As mentioned above it is in the South that we learn our "Medicine" which is represented by an Animals Spirit.  Even though the animal in the South is our Medicine or Totem animal for life we have many other animal totems that will come and go throughout our life.  Each of these will bring us different realizations.  For example a deer will teach us gentleness and innocence but a lion may teach us leadership and strength.  Look not only at the nature of the animal but also at their physical features.

How do Animal Totems relate to the Medicine Wheel?

The following is an example and does not depict anyone's particular Medicine Animal for that particular direction.  As stated before Animal Totems will come and go according to what you need at the time.

East - Totem Animal Bear - When starting a new project I would call upon the qualities of a Bear to get this off the ground

North - Totem Animal Horse - When I am faced with a challenge and need extra strength I would call upon the qualities of the horse

West - Totem Animal Snake - When I feel like I am falling in a heap and life is not going right I would call upon the strength and qualities of a snake

South - Totem Animal Boar - This is my life long medicine animal.  This is "Who I am".  To learn more about you learn more about the traits of this animal

Centre - Total Animal Dolphin - All who will help us is found in the centre of the medicine wheel. 

(The above information was taken from the teachings of Avril Norman founder of Perfect Unision.  www.perfectunison.com )