How is animism related to totemism?

Animism and totemism are distinct concepts that frequently overlap within various belief systems, leading to complex mixtures that can be difficult to categorize.1

The Relationship Between Animism and Totemism

• Conceptual Overlap: While animism is a broad belief in spiritual beings that inhabit or influence the natural world, totemism involves a specific, often mystical or genealogical, relationship between social groups or individuals and particular natural objects or animals (totems).12
• Integration: Totemism is not inherently a religion, but it often incorporates religious elements and is frequently found conjoined with animistic beliefs. In many cultures, the two systems coexist; for example, animistic spirits may be represented in the animals or natural objects that also serve as totems for a specific group.13
• Shared Characteristics: Both systems emphasize practical interactions with the supernatural to secure food, health, or protection. They often involve taboos—such as prohibitions against killing or eating a totem—which mirror the propitiatory observances used in animism to avoid offending spirits.341
• Subordinate Roles: In the study of religion, totemism is sometimes categorized as a subordinate institution or "little religion" within the broader, more general framework of animism.4