SPIRIT ANIMALS What is a Spirit Animal? A spirit animal is an animal that is believed by some cultures to...
SPIRIT ANIMALS
What is a Spirit Animal?
A spirit animal is an animal that is believed by some cultures to have a spiritual, symbolic or mystical connection to a person. It is thought that the animal has a unique message, wisdom or energy to offer, and may act as a guide or protector for the individual. Spirit animals are often chosen based on personal characteristics of the person or based on a vision or spiritual experience. Some people identify with one particular animal for their entire life, while others may have different spirit animals at different times depending on their life circumstances or spiritual journey. Spirit animals can be found in many religions and spiritual practices around the world, including Native American, African, and Celtic traditions.
For witch’s, a spirit animal, or familiar, is a companion in both the spiritual and physical realms — often chosen intuitively by the witch, and is commonly an animal spirit who has made itself known as a magickal partner to the witch. Some are of the belief a familiar is a shapeshifter, and can go to places where the witch is physically incapable of. They can access things on a purely energetic level, retrieving energies, psychic impressions and messages from the spirit realm to bring back with them to be aid with divination and spellcasting.
In some cases, historically familiar spirits were called demons and were considered to be evil, while in other cases, animal familiars were considered to be saints or angels looking after their respective owners. History shows us that during medieval times, accused witches were associated with having familiar spirits do their biddings for them, and oftentimes the familiars were prosecuted alongside the witches for evil-doing in their village.
Folklore About Familiars
There are many beliefs about familiars found in European folklore. Amongst them is the old folklore about the cunning-folk and witches of Exmoor in Somerset, who reportedly mainly practiced magick with familiars in the wild. They would contact these familiars during the night of the full moon by listening to which animals sounds they heard first. Then they would make repeatable sounds while visualizing themselves entering the body of that animal and experiencing the world as them. It took much practice until they were able to draw the animal familiar nearer to them, but eventually they were able to look directly into the eyes of the animal where they could feel what the animal was feeling. They’d share an instinctive sense with the animal and distinguish them as their familiar to work with magickally.
Animal Familiars and Their Personalities
The Dog is a witches’ companion in the earthly realm, they can teach about loyalty and protection, and will alert a witch of any danger.
The Cat can teach about independence and nurturing yourself. They are protectors of the home and guardians of the spirit dimension. They are easy companions to have and work in both day and night spirit realms.
The Goat is very sacred to the Greek God Pan, who was half-goat, half-man. They have very quirky personalities and can teach about maintaining your uniqueness, and can climb the mountains of life to show you farther perspectives.
The Hare/Rabbit is very sacred to a witch. They can teach about secrecy, quiet movements and solitude. They live in holes in the earth, and can help you travel underground or to the underworld.
The Spider is a good familiar to work with because it can hide easily, it can fit through the cracks of a doorway, and can be carried wherever you go without ever being noticed. It’s an effective intuit, hunter, and spy.
The Ferret is a good domestic familiar to work with because it teaches about remaining skillful, playful and inquisitive in all types of domestic conditions.
The Bat can teach about our nocturnal instincts, our lunar connection, and they can help us access the unconscious and the darkness of the night.
The Owl can teach about one’s own wisdom and connection to the trees. The majority of owl species are nocturnal, they hunt in the night and keeping very alert from predators at night as well. They live in the hollows of a tree, and make a fantastic familiar while attuning to lunar rhythms and learning to stay alert and aware at night.
The Toad is a fabulous garden witch’s familiar. It’s a small creature with very strong senses. It lives amongst bodies of fresh water, plants and the earth’s soil, so it can sense weather changes before they occur, and can teach about weather prediction and accompany us in gardening with magickal plants.
The Raven/Crow can teach about our cunning nature and how to use our magick and our voices in powerful ways. They are extremely intelligent creatures, who will be the first to make a sound spreading the news to the animals in the forest should they sense someone or something is up to no good in their territory.
How to Find Your Spirit Animal
There are many ways to find your spirit animal and to begin working with them. The methods to finding a familiar will vary from person to person, but many witches find their familiars initially through astral projection, lucid dreaming, and deep meditation. The affinity you have with a familiar spirit is mostly sensed, and will most likely not be on a cerebral level. One of the most important methods of all is to follow your intuition. If you have an affinity to a certain animal or pet, your intuition will give you a sign whether to initiate contact with that animal and to begin developing a relationship with it.
It’s important to always remain open, even if an animal familiar presents itself to you in the least likely time or place, and gives you the impression that it wants to work with you as your familiar spirit, then that’s most likely the case, but, always pay attention to what you sense from any encounters like this and go from there. Lucid dreaming is one method favored for meeting your familiar in the spirit realm.
Finding your spirit animal requires introspection and openness to receiving guidance. Let’s break it down into steps:
1. Meditate: Take some time to quiet your mind and focus on your intention to connect with your spirit animal.
2. Observe your dreams: Pay attention to any recurring animals or animal symbols in your dreams.
3. Pay attention to signs: Notice any animals that appear frequently in your life, such as on TV, in books, or in nature.
4. Research animal symbolism: Learn about the meanings and characteristics of different animals and see if any resonate with you.
5. Connect with nature: Spend time in nature and observe the animals around you. See if any catch your attention or seem to have a special significance.
Remember, your spirit animal may change throughout your life as you grow and evolve, so keep an open mind and trust your intuition.
How Can You Connect (or Reconnect) with Your Spirit Animal?
Connecting to your spirit animal can be a powerful way to gain insight and guidance in your life. Here are some ways to connect (or reconnect):
1. Meditation: Sit quietly and visualize your chosen animal. Focus on your breath and allow yourself to connect with their energy.
2. Dreamwork: Before going to sleep, set the intention to connect with your spirit animal through your dreams. Keep a journal by your bed to record any messages or insights.
3. Nature Walks: Spend time in nature and observe the animals around you. Pay attention to any animals that cross your path repeatedly or stand out to you.
4. Artistic Expression: Create art or music that represents your chosen animal. Allow your creativity to flow and see what messages or insights come through.
5. Oracle Cards: Use animal-themed oracle cards to gain insight and guidance from your spirit animal. Select a card daily or when seeking specific guidance.
Remember, connecting with your spirit animal is a personal journey, so be open to whatever method feels most natural to you.
Be magickal, y’all!
