Connecting Spiritually with Animals

Animals have always held a significant role in human society, whether domesticated, wild, or as symbols in our mythologies, stories, and belief systems. Forming bonds with animals or observing their unique qualities can both enrich our lives and deepen our spiritual understandings. In this post we will be looking at a few unique ways to understand the spiritual significance of animals, how we can connect with them energetically, and how we can perceive them as signs, symbols, and teachers for growth.

Spirit Animals

The term “spirit animal” is often used humorously in contemporary media and social circles, but what is an actual “spirit animal” metaphysically? A spirit animal can be most simply described as an animal whose energy, qualities, or symbolic connotation an individual feels connected to. This connection can come from the fact that the person embodies similar qualities or energy to the animal, or because they have a lesson to learn from this animal. Examples might be a cat serving as a teacher for independence and boundaries, or a bee as a teacher for work ethic and community. If you believe in reincarnation and past lives, you may also feel a connection to a particular type of animal because you have previously been incarnated in that form.

Animal Spirits

Adjacent to spirit animals are animal spirits, or rather the spirits of animals who were previously alive on earth. Also included in this could be spirits who just chose to take the form of animals. While spirit animals can be thought of as teachers and greater energetic symbols, animal spirits are more so individual beings you form a bond with. One obvious example of this would be pets who have passed away but continue to be around you in spirit. However, not all animal spirits have to be pets, you may very well have random animal spirits who found you, liked your energy, and has decided to hang around you.

Animal Messengers, Signs, and Symbols