Singular vs. Mutliples

[xi-o-teaz.livejournal.com]

I've recently been reminded of a tendency of some to try and seek out their Totem Animal. They will often seek this out under the phrasing "My Totem", which tends to imply a Singular Entity that has always been, and will always be, with the individual in question, often to the exclusion of other "lesser" Totemic Spirits. To be fair, this sort of belief structure is often found in all manner of Human endeavors. Thelemites are seeking out their (one) True Will, many Ceremonial Magi seek out their (singular) "Holy Guardian Angel", many seek out "The One True God", whilst the more romantically inclined seek out their "Soul Mate", etc.

I think that seeking out and believing there to be only a singular (pinnacle?) "answer" to any of the above quandries--or anything else in this seemingly infinite universe--is unnecessarily limiting one's selves to a much more narrow range of Results than might otherwise be possible. To return to more concrete examples in my own personal Animistic Practices, I have found that a wide variety of Animal Powers have enriched my life with different relationships with them all (not unlike my relationships with "real life" people). Crow has been everpresent since I can remember, but has never seemed to get too close--he stays within sight, but out of reach, as it were. Mother Bear has always been a protective presence in my life, whereas Coyote is more recent (not until I was 24ish), although he & I seem to resonate more intimately within one another. I.e., Bear has been with me my whole life, whereas Coyote could be said to represent me since I was around 24. But I have phases where another Animistic Spirit either comes to me or I call unto hir. I also find that I still have somewhat of a connection (a "Gift from the Animal Spirit", as some would say) with those whom I've worked for perhaps several months (a phase of my life), or others who seem to come and go--like Elephant.

I guess my point--if I have one--is to not Limit your options. If you pursue each Relationship with each Animal Power (etc.)--each on its own Individual terms--you will find the Relationships to be much richer and more rewarding. And even if there is such a thing as a "singular answer" for any of the above-mentioned, I think that this "truth" will become self-evident quite quickly, even adopting this more open-ended approach.

If we are all truly Reflective of the Infinite Cosmos (as above, so below), then we shouldn't limit ourselves with only Identifying with a single anything, but rather, we should embrace the Infinite that we are the Manifestation of.


X-posted

Comments

[ospreybarf.livejournal.com]

Nice write up :) I agree with this as well. Working with my totem, dolphin, I actually always see, or feel, TWO energies. I generally refer to them as "the twins" even though I don't truly believe them to be ACTUAL twin beings.. so much as two parts of a same whole, if that makes sense. It's easier for me to refer to them as such, for conversational purposes, mostly

Then of course there is osprey, who effects me equally as dolphin. I don't see either of them more important or powerful than the other, they are all with me for the journey :) I have no doubt more will come to my view in time, when I am ready

A thought that just popped into my head

[xi-o-teaz.livejournal.com]

Then of course there is osprey, who effects me equally as dolphin.

Have you ever seen those "yin/yang" symbols with the 2 Dolphins? Imagine that, only one of the Dolphins is an Osprey. I particularly like the dichotomous Water-bound Dolphin that needs Air to Live along with the Air-bound Osprey that needs fish from the Water to Live.

[darkmage7777777.livejournal.com]

Speaking within my perceptions of what I belive and understand. I think that all origonates from one source, that which made all, 'all that is', and the one answer to our existance is development and experience.

Though that itself is open ended, being that if all that is, made everything which is a extension of itself, it is a part of everything including yourself. So it itself isn't bound by a particular form or gender.

And to what is the particular path of development or experince that one will get in a lifetime could be just about anything, with free will we have the capasity to make all sorts of decisions for good or ill.

Though I think monogamous sexual relationships are still the way to go, polygamy brings in some wierd power holding in a relationship (instead of balance between two partners). One can have many friends and family members that they are close with socialy, but for sex probably best to stick with 'one at a time'. Unless your in a porno or in one of those flunky societys, and one shouldn't be in either if they can help it.

Many teachers, and one partner is the way to go (my thoughts).