44 /In the Shadow of the Shaman

Christmas. It was sitting there along with an assortment of angels,

Santas, and Nativity figures. When I asked the salesclerk the price of
the little wolf, she assured me that she had no such item. But, of
course, she did.
I carry that pewter wolf in my pipe bag as a reminder of the
strength and the ferocious energy of that power animal. Dancing with
some power animals is a lot like having a tiger by the tail. Better to
start out with a cub and grow up together. Believe me, it happens fast
enough. You won't have to wait long.
When you have begun a shamanic connection with a totem from
any of the worlds, you may want to ceremonially formalize the
relationship. You can do this by adopting the totem as your own. T his
is done with totems that have shown up consistently in your life, in
one form or another, on one level or another. It deepens your connec­
tion and declares your dedication to your path and to the totem
itself.
I find it most effective for Mineral World totems and Animal
World totems. Totems from the Plant World seem to require less formal
care and ceremony. Perhaps that is because they are so closely connected
to the nurturance of Mother Earth. Still, you may use this ceremony
to connect with Plant World totems that you carry for protection, such
as St. John's wort or buckeye and the like. You may also use this with
Plant World totems whose vibrations are so intense that they essentially
bridge the worlds. Mandrake is a good example of this. Amber is
another.
Human World totems may take the form of little statues or paint·
ings of deities you relate to. Some examples of this would be little
Buddhas, happy gods, or many of the beautiful Goddess figures avail·
able now. A spirit guide is not a totem, strictly speaking; but if one is
showing up in your life, it's nice to honor the relationship ceremonially.
Once you've started on the shamanic path, you will be continually
amazed at what comes to you and to your life on all levels. A balanced
blend of honor and humor will serve you well in all of your shamanic
relationships.

Totem Adoption Ceremony

As always, this ceremony may be as elaborate or as simple as you

choose.