Magic Forums

Just wanted to know?
Short definition, Familiar: Animal or animal spirit, helper in magical works.
Totem: An animal species that you strongly identify with.

I recently received an email asking about animal familiars and totems. Well, the question got me to thinking, how many of us actually have and use familiars and totems? Me myself, I've always had both. For example, my familiar has always been the Cat. For its intelligence, sensitivity and its spiritual psyche. Now, my totem has always been the Snake, which symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and most of all my Father. Then I have a magical spirit beast, which is the Dragon. The Dragon symbolizes many things, but to me I use it for its elemental value in magical practice. So, there's my list. Now I wish to hear from you in the magickal community about your usage when it comes to familiars and totems.