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Animal Guides

Animal guides or Totems are and are not a part of the Wiccan or Witchcraft Traditions. I am not trying to be confusing here, some Witches work with them and some don't. Personally I feel that those who do not are truly missing out on a wonderful experience and not meeting their full potential. Most commonly they are deeply ingrained in the history of Native Americans, Shamans, and other tribal organizations and traditions but developing a close relationship with such energy is also of benefit to the Witch.

What Might Your Animal Guide Be?
1. When you visit the zoo, which animal do you wish to visit first? This is especially true with children and this question is easy for them to answer since they are often more receptive than teens or adults.

2. What animal or animals do you see most frequently when you are out in nature? The animals we encounter in their city or wild environments have significance for us. We can learn from them about survival within their environment and often much more.

3. Of all the creatures, which are you most interested in now? Our interests in animals change. Yes, we usually have one or two that are lifetime power animals, but others become prominent in our lives when there is something of importance to learn from them.

4. Do any animals frighten you? That which we fear is often something we must learn to come to terms with. When we do that, the fears then become power. Some Shamans believe that fears will take the shape of animals, and only when we confront them without fear do their powers/medicine work for us instead of against us. Such an animal then becomes a shadow totem.

5. Have you ever been attacked or badly wounded by an animal? Historically, if a Shaman survived an attack, it was believed that the animal was the Shaman's spirit totem and the attack was the totem's way of testing the Shaman's ability to understand and handle its power.

6. Do you have dreams with animals in them or are there animal dreams you have never forgotten? This is especially important if the dreams are recurring or if a specific animal image keeps popping up in your dreams. Children often dream of animals and attention should be given to these animals. They will often reflect specific animal guides of the child or areas of weakness where the parents can help in their child's growth.Has a specific creature or specific creatures, be it animal, bird, reptile, amphibian, insect or mythological beast, always fascinated you? We are drawn to that which most resonates with us. Those animals which fascinate us, or the ones that we fear the most have something to teach us. Animal guides are not always those that we have the most similarities with. Often they are in our lives to help us learn what we are lacking.

7. Do you have aspects of any specific animal more than others? We get certain aspects of ourself from our guides.

Animal Symbology

Land Animals

Ant:Ants are industrious, community oriented, single minded builders. They symbolize patience, self-sacrifice, planning, trust in the future, stamina, completion, storing energy, work, thrift, forethought, virtue, and orderliness. They are connected to Wang-ta Hsien, Demeter, and Ceres.

Bat:Bats symbolize rebirth, reincarnation, ritual death, initiation, confronting fear, letting go of old habits, happiness, good luck, health, wealth, long life, peace, unhappiness, unrest, chