Spiritual animal signs
Your own personal animal totem mascot
Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a column called The Wisdom Project by David Allan, editorial director of CNN Health and Wellness. The series is on applying to one’s life the wisdom and philosophy found everywhere, from ancient texts to pop culture. You can follow David at @davidgallan. Don’t miss another Wisdom Project column by subscribing here.
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Traditional cultures adopt animal totems to co-opt the virtues and strengths
Word totem comes from the Ojibwa (aka Chippewa) word "ototeman" meaning "one's brother-sister kin"
CNN —
Warm yourself around the open fire while I dramatically gesture at the night sky and talk of the benefit of adopting an ancient wisdom technique. It involves identifying what some traditional cultures may call a totem or spirit animal.
Sound too flaky? How about if we call it a personal mascot, instead?
Sports teams began adopting animal mascots in the early 1900s to represent a team’s region and imbue it with good luck. The word originates from the French “mascotte,” which means a talisman or charm.
Lions, panthers, broncos, bulldogs, tigers, eagles, wildcats, timberwolves, bears – each carry their own identity and a somewhat anthropomorphized personality that players can take into the field or court.
They invoke virtues such as perseverance, courage and agility. Even all those baseball birds were chosen because they’re regionally identifiable, elegant, quick and strong.
Advertisers like animal mascots too: Tony the Tiger, the Energizer Bunny, Ford Mustang. But have you wondered why?
“Animal characters transfer meanings on to brands,” according to researchers at Boston College and AUT University in Auckland, New Zealand, whose paper in the Journal of Marketing Management investigated the integration of animal symbols in advertising and how they “serve to activate and connect archetypal associations automatically in the consumers’ minds.
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Drawing upon your own life experiments
The utility of these mascots and spokesanimals is not far from the reason Native Americans and other ancient traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian, African, Indian, Australian) adopt animal totems. It’s about co-opting the virtues and strengths of those archetypes for inspiration and guidance, and reminders to live the lessons they offer in old myths and fables.
For some of these traditions, there wasn’t even a categorical word for “animal.” They were simply other people, and not distantly related either. The word totem comes from the Ojibwa (aka Chippewa) word “ototeman” meaning “one’s brother-sister kin.
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Totems have a spiritual connection to their tribes, and these animal kin look out for the whole family.
Totems, are, of course, still part of some Native American tribes’ ceremony and belief, and I’m not trying to make light of that by suggesting we adopt a similar idea. But in this world of a la carte spirituality and tradition, you are free to choose your tribe, and its animal. Maybe start with the mascot of your favorite team.
Think of animals as metaphor: busy as a beaver, crazy like a fox, horsing around, bullish, sheepish.
And metaphor, as applied to how we live our life, is wisdom. So by adopting a mascot, you create a symbolic reminder of the virtues and lessons you want to be mindful of and employ for yourself.
At the beginning of every new year, for the last 10, I’ve embraced a new mascot. The process is simple. I assess where I am in my life, what challenges I’m facing or anticipate in the coming year and what aspects need more attention than normal. And then I look for a corresponding animal whose symbolic meaning makes for a good metaphoric fit.
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I’ve adopted a duck to remind myself to let things roll off my back, a squirrel when I needed to make more plans for the future, an otter as a cue to be more playful with my young daughters, a swan to float above professional distractions, a salmon to encourage flow during an upstream struggle, a falcon for focus and bold vision, and a rabbit when my wife and I were trying to get pregnant.
It’s easy to find animals’ symbolic meanings. You can Google “wolf symbolism” and get dozens of links about what wolves represent in certain traditions, in dream symbolism and folklore. There are also a number of books with encyclopedic listings of animals and their meaning you can reference, such as Steven Farmer’s “Pocket Guide to Spirit Animals” and “Animal-Speak” by Ted Andrews.
As I consider a new mascot I tend to read a number of sources and look for the common themes, metaphors and traditions. Some virtues even come out in the animal’s biology or behavior. Sharks are immune to most diseases. Bald eagles mate for life.
Salmon swim with a reverse undercurrent. Dolphins and otters are among the few animals that play for the fun of it.
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Chosen with some thought, these animals naturally resurface throughout the year with personal relevance. This experiment is simply a tool for becoming more mindful about what you already feel you should be more mindful of.
There’s a less self-serving benefit to making a connection to other animals, as well, which is an increased awareness that we are not the only beings on the planet.
You may start to simply notice more animals around you and how we share spaces we often think of us as ours alone. It’s another much-needed lesson the traditional cultures pass on to an increasingly digital, modern and disconnected world.
Maybe you already have an animal or two in mind. Or maybe you need a little nudge out of the nest. Here are some common animals and their symbolic virtues to get you brainstorming.
Bear: strength, confidence, healing
Bees: success, fertility, happiness
Dolphin: harmony, protection, joy
Eagle: freedom, success, vision
Fish: productive, moving easily, being in one’s element
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Fox: discernment, agility, intelligence
Hawk: focus, vision, perspective
Horse: success, freedom, courage, strength
Otter: playful, helpful, curious, nurturing
Owl: intuition, wisdom
Rabbit: luck, fertility, creativity
Wolf: intelligence, instinctual, social
Kenneth Fowler for CNNSpiritAnimal.info | About Us
Skip to contentAbout This GuideElena Harris2019-10-28T15:12:23-08:00
This guide was created to support deeper and meaningful connections with animals, whether they are in their spirit or physical form. Its purpose is that everyone will find information, knowledge, and wisdom that will serve them in their daily life and support their personal development and journey through life by connecting more deeply with the spirit of animals.
A modern guide following the footsteps of ancient traditions
Following the footsteps of many traditions from all around the world, this guide on spirit animals also adopts a contemporary perspective on the subject.
Based on modern principles of psychology and intuitive work, its goal is to present information in a format that is easy to read for anyone curious about the world of spirit or power animals. At the same time, it also intends to convey the deeper, mystical, and spiritual meanings associated with the animals and our relationship to them as spirit guides and totems.
In many traditions, our relationship with the spirit of animals is a reminder that all life is sacred. From the dawn of times, humankind had a relationship with animals, not just in the physical realms, but also in the spiritual ones. Folklore, rituals, myths around the globe involve animals as part of a sacred experience, a special relationship we have with the world.
Spirit animals, also referred to as power animal or animal totems, are symbolic representations of our inner character and dynamics in our lives. As such, they carry multiple meanings that are often difficult to decipher. That’s why this guide is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, contemporary, and easy to understand presentation of spirit animals.
The spirit behind this guide on spirit animals
SpiritAnimal.info was started in reverence to nature, animals, and their powerful influence in our lives. Animals, whether they appear in spirit or physical form, enrich our lives. They are a testimony of life’s diversity and vitality. This guide was created of out love and respect for the animal kingdom and role of spirit animals in our personal journey in life.
Each creature that appears as a spirit guide has the potential of showing us different facets of ourselves, our inner world and our relationship with life in general. This guide’s purpose is to foster a deeper understanding and connection with spirit animals, so we can tap into their inherent wisdom.
Each animal has its own power and offers opportunities to work on different lessons. In addition, each of us has a unique, personal relationship with animals we feel we have a special connection with.
This guide has been created to support accurate and empowering understanding that encourages the reader to find their own meanings and further develop their connection with the spirit or power animals.
Be it of good use to you.
If you want to support the website and help contribute to keeping us running you can donate on this page. Thank you so much for following our work, have a blessed day!
Elena Harris, SpiritAnimal.info Editor
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Page load link Go to TopSpirit animal of your zodiac sign🐰🐹🐁
What is a spirit animal? It is a symbol that reflects the true essence of your personality, character and temperament. By knowing your spirit animal, you can get to know yourself better: strengths and weaknesses, hidden talents, approach to overcoming life's difficulties and obstacles. Such knowledge helps to expand the perception of the environment, and also to adopt important qualities from the animal. For some it's endurance, for some it's strength, for some it's intelligence.
Also, many people believe that a spirit animal can protect and guide in the right direction. When life comes to a standstill, our spirit animals act as guides for us: they help us get out of a difficult situation and tell us what to do.
The belief in spirit animals is especially strong among the ancient tribes. The customs of each tribe are unique and sacred, there are special rituals and traditions associated with the appointment of a spirit animal.
Depending on your zodiac sign, you have a spirit animal that reflects you as a person and also tells you what you should strive for in life.
Depending on your zodiac sign, you have a spirit animal that reflects you as a person and tells you what you should strive for in life
Aries, the spirit animal is a cheetah you are full of energy. This energy needs to be released, not accumulated inside. The cheetah can't stand being tamed. So you, too, cannot stand the imposed frames and restrictions, strive for freedom.
The ability to show your character, agility and speed is what makes you inimitable. The cheetah looks at its prey and focuses completely on it. So you, strive for the goal that you intend to achieve. You don't give up until you get what you want. A person born under the sign of Aries is a force to be reckoned with. People listen carefully when you express your point of view or convince them of something.
Taurus, a spirit animal - a bear
The bear is a symbol of strength and stability. These two qualities are very important for any person. But it is those who are born under the sign of Taurus who tend to lay a solid foundation in any business that they start, as well as bravely defend their position in disputes.
The bear is also considered a symbol of protection. This can be understood not only by how much effort you make to create stability , but also by dedication in protecting people close to you.
You are like a mother bear, diligently protecting her cubs from trouble.
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Gemini, spirit animal - dolphin
Dolphin is one of the most intelligent animals. So people born under the sign of Gemini are distinguished by high intelligence. At the same time, this quality is often hidden under playfulness and curiosity.
You feel a clear need to learn more and to know this world. And you are great listeners. You are curious and active, like dolphins: do not sit still, try to develop, love new acquaintances. Dolphins are playful and fun creatures, often doing things just for the thrill. You, too, strive to fill your life with unforgettable impressions.
Just living by a set of rules is not for you.
Cancer, rabbit spirit animal
Like a rabbit, you can be quite timid and shy. But at the same time, people born under the sign of Cancer are creative and intelligent. The rabbit teaches us how not to let our fears overwhelm us. According to this belief, you try to live your every day.
Like the rabbit, you are a rather complex being. You are most likely a versatile and rather interesting person, and among your main qualities, friends and acquaintances emphasize kindness and empathy. At times, you may feel insecure and overwhelmed. But at the same time, not everyone can see your inner strength. You are stronger than you look, you are able to endure life's difficulties. You are also able to think outside the box and come up with interesting solutions.
Leo, spirit animal - dragon
Perhaps this is the most obvious connection between the zodiac sign and the animal. Lions and dragons have a lot in common.
People born under this sign are strong and courageous. You are always ready to fight desperately for what is most important and valuable to you.
Interested in reading about myths about bisexuality? Here is an article on this topic .
The lion is not just considered the king of animals. This is a born leader. Dragons are very powerful creatures. If you are a Leo according to the horoscope, then you probably strive to show your leadership qualities in life and at work.
Like a dragon, you are noble and majestic, always looking for ways to demonstrate your strength and prove yourself.
Virgo, spirit animal - fox
The fox is a comparatively small animal. But what they lack in physical strength they make up for in mental capacity. In myths and fairy tales, foxes are always portrayed as cunning and treacherous.
And what about people born under the sign of Virgo? You not only have a developed intellect, but are also perfectly able to read the intentions and true motives of other people.
You are thinking several steps ahead. You are likely to easily adapt to new conditions, feel comfortable in a new environment. Virgos can quickly settle in and find their place in a new, sometimes difficult situation. Navigating the modern, rapidly changing world is a valuable quality. Virgos use their analytical skills and are not without cunning. This helps them get what they want.
Libra, the swan spirit animal
Even without knowing anything about the swan, you can tell exactly how elegant it is. Just looking at it is enough. Libras have unsurpassed beauty and softness - both inside and out. If you were born under this sign, it is very important for you to find balance and harmony in this unpredictable and chaotic life.
Like a swan, Libra is graceful, peaceful and pure. Your originality cannot be copied, imitating you is stupid. Surrounded by other people, you are absolutely comfortable and you are happy.
Scorpio, spirit animal - phoenix
This mythical bird is the personification of what Scorpios can be like inside, and how different their nature is from the outer shell.
You have an outer personality that you can use as a way to protect yourself from danger and grief. But under this shell there is a softer and more tender side, open and vulnerable.
Accepting this vulnerability and, in a sense, weakness is not easy. You must first go through an important transformation. This transformation could be a turning point in your life. Like a phoenix, you are reborn and change, renew - and this is your inner strength and main quality.
How to part properly and beautifully? Read here .
Sagittarius, spirit animal - cat
You do not like imposed rules and limits. You don't have to be told what to do. You are somewhat selfish, but in a good way.
What other traits are inherent in people born under the sign of Sagittarius? You, like cats, not only love freedom, but are also quite curious. You are eager to discover more new things. You feel comfortable alone and do not strive for large and noisy companies.
Capricorn, the spirit animal crocodile
How do Capricorns resemble crocodiles? Most likely, you, like these dangerous predators, do not miss your “prey”. That is, it is difficult to lead you astray, to dissuade you from something or to make you doubt.
Like this creature, you can be patient and assertive. You are not in a hurry, waiting for the best opportunity to “attack”. You are able to take everyone by surprise with your strength and agility.
Aquarius, spider spirit animal
You, like spiders, are patient, creative, and can spend a lot of time creating something beautiful. Sometimes you prefer to be alone, working on what makes you happy.
In everything you do, you accept both the positive and negative aspects of yourself. Because of your complex nature, it is difficult for a person to understand who you really are. You do not disclose your plans and do not rush to share the secret.
Pisces, spirit animal - deer
You can empathize and feel people's emotions.
And yet - you are quite calm, open and peaceful. One of the main things you value in life is the opportunity to find your “tribe” and surround yourself with like-minded people.
Pisces are quite sensitive and shy. You react sharply to harsh and offensive attacks, you can take them to heart. Close people know that you need to address you quietly and calmly so that you open up to them.
You now know your zodiac spirit animal. Did you find something in common? Traits or qualities in which you recognize yourself. Share your comments below.
What is your spirit animal: know it by your horoscope zodiac sign
In the world of horoscope and esotericism, we can find several resources that allow us to know different aspects of our personality and how we define ourselves in this reality. Among these topics that arouse the curiosity of all believers are the spirit animals, the species that are associated with us due to the birth date and the zodiac sign.
How do I know who my spirit or animal protector is? Depending on the day you were born, you may know which one represents you, and you manage to describe you in terms of your abilities and personality. Are you ready to meet them? Let's start!
You may be interested in: Chinese horoscope 2022: these are the luckiest months for each sign.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19
Your zodiac sign is Aries and the cheetah is your spirit animal. It is considered the fastest land mammal in the world. You have the capacity for leadership, independence, courage, competitiveness, and impulsiveness in difficult situations that you cannot control.
APRIL 20 TO MAY 20
Your zodiac sign is Taurus and the polar bear is the spirit animal that defines you. They are very docile animals until provoked. If they feel threatened or someone they love is in danger, they will do anything to protect them.
He characterizes them with trust, practice, artistry and loyalty.
MAY 21 TO JUNE 20
Your zodiac sign is Gemini and the fox is your spirit animal. This is a very flexible creature that usually adapts very well to any circumstances. He is ready to go out and explore places, which is why he loves adventure.
The fox is considered the spiritual animal of the horoscope.JUNE 21 TO JULY 22
Your zodiac sign is Cancer and the turtle is your spirit animal. Like crabs, they adapt perfectly to any terrain if necessary. They are sociable and caring people, so they always avoid any conflicts. They live their emotions to the limit.
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22
Your zodiac sign is Leo, and the lion is your spirit animal. They are considered the "kings of the jungle", as they are dominant, strong and require the most attention. They are protected by trust, generosity, intelligence and arrogance.
AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22
Your zodiac sign is Virgo and the mandrel is your spirit animal. You are shy by nature, but very loyal to those around you. They are steady at work, smart and although they seem serious, they are the life of the party.
SEP 23 TO OCTOBER 22
The gray wolf is a spiritual animal if you were born under the zodiac sign Libra . It defines you by loyalty and usually lives and moves in a group. They should have many friends, romantics and the ability to lead and teamwork.
OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 21
Those born under the sign of Scorpio have an elephant as an animal of power. Despite their size, they are very docile animals and only become aggressive when they feel attacked or threatened. They protect and deserve people's trust.
The elephant is considered the spiritual animal of the horoscope.NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 21
The horse is the spirit animal of all those born under the sign of Sagittarius.
They enjoy freedom and live in open spaces. They are characterized by courage, competitiveness, impulsive and self-willed nature, adventure and a desire to learn.
DEC 22 TO JANUARY 19
Your sign is Capricorn and your spirit animal is a shrew from Africa. They are able to function in any environment. They are responsible, successful, hardworking, demanding of themselves and familiar.
JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18
Your zodiac sign is Aquarius and the dolphin becomes your spirit animal. You are fun-loving, intuitive and smart, and you tend to live in complete freedom. You are characterized by intelligence, open-mindedness, kindness and friendly character.
FROM 19 FEBRUARY TO 20 MARCH
Those born at this time belong to the sign of Pisces, and their spirit animal is the seahorse. They are characterized by intuition, intelligence, service, compassion and creativity.
