The term ‘spirit animal’ is fairly well-known. Humorous claims that cartoon characters or celebrities ‘are my spirit animal’ are not hard to come by online. The prevalence of ‘X is my spirit animal’ is so widespread in internet culture that a 2014 Atlantic article was written about the very subject.
Many of us grew up in the internet age, so we probably have more exposure to the ironic gag than the actual thing. This can leave us scratching our heads. Sure, it might be funny (or groan-worthy) when Mary in Accounting claims that coffee is her spirit animal, but what does that actually mean in a non-ironic sense? Just what is a spirit animal? Moreover, what’s the difference between that and a power animal? And totem animals, are those the same as the previous two types? In this article, we’ll attempt to disambiguate these terms. While they are often used interchangeably, as we’ll see, there are some distinctions to be made when speaking of these potent forces, especially with regards to Native American spirituality.
Totem Animals
Many Wicca practitioners tie their roots back to pre-Christian shamanic, druidic, and pagan practices. These traditions were often, unfortunately, lineages that were broken due to Christian political pressures. The pre-Christian pagans often used animal iconography in a shamanic or religious context. Totem animals are generally seen as having a specific religious context with traditions related to Native American spirituality. Totem originally stems from the Ojibwe word doodem. Doodem relates to several things, including the heart, clan, extended family. Eventually, the word was anglicized into the word totem as we know it today. Totems have a particular cultural context, and it doesn’t quite make sense to lift or appropriate it from that context.
Spirit Animals
The term ‘spirit animal’ is a tough nut to crack. A quick Google search will reveal more online quizzes to ‘reveal’ an individual’s spirit animal than any meaningful information on what such an entity actually is.
The term was originally applied to native practices by non-native anthropologists. This was done in a time when the burgeoning field of anthropology had yet to reckon with its imperialist and colonial origins, and often these early anthropologists did not see through their own cultural prejudices. Recent times, especially with several tumultuous events such as the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, have brought many elements and issues of Native Americans back into the public eye. There have been several think pieces written recently about the use of the term ‘spirit animal’ by non-native individuals in both secular and religious contexts.
One of the dangers of carelessly using the term ‘spirit animal’ is that it risks turning Native Americans into a monolithic culture. The indigenous people of the Americas are a radically diverse group of people, and their beliefs, cultures, and norms can vary quite drastically from one group to the next. Even terms such as ‘spirit animal’ run the risk of flattening a non-native’s views of Native Americans, as the original referent for the term ‘spirit animal’ might have a different meaning from tribe to tribe. So, what can a non-native practitioner of Wicca or Neoshamanism do if they feel a strong draw to shamanic practices yet wish to respect existing native customs and traditions? Enter the power animal, a new entity for a New Age.
Power Animal
A power animal is a spiritual entity connected to an individual. They are a type of tutelary spirit, a category of spirit that has a long history in western thought and spiritual practice, such as the Greek daimon, Roman genius, and guardian angel. A seminal figure in the Core Shamanism tradition, Michael Harner termed these beings as ‘helping spirits in animal form.’
Harner, the author of The Way of the Shaman, introduced the concept of the power animal as a means of spiritual development. Harner has written extensively on how to retrieve the power animal in his book. Some several other resources and neo-shamans have their own methods of shamanic journeying to meet the power animal.
The roughest, most surface-level comparison of meeting one’s power animal might involve preparation via abstinence of intoxicants and avoiding heavy meals, followed by a descent into the Lower World. While in the Lower World, the traveler avoids hostile entities and eventually identifies the animal and makes contact. The specifics of the ritual vary from practice to practice and can often involve drumming and a second participant.
If you attempt to do this, it would be of utmost benefit to seek out a well-researched and well-developed method. Again, Harner was one of the pioneers in bringing shamanism to an audience that did not come from a shamanic culture, but there are many, many others out there. A good place to start may be Harner’s own Foundation For Shamanic Studies, a non-profit dedicated to bringing shamanic healing techniques into the popular consciousness for the benefit of all.
While there has been criticism of Harner and the term ‘power animal,’ it is up to the individual investigating neo-shamanism, as well as any religious tradition, to ensure that they practice in a safe, compassionate, and ethical manner. One of the benefits of a power animal is that it is much closer to the general idea of a guardian spirit, which can be found in many cultures across the world, as opposed to the ‘spirit animal,’ which has a specific context and meaning for Indigenous peoples. If we treat the world of spirituality as a sort of metaphysical strip mine for us to pillage, then we do our fellow human beings and ourselves a great disservice by diluting and devaluing sacred traditions. By taking care to investigate and handle spiritual animal guardians, as well as the people who have originally developed those traditions, with care, we can embody the meaning behind the words An it harm none, do what ye will.
Spell: Discovering Your Power Animal
Our power animal can present itself to us in a variety of ways. Once we are in a space where we are willing to see them as our guide, it is natural for us to make a deeper, spiritual connection. Power animals teach us about ourselves as they emanate the traits and strengths we should honor in ourselves. This power helps us navigate the challenges in life with a bit more ease, poise, faith, and most of all, confidence.
Before you begin, it is best practice to set a very clear intention because the more specific you are, the better results you will get. Remember that your power animal is a messenger to help remind us of what we seek. That could be balance in our daily lives, abundance, a deeper spiritual connection. Whatever it is, it is important to set an intention so that the correct power animal can manifest itself in your life.
Once you have your intention set, find a quiet spot where no people (or other animals!) will disturb you. You may find this space inside at your altar or outside in nature. If it helps you to focus, you can light a white candle or play some background music. Many people find drumming helps them to focus on the journey to finding their power animal.
Ground yourself in the space before beginning. Take a few deep breaths and release any other thoughts or worries. Begin by clearing your mind of any thoughts. Picture yourself in a blank space. In your mind, begin to slowly walk down a path. The path could be anywhere – a desert, a mountain, underwater. Then, simply ask the universe to send your power animal across your path. Don’t worry if your power animal does not appear right away; just keep walking. Remain open and focused, but don’t force it to happen.
If an animal crosses your path, make a connection with it. There are many different ways you can connect with your power animal. If it seems a bit skittish, offer it some food from your hand. Try talking to your power animal and see if it can speak back. Maybe your power animal will lead you down a different path or provide some form of insight. If your power animal does not reveal itself, don’t feel stressed. Just try again another time. It may not be the right circumstances to make a connection at the moment, and that is okay!
Once you have completed your meditation, take some time to journal about your experience. Do some research on the characteristics of your power animal. Dig deep to find out as much symbolism as possible and how it currently relates to your own life. Keep in mind that your power animal can change over time. Nothing remains the same, and neither do power animals! You can repeat this spell at different points in your life to find the power and energy you need from the vast number of animals on our planet.
