TOTEMS

A totem is a natural object, plant or animal that is inherited by members of a Clan or family as their spiritual emblem. Clan groups have caretaking responsibilities for their totems. Totems define peoples' roles and responsibilities and their relationships with each other and creation.
Totemism is a spiritual belief that pervaded shamanistic societies, notably those of the Native Americans, and has transformed to find a place in contemporary spirituality. A totem is any entity that watches over or assists a group or an individual. In practice, it was usually an animal, a natural landform, or a piece of wood with spirit faces carved into it.
Traditionally, a totem would support large groups and shamans would meditate on them to tap into a sort of social consciousness that would fill them with resolve and desire to better their group. Whatever the symbol, the totem was thought to be imbued with a spirit that was prayed to in order to secure the tribe security and good luck.