A totem is generally an object that holds some kind of spiritual or symbolic significance. Its use here is true to the traditional definition.
You could even argue certain guitars or other instruments are totems for musicians. When that guitar is worn, or that synth is used...
Certainly the idea of totems is probably one of the most inate human behaviours.
We all have our favorite 'X'. You could even extend it to software.
People are indisputably more productive when they use the tools they prefer, when compared to the most objectively 'efficient' tools.
A totem is generally an object that holds some kind of spiritual or symbolic significance. Its use here is true to the traditional definition.