Your Spirit Animals

Many wisdom traditions and cultures features some form of animal symbolism. Animals are thought to be guides, teachers, messengers, or protectors for a person as they journey through life. They are referred to as spirit animals, familiars, animal guides, power animals, or totems.

Our spirit animals provide guidance or insight when we most need it, if we are paying attention. These animal guides can appear in our lives in many unexpected or interesting ways. Typically, an animal that appears over and over, or that one feels a special affinity to, should be considered a possible spirit animal.

There are animals that are life-long guides, which are typically more reflective of our own personality and unique gifts. Those animals that show up briefly, or only at certain times, are thought of as messengers or wayshowers to help us along our path. They often provide comfort, or convey an important message.

We can also call on animals to empower us in times of need, when we need a particular quality or inspirational or healing energy in our life, such as strength (lion), joy or playfulness (dolphin), vision (hawk), awareness (eagle), or peace (dove).

To discover your totem animals, think about animals you have always been drawn to, especially as a child, and consider the qualities of these animals. Then consider how these might apply to you, or how they have played out in your life.

Any time an animal crosses your path and you think ‘how peculiar,’ it is most likely a spirit animal! Take time to consider the meaning behind this interaction ~ Jessie Wren

Are you intuitive and wise like an owl? Are you loyal and loving like a dog? Are you intelligent, independent and freedom loving like a horse? The list is as extensive as the animal kingdom, which encompasses animals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

When you start seeing an animal repetitively, for example a butterfly or ladybug repeatedly lands on you, this is often a form of guidance or message for you. Consider again, what qualities you might associate with the animal, and how it might apply in your life in the moment. Often the information can be profound and helpful in the form of confirmation or validation of what your are going through, as well as guidance about what choice or decision to make.

Every time you are touched by your spirit animal – whether you interact with it in real life, see it in a photo, or hear someone else talk about it – you can use it as a reminder of the importance of its unique qualities ~ Emma Mildon

Animals are also thought of as visitations from loved ones who have crossed over into the spirit realm. Shortly after my dad passed, I had just parked my car, when a large dragonfly flew up to my windshield, and tapped on it directly in front of me, three times, by flying straight at me. It hovered a few moments more and then flew away. Dragonflies are often associated with death and rebirth, and I have no doubt it was a message of love from dad.

Humans are an intrinsic part of the animal kingdom and we are all interconnected. Paying attention to the animals that are important to you, and are suddenly showing up around you in any way. Your spirit animals can be a valuable tool for personal growth and spiritual guidance in times of need. Pay them heed, while sending silent blessings and gratitude to the animal in return.