TOTEMS.....ANIMAL  SPIRITS.....  What's the difference ?

                    "TOTEMS" are Animal Spirits  that you are born with, They are you and encompass your entire being through out your life on mother earth. "ANIMAL SPIRITS" are sent to you to guide  and teach you. They may walk with  you for mere moments or for years, they may walk in front of you to lead you,  beside you to teach you or  behind you to drive you. You may have more than one TOTEM or ANIMAL SPIRIT GUIDE at any time but your TOTEMS , like the spots on a leopard do not change. They can be repressed or subdued but they have always been there,  and they will always be there. Your life will be much fuller and more rewarding if you get to know your TOTEMS strengths and weaknesses and live within their bounds. 

                        These qualities in native lore are known by several different names, some of those are SPIRIT ANIMAL, TOTEM,  ANIMAL GUIDE, MEDICINE and POWER ANIMAL. Each of these titles denotes a little different relationship to the respective animal. Each band or tribe will impart slightly different qualities to a particular animal. For instance my people see the appearance of OWL as an omen, other bands will see him as a sign of good fortune. Shamanism and native beliefs are not an exacting science, the appearance of an animal spirit to you can have many different connotations. Bear in mind that you do not select your TOTEM or SPIRIT ANIMAL, it selects you. If BEAR has made a recent appearance in your life it could indicate that the plans you created in the Dream Lodge are about to become  realities or it could mean you need more time in the Dream Lodge solidifying your plans. Interpreting the appearance of a spirit animal may require you to seek the advice of a Shaman . I am not a Shaman.  There are several thousand web site's available when you search, shamanism, spirit animal, totem. Each having it's own parameters. If you are of native heritage I would however suggest that you seek the advice of  your band elders. The wisdom and knowledge of  years is not to be taken lightly, listen and learn.

                       The text below is an excerpt from the book "Animal Spirit Guides". it is one of the best references on 
the characteristics  and medicine of your personal TOTEMS and ANIMAL SPIRITS. 

         OTTER
        Woman Medicine

The medicine held in OTTER  is a set of lessons
 in female energy. This applies to both men and 
women, as all of us have female sides. 

OTTER always has its home near water. The
 elements of earth and water are the female elements.
 OTTER is the personification of femininity : long,
 sleek and graceful. OTTER is always on the move 
and is very curious. Unlike other animals, OTTER will 
not start a fight unless attacked. She assumes other 
creatures are friendly until proven otherwise

OTTER medicine teaches us that balanced female energy is not jealous or catty. It is sisterhood, content
 to enjoy and share the good fortune of others. Become OTTER, and flow with the waters of the 
universe. In doing so you will discover the power of woman