Although our society, now so rational, considers these beliefs "foolish," in many religions, mythologies, and philosophies, there is the idea that there are entities, spiritual beings that support and assist humans during their journey on earth. Among these, we can find, for example, archangels or guardian angels, certainly more "accessible" to us due to cultural reasons, but also the spirits of ancestors, fairies, elves, animals, and many others.
In this article, as in the upcoming ones, we will focus on animals.
Especially in cultures with a shamanic tradition, the relationship between humans and animals, and nature in general, becomes of a spiritual nature. These ancient peoples considered, and still do in places where shamanism has survived, animals as important guides from which to draw valuable teachings. Animals are seen as messengers with the spiritual world, guides that can indicate to humans passages through which they can communicate with a "higher" world. This is because it is believed that animals possess a strong spiritual component due to their complete connection with the natural world. Animals are not inferior beings to us but, on the contrary, are guides of wisdom, possessing unique spiritual qualities from which humans are allowed to draw.
It is in these ancient traditions that beliefs about spirit animals and totem animals develop, terms that we often use, confusingly, as synonyms. But do they really have the same meaning? The answer is no, so let's explore the specific characteristics that distinguish these terms from each other.
TOTEM ANIMALS OR SPIRIT ANIMALS
The spirit animal is a symbol representing the inner essence, the true self, and the life path of the human being it accompanies. The uniqueness of the totem animal is its role in accompanying a human both physically and spiritually throughout their entire life, having chosen them from the moment of birth. It is the embodiment of our subconscious, and therefore, we cannot choose it; rather, it chooses us.
Each animal embodies or symbolizes specific qualities that characterize the individual in question. By listening to our animal, we can understand our true nature and identify aspects of ourselves to work on with the aim of elevating our spiritual essence.
Furthermore, our animal serves the purpose of guiding us in all aspects of our lives. If listened to, it can help us understand which aspects we need to explore further, guide us in facing particular moments, show us how to relate to others, and help us seize new opportunities. In essence, it is a guide and support to help us navigate our journey on Earth.
The totem is a sacred object that symbolically represents the spirit animal and is a belief characteristic of Native American cultures. This symbol is closely linked to the tribe, family, or clan, serving as a symbolic representation of that specific community or even an individual.
"The brotherhood between humans and animals transforms, and the protection bestowed upon the real animal extends to certain objects with animal-like features. These objects, with their symbolic strength, are used to protect the individual, the clan, dwellings, and the early human settlements. Thus, the culture of individual and collective totems emerges, where animals are considered guardians of powerful life energies and high moral qualities."
Filippo Massara, Gli animali guida nostri custodi e maestri, Ànemos – idee editoriali 2019, pag. 36.
How can you understand what your spirit animal is?
Any animal can be a spirit animal; likely, your spirit animal is the one you feel a particular attraction to or frequently encounter in your life, whether in person or in dreams. This is because it is speaking to your spirit.
Pay attention if the same animal appears often in your dreams or if you have repeated encounters with the same animal in your life, either physically or in the form of images or objects. These could be signs.
You can also try a specific guided meditation; there are several available on the internet.
In any case, try to communicate with your spirit animal, keeping an open mind and trying to receive the signals sent to you, whether they are more symbolic and subtle or more evident.
GUIDE ANIMALS
A guide animal accompanies and indeed guides a human for a more or less extended period of their life because it embodies the characteristics that the individual needs at that particular moment to develop specific qualities, to improve, or to overcome a moment in life. You might find yourself repeatedly encountering a certain animal, whether during walks, on TV, in dreams, etc. That is a guide animal trying to send you a message.
For example, not long ago, I happened to see three tiny snails hidden among the leaves in a forest within a few minutes. It was a particularly hectic time, and I felt overwhelmed, but those snails came to tell me to slow down, let go, and trust the process.
Any animal can be a guide animal, without exceptions. What it is trying to tell you can be perceived by you based on its characteristics or the sensations it evokes in you. Alternatively, you can "train" yourself in this interpretation, perhaps by searching online.
POWER ANIMALS
Another term that I often come across in my readings and is used as a synonym is indeed "power animal." However, there are differences in this case as well.
A power animal is an animal that we invoke because, at that moment, we need the energy of that animal. By doing so, we "become" that animal. For example, we might invoke the spirit of the dog because we want to embody loyalty, or the spirit of the moth to be able to see the light even in moments of darkness.
Unfortunately, in "westernized" countries, over time and for various reasons, humans have lost or renounced this ancient culture. However, I believe that now we have the need to reestablish the ancient alliance with animals to return to harmony with nature and once again live according to the rhythms of the world that is hosting us.
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