We begin  our study of the Roles of the Animal Totems with our Birth Totem, which most folks who have studied Native Astrology recognize as being fairly equivalent to the Sun Sign in traditional, exoteric Astrology.

Yet, unlike the study of Sun signs in exoteric astrology, the Birth Totem is not so much representative of our ~personalities~ as it is a Teacher that we have chosen to "study under" in the current incarnation.  What this means, is that the Wisdom and Medicine of our Birth Totem are mini lessons we have chosen to absorb this walk around the Sacred Hoop.  The more one exhibits the traits, characteristics and attributes of that particular Birth Totem, the more they have integrated the lessons, wisdom and Medicine of their current Birth Totem.

The Role of the Birth Totem is assigned to a specific Animal Spirit for the birth day and month as delineated below: