Finding Your Totem,
Discovering Your Guardian
By Lenora Popa
Totems and Guardians
Most people have at least one totem spirit or guardian spirit (Protector.) However, not everyone realizes that they have them, let alone what they are. They are often residents of other realms or planes, although not always. They stay with you, watch over you, protect you when necessary, and give you guidance.
Many people have both totem and Guardian. Some even have several, as I do. Whether you have one or several, they can be of great help to you. Especially when you are able to identify them, and learn to communicate with them. However, when you attempt to find them, bear in mind that there are a few people that don't have any. This is rare, but does happen. If this is the case with you, you can eventually get one if you desire one. But this is another topic entirely.
I use totem as a colloquial term, because it's one many people are familiar with. It is not borrowing or stealing from Native American traditions by any means. The way in which I use it is similar to the way they do. You may wish to use a different name for yours as some people do.
They are usually either a species you feel most drawn to, or one that represents some part of you. Often we are drawn to a species that represents us in some way, but this isn't always the case. They will usually communicate with us via a member of that species. They often herald in significant events in our lives. Usually good, but can be bad. They are also our bond to the Earth, and the life therein. Many feel that it's a good omen when they appear in a dream.
Guardians are specific spirits. They often appear as Human or as a humanoid type creature. (I.E. angles, fairies, elves, etc.) But this isn't always the case. They can be any form of creature, including a specific animal spirit. (As opposed to the species in general.) Some people even have deities as guardians. They don't necessarily have to be the spirits of those who once lived. For those that have lived before, you may have once known them either in this life or a past one. You may have some other connection to them. Like an ancestor, or someone who once lived where you now live.
No matter what form they take. They are there for you. A majority of the time, they are either with you, or can be easily reached. Their main function is advice and protection. They can do other things as well, but their powers are limited. They can only do so much, and are only allowed to do so much. They must be asked for direct help. Indirect help is limited to certain situations. Your guardians can tell you what they, themselves, are able to do. It can vary from guardian to guardian. They can, however, provide a great deal of comfort by being there to talk to. And can offer a great deal of advice. And they can be very good friends.
Finding Your Guardians
Naturally, before you can ask them for help, you must find them. There are those who find it extremely difficult to find their guardians, and may see it as impossible. However, this is very rarely the case. Often, it's because they didn't use a method that works for them. No one method works for everyone. And in some cases, they simply weren't open enough, or weren't ready. A few may not know where to begin. This is not always the case, but can be for some.
There are those who can find them easily, without help. And for some, their totems or guardians merely presented themselves to them when they were ready. Some need to put some effort into it, and may even need to try more then once. You may not find them all right away. You may even get new ones as you get older. Some even lose them when they no longer need them.
This article is aimed for those who need help, or merely wish to confirm who their guardians are. There are many methods, but I will only be discussing three of them. Don't be afraid to combine them in any way, or adapt them to suite your needs or desires, or to better suite your abilities. By all means, don't get discouraged if these methods don't work right away. It may take more then one try, or you may need an entirely different method than the ones listed. They won't work for everyone.
Meditation Method
Set up your meditation area as you normally would. Cast your circle, leaving enough room to move about comfortably Sit or kneel, facing your altar. Clear your mind, and relax. Begin your normal mediation. Once you've meditated as usual, and are still in a meditation—like state, call out to your guardian or totem, asking them to come to you. Remember to invite them into the circle, or they cannot enter. Only those you invite can enter. You may need to open a door for them. Don't demand their presence. They are like the deities, and this may upset them.
You may find it necessary to focus on an item on your altar. A chalice or cauldron of water, or a mirror is ideal. An image will appear, either in your mind, or in the item you're focusing on. Study all aspects of them that you can see. This will help you familiarize yourself with them. You must try to make sure that they are who they say they are. This may not always be possible.
You may need to travel to the astral, or another plane of existence to find them. This can help you concentrate, and the image will be clearer. Once you feel certain they are who they say they are, get familiar with how they feel. This way you'll recognize them when they come to you again.
Fire Method
Build a small fire in a quiet place. Be sure that it's legal to do so. Also, be sure that the area is clear of flammable materials, keeping water or sand nearby to extinguish the fire. If it isn't possible to use a fire, then light a candle. A mirror can be placed behind the candle flame to widen the image of the flame.
Cast a circle, again, leaving room to move around comfortably. And be sure to encompass the fire or candle. Sit or kneel facing the fire or candle. Clear your mind, and focus on the flame. Look into or just above the flame, focusing just beyond it. Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Call upon your totem or guardian, and ask them to join you. Again, you must invite them into the circle in order for them to join you. An image will appear in or just above the flame. Remember to try to ensure who they say they are. Study the image to become familiar with it, and try to get accustomed to their feel.
Glimpse Method
Go to a quiet place, away from other people. Outside is ideal, but this isn't always possible or practical. The best place is one where you feel comfortable and relaxed, whether inside or out. It is best when it's a place you've been to at least once before.
It's not necessary to cast a circle for this method. You may if you wish, and is a good idea for those new to this type of working, but isn't necessary. This is a good method for first spotting a totem or guardian. You may wish to follow up with another method to verify what you saw.
Sit or lie down. Focus on your surroundings as your clear your mind. Allow the surrounding sounds to relax you into a near—meditative state. Breathe deeply. Just before you reach a meditative state, call to your totem or guardian, and ask them to join you. You will either catch a glimpse of them out of the corner of your eye, or feel their presence, or both. The image is usually fleeting. This is why you'll want to verify the image you get. It's ideal for those just starting to identify their guardians, or for those who want to find out if they have one.
All three methods are best done alone, or where there are very few other people. This is to keep you from being distracted, and to ensure you don't confuse the people around you with your guardians. Even those of like beliefs can distract you, whether by noise, or their aura. The glimpse method gives you a place to start when you use the other methods. People of any experience can use any of these methods. Use what ever method you feel comfortable with using.
If you have more then one totem or guardian, you'll want to do these more then once. Usually only one appears at a time. The strongest ones usually appear first. Bear in mind that you can get new ones at any time in your life so you'll want to periodically check for new ones. This is also a good way to be sure you have found all the ones you have at that time.
It becomes easier to find them over time. Once you've identified them, and met them, you'll be able to call them at any time, in or out of a ritual. This is why you become familiar with their feel. That way you know when you have one of your guardians or totems. It's also not necessary to cast a circle or use formalities when reaching them once you're more familiar with what or who they are. Then the only time you should is for those contacts that are leaving you very open. You'll also learn to tell when they're with you and when they're not. Feeling them and talking to them will become second nature.
These are among the best methods to start with. You may, however, find one that you prefer if these do not feel right for you. Only do what feels comfortable to you. Good luck, and "happy hunting." | 
