More than just memes, spirit animals can guide you, support you with strength and help you build a soul-satisfying life. Find out what's yours!
There’s much more to people metaphorically saying “__ is my spirit animal.” You may well be familiar with memes and people commonly referring to a particular animal as their spirit animal, but did you know to resonate to an animal to call it your “spirit animal” holds a deeper meaning? Cultures across the world have intense, age-old traditions that have determined a spiritual connection between animals and humans. Shamanism, as one example of the cultures and beliefs, competently lays down the association of the human spirit and animals wherein the spaces of earth and sky are portals of the soul journeying through the upper and lower world, respectively. The lower world, in this, symbolises afterlife associated with animals and is believed to be accessed by soul journeying through a portal on earth. The Native American culture also has an equivalent term to this "totem" meaning a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual.
Entrancing as it may be, knowing your spirit animal can benefit you in several ways. After recognising their spirit animal, people have found great guidance in their life, harnessed strength from them, and even healed. So what exactly is the connection? The most evident - you and your spirit animal share the same traits and recognising those can bring you a step closer to knowing your spirit animal and thus, potentially leading a soul-satisfying life. We list down a few of the most common spirit animals!
Bear
One of the most powerful of spirit animals, the bear signifies authority. It is a symbol of addressing and respecting boundaries, introspecting, protecting and committing. It greatly denotes bringing about a balance with due consideration of emotions and sensitivity that could be on an overwhelm.
Butterfly
Nature’s prettiest symbol of metamorphism, the butterfly denotes transformation. It signifies a phase of development, development fortified by inspiring grace and adaptability. What lies in hindsight is an outcome you never expected. Trust the process and keep your head over your shoulder.
Cat
As humans, we are conditioned to a rigid plan, and the cat is here to tell you to just fling that plan away. It is a sign that you have all that it takes to make the life of your dreams, all by yourself. Go with the flow and expect magic — it’s right around the corner and bigger than you imagined!
Deer
A raised intuition and sensitivity, the deer is here to tell you to strike a harmony between success and confidence with grace and humbleness. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just like the deer, continue on your path with all that you are. It’s a reminder that the only thing you can control is YOU, no one or nothing else.
Dog
The dog, in general, is a symbol of kindness, friendship, and loyalty, and as a spirit animal, it guides to usher in these exact qualities. The dog gently prompts you to stay kind and true to yourself. Practise self-respect, self-value, and self-love. Put yourself before anything else. All in all, be your best friend!
Dove
Universally related to as a sign of peace, the dove is a representation of harmony, new beginnings, and blessings. Known to be an optimistic animal, the dove fosters hope. It’s a message to just breathe, align with yourself, trust the flow, and you will know exactly what to do when.
Horse
A spectacle of overcoming hurdles and attaining victory, the horse is an inspiration to carry yourself well in the face of adversity. Pay close attention to your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By being aware of that, you can channel your passion and drive to attain your goal.
Lion
The King of the jungle, the lion as a spirit guide, is a representation of unrivalled courage and empathy. This spirit animal comes just in time when you are facing hurdles and need to overcome them. The lion encourages you to express your emotions better in order to make yourself understood better.
Peacock
Known for its unparalleled beauty, the peacock as a spirit animal encourages you to transcend beyond peripheral beauty. A beautiful face is fine, but nothing can match a beautiful heart, conscience, humility, and the ability to be confident no matter what the situation.
Wolf
And lastly, on this list, we have the wolf — a symbol of intelligence, freedom, and instinct. It’s a calling to awaken your primal senses above any other. You are most likely to relate to a wolf when you sense a loss of direction. It will guide you to the right path and along the way help you discover yourself.
Further, to identify your spirit animal better, ensure that you -
- Pay close attention to your dreams. Animals in dreams tell a lot, as mentioned here.
- Take note of animals you are naturally drawn towards.
- Reflect on your experiences with animals in the past.
- Take a spirit animal quiz.
It's also worth noting that since spirit animals emanate your traits, you must be well aware of your traits and traits are a part of your evolution and rarely constant. This means your spirit animal, too, may not be constant. You can have several spirit animals throughout your life.
With that, we hope you find your spirit animal and embark a more intentional journey ahead.
"Deep in slumber, dreams unending,
Wise old bear, patient, strong,
Send me dreams of transformation,
Grant me intuition along
With introspection of my life,
Inner listening, no more strife."
– D.J. Conway, Animal Magick.