The concept of totem animals (and in fact the very word "totem") seems to have entered modern urban spirituality from casual appropriation of Native American concepts of animal ancestors and clan spirit-allies, and the naming of tribal clans after animals.
Perhaps your best guide to understanding "totem animals" would be to research Algonquin and other tribes in which the concept of the "totem" is fully developed.
Beware of New Age re-writings of traditional Native beliefs in which the individual is encouraged to "find" his or her own "totem" animal. In actual Algonquin society, the totem animal allies with the family-clan, not with a single person.
Here are some dictionary definitions of the word totem; the part in
bold type is my emphasis:
to·tem (ttm) [from Ojibwa nintōtēm mark of my family]
n.
1.
a. An animal, plant, or natural object serving among certain tribal or traditional peoples as
the emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian.
b. A representation of such an object.
c.
A social group having a common affiliation to such an object.
2. Emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant;
serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among American Indians)
Animals as omens -- and the interpretation of such omen-animals -- is widespread in world cultures, and certainly forms a part of hoodoo as well. Understanding animals as omens will vary based on the culture to which one belongs, however. My favourite example is the bat, an ill-omen in Eastern Europe, but an omen of happiness and joy in China.
I think that your interpretation of the omen of the hawk was indeed accurate, by the way.
As far as books in our shop, the only one that comes to mind is the list of animals and their divinatory meanings that i present in my own book, "Throwing the Bones."
BOO-DIV-BONE
Throwing the Bones by catherine yronwode
$9.00

