This article is from the Religion-Shamanism FAQ, by Dean Edwards, Stef Jones, Jilara, Jane Beckman, Ann Albers with numerous contributions by others.
animal spirit that is among your mythological ancestors
Ann Albers (albersa@aztec.asu.edu)
Totem: A plant, animal, natural force or material which is identified
with a specific group or clan. Totems may have a particular importance
in connecting the people with the land on which they live. A totem may
thus be understood as being a group badge with sacred connotations.
A totem, such as the Bear in many of the Northern Circumpolar
Traditions, may be seen as an actual or spiritual relative or ancestor
of the family, clan or group.
Dean Edwards (deane@netcom.com)
A "spirit clan" symbol.
Jilara (jane@swdc.stratus.com)
You also can't harm your clan totem--one of the big Irish heros
(Fergus MacRoy, if memory serves) got into real trouble because he
was served stewed dog, and ate his clan totem unknowingly. And in a
lot of systems, you can't marry someone who has the same spirit
totem, as this is a taboo stronger than an incest taboo.
Jilara (jane@swdc.stratus.com)
 
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