If you’ve ever asked yourself the question – “What is my spirit animal?” – you are not alone. Some of us have had a special connection with a certain animal since we were very young. While others of us have had a profound, or even surprising, experience with a particular animal that stayed with us and had a powerful impact on our lives.
Even when you have a clear idea of who your spirit animals are (and you can have more than one), learning more about them and what they represent can bring you added insights.
In this post, I’ll provide a high-level view of what certain spirit animals represent. You can click the associated links for each animal to learn more about what they symbolize, their deeper spiritual meanings, their mythological stories, and more. (And for high-level view of what animal spirits mean in different cultures, click here.)
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The simplest explanation of what a spirit animal is that they serve as a guide and spiritual protector who can help you as you navigate your life path here on Earth.
For Native Americans, a spirit animal might come in a sacred spiritual ceremony, such as a vision quest. Many Native Americans say you can have more than one spirit animal. In fact, some tribes believe that each of us has nine spirit animals who accompany us, serving as guides throughout our lifetimes.
In addition to Native American cultures, a wide array of other societies around the world believe in protective animal spirits. You can read more about them in my post on animal spirits.
Divine energy manifests through all living beings. This includes us as well as animals, insects, plants, and other creatures. And just as some human beings are more receptive to divine energy working through them, so are animals and other beings.
Certain animals, insects, plants, and other creatures that resonate with us help us to understand this energy, tune into it, and expand our level of consciousness..
A spirit animal personality test is one way to determine who your spirit animal is. In addition, you might discover who they are in other ways. For example:
Here’s a list of spirit animals and what they represent. You can click the links to get more detail on each..
The alligator spirit animal represents ancient wisdom, primal instincts, power, foresight, regeneration, leisure, and good fortune. You can read more in my post about alligator meaning.
The baboon spirit animal embodies curiosity, communication, sociableness, savings, and parenting. You can read more in my post about baboon meaning.
The badger spirit animal represents tenacity, cleverness, security, friendship, and gratitude. Read more about badger meaning.
The bat spirit animal represents community, longevity, balance, good fortune, and supernatural powers. You can read more in my post about bat meaning.
The bear spirit animal represents strength, courage, protection, nobility, patience, and playfulness. Read more in my post about bear meaning.
The bee spirit animal embodies focus, dedication, hard work, teamwork, fertility, prosperity, and generosity. You can read more in my post about bee meaning.
The blue jay spirit animal embodies protection, courage, loyalty, communication, opportunity, dreams, and majesty. You can read more in my post about blue jay meaning.
The bluebird spirit animal represents hope, optimism, joy, friendship, self-expression, dream, and harmony. You can read more in my post about bluebird meaning.
The bobcat spirit animal represents self-reliance, perception, moxie, stealth, friskiness, beauty, and affection. Read more in my post about bobcat meaning.
The butterfly spirit animal represents angels, transformation, rebirth, immortality, the soul, joy, fertility, and delicate beauty. You can read more in my overview post on butterfly meaning.
The cardinal spirit animal represents angels, love, devotion, friendship, home, music, and good luck. You can read more in my post about cardinal meaning
The caribou spirit animal represents endurance, regeneration, travel, vision, friends, family, life force, and majesty. You can read more in my post about caribou meaning.
The cat spirit animal represents elegance, curiosity, mischief, independence, protection, magic, and good luck. You can read more in my post about cat meaning. You might also be interested in reading my dedicated posts on black cat meaning and cat dream meaning.
The chameleon spirit animal represents adaptability, artistry, balance, transformation, fun, and psychic awareness. You can read more in my post about chameleon meaning.
The cheetah spirit animal represents speed, adaptability, vulnerability, grace, elegance, beauty, nurturing, traction, and communication. You can read more in my post about cheetah meaning.
The mountain lion spirit animal (also cougar or puma) represents protection, agility, adaptability, secrecy, beauty, and wealth. You can read more in my post about mountain lion meaning.
The coyote spirit animal represents cleverness, instincts, adaptability, trickery, fun, playfulness, opportunity, teamwork, singing, and affection. You can read more in my post about coyote meaning.
The crane spirit animal represents grace, devotion, faithfulness, travel, open-mindedness, aspiration, longevity, immortality, and transformation. Read more in my post about crane meaning.
The crocodile spirit animal represents primordial wisdom, stealth, efficiency, ferocity, sovereignty, power, independence, instincts, and psychic awareness. You can read more in my post about crocodile meaning. You might also find added insights in my post on crocodile dream meaning.
The crow spirit animal embodies cleverness, intelligence, and adaptability. Teamwork. Reciprocity, transformation, and psychic abilities. You can read more in my post about crow meaning.
The deer spirit animal represents instincts, intuition, speed, agility, grace, gentleness, and devotion. You can read more in my post about deer meaning.
The dog spirit animal represents adaptability, family, friendship and affection, loyalty and devotion, patience and perseverance, bravery, protection, sensitivity, insight, purpose, and joy. You can read more in my post about dog meaning. And you might find additional insights in my post about dog dream meaning.
The dove spirit animal embodies peace, love, devotion, navigation, messages, grace, gentleness, purity, the Holy Spirit, the human soul, and hope. You can read more in my post about dove meaning.
The dragonfly spirit animal represents opportunity, spontaneity, vision, clarity, realization, transformation, fairies, ancient wisdom, and spiritual growth. You can read more in my post about dragonfly meaning.
The duck spirit animal represents laughter and happiness, good luck, nurturing and bonding, emotional stability, odd couples, romantic love, travel, purification, transformation, and spiritual ascension. You can read more about the duck spirit animal in my post about duck meaning.
The eagle spirit animal embodies loyalty, devotion, freedom, truth, honor, the divine, hope, foresight, and psychic awareness. You can read more about the eagle spirit animal in my post about eagle meaning.
The egret spirit animal represents grace, purity, peacefulness, travel, transformation, and divinity. You can read more in my post about egret meaning.
The elephant spirit animal represents intelligence, consciousness, wisdom, memory, strength, protection, majesty, good luck, unity, and devotion. You can read more in my post about elephant meaning.
The flamingo spirit animal represents beauty, balance, elegance, vibrance, pizzazz, romance, and parties. Read more in my post about flamingo meaning.
The fox spirit animal embodies cleverness, independence, playfulness. Mischievousness, beauty, protection, and good luck. You can read more in my post about fox meaning.
The frog spirit animal represents fertility, potential, purity, transformation, prosperity, and good luck. You can read more in my post about frog meaning.
The giraffe spirit animal represents aspiration, opportunity, uniqueness, confidence, peacefulness, guidance, prophecy, and spirituality. You can read more in my post about giraffe meaning
The goat spirit animal represents sure-footedness, desire, creative energy, revelry, tranquility, aspiration, and faith. You can read more in my post about goat meaning.
The gorilla spirit animal represents strength, intelligence, communication, dignity, tranquility, gentleness, and family. You can read more in my post about gorilla meaning.
The hawk spirit animal embodies intelligence, independence, adaptability, messages, clairvoyance, and spiritual awareness. You can read more in my post about hawk meaning.
The heron spirit animal represents elegance, patience, wisdom, messages, self-possession, transformation, and good fortune. You can read more in my post about heron meaning.
The horse spirit animal represents determination, endurance, valor, freedom, travel, beauty, majesty, and spirit. You can read more in my post about horse meaning. And you might find added insights in my post about horse dream meaning.
The hummingbird spirit animal represents joy, healing, beauty, sweetness, good luck, variety, angels, spirits, messengers, flirtatiousness, and agility. You can read more in my post about hummingbird meaning.
The jaguar spirit animal represents power, majesty, stealth, exotic beauty, fertility, abundance, protection, telepathy, and transformation. You can read more in my post about jaguar meaning.
The ladybug spirit animal represents talent, protection, healing, evolution, good fortune, and grace. Read more in my post about ladybug meaning.
The leopard spirit animal represents strength, agility, stealth, elusiveness, perception, self-reliance, authenticity, and rare beauty. You can read more in my post about leopard meaning.
The lion spirit animal represents majesty, courage, strength, protection, pride, family, affection, and wisdom. You can read more in my post about lion meaning.
The lynx spirit animal represents iIndependence, determination, discretion, playfulness, beauty, protection, clairvoyance, and insight. You can read more in my post about lynx meaning.
The moth spirit animal embodies fertility, seizing the moment, transformation, attachment, nighttime, the moon, disguise, unconditional love, spirit, and intuition. You can read more in my post about moth meaning.
The owl spirit animal represents independent thinking, courage, protection, wisdom. observant listening, powerful intuition, and supernatural powers. You can read more in my post about owl meaning.
And if you feel a special kinship with white owls in particular, visit my dedicated post on white owl meanings.
The peacock spirit animal represents spectacular beauty, masculine power, sisterhood, protection, showmanship, vision, awareness, renewal, immortality, majesty, and good luck. You can read more in my post about peacock meaning.
The praying mantis spirit animal represents patience, mindfulness, bravery, female power, opportunity, transformation, clairvoyance, and good luck. You can read more in my post about praying mantis meaning.
The rabbit spirit animal represents sensitivity, gentleness, fertility, haste, new beginnings, the moon, and good luck. You can read more in my post about rabbit meaning.
The raccoon spirit animal represents disguise, trickery, adaptability, dexterity, training, and resourcefulness. You can read more in my post about raccoon meaning.
The raven spirit animal embodies intelligence, cunning, survival, adaptability, partnerships, guidance, opportunity, transformation, your third eye, prophecy, and insights. You can read more in my post about raven meaning.
The reindeer spirit animal represents speed, travel, hardiness, insight, community, renewal, majesty, and spiritual ascension. You can read more in my post about reindeer meaning.
The snake spirit animal represents healing, wisdom, primal energy, protection, Earth, stealth, charm, rebirth, and eternity. You can read more in my post about snake meaning.
You might also be interested in my post about the snake symbol: the ouroboros.
The spider spirit animal represents ancient wisdom, power, regeneration, good fortune, and other qualities. You can read more in my post about spider meaning.
You might also find added insights in my post about spider dream meaning.
The stag spirit animal represents stamina, virility, grace, maturity, experience, iInstincts, regeneration, nobility, leadership, and spiritual enlightenment. You can read more in my post about stag meaning.
The tiger spirit animal embodies strength, cunning, confidence, majesty, independence, protection, and immortality. You can read more in my post about tiger meaning.
The turtle spirit animal represents longevity, perseverance, steadfastness, protection, home, retreat, healing, tranquility, Earth, and transformation. You can read more in my post about turtle meaning.
The wolf spirit animal represents loyalty, family, friendship, teamwork, protection, wildness, freedom, instincts, endurance, curiosity, and playfulness. You can read more in my post about wolf meaning.
You might also be interested in my dedicated post on white wolf meaning.
Hello. Thanks for visiting UniGuide. My name is Kristen and I started UniGuide as a tribute to nature, animals, and spiritual exploration. I hope you enjoy your experience here!
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15 Responses
Sept. 18, 2013 I saw and photographed The Phoenix across the street above a building. Then I had a couple interesting characters show up in my shop asking strange questions as they left my shop they seemed to just disappear.
Then in 2018 a completely black large deer with a large rack appeared standing in the middle of a fairly busy country road. I stopped with my bumper right up to the deer’s knees, he looked at me eye to eye and his lips moved and I heard the words “Bless You Steven”. He jumped to the left behind two small trees and never landed on the flat ground behind it. And what road do you come up to next, “King Road”. It was one of those days. And that sighting was a blessed event for sure, as the next day I found a long sought after silver goblet. And Oh the changes that came from that continue to this day.
Very interesting! I respect people who see and acknowledge the mysteries and magic all around us. Take care!
I have only begun my spiritual journey. After many years I have finally been able to put my finger on what I was looking for. I lean heavily toward the Native American beliefs and earth based type of religions. I’m sure that I’ll need to dive a bit deeper into the spiritual animal thing but the test had me as a Fox.
Thank you for the information
Best of luck on your journey and congratulations for being a seeker! Of course, you cannot go wrong with the fox!
Thank you for all of your work and your wonderful abundance of information regarding animal spirit guides. I also admire the grace you expressed in your reply to a comment that was left earlier. It is very important that we remember that we share this earth with other beings, including the animals that we admire and are inspired by. Keeping in mind that everyone and everything is sacred has the power to transform this world into one of support, respect and peace.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It gives me purpose! Have a great day!
Hi John, Thank you for your comment. I think that people of any culture (past or present) will use creation myths and folklore, as well as symbolism, to understand their world as well as to influence their world. On UniGuide, I am doing so in hopes that sharing stories will enhance people’s appreciation for nature, animals, and other cultures, and thus they’ll be inspired to respect and protect them. People obviously also use myths, folklore, and symbols as an excuse to harm others. An example is using stories from the Bible or Quran as an excuse to express hate and harm other people. Or painting a swastika on a synagogue. By the same token, people have used stories from the Bible and Quran to create more good in the world. So, whichever side people were on in WWII, I think it’s important to remember that actions speak louder than words. How we are inspired by cultural myths and folklore (if at all) and how this manifests in our worldly actions (if at all) matters, regardless of political persuasion or our cultural background.
yes im a wolf but it took me a little to find the button
Thanks for the feedback!
Hi I had a raven in my yard he has something going on he couldn’t fly for a bit so I fed him fresh berries and water he or she ? hopped up on my patio planter I hand fed it was so fun was super hot out sunny day .it hung around a day and half then wanted out the gate went hopping down the alley i never saw if it flew away or not? but it had a partner making alot of noise in the tree. Really cool experience I got alot of pics. I have dreams of many animals bears wolf’s and and latest dream was a horse stomping on a bear trying to get in a building we were in ? I love cats. So idk 🤷♂️ definitely that raven showing up hanging out was a sign or many signs. I probably have more then one spirit animal I’m still researching. It’s pretty amazing !!!!
You certainly sound like you do – and you are in tune. Near where I live, a raven was wounded but managed to get up in a tree. My friend feeds her mate and that raven’s mate always brings some food to her. It is heartbreaking but also so touching. Thanks for sharing your stories with us!
After my neice passed away at 33 of influenza b I went to Bali for 3 weeks . First place we stayed while in the pool a huge dragonfly kept flying all around me and the pool for probably a good hour or more it was green yellow and orange in color very beautiful I zoomed in and got close up pics and it literally looked Like a ferry the head was round and big. I knew that day my neice was with me in spirit . !
That’s a beautiful story. I am sorry about the loss of your niece. I do believe dragonflies easily manifest angelic energy! Take care.
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