There is always some misunderstanding involved in words that make sweeping statements, like totemism, which is about our predetermined nature of behaviour, and the voices of energy behind all lifes instinctual patterns that is guiding man, animals and plants. A word says nothing about the focused listening that involves identifying and acquiring the gift of some esteemed patterns by man from within himself. Of what is to be achieved by deep reflection, and the finding of the same psychic patterns in the symbolic source of life for either a specific need, or for use as guidance.
What is called totemism is about coming to terms with our entering into life from behind life itself.