The shelters of stone - Jean M. Auel [310]
“Perhaps,” the First said, considering thoughtfully for a moment. “But I think totems are something else. Not everybody has one, for one thing. They are important, but they are not quite as important as an elan, for example, though it is true that one must go through some trial or struggle to gain a totem. Usually you are chosen by a totem, but everyone has a kinship sign, and many people have the same sign. A totem can be any animal spirit, a cave lion, a golden eagle, a grasshopper, but certain animals have a kind of power. Their spirits have a force of a certain kind, like a life-force, but it’s different. The zelandonia call them power animals, but they have more force in the next world than in this one. Sometimes we can draw upon that force for protection when we travel in the spirit world, or to cause certain things to happen,” the One Who Was First said.
Ayla was frowning with concentration, trying to remember something. “The Mamut did that!” she said. “I remember at a ceremony, he made strange things happen. I think he took a piece of the spirit world and brought it into this one, but he had to fight to control it.”
Zelandoni’s expression showed her surprise and admiration. “I think I would have liked to know your Mamut,” she said, then she continued. “Most people don’t think too much about their kinship signs, except when they are thinking about mating. One should not mate with someone whose kinship sign is in opposition to theirs, which is probably why it’s brought up more at Summer Meetings, where matings are planned and mating ceremonies, Matrimonials, take place. That’s why the common name for one’s power animal is a kinship sign. The name is misleading, but it’s how most people think of it, because they don’t deal with the spirit world, and the only time it has a bearing on their lives is when planning to mate.”
“No one has asked me about kinship signs,” Ayla said.
“It only has meaning for one who was born a Zelandonii. Those who are born elsewhere may have kinship signs or power animals, but they don’t affiliate with Zelandonii power animals, as a rule. Once a person becomes a Zelandonii, a kinship sign may assert itself, but it will never be one that is in opposition to the mate she already has. The power animal of her mate won’t let it.”
Marthona, Jerika, and Joplaya were listening just as intently. Jerika had not been born Zelandonii, and she was curious about the customs and beliefs of her mate. “We are Lanzadonii, not Zelandonii. Does that mean if a Lanzadonii wants to mate with a Zelandonii, the kinship signs don’t matter?”
“In time, they may not, but many of you, including Dalanar, were born Zelandonii. The ties are still close, so they do have to be considered,” the First said.
“I was never a Zelandonii, but I am now Lanzadonii. So is Joplaya. Since Echozar was not born to either one, it doesn’t matter, but doesn’t a daughter get her kinship sign from her mother? What is Joplaya’s kinship sign?” Jerika asked.
“Usually a daughter has the same kinship sign as her mother, but not always. I understand that you have requested a Zelandoni to move to your Cave and become your first Lanzadoni. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for someone. Whoever it is will be well trained—I plan to make sure of that—and will be able to discover the kinship signs for all your people,” the donier said.
“What is Jondalar’s kinship sign, and how can I get one to give to my daughter, if I have one?” Ayla asked.
“If you want to find out, we can look into it. Jondalar’s power animal is a horse, like Marthona, but though he has the same mother, Joharran’s is different. His is a bison. Bison and horses are in opposition,” Zelandoni said.
“But Jondalar and Joharran don’t oppose each other. They get along well,” Ayla said with a frown.
The big woman smiled. “For mating, Ayla. They are opposing kinship signs.”
“Oh. I guess they’re not likely to mate,” she said, and smiled, too. “You said they are power animals. Since my totem is the Cave Lion, do you think that would be my power animal?