The Twelve Birth Totems

The twelve birth times are represented by totems, each one an animal that best expresses the qualities inherent at that birth time.

Earth medicine associates an animal totem to each birth time (the two sets of dates below the animal reflect the difference in season between the northern and southern hemispheres). These animals help to connect you to the powers and abilities that they represent.

FALCON:

21 March- 19 April (N. Hemisphere)

22 Sept- 22 Oct (S. Hemisphere)

Falcons are full of initiative, but often rush in to make decisions that

they may later regret. Lively and extroverted, they have enthusiasm for new experiences but can sometimes lack persistence.

BEAVER:

20 April- 20 May (N. Hem)

23 Oct- 22 Nov (S. Hem)

Practical and steady, Beavers have a capacity for perseverance. Good homemakers, they are warm and affectionate, but need harmony and peace to avoid becoming irritable. They have a keen aesthetic sense.

DEER:

21 May- 20 June (N. Hem)

23 Nov- 21 Dec (S. Hem)

Deer are willing to sacrifice the old for the new. They loathe routine, thriving on variety and challenges. They have a wild side, often leaping from one situation or relationship into another without reflection.

WOODPECKER:

21 June- 21 July (N. Hem)

22 Dec- 19 Jan (S. Hem)

Emotional and sensitive, Woodpeckers are warm to those closest to them, and willing to sacrifice their needs for those of their loved ones. They have lively imaginations but can be worriers.

SALMON:

22 July- 21 August (N. Hem)

20 Jan- 18 Feb (S. Hem)

Enthusiastic and self-confident, Salmon people enjoy running things. They are uncompromising and forceful, and can occasionally seem a little arrogant or self-important. They are easily hurt by neglect.

BROWN BEAR:

22 Aug- 21 Sept (N. Hem)

19 Feb- 20 March (S. Hem)

Brown Bears are hardworking, practical, and self-reliant. They do not like change, preferring to stick to what is familiar. They have a flair for fixing things, are good natured, and make good friends.

CROW:

22 Sept- 22 Oct (N. Hem)

21 March- 19 Apr (S. Hem)

Crows dislike solitude and feel most comfortable in company. Although usually good-natured and pleasant, they can be strongly influenced by negative atmospheres, becoming gloomy and prickly.

SNAKE:

23 Oct- 22 Nov (N. Hem)

20 Apr- 20 May (S. Hem)

Snakes are mysterious, and secretive, hiding their feelings beneath a cool exterior. Adaptable, determined and imaginative, they are capable of bouncing back from tough situations encountered in life.

OWL:

23 Nov- 21 Dec (N. Hem)

21 May- 20 June (S. Hem)

Owls need freedom of expression. They are lively, self-reliant, and have an eye for detail. Inquisitive and adaptable, they have a tendency to overextend themselves. Owls are often physically courageous.

GOOSE:

22 Dec- 19 Jan (N. Hem)

21 June- 21 July (S. Hem)

Goose people are far-sighted idealists who are willing to explore the unknown. They approach life with enthusiasm, determined to fulfill their dreams. They are perfectionists, and can appear unduly serious.

OTTER:

20 Jan- 18 Feb (N. Hem)

22 July- 21 Aug (S. Hem)

Otters are friendly, lively and perceptive. They feel inhibited by too many rules and regulations, which often make them appear eccentric. They like cleanliness and order and have original minds.

WOLF:

19 Feb- 20 March (N. Hem)

22 Aug - 21 Sept (S. Hem)

Wolves are sensitive, artistic and intuitive--people to whom others turn to for help. They value freedom and their own space, and are easily affected by others. They are philosophical, trusting and genuine.