Totem spirits

Totem Spirits can be real helpers to those on the shamanic path. It is the Native American belief that each object, whether that object be plant, animal, or mineral, has a spirit within it. Further, it is possible to communicate with that spirit via meditation, trance, or direct contact. Three excellent books on this subject (incidentally, not written from a Native American viewpoint) are all by Michael J. Roads: JOURNEY INTO NATURE, TALKING WITH NATURE and SIMPLE IS POWERFUL.

You can most definitely communicate with the spirits inhabiting plants, animals, and minerals. The kinds of thoughts projected will differ, of course, but you may get actual words, images, or both.

Further, you may end up being adopted by a totem spirit, often an animal. You may even have more than one totem spirit helping you. The spirits may change from time to time as your needs and personal development change. It takes a willingness to listen to the spirits, however, and this is something that is difficult for many of us living in our fast-paced, "everything is for our use" world.