Gaelic Totemism

Totemism is the way in which people practicing Senchus can better understand their connection to the world around them. Although not heavily written upon by scholars, the evidence of Totemism and its characteristics are visible in not only the literature but also in the very naming and history of the clans of Ireland.

 Unlike like what most modern people may believe, Totemism is not tied to the individual, rather its tied to ones own family and clan. It is generally inherited from the father as there is no mention of a woman passing her totem on her children nor can they really pass down their clan lineage.

 Further, having a totem does not mark ones own personality, rather it affects their religious life. It will affect how the member of Senchus interacts with the world around them, particularly it affects their actions while hunting and what food they eat.

 Totems are normally animals, however trees can also become a totem, further one clan can have multiple totems. Furthermore if a clan belongs to one of the tribes of Ireland then they will have the same totem as their tribe, all of this should be considered when a Senchus member goes through their family lineage.

 Determining a totem is an easy act, one needs to only look at their family or clan lineage. If a clan or family has a particular name such as  'Mac Fianna' which means 'Sons of the Deer' then it could easily be deduced that the clan totem is that of a deer. However if it is not clear, one should trace their lineage back to the tribe, for example the Connachta totem seems to be that of the wolf and there are three possible totems for the Laigin.

 If this is harder to determine, then perhaps looking into the originating mythology or history of the clan could be considered. For example the Connachta totem has been considered a wolf because as a child Cormac Mac Airt was raised in part as a she-wolf. (It may be connected to Rome in that Italic tribes seemingly had a similar form of totemism).

 Finally, if one is lost on what a totem could be, perhaps studying the clans badges or coat of arms may assist. For example if a historical coat of arm features prominently a horse or a bear, then it could point to the animal being the clans totem.

 This exists outside of the Gaelic world as well, however the circumstances of ones totem, since it is based on heritage, will vary depending on the customs of the culture.

 As to why totems exist, it can be hard to determine, from Gaulish etymological evidence and Irish literary evidence, such as that of the birth of Oisin. It may be that each clan believed itself to be descended from its totem, either as an animal turned into a human, vice versa or possibly as the god being the animal that momentarily turns into a human to produce the lineage.

 To act in accordance with this doctrine, one must never eat the meat of their totem or torment their totem. The effects can be seen with the death of Diarmaid after he hunts down his possible totem, the boar, and dies soon after or Conaire Mor who goes after the birds, very clearly his totem, and tragically dies in the Destruction of Da Derga's hostel. 

 However it can also benefit, with many stories of the totem animal coming to save or assist people as well, besides this totemism can help enrich people's spiritual life and give them a better sense of their place in the world and how they matter to it. 

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