Totem

Totem (from Algonquian ototeman — "his clan") is a patron spirit in animal form, accompanying and protecting a person or a group.

History of the term. The term was introduced into European languages through the book "Voyages and Travels" by J. Long (1791).

Totem in Different Systems of Errarium

1. Shamanic Practices (#28)

A personal ally. A totem animal (Power Animal, Spirit Animal) is a personal spiritual ally with whom a connection is established through a shamanic journey to the Lower World. The totem has its own character, will and may "leave" if ignored.

2. Krugolet of Chislobog (#49)

16 yearly totems. One of the 16 totem animals of the yearly cycle: Elk, Hornet, Priestess, Horse, Eagle, Dolphin, and others. Determined by the Slavic calendar cycle.

3. Zoroastrian Horoscope (#50)

32 patrons. One of the 32 patron totems, determined by the day of the Zoroastrian month and linked to a specific Yazata (T106). Each totem has an anti-totem — a shadow aspect.

4. Thai Shamanism (#36)

Sat Phi. Sat Phi (สัตว์ผี, "spirit animal"), appearing through vision or dream.

One Term — Different Functions

Ally vs archetype. The term is one, but the function differs: personal ally (shamanism) vs. calendrical archetype (Krugolet, Zoroastrian).