Spirit animals and shaman power animals have long been known as powerful spirit guides. They can help you navigate the trying times of life while providing confidence and strength. They have been around for millennia and play a huge role in shamanic practice and in our lives.
The simplest difference is this: a spirit animal can come and go as you move through different seasons of life, while a power animal is with you from birth to the very end.
What Is a Spirit Animal?
Each of us has at least one spirit animal. Some stay with us for life, and others help us through certain situations and periods of life. Each animal has its own unique gifts and strengths to help us overcome and excel in life peacefully.
When you find your spirit animal, or it shows itself to you, it’s urging you to take a moment to focus and reflect on the lesson you’re going through in life. Sometimes a spirit animal comes to you through patterns, messages, and themes.
Shaman Power Animals: What Is a Power Animal?
A power animal is a strong spirit that is with you at birth and, at times, to the very end. It chose to be one with you from the very beginning, which is why it’s often said that you share similarities with your power animal in character and personality. Power animals can be called upon during a challenging moment in your life to give you courage and strength, or to show you a place where you could grow.
How Does a Spirit Animal Make Itself Known?
You can find your spirit animal in a variety of ways, including:
- Connecting with a shaman and having them search for your spirit animal
- Paying attention to any signs or patterns
- Thinking about which animals you feel a connection with and journaling about it
- Doing a shamanic journey and asking to meet your animal spirit
Common Spirit Animals and Their Core Qualities
MindBodyGreen has a nice list of common spirit animals and their qualities. Here are a few:
- Bear: Seen as one of the most powerful guides, the bear is deeply emotional and rooted in the earth and the outdoors.
- Butterfly: A symbol of transformation and growth, the butterfly adapts to change with ease and grace.
- Cat: The cat stands for curiosity, adventure, and independence, along with a mastery of patience.
- Deer: Sensitive and highly intuitive, the deer balances confidence with gentleness and grace.
- Dove: The dove brings peace, blessings, and fresh starts, and is a hopeful guide.
- Dolphin: Playful and wise, the dolphin is a natural communicator who brings people together.
- Elephant: The elephant (my own spirit animal) symbolizes wisdom, gentleness, and spiritual understanding.
- Frog: The frog is the guide for healing physical and emotional wounds. It reminds us to check in with ourselves and heal the past so we can live in the present.
Read the rest of the list on MindBodyGreen.
Building a Relationship With Shaman Power Animals
Finding your power animal is a magical journey. So what do you do once you have it figured out? The most important thing is to build a relationship with that animal. Do your research and learn everything you can about its physical and spiritual meaning. If you are able, it can also help to spend some time with the physical animal itself. If your power animal is mythical, like a unicorn, spend your time researching the myths and stories related to it.
When understood and appreciated, spirit animals and power animals can provide so much support and guidance in our lives. If you would like help understanding your spirit animal or power animal, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today, or join our free private Facebook group, Creating Pathways, to learn more about shamanic healing.
Curious to deepen your relationship with spirit animals, power animals, and the guidance they offer?
Take the Free Archetypes Assessment
Uncover your core energetic pattern and how it connects to the guides, animal allies, and spiritual gifts already present in your life.
https://pages.holtonhealingarts.com/archetypes
When You Help Clients Meet Their Guides
If you’re a practitioner, helping clients connect with their spirit and power animals can be one of the most meaningful gifts you offer. The Way of the Hollow Bone Master Healer Certification is a nine-month path for healers ready to journey for others with confidence, build deep relationships with spirit helpers, and bring back guidance that helps clients reclaim their strength. Apply now if you’re ready to bring that work into your practice.