Totem of the day is Salamander! An unexpected source of aid will become known to you in the coming aid to help with the problem before you. This may include the beginning of a transitional stage for you. However, don't push or rush it, but let it come naturally over you. Help yourself from becoming burnt out or overwhelmed by the transformation by keeping your emotions contained and safe. Work with those around you and in tandem with your environment to help this transition. If you are entering a new relationship, personal or business, be sure to review everything carefully before continuing. The Salamander spirit guide is known for it's connection to transformation, adaptability, growth, detoxification, and assistance. Salamander is a reminder that we need to spend out time wisely in order to be the best we can be. Find balance in getting work done as well as taking new opportunities. At times, this can also mean there is help outside of yourself that can be of aid to you. This assistance could come through an unexpected person or unique resource, however, it is only temporary and will last only as long as needed. Salamander also tells us when we may need to rid ourselves of a negative influence and to purify ourselves in order to become healthy once more. Salamanders have been attributed with fire in many cultures and tales. In medieval tales, the Salamander was a creature that was bred by fire and lived within flames. They were seen as wingless dragons and were symbols not just of the destruction power of fire, but also of enduring belief that lasted through the trials of hardship. They were said to be used in alchemy for protection against fire. People who connect with Salamander often come across as aloof with a tendency to be very careful of what they say to who. These individuals are highly sensitive to their environment and so require living in an area that is healthy and nontoxic. This can include their need to live and work in a supportive, creative environment around other like-minded individuals. When riled up, they can have a bit of a temper and tend to be careful about who they get close to. Even though they may not speak to many, salamander types often hold a depth of wisdom within themselves.

Salamander, Caudata, are carnivorous amphibians that can live up to 20 years in the wild. However, some species can live up to an amazing 55 years. They can be found all over the world, primarily in more temperate climates, but the largest number of different salamander families can be found in the United States. These slender creatures are most closely related to their smaller relative the newt. Sirens, congo eels, and mudpuppies are considered as species of salamander. There are over 700 species of salamander. These species all possess moist skin, long tails, and a generally smooth skin. However, these creatures are very diverse otherwise. Some species possess four legs, while others possess only two. Breathing is just as varied with some species possessing gills, others breathing with lungs, and some with neither who breathe directly through their skin. An adult Salamander can grow to as small as less than an inch long to up to 71 inches long including their tails. Their weight can average from less than half a pound to a whopping 140 lbs. The majority of species will grow to approximately 6 inches. Although the largest species is the Japanese Giant Salamander which can grow up to 6 feet from head to tail with a weight of over 140 lbs. The smallest species would be the Pygmy Salamander with a length of just barely over half an inch. This diverse animal can also live in many different environments. Sirens breathe with both lungs and gills due to their extended time in water while newts, with their dry and bumpy skin, will live mostly on land. The majority of species will live in humid forests due to the need of all species of salamander to stay near sources of water to keep their skin moist. However, some species such as the Iranian Harlequin Newt that lives in Western Iran only receives water during three or four months of the year. This species will mate during these months, eat, then sleep all the way through the dry months. Approximately 16 species of Salamander have adapted entirely to cave life in total darkness with pale skin and smaller eyes. The diet of a salamander consists of worms, slugs, and snails for smaller species while larger salamanders will dine on fish, insects, small crustaceans as well as mice, frogs, and other salamanders. Generally, they will prefer slow moving prey easier to catch. In order to avoid being eaten themselves, Salamanders are able to completely lose and regrow limbs such as legs or tails. The Axolotl, a completely aquatic form of salamander, can even grow back damaged organs in thanks to their special immune systems. The bright colors of these animals is also a warning to predators to stay away by mimicking colors found on poisonous animals. These bright colors will also become brighter in males during the breeding season. Some species of Salamander even have glands on their necks and tails that secrete a poisonous or bad-tasting liquid while others can squeeze their muscles in a way that makes the needle-sharp tips of their ribs poke through their skin to jab at their foe. Due to their need to stay moist, most species are nocturnal with activities taking place during the cooler parts of the day and night. They will hide in trees or under rocks during the heat of the day then venture out to feed at night. Reproduction for salamanders comes in the form of laying eggs. Depending on the species, a single female can lay over 400 eggs at one time. Only one species gives birth to live offspring which is the Fire Salamander that can give birth to 10 to 30 live young at a time. Salamander eggs are often similar to frog eggs in their clear and jelly-like appearance. They are laid in water and born without legs similar to frogs, as well. Some species such as the Spiny salamanders will actually guard their eggs by wrapping around them and even take the time to turn their eggs. Some newt species are known to actually wrap each individual egg in a leave to keep them safe. When the eggs hatch, they are a larval stage called efts which resemble tadpoles. Over time, they will grow eggs and develop into their adult forms.