, and which I would once have called a "shadow" totem. Mtn. lions represent so many of the qualities I knew I possessed, but believed were "bad" or "wrong". If the Mouse Totem video doesn't shed light on the reason for your present visitors, hopefully the Spirit Guide video will do so. I'll have it ready soon :)
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Thanks a lot for the answer.
Well ... the video did a lot for me. It had a quite grounding effect ... for it helped to understand Mum ... and the challenging conflicts I had with her lately way better. Especially the light shed on security issues and defensiveness did a lot for me ... Both are issues mouse and fox struggle with. Yet, when they entangle ... worry, insecurity and other bad things easily take over ... and can create a downward spiral. (The way out is: Survival specialists - which both fox and mouse are - need to be trusted concerning their survival skills. Unasked inference may easily mean trapping them or pushing them into the corner.)
Who knew that mice are so different from what you might think of them at first! 😁 Brilliant video, as usual! Sending love your way!
Thank you so much, Arisu! 🥰 They surprised me as well!! And sending you much love in kind!! 💗💗💗
I don't think I am a mouse person but I do share some of the sensitivities and traits. Thank you for the info! Always interesting to learn from you.
Thank YOU for the kind words, Julie-Anne! I didn't go majorly into detail about the astrological associations with Mouse due to time constraints, but Mouse energy has a lot of Cancer, Aries, Gemini, and Libra components, along with the Taurus I mentioned. If you have any of these as strong placements in your astro chart, it might explain the shared traits with Mouse. Wishing you Joy! Jordana
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Well that explains it! My sun and moon is Cancer. Thank you!
Yep, this is me 😅
I used to hate mice... I never realised how much I had in common with a mouse ❤
💗💗💗💗
Can you do the white stag? It’s come to me in meditation to work with recently. Thank you for your videos, Jordana!!
I'm delighted that you enjoy them! 💗 My TH-cam Channel Members are in charge of which videos I make. Every time I'm ready to make a new video, 2nd and 3rd Tier Members submit their requests, I randomly draw 3 animals from the request list, and then 3rd Tier Members get to vote on their fave. Whatever they pick becomes the next video! 😊. If you're interested in becoming a Channel Member, just click JOIN next to the Subscribe button adjacent to any of my videos, and you'll see all the details. If you can't find the JOIN button (which happens for a variety of reasons), there are quick and easy directions on my website for making it visible here: www.ravenlightholistichealing.com/youtubemember.php
Warmly, Jordana
Listening to this makes me think of a couple different things. An observation and a general question.
First, I'm reminded of two sisters I've played D&D with. Both of them are natural rogues not afraid to put their characters over the group. It's fascinating to watch their minds at work. Maybe it's because this way seems so different from my own approach, and that it seems to run in that family.
Second, I'm reminded of my time working at a kennel. I was the only one who ever wore hearing protection (or much in the way of protection in general). Without it, my stress levels immediately went through the roof. If someone is without an affinity for mice, would you still consider looking at mouse, or look to different animals?
Good work, as always. I'm looking forward to the companion spirit guide video, and to see which animal is coming next.
That's a good question, Daniel. I would definitely say not to push the Mouse connection if it's just not vibing with you. With regard to the kind of hearing sensitivity that severely messes with one's stress levels, I would ironically put Dog at the top of that list. Given your love for dogs and your history of working with them, perhaps that's a new area of totemic wisdom for you to explore (I've often considered making a video on Dog, but each breed is so very different in temperament that it would be difficult to make a "general" video). Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving and sending much love! -J
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I like this suggestion of Dog. It makes sense for the reasons you've mentioned, and I have been pondering concepts I'd closely associate with Dog, namely friendship and loyalty.
It's with some amusement that I'm reminded of a character from a childhood cartoon named Anubis. His literal assigned principle is Loyalty, and part of his redemption arc deals with it.
Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes. May your own be restful, and full of laughter!
-D
i would love if you did a video on dolphins🐬
Hi, Boza! My 2nd/3rd Tier TH-cam Channel Members are in charge of which videos I make - it's one of the perks they receive as thanks for their support. Every time I'm ready to make a new video, 2nd and 3rd Tier Members submit their requests, I randomly draw 3 animals from the request list, and then 3rd Tier Members get to vote on their fave. Whatever they pick becomes the next video! 😊. If you're interested in becoming a Channel Member, just click JOIN next to the Subscribe button adjacent to any of my videos, and you'll see all the details, including what you get at each tier of Membership. If you can't find the JOIN button (which happens for a variety of reasons), there are quick and easy directions on my website for making it visible here: www.ravenlightholistichealing.com/youtubemember.php
Warmly, Jordana
Hi Jordana, I love your videos and have learned so much from you! Will you please do a video on Beaver as totem? Thank you so much! Happy holidays!
Hi, Savy! Thank you so very much for your kind words; I'm delighted you've enjoyed my work so much! 💗 My 2nd/3rd Tier TH-cam Channel Members are actually in charge of which videos I make - it's one of the perks they receive as thanks for their support. Every time I'm ready to make a new video, 2nd and 3rd Tier Members submit their requests, I randomly draw 3 animals from the request list, and then 3rd Tier Members get to vote on their fave. Whatever they pick becomes the next video! 😊. If you're interested in becoming a Channel Member, just click JOIN next to the Subscribe button adjacent to any of my videos, and you'll see all the details, including what you get at each tier of Membership. If you can't find the JOIN button (which happens for a variety of reasons), there are quick and easy directions on my website for making it visible here: www.ravenlightholistichealing.com/youtubemember.php
Warmest blessings to you, J
I love mice
Thanks!
