Find Your Power Animal

Find your Power Animal
 
Everyone has a power animal, according to shamanic tradition. This animal is similar to a spirit guide or guardian, who is around to protect you and also to offer you empowering wisdom. The traits of the animal are said to reflect parts of your personality. You may have different power animals at certain times in your life as each animal has its own lessons to impart.
 
It may sound strange to imagine that a human can gain wisdom from an animal. This is a very typical western attitude as we are taught that humans are the most important beings on the planet. In fact, all living beings are connected; our existence on earth is intertwined. Wisdom exists in all living things and it is merely human ego that denies the importance of other beings. Shamanic tradition, practised from North and South America to Asia, Oceania, the Polar regions, across Africa and by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, recognises that animals have important lessons for humanity.
 
Your power animal may reflect qualities within you - good or bad. For instance, if your power animal is a wolf this could show that, at this moment in your life, you are a loyal friend but prone to being held back by fears. It could indicate that you have a longing for freedom - to break away from a certain situation. This is because a wolf has the qualities of being loyal to its pack, it naturally free roams over large areas but is often dominated by fear of stronger members of the pack. Your power animal is a symbol of the qualities you need to cultivate and the weaknesses you need to leave behind in order to progress along your spiritual path.
 
Recognising your Power Animal
You do not choose your power animal, it chooses you. So even if you adore cats or dogs, although these animals are important in your life, they may not be your power animal. To identify your power animal, ask yourself:
-Is there a creature you seem to notice repeatedly in nature but also as an image or symbol?
-Do you dream about a particular animal?
-Do you have irrational fears about one type of animal?
-When you read about animals, is there one species that sticks in your mind?
-Meditate with the intention of finding your power creature and see where your subconscious takes you.
 
Once you have identified your power animal, think about the traits associated with it and how they might relate to your current life situation. How does this animal make you feel? Writing down your thoughts about the animal might make it easier for you to link them up to situations in your life.
 
 
Power Animal Messages
Below is a list of some of the many power animals and an explanation of the wisdom they could offer you. The qualities of each can be positives or negatives depending upon how they apply to your life. They may be qualities you possess, qualities you need to cultivate or qualities you need to change.
 
Crow
Protector
Powerful family ties
Strong moral code
Can bring light to dark situations
 
Tiger
Energy and power
Strong will
Acts on spur of moment
 
Polar Bear
Introspection and solitude
Emotional
Defensive, revenge
Spirit world
 
Lizard
Ego
Regeneration
Facing fear
Attachment to spirit
 
Jaguar
Clear vision
Empowering yourself
Psychic
 
Dog
Healing emotional wounds
Companionship
Love
Protection
 
Cat
Independence
Seeing the unseen
Protection
Love
Meditation
 
Deer
Gentleness
Ability to listen
Beauty
Survival
Gratitude
 
Duck
Energy
Dealing with emotions
Spiritual interest
 
Sheep
Balance
Confidence
Fertility
Courage
New beginnings
Abundance
 
Hedgehog
Wisdom
Fertility
Repel negativity
Joy
 
Snake
Transformation
Mysteries of life
Goddess energy
Psychic energy
Creative ideas
Immortality
 
Goat's
Abundance
Independence
Removing guilt
Connection to nature
 
Pigeon
Peace
Gentleness
Communication
Desire for love
 
Sparrow
Fertility
New love
Domestic life
 
Wolf
Rebirth
Spiritual guidance
Family values
Quick wits
Change
 
Rabbit
Intuition
Quick thinking
Moving past fear
 
Heron
Diversity
Exploration
Self-esteem
Dignity
 
Lion
Family ties
Strength
Courage
Energy
Releasing emotion
 
Bee
Fighting for a cause
Reincarnation
Concentration
Prosperity
 
Horse
Power with fairness
Stamina
Endurance
Freedom
Friendship
 
Giraffe
Far sight
Understanding difficult concepts
Communication
Intuition
Rising above negativity
 
Fox
Skill
Observation
Courage
Persistence
Swiftness
 
Swan
Awakening
Intuition
Divination
Grace of actions
 
Monkey
Intellect
Family
Adaptability
Physical health
 
Dolphin
Change
Harmony
Communication
Freedom
Trust
 
Elephant
Strength
Ancient wisdom
Removal of obstacles
Patience
Grounding energy
 
Bear
Strength and confidence
Action against adversity
Healing
Need to recuperate
 
Butterfly
Transformation
New cycles
Spiritual world
Joy and lightness