The Totem

Sep 29

Explanation and Process

Animal guides have been with me since I was a child, as far back as having my lucky Chinese dragon charm I would have with me during exams. It was awesome. I painted it with enamel paints, and he was an immense comfort for me. Another friend of mine as a little boy was my trusty cuddly toy; Big Head. A strange red cat with an enormous oversized head. He was a handy weapon against my big brother, and a wonderful sentinel against those pesky nightmares.

There is an intrinsic connection between us and the natural kingdom, and almost every tribal culture, actually culture in general (the Aquila of Ancient Rome and the American Eagle for instance) understands its power and utilizes it to some extent.

It is only when I began my healing journey in earnest did the animal totems show me just how powerful they really are. Whether it was to provide help with healing from childhood trauma, making big decisions and changes in life, or for spiritual protection, they helped me transform myself and to become more whole in general.

I first created these totems for myself and then eventually introduced them in my own healing practice for my clients.

The process is quite simple, but with a few steps.

I first undergo a shamanic journey for my client to see which animal wishes to help them with their transformation.

I will get the animal along with symbols, elements, images, colors, crystals that wish to be part of the totem.

Then a mold is made from the client’s face, from plaster gauze to capture the energy of the moment. After that it is simply a process of creating a design that works, and then using a multimedia approach with plaster gauze, papier mache, wire, crystals, and polymer clay to create the desired result. During this time, the totem is prayed over, and shamanic journey almost always occurs while I make the totem. It takes some time, months usually, as shape shifting requires time and subtlety to make sure the changes are processed as gracefully as possible.

Timing seems to be an important part of the process, but my client and I always notice subtle and not so subtle changes in their own lives that correspond with the power animal the totem represents.

If this interests you, jump onto my Creations Page for more info, or feel free to message me and we can have a chat about it.