The Nine Totem Animals – Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson
Each and every person have nine power or totem animals that represent the medicine they carry in their Earth Walk. These animal or creature beings emulate each person’s abilities, talents and challenges. As you come into this Earth Walk, there are seven directions surrounding your physical body. These directions are East, South, West, North, Above, Below, and Within. You have a totem animal in each of the seven directions to teach you the lessons of these directions. To find these totem animals for yourself, spread the cards face down in front of you in an arc. Then get a piece of paper and begin by writing down the directions on the left side of your paper. Quiet yourself and ask in a reverent manner that the creature beings which are your silent guides and helpers guide your hand to their cards. The first card will be your animal of the East; the second card you pull will be your totem of the South; and so on for all 7 directions. The other two animals which make up your nine totems are the ones that are walking at each side of you at all times, and that may have been coming to you in dreams, they may be animals that you are drawn to but which have not appeared amongst the seven you selected. You may find that these last two creatures will appear for you at a later date.
Significance of the Nine Totem Animals
East: The animal in the East guides you to your greatest spiritual challenges and guard your path to illumination.
South: The animal in the South protects the child within and reminds you when to be humble and when to trust, so that innocence will be balanced in your personality.
West: The animal in the West leads you to your personal truth and inner answers. It also shows you the path to your goals.
North: The North animal gives wise counsel and reminds you when to speak and when to listen. It also reminds you to be grateful for every blessing every day.
Above: The Above animal teaches you how to honor the Great Star Nation, and reminds you that you came from the stars and to the stars you will return. This animal is also the guardian of the Dreamtime – for your personal access to the other dimensions.
Below: The Below animal teaches you about the inner Earth, and how to stay grounded and on the path.
Within: The Within animal teaches you how to find your heart’s joy and how to be faithful to your personal truths. It is also the protector of your sacred space, the place that is yours alone and is never shared except by invitation.
Right Side: This animal protects your male side and teaches you that, no matter where you turn, it will be your Father-protector within. This animal also carries your courage and warrior spirit.
Left Side: This animal is the protector of your female side and teaches you that you must learn to receive abundance as well as to nurture yourself and others. The left-side animal is also your teacher about relationships and mothering.