Northwest Indians constructed and carved totem poles depicting the animals that were kin to them. Several animal allies were stacked up, carved, and painted onto a long log which was erected in the village to remind their tribe of the important connection that the animal spirits had to the generations of their family members. They told stories about these animals who lived amongst them.

You too have several animals that lend their power and intelligence to help you on your journey through life. Most every child has at least four. They are the most important animal totems who are meant to bring you closer to your heart and help you discover and get through the lessons of your life. Although you will have other animals come from time to time to assist you through the tough times, these four are at your side throughout your journey. You can honor these allies on a totem pole that you can draw for yourself using the pattern on the next page. It will remind you and everyone of your animal allies.

It is easy to discover what animals are your allies. First of all any animal that you dream of is first on your list. Whether you have been chased by a lion or bitten by a snake, you can be sure it wants your attention. This ally will go to the bottom of your totem pole as the first ally supporting you each and everyday. If you haven't had a dream you can ask for one. Put a note under your pillow and ask your animal ally to come into your dreams tonight. Easy! And it will come usually within a few days.

To discover another ally you can be sure that your favorite animal that has walked next to in your heart is another one of your totems. Think about what animal in the world is your favorite animal. Maybe you like elephants because of how they play with their young. Or maybe a cougar, because you saw one in a magazine and it's picture intrigued you. Add it to your list. And you can be sure it is an important ally.

If you see an in the wild that you wouldn't ordinarily see, add it you're your list. Maybe your will see an eagle soaring in the sky on a trip with your family to the wilderness. Or an owl in a tree. You can be sure that this animal has traveled a long distance just to greet you.

Try this creative exercise to discover more of your allies. Look through pictures of animals in magazines or surf some animal info sites on the web and print and cut them out. Find as many as you can and put them all into a box. Then close your eyes and say to yourself. "I want to meet one of my animal allies". And then draw one cut out from the box. Add it to your list. Continue this process until you have all four of your allies.

Once you have discovered your animal allies. You can create a totem pole of your very own. Go to the following link and print out the totem pole pattern. You can decorate it anyway you choose.http://www.designperfect.com/iditarod/idittot1.htm

By Ariadne Green