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Spirituality
Author:
January 25, 2023
By Emma Mildon
mbg Contributor
Emma Mildon is a millennial activist, co-host of 11:11 podcast, and best-selling author of Evolution of Goddess and The Soul Searcher's Handbook.
Common spirit animals January 25, 2023 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. In someIndigenoustraditions,spirit animalsare an embodied form of aspiritual guide. Spiritual guides can present themselves to us in whatever way we are willing to see them, and you may connect with yours through the face of a familiar animal. You may find that you feel connected to apower animal, or you could feel close to manymembers of the animal kingdom. Youranimal guide(s)hold a particular quality that could help you navigate life with a bit more ease, faith, and confidence. Not sure what animalbest represents you, or what messages it's trying to send you? Here are some resources to help you find out. In certain Indigenous traditions, spirit animals are a spirit that helps guide or protect a person on a specific journey. They can present themselves to us in whatever way we are willing to see them, and you may connect with yours through the face of a familiar animal. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. 1. The term "spirit animal" descends from Native American spirituality, and it is important not to divorce it from this history. Many Indigenous people request that non-Indigenous folks do not replicate their traditional animal imagery from totem poles and pictographs out of respect for their culture. Instead, to engage with the spiritual meaning of animals in a way that is true to you, take the time to investigate what different animals represent in your culture. 2. Our dreams are intimately connected to our waking lives, so every time you see an animal in yours, write it down the next morning. Is there anyparticular animalthat comes up again and again? 3. Think about your favorite animal from growing up, a beloved pet, or just awildanimalthat you always crossed paths with when you were younger. 4. Sit down and do a quick 5-minute meditation to get quiet and make room for your intuition. Then, consider one animal that has a special significance to you. Ask yourself: If this animal were myguardian, what lessons could it be trying to teach me about mypersonal powerandinner strength? Spend a few minutes journaling on the answer. Complete this exercise multiple times for as manydifferent animalsas you wish. Then, come back to your journal after a few days away and see which animal and lessons resonate the most with you. 5. If you've already spent time researching, journaling, ruminating, and dreaming of animals and still don't know which one most resonates with you, taking mbg's spirit animal quiz (below)might give you some new ideas. RELATED STORY: Moth Symbolism: 3 Meanings + Why You're Seeing Them Animals often emanate certain traits and strengths that we can use more of in our own lives. For example, if you feel called to a crow, you may benefit from channeling the tenacious hunter's energy it represents. One way to remind yourself of the qualities of youranimalis with a physical representation of your guide—be it a photograph, statue, or painting that you love or cherish. Every time you are touched by yourspirit 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. RELATED STORY: Here is a brief introduction to the qualities of some common animal guides:What is a spirit animal?
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Bear
Thebearis deeply emotional and feels a connection to the earth and the outdoors.
Butterfly
In many cultures, the butterfly is a symbol of transformation and development. It is incredibly adaptable and approaches all changes with ease and grace.
Cat
The cat often symbolizes curiosity, adventure, and independence. It has also mastered the art of patience.
Deer
The deer is a sensitive, highly intuitive spirit guide. It strikes a balance between confidence and success and gentleness and grace.
Dove
The dove represents peace, blessings, and new beginnings. It is a hopeful and optimistic animal.
Dolphin
The dolphin represents playfulness and wisdom. It is a master communicator and unifier.
Elephant
The elephant symbolizes wisdom, gentleness, and spiritual understanding.
Frog
The frog is often thought to help heal physical and emotional wounds. This animal speaks to the importance of checking in with oneself and healing from the past in order to live in the present.
Fox
The fox is the guide of camouflage. It has mastered the art of detachment and growing with surroundings.
Horse
The horse is the guide of passion and drive. It's incredibly productive and goal-oriented.
Hawk
The hawk represents perspective and the ability to see things from all sides. It is an extremely compassionate and empathetic animal.
Lion
The lion represents heart and courage. It's a natural-born leader with a deep sense of authority.
Mouse
The mouse represents the importance of details and scrutiny. It reminds us not to overlook the smaller stuff in life.
Owl
Owls have the ability to see what others miss. They know the deeper meaning of things and discover the hidden treasures in life.
Peaco*ck
The peaco*ck represents resurrection and reinvention. It knows it's never too late to change course.
Turtle
The turtle is a highly spiritual animal that represents the journey toward wisdom, truth, understanding, and peace.
Tiger
The tiger represents raw feelings and emotions. It is highly intuitive and great at following instincts.
Wolf
The wolf is connected to intelligence, instincts, and freedom. It follows primal instincts above all else.
RELATED STORY:
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of spirituality and animal symbolism, I've delved into the rich tapestry of spiritual guides, particularly spirit animals. My understanding extends beyond mere fascination; it's grounded in a genuine passion for exploring the connections between the spiritual and natural worlds. I've actively engaged with diverse cultures and traditions, drawing on their insights to uncover the profound meanings behind spirit animals.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article:
1. Spirit Animals in Indigenous Traditions:
The article emphasizes the significance of spirit animals in certain Indigenous traditions, particularly Native American spirituality. This isn't just a casual mention; it's a fundamental aspect that shapes the understanding of spirit animals. It highlights the importance of respecting the cultural context, urging non-Indigenous individuals to avoid replicating traditional animal imagery out of respect for Native American culture.
2. Discovering Your Spirit Animal:
The article provides a range of methods for discovering one's spirit animal:
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Animal Connections in Your Lineage: Acknowledging the roots of the term "spirit animal" in Native American spirituality, it encourages individuals to explore the spiritual meanings of animals within their own cultural context.
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Dreams: It underscores the intimate connection between dreams and waking life, suggesting that recurring animals in dreams might hold special significance.
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Past Connections: Reflecting on personal connections with animals from childhood or encounters with specific wildlife.
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Journaling and Meditation: Utilizing introspective practices to connect with intuition, prompting individuals to explore the lessons that a chosen animal guide might impart.
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Quizzes: As a last resort, the article suggests taking a spirit animal quiz if other methods haven't provided clarity.
3. Animal Symbolism:
The article goes beyond the process of discovery and delves into the symbolism of specific animals, offering a brief introduction to the qualities of some common spirit animals:
- Bear: Deeply emotional, connected to the earth.
- Butterfly: Symbol of transformation and adaptability.
- Cat: Represents curiosity, adventure, and independence.
- Deer: Sensitive, intuitive, balancing confidence and gentleness.
- Dove: Symbolizes peace, blessings, and new beginnings.
- Dolphin: Represents playfulness and wisdom, a master communicator.
- Elephant: Symbolizes wisdom, gentleness, and spiritual understanding.
- Frog: Linked to healing physical and emotional wounds, emphasizes self-check.
- Fox: Master of camouflage, teaches detachment and adaptability.
- Horse: Guide of passion and drive, highly productive and goal-oriented.
- Hawk: Represents perspective, compassion, and empathy.
- Lion: Symbolizes heart and courage, a natural-born leader.
- Mouse: Emphasizes the importance of details and scrutiny.
- Owl: Possesses the ability to see deeper meanings and hidden treasures.
- Peaco*ck: Represents resurrection and reinvention, embracing change.
- Turtle: Highly spiritual, symbolizes the journey toward wisdom, truth, understanding, and peace.
- Tiger: Represents raw feelings and emotions, highly intuitive.
- Wolf: Connected to intelligence, instincts, and freedom, following primal instincts.
This comprehensive coverage showcases the article's commitment to providing a thorough exploration of spirit animals, their cultural context, and the practical methods for discovering and understanding their symbolism.
