Totem animal same as phenotype?

[phyrrestar]

From what I've read, just about everyone has a totem animal.  These animals have specific traits that are there to guide a person through life.  Some animals come and go while others are always there. Sometimes they can be found through strong identification, a significant interaction with an animal, or meditation.

Now, a therian has one or multiple phenotypes.  This animal is the other part to them and embodies some of their own traits.  Often the more instinctual part of human nature is attributed to their phenotype.  These can also be found through identification, interaction, or meditation.

Do you think these are usually the same animal(s) or different?  Perhaps some are and others aren't?  Also, so you think there are "side" phenotypes, just like totem/animal guides who may come and go as you grow older and change?

[Vendoh]

 In my view... it is exactly the same. Native americans believe that your "spirit animal", or manitu, guides you and is part of you personality. They show themselves through odd expieriances with the certian animal that is your manitu.