Totems - tree, animal, ancestor

According to Druidic doctrine, we have an attraction to a specific tree, animal or ancestor. These totems are already part of our being.

TOTEMS - a type of plant, animal or object chosen and treated with superstitious respect as the symbol of an intimate and mysterious relationship.

I have an attraction to oak trees, wolves and my grandfathers. In my childhood, in the farmyard near the big barn grew the strong spread of oak ansd maple trees. I would climb as close as possible to the highest boughs pointed to the sky with a canopy of green above me and sit for hours with my imagination.

In my later years a spell which involved an oak tree and acorns introduced me to the Druidic Tradition.

My Dad's dad owned a German Shepherd dog named Duke, that resemble a Timber wolf. The wolf perhaps the most feared in terms of superstition because back in the day they were feared for attacking wild, domestic animals and humans alike. Humans are high on the food chain. It is our responsibility for prevention of waste of human's physical environment, including wildlife, timber, fertile topsoil, and pasture according to the Conservation of Natural Resources. We need to find the compromise to co-habitat. We need to be fair.

As far back as I can remember I've been fascinated by the sharp, yellow intense stare of the wolf. It's amazing the eyes speak without the wolf saying word.

When I open the book of my memories to the good times I've experienced the Sunday visits at my mother's parents farm in the peace of the countryside always warms my heart. My uncle and his family owned garden centre were just a few steps away. Back then family life was strong, simple and modest. It was all about parents and their children and the country way. When I was a small child during the warm summer days surrounded by the haunts of birds, other wild creatures, domestic animals, large trees and sculptured landscapes my brothers, sisters, cousins and I played.

The image of coffee brewed and the older generation sharing knowledge with the younger generation around my grandparent's kitchen table was a familiar sight. My uncles would come and go discussing livestock, planting, harvest or equipment that needed repair. My grandmother, mother and aunts spoke of our lifestyle. At the head of the table sat my granddad.

My granddad was an elderly man who had endured a hard life when he died. As a young girl I attended his funeral. His dying brought out many people. It was a sad
day. Sorrow was shared.

The special bond between tree - oak, animal - wolf, and ancestor - grandfathers have their roots that go deep into my personal history.

The reason I believe this likeness in the smoke is that of my mother's father is because of the widow's peak (hair style), nose and strong chin.