A totem animal expresses the spirit of that animal and the qualities we can learn from it. They are psychological and spiritual symbols that help us to develop the skills and qualities that we are lacking or needing in our lives. Animal totems work with your subconscious, tapping into your share of universal energy. Try thinking of totem animals as different channels or frequencies that we can tune into as our needs change. We simply adjust the frequency of our share of universal energy to tap into the desired channel. However, the key to understanding how to do this is being aware and perceptive of your surroundings.
Having a totem animal does not mean that you worship the animal. Rather, you use the animal totem as a spiritual tool in symbiosis with the path you are already walking. Honor and respect for nature is paramount, as Man is not above nature but one with it. Totems, indeed all of nature, help to guide us on our journey of self-discovery by making us aware of our spiritual connectedness.
From Lin’s Domain:
Resurrection and Watchfulness
The Peacock has many legends surrounding its beautiful plumage. Greek mythology tells of Hera giving the peacock its many “eyes” while Chinese mythos says that the blending of the five colors of its feathers is the sweet harmony of sound.
The Peacock is also associated with the Phoenix. In Egypt, the Peacock is linked to the Sun God Ra and in Christianity, the Peacock is the symbol of death and resurrection. Those who have a Peacock as a totem can receive insight into their past lives and their karmic connection to their current life. The study and use of foot reflexology would also be beneficial as the feet are very pronounced in the Peacock. The Peacock’s loud and raucous call, almost like laughter, reminds us to laugh at life.
From Rowan Pendragon:
Peacock comes to us when we need to gather up all that we have within us because we need to be “on”. Maybe you have a performance or presentation coming up and you need to make sure all eyes are on you. It’s time to take a risk, whether it were to speak up and speak your mind or whether it’s to stand up and try to make yourself more visible at work or through a creative endeavor.
The eyes on the feathers of the peacock are a symbol of being watchful, insightful, and tapping psychic intuition. Using peacock feathers, even ones that are dyed and artificial, can be helpful tools in drawing out your intuition.
Call on Peacock when you’re going to step into new territory to work with Peacock as a guardian and protector. Ask Peacock to help warn you of dangers and troubles that may be ahead. Peacock can also be helpful to aid you discerning the truth in a situation. If your self-esteem is low or out of whack, Peacock is the perfect partner to call on to help you see yourself in a whole new light.
To work with Peacock find pictures of one that you find appealing and place them on your altar. Light blue, green, yellow, or purple candles (or all four!) and call on Peacock to join with you. Bornite, also known as Peacock Ore, is a sulfide mineral that has many of the colors of the peacock’s feathers. Carry a piece of peacock ore or find jewelry made with it to also call on the energy and power of Peacock.
From Shamanic Journey:
Peacock, Power Animal, Symbol Beauty, Watchfulness, Immortality
Peacock/Peahen’s Gifts Include – all aspects of beauty, wholeness, ability to see into the past, present, and future, immortality, dignity, rising out of ashes, self-confidence, watchfulness, immortality.
Peacocks are birds of the pheasant family. The male is referred to as a peacock and the female a peahen, and both are peafowl. The most memorable features of the peacock are its stunning feathers and its eerie call. [...]
The peacocks feathers are meaningful to those with this power animal, for they also have an association with resurrection, rising out of the ashes. They can help us shed the old feathers of the past and to take back the true beauty of our individuality. This increases self-respect and confidence.
Peacocks have a shimmering opalescence, with boisterous cries that hold a touch of laughter – as if to imply that nothing, including beauty, should be taken too seriously. This helps remind us to stay centred on what is, and to be grateful for what we have, and to also have a more light-hearted approach to all things that come our way, as laughter really is the best medicine and helps to keep us healthy. This is an important facet of wholeness. Wholeness indicates a merging of one’s many aspects, without an excessive focus on what appears to be missing. The peacock and peahen (though the latter seems a bit more dull compared to the peacock, but has just as commanding a presence) remind us that true beauty comes from the inside.
The peacock is the closest in description to the mythical Phoenix, which rises, reborn, from the flames and ashes of its funeral pyre. The eyes on the peacocks feathers represent their ability to see into the past, present and future and can teach those with this power animal how to stir their clairvoyant gifts. The cycle of birth, death and resurrection (rebirth) is a whole. This relates to valuing all aspects of this cycle, and to have faith that we never truly die.
Those who have Peacock as a power animal can get insights into their past lives and their karmic connection to their current life. Foot reflexology as a profession would also be advantageous as the feet are at the base of our (and other beings) structure and very pronounced in the Peacock.
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Those with this totem often gain recognition for their talents and have the potential to be prominent leaders in their chosen field.
From Power Animals Unleashed:
The Peacock: Creativity, Timing, Family
Filled with the spirit of the peacock, your exotic and iridescent beauty can now begin to shine out. There is an artist within you, deeply creative and original, who is capable of greatness. The peacock will allow this side of you to emerge, gaining power gradually as you allow his spirit to grow within you.
The peacock knows just when to show his gifts to the world. He is capable of folding his tail quietly and waiting. Then, when the time is right, he calls out powerfully and fans his tail, showing his breathtaking beauty for all the world to see. He will bring you this powerful gift of timing and intuition, so that you do not weaken your dazzling energy through overexposure of your great gifts.
The peacock will also teach you the power of community and family, for he bonds closely with his offspring. Gather your loved ones around you closely; shine out in beauty and creativity. You are the peacock.
From Animal Totems:
There is no question that the peacock has the most beautiful plumage of any bird. It is interesting that the peacock is actually the male of the species, and the one with the exquisite plumage, while the peahen is actually the female. The bird is referred to as a peafowl. Despite what NBC says, it’s not pride that makes a peacock display it’s feathers, it’s mating season. The peacock teaches us to be ourselves.
If the peacock appears to you:
- Take some risks and speak your mind.
- Do not worry, you are in a safe place, and you are protected.
- Consider how you carry yourself, and how it affects others.
- Don’t hold back who you really are, step up and display the real you.
Peacock feathers were once thought to be unlucky. Medieval West European people believed the eye of the feather could be used for spying and casting the “evil eye” and so the feathers were never brought into the house. East European cultures, especially India, have always believed the peacock feather is very lucky and can cure snake bite. Many of their Gods and Goddesses are associated with the peacock. The cow, the peacock and the goose are sacred to the Roman Goddess Juno.
Today peacock feathers are associated with mystery, romance and illusion. Their message is to gaze within to where true beauty is to be found. To find out more about peacock magic, click here.
I’ve actually lived with a muster of peacocks and a giant vase filled with glorious peacock feathers sit in my livingroom to prove it. The call of the peacock, in my opinion, doesn’t resemble laughter at all. In fact, it is downright hideous. It will also scare the piss right out of you if you are up to no good and it catches you at it. This is why they were often kept, by those who could afford them, in lieu of guard dogs. Unlike dogs, which had to be kenneled, fed and trained, peacocks feed themselves, train themselves, and have their own ideas about where to sleep. To read more about my personal research and experiences with the peacock, click here.
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