Okay, so I've already explained the basics of what animal totems are here:

http://www.xomba.com/neopagan_animal_totemism_part_1

And given some 101 info on finding your totem here:

http://www.xomba.com/neopagan_animal_totemism_part_2

So now that you've got your totem, what's next?

Well, a totem isn't just a cute little collectible that you can put on a shelf and forget about, now that you've found it. Nor is it some sort of trophy to show off--"OMG, my totem is the Bear--isn't that so cool?"

A totem is a being--archetype or spirit, depending on your viewpoint--that is here to help you consciously evolve. If you're interested in totemism, chances are you're also interested and/or involved in esoteric pursuits of other types which are designed to improve your relationship with the world around you, as well as your relationship with yourself. Totems are quite effective in aiding with both of these goals. Externally, they help a person to appreciate the natural world and all the beings within it, as well as our connection to the Universe/Multiverse/etc. We often see ourselves as detached from Nature and create an artificial dichotomy between the human animal and other animals. Yet in working with totems we can change that attitude and see ourselves as we are--animals driven by instincts and dependent on the natural world for survival, at least to an extent.

And this brings us to the microcosmic benefits. As with pantheons of deities and spirits, totem animals represent a map of the human psyche. For instance, each one of the totems I work with represents a different part of myself. Wolf, my primary totem, is my ego, while Fox is the Magician/Trickster, and Bear the Healer/Warrior (for if you know how to harm, you must also know how to heal the wounds you cause). By working with these totems, I can access those lesser-used parts of my own psyche.

However, totems are also good with more practical magic. Recently I went looking for a better job. I called on Badger for help with this endeavour, since Badger is stubborn and persistent--qualities that I would need to find just the right job. Any time I did a ritual to help aid in my job hunt, I called on Badger. Every time I had an interview, I said a prayer to Badger. And when I did get my good job, a month after I first started working magic to help aid the more mundane processes, I did a ritual of thanks to Badger.

Sometimes it's good just to connect with your totem. You'll notice that a lot of pagans who have totems will collect statues and pictures of their totem animal, wear clothing with it on them, and even get tattoos featuring the animal. Part of this is to show the totem that they are fond of its presence--sort of like having pictures of your family all over your home. But some of it is also a subconscious reminder. You know how when you put up a new picture on the wall or add a new book to your shelf, you notice it the first few times you walk by? After a while, though, it blends into the background--unless it gets moved, in which case you pay conscious attention again. Images of your totem serve the same purpose. They remind you of your totem's presence in your life, even if it isn't always a conscious recognition.

Some folks enjoy doing a daily meditation with their totem. This can be as simple as talking to the totem first thing in the morning or at the end of the day, or it may involve an elaborate ritual and an offering of food on an altar or the lighting of a candle in the totem's honor. Others may perform a shapeshifting dance, emulating the movements of the totem animal.

There's no one right way to develop the relationship between you and your animal totem. These are some common suggestions, but in the end, just as with anything else spiritual, it's a very personal relationship, and you work out what works best for you.

In the final essay, I'll write about what happens when the totem goes away.