Meaning of Totem Tattoo

A totem is a symbolic representation of an animal or group of animals in the form of a sculpture. There is a metaphysical and spiritual connection with this being and its ancestor, which is meant to protect a person or community.

Totem brings connection with ancestors and nature as divine beings. Each animal has a healing power, a type of knowledge or wisdom, and each human being, according to his or her personality, has his or her power animals or guides in the search for self-knowledge.

The word totem comes from ?odoodem?, which means ?family mark? in the Ojibwe language of the Amerindians. Its image is seen as a talisman, ancestry, object of worship and protection since the beginning of human history, and has been used in communities all over the world.

Here are some examples of meanings related to animals:

Bear ? power, wisdom, constancy;
Wolf ? ability to live in society, loyalty;
Fox ? cunning;
Coyote ? speed, resourcefulness, agility;
Owl ? wisdom;
Snake ? change, transformation, adaptability;
Eagle ? vision, focus;
Turtle ? perseverance, patience.