Ohmygosh...I'm pretty sure my jaw just hit the floor! Wow, Obsessive--I'm blown away that you found my work so helpful that you would want to respond with such profound generosity. Thank YOU for both the act itself and the sentiment behind it; I am beyond moved 💗💗💗💗. Warmest blessings to you, and may your day bring you as much joy as your kindness brought me. -J
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing are you kidding! I am obsessed with your videos since I found you. I will buy all your books as soon as I land in the US this summer! The effort and energy you put in all of these is phenomenal and much appretiated 🥰.
I'm really honored, Obsessive. Thank you! I can't make any promises, but I do plan to start making some new videos in the not-too-distant future, and I always love knowing what viewers would like to see. Is there a particular critter about which you'd like a video? Wishing you safe and happy travels!
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I would love to hear your wisdom on Praying Mantis or Grass Hopper 😍. Thank you for asking 🙏🏻. Looking forward to anything you create.
Thank you! Both of those have been high on the request list for ages, especially praying mantis, so there's a good chance there will be a video or book chapter on one of them in the future 😊 Have a very happy weekend!
Hi Jordan I'm just curious, is there a difference between mouse and rat traits as a totem? Also I'm not 100% clear, how does one constitute a certain animal as a totem? Is it an animal you feel a connection with? Because I research online about animal totems and several articles say you don't choose your totem, they choose you.
Yep, Rat and Mouse are two different totem critters, though there *are* a lot of similarities. Suffice it to say that they are not interchangeable! In a nutshell, totems *ARE* most often animals with which we feel a connection, because we are MEANT to feel that connection. We unconsciously recognize that they represent qualities within ourselves that we either need to develop or accept. The whole "they choose you" thing gives the totem animals a sort of consciousness that they don't generally possess; we're not usually talking about a sentient being that "picks" us, but rather, a symbol that our Higher Self recognizes. The idea here is really that when we are investigating an animal as a totem, it's up to us to try to recognize when we are wanting to connect with it because it really, truly calls to something within us (or scares the bejeezus out of us! That happens, too!) OR we are doing it for ego-based reasons, i.e., we are naming something a totem because we think it will impress other people, or because we think its qualities are more acceptable than those of the animal we *really* like. If we can let go of the need to have our totems SAY something about us to society, rather than just moving towards the totem that feels right for us, whatever that happens to be, and however humble or scary it may be, then we naturally choose the ones that ARE right for us. Hope that helps! Cheers! J
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I see. I was just asking because of coming up with the lore of my stories since the concept is humans can shapeshift into their animal totems at will, and figuring out how the characters are connected to their animal totems. I initially thought the totems would be a part of their souls.
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing I'm just wondering if there's anyway I can ask you questions and advice about animal totems in private so no one can steal my ideas?
Mouse! All Around me my Neighbours have had Mouse Infestations!! I told one of them to give them all names.. and then you do not have an Infestation, you have Pets.. I do not think my suggestion was appreciated.. My Two Boys have an agreement with the local Mice, they do not Go In to the Mouse Houses and the Mice do not come in to the Cat's House, well..My House..But Really the Cat's house!
😂 LOVE this, Phoenix! Of COURSE, we suddenly have mice in our crawlspace as I am working on the video on Mouse as a Spirit Guide. I've been telling myself that this is to help me experience Mouse's wisdom first-hand so that I can do a better, more accurate video, but in the mean time, I strongly suspect they are chewing on the vapor barrier, which is not fabulous. So perhaps I just need to give them all names! Lol! Then it's standard wear and tear associated with pets (like what our cats do to our sofas and our carpets, when they feel like using them as scratching posts) rather than pest-damage 😆 Thank you for the Monday morning giggle! Wishing you joy! -J
Is it possible to have your spirit guide and totem as the same animal?
Good question! It depends -- Something that we think is a spirit guide may eventually reveal itself as a totem. These are usually the spirit guides that we think are here to help us with something temporary, and as time goes on, we realize that the "temporary" thing has actually been an issue for us for some time, just in ways we perhaps didn't recognize. Bats were this way for me. They were around for a loooooong time before I finally recognized that they were a totem (Some we just "know", some we just eventually accept based on the evidence). However, if something is already a totem, it wouldn't also be considered a spirit guide, as the totem's purpose is basically to provide ongoing spirit-guide wisdom. Does that make sense? Basically, if it goes away after we put its wisdom to use and see a change, it was a spirit guide. If it makes its presence known repeatedly over the long term, it's a totem. These aren't concrete rules, however; some spirit guides seem to stick around forever! It just depends on how long it takes for us to get with the program! 😂 Also, remember that we don't have to get it "right." There is no part of the Universe that is waiting around to criticize or punish us for thinking something is a totem or spirit guide when it is not. As long as we're open to learning whatever we feel we are being offered, we're on the right track. Have a wonderful weekend, Estara!
@@RavenLightHolisticHealing Thank you so much as that makes sense now as I know a few shamanic practitioners have mentioned that power animals can stick around, but I am not sure what type of shamanic wisdom and knowledge they were practicing.
There's also the issue of "lingo" to consider here. Not every shamanic practitioner uses the same terms, or they may use them in different ways. The way I originally learned the terminology, for example, a "power animal" was neither a totem, nor a spirit guide, but a creature one called upon at need to lend certain strengths to the caller (For example, a hunter asking Owl to lend the hunter its ability to move silently). I don't use that term for very specific reasons, one of which is that it can be easily confused with a totem or spirit guide (though I do use it in video tags, as it helps people find my work). I've also observed newer practitioners using "animal guide" or "spirit animal" interchangeably with "totem" or "spirit guide." If you can, ask them exactly what they mean by using each term -- that might help provide you with some additional clarity.
Lol