Early American Indian methods of interpreting animal totems were not, in theory, too far flung from the unconscious significance of dreams later attributed to Sigmund Freud, or the interpretation of meaningful coincidences practiced by famed psychoanalyst, Carl Jung. (What is Synchronicity)
Animal guides were natural reflections into the psyche when other therapeutic methods were not available. Thus, belief in animal totems could be regarded as early forms of psychoanalysis. If a person was mentally ill, or very sick, certain tribes saw this as possession (often by an angry animal spirit) and would attempt to conduct an exorcism.
How Totem Animals Guide Man
A totem was regarded as one’s alter-ego, both demon and guide. The traits of a species were to be emulated or eradicated depending on who had its spiritual “medicine.” This meant animals who appeared through visions and dreams (similar to the way Jung later described synchronicity), or came in person, were looked upon as mirrors into the psyche. Considered to have powerful healing properties (or medicine) totem animals had a message to help one become a better person.
Animal totems should not be confused with totem poles, which are inanimate cedar carvings that originated among tribes along the northern Northwest Coast. In Algonquin, totem means "brother" or "family member." The Native Indian regarded his/her animal spirit as a non-human brother or sister.
Native Americans gained balance and insight into life and the world around them as they observed living animals. The raccoon totem animal was just one of many totem creatures.
Raccoon as a Totem
The raccoon is a bright, clever, and lively little fellow. Observed close-up he appears to “see” with fingers (which have more nerve endings than a human’s). Raccoons lightly pass their small hands over the earth as if blind (regardless of his good eyesight and night vision), grasping interesting objects to inspect them manually with the exactness of a detective. Their human-like hands (with five fingers) are extremely sensitive and delicate.
Excellent for artists, craftsmen, or whoever works with their hands, the raccoon totem teaches man to expand his senses because there are many ways that one can come to know the world. Humans rely almost exclusively on eyesight and hearing, but those with raccoon’s medicine realize mankind also needs to pay attention to other senses, especially the gift of touch.
It is always best to observe a wild animal in natural surroundings to really feel its power, which better enables the subconscious to relay sudden insights to the conscious mind. But even in the city, a raccoon seen before an electrical power shortage should instantly remind one that the hands are far better than eyes as one seeks to navigate the dark.
Raccoon as Guides and Demon
Raccoons are extremely verbal, expressing up to fifty different sounds. In keeping with the chameleon attributes that go along with wearing a mask, raccoon sounds are mysterious and often difficult to identify. They hiss like a cat, growl and grunt like a little bear, whimper as a child, snarl, scream, and “churr” (a sound very similar to a cat’s purr), thereby appearing quite emotional, or at the very least, highly communicative.
The raccoon might therefore persuade a shy person to speak or, conversely, encourage extroverts to practice increased silence. American Indians emphasized learning an animal’s good medicine, just as a child would learn from an older brother or sister, by emulating its positive qualities.
A totem animal's negative traits — in the case of the raccoon, mischief and trickery — would be discouraged in order to fully learn the totem’s lesson. American Indians correctly believed animals were older than mankind, and often wiser, thus the animal kingdom was viewed as an abundant source of spiritual lessons.
Raccoons have characteristics both appealing and devious, making this a very interesting totem. Nocturnal and active all night, any night person who claims this animal totem might relate to raccoon’s insomnia. By day, raccoons rest lazily in tree hollows or he may snuggle into nests abandoned by squirrels or big birds. Ever the opportunist, this adoptable creature might find his bed in an old beaver lodge, or burrow beneath a garden shed. He’s confident in woods and city alike. Some researchers think raccoons rate closely beneath monkeys in intelligence; Terry Krautwurst, of Mother Earth News, writes, “Certainly no other wild North American mammal is better suited for making the most of the modern world.”
This totem may teach one how to take advantage of what is presently available, although its medicine also warns against plunder. Raccoons are flexible and have more than one home (usually a couple miles apart) and seldom use the same resting spot for more than a day. This suggests a partial vagabond nature. The raccoon is greedy (but so charming he gets away with it) and loves to indulge his hearty appetite with any kind of food he finds, from old fish in the garbage, to candy, or chicken snatched off the barbecue.
American Indians called the raccoon a trickster. Despite such clever ways, the raccoon will share his scavenged resources. Fond of artful theft, he steals with innocent grace that comes off as virtue. Those with raccoon’s medicine might become irresistible enough to get away with almost anything (not advisable); in that case, a new totem animal may appear!
NASA’s Raccoon
American Indians constantly self-analyzed and believed in evolving goodness, working hard to improve individual character. Today, humanity can follow their example of compassion toward other species through knowledge and protection of wildlife.
Modern man continues to learn from raccoon’s amusing lessons. In January, 2004, an inquisitive raccoon somehow got on board the International Space Station, along with the scientists, but wasn’t discovered until orbiting earth. He got his deft paws on the flight controls sending off danger lights and alarms. ISS Science Officer Mike Fincke didn’t seem to mind and only said, "This is how astronauts learn to deal with new things,” adding, "You have to give it to the little guy, he's persistent." (The Onion)
The early indigenous people of America surely would have thought that sky-ship had a very special totem on board!
Readers may also enjoy reading about American Indian Animal Guides, along with Native American Indian Beliefs.
Sources:
- C.G. Jung, "Synchronicity, An Acasual Connecting Principal."
- "Raccoons - Facts and Fancies," Erika Yery (Licensed Wildlife), Wildlife Rescue League.
- "Mischievous Raccoon Wreaks Havoc on International Space Station," Science & Technology, June 9, 2004, Issue 40•23.
Paula Marie Deubel - Published author/writer/journalist/poet I've always written under the pen name "P. Mari," an abbreviation of my full name. I have ...
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