[Art] Progress! Gray Wolf and River Otter as totems - inked. :)

There's something apt about inking animal totems,
while watching David Attenborough in the background
(The Life of Birds and The Blue Planet respectively).
'Tis cold here today,
and definitely feels like Winter.

[Art] Western Ground Parrot, Western Swamp Tortoise and Yellow Snouted Gecko

The last of a batch of 8 Australian totems,
most of which are Endangered or Critically Endangered.
These guys are all technically Critically Endangered,
though not all have been officially evaluated by the IUCN as of yet.
Some may be gone by then...
Commission information available here.


Western Ground Parrot as Totem
Prints available at DeviantArt

Meanings - Rarity

The element of fire is threatening, the importance of staying grounded as often as possible, being able and reluctant to fly and soar, creating pathways through liminal places, sunrise and sunset, elusive wisdom, shyness, hiding your knowledge from others, rarity, preferring to have a range to choose from, selection is important, appearing inaccessible, camouflage and blending in, the power of the colour green.




( Larger images, photos and totem description under the cut. )

Western Swamp Tortoise as Totem
Prints available at DeviantArt

Meanings - Specifics

Specifics, needing very specific environments and circumstances within which to thrive, resist pressure to be anything other than yourself, wetland and swamp magic, needing extended times of relaxation or dormancy, being grounded, patience, taking it slow, longevity, wisdom accrued from experience, needing the support of others to get by, a connection to Western Australia, coming alive when connected to sunlight, keep your feet on the ground, tenacity, finding yourself disadvantaged by your own habits.




( Larger images, photos and totem description under the cut. )

Yellow Snouted Ground Gecko as Totem
Prints available at DeviantArt

Meanings - The Small Pictures

A connection to the leaf litter, sifting through the details to find nourishment and wisdom, looking away from the bigger picture, the details, liking the wet and the damp, a connection to river beings and energies, the small things, finding your way of life, or your sense of self threatened, clashing with the element of fire, clashes with cat energy, celebrate the soft, cool places, regeneration, being able to regrow and renew yourself after trauma.




( Larger images, photos and totem description under the cut. )