What are spirit animals?

There are so many quizzes out there that are intended to decide what our spirit animals are based on personality traits, zodiac signs, and employment preferences. However, your spirit animal is something that is more closely related to your spiritual journey.

This means that you may find yourself seeing repeated types of animals featured in dreams, meditation, or other spiritual practices. These are some origins of spirit animals and what they can represent. Check out this guide to spirit animals for more detail.

Native American Tradition

In spite of the influence of social media and the modern age of internet quizzes, spirit animals are a huge part of Native American culture. They are thought to provide useful insight into how you see yourself, and what spiritual path is intended for you.

The concept of spirit animals acting as symbols or even guides within our lives is believed to have been passed down through generations in tribes, and it has been a repeated theme within Native American culture.

Totems are seen as highly symbolic and different types of animals can represent different things. It is believed that the power that spirit animals have was then shared with pagans around the nineties, which is one of the reasons why the term ‘spirit animal’ is so widely used today.

What are Spirit Animals?

While the importance of spirit animals can vary across cultures, it is generally agreed that they act as guides that can help with improving spiritual abilities. Your spirit animal is a guardian in a sense, because they will usually protect you and help you reach your intended path.

It is widely accepted that spirit animals can help enhance your spiritual awareness, and that they can help guide you on a particular journey. Many practices believe that every human has a deep connection with another species on earth. Another idea behind the concept of spirit animals is that they are a representation of our alter ego.

Buddhism states that we are not superior to the natural world. Like animals, humans are an equal part of nature, plants, and animal species. There is nothing that sets us apart, which helps explain why some people feel a deeper connection with nature and animals.

Each of these ideas contributed to the general concept of spirit animals. They are widely seen as guides from the spiritual world, and it does not matter what faith or background you come from, the natural world is a highly powerful force. It is a beautiful thing to believe that everyone has a spirit animal that is guiding them.

Common spirit animals that portray different characteristics include bears, butterflies, frogs, doves, owls, and many others.

Connection to Spirit Animals

Spirit animals can present themselves to you in different ways. These include during meditation, dreams, and in your regular state of consciousness. If you find that you are drawn to a particular animal, or that you feel a deeper connection with a specific animal during your regular day, you might already be in touch with your spirit animal.

When you are dreaming, it’s easier for the spiritual world to send clear messages. That is why you should try to pay attention to your dreams and see if there are any repeated animals within them. This could be your spiritual animal trying to connect with you.

In addition, if there are any animals that you feel particularly close to, then this could be your spirit animal presenting itself. They can be a comfort during times of uncertainty and provide much-needed direction towards the path you are supposed to take.

Another way that you can seek a deeper understanding of your spirit animal is through meditation. Practice getting your mind into a still place, and you may be presented with the guide you are looking for.

Look into your own lineage and see if there is evidence of a connection to a particular animal. You may be surprised how significant some experiences could have been in terms of your spiritual journey and closeness to your spirit animal. It is common for family members to share the same spirit animal, which is why you shouldn’t rule out checking your own lineage.

Journaling is another way that allows reflection and makes your connection with your spirit animal more prevalent.

Summary

Tuning into your spirit animal can help access your higher self and reach your full potential. They are guides that can help during challenging times and help you find your intended path. Access your spirit animal using meditation, understanding your dreams, and spending more time outdoors to allow more animals to be drawn to you.