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DO NOW…. Animal and nature-worship is still evident in modern societies, though perhaps not in such obvious forms. List some of the different ways in which modern society practices these beliefs. How do we see evidence of this today?. WHAT ARE TOTEMS?. Glimpse Into The Past.
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DO NOW…. • Animal and nature-worship is still evident in modern societies, though perhaps not in such obvious forms. • List some of the different ways in which modern society practices these beliefs. How do we see evidence of this today?
Glimpse Into The Past • All they left behind was their material culture, their artefacts, their things. • “Things embody goals, make skills manifest and shape the identities of their users.” • Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi Aboriginals of the past had no written language.
Totems • An animal or natural symbol that is considered to be related by blood or character to an individual, family or clan and serves as its guardian symbol. • Totems link aboriginal peoples to their spiritual ancestors. • Totems are protected mythical entities – plant, animal, or mythological • Totems often represent the high respect that aboriginals have for nature, and their connection to it.
Totem Poles • To aboriginals the totem pole provided a means of communicating their stories, myths and legends. • The totem pole is an arrangement of symbols or memory devices in sequence created for the purpose of recalling a story or event. • A totem can be the symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual. It links Aboriginal people to their mythical ancestors.
Totem Poles • There is meaning in a totem pole which can be spiritual, as well as cultural, therefore those outside the culture may not be able to make connections. • Totem poles are social as well as religious and share nothing in common with idols, are never worshipped. They represent history, legacy, and spiritualism in tribal ceremonies.
Many years ago, a killer whale had entered Cowichan Bay and began eating all the salmon. For the Cowichan People, this was their main diet and because the killer whale was eating their supply the people began to starve. The people began to pray to the great spirits to send them help.
When the great spirit sent help, it came in the form of a giant bird. When the bird flapped his wings, it sounded like thunder, and streaks of lightening came from it's beak. With great strength, the Thunderbird swooped from the sky and carried the Killer whale away from Cowichan Bay to save the people.
Animal Totem • It is believed that each individual is connected with an animal that will accompany each person through life, acting as a guide. • Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world.
Animal Totem • We are all created a part of the earth, the Spirit, we are children of Mother. • We are connected to everything around us in nature. • To remain a balanced part of nature we recognize the value of all things and use what we need, preserving what we can. • Animal totems act as guides through life and different periods of our lives.
Types of Animal Totems • Your Life Long Animal Totemworks with you throughout your entire life or until such time that you no longer need that animal totem. • A Journey Animal Totemreflects a period of time. Not just a day but weeks, months, or maybe years. It often is your guide in life towards a destiny, or quest.
Types of Animal Totems • A Message Animal Totemusually is bringing you a self growth, spiritual message, or a warning, can last from as much as a couple of months but can be immediate for just a few hours. • A Shadow Animal Totemare those totems that test us. Your goal with a Shadow Totem is to learn the lessons and incorporate that animal into your life.
