Walking in the woods near Wareham this weekend, we came across a Totem Pole! Created at the Wareham Men’s Shed for The Blue Pool, it was an inspiration. Depending upon the tradition followed, the most significant animals are placed at the top or bottom, and there’s usually a bird with open wings. Can you guess where this is going?

Totem Poles tell stories, reveal what’s important to the tribe, and honour aspects of heritage. I wondered what you would choose for your Totem Pole – to tell your story, share your values or beliefs, and even add a vision for the future. If you prefer, you could share animals and birds you like without necessarily attaching any deep meaning. Lady Penelope’s charming choices are a hedgehog, a rabbit, and a goldfinch!

If you’d like to seek a deeper significance to this invitation to build your own Totem, here are some common animals and their meanings from the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada:

Eagle = Strength, leadership, vision, and spiritual connection.

Bear = Courage, protection, motherhood, and teaching.

Wolf = Loyalty, teamwork, intelligence, and perseverance.

Raven = Creation, transformation, knowledge, and trickster wisdom.

Orca (Killer Whale) = Family, unity, communication, and protection.

Beaver = Hard work, determination, and resourcefulness.

Owl = Wisdom, mystery, and a connection to the spirit world.

Frog = Communication, adaptability, and a link between the natural and spiritual realms.

Thunderbird = Power, strength, and supernatural forces.

Salmon = Renewal, abundance, and perseverance.

Turtle = Longevity, stability, and creation.

May this inspire your imagination today. Three animals would be more than enough to share. You might think of past, present, future, or share a story from your wellness journey.

I like the idea of the Raven as a Creative, the Frog as a communicator and messenger, and the Salmon for renewal and abundance. However, my favourite animal is the Otter – a playful and youthful creature! So, I shall have the Frog at the bottom for stability, with a swirling Otter swimming upwards chasing a Salmon. With wings spread wide at the top, I will have the transformational symbol of the Raven.

Tell me your story, please…

Lex

A Moodscope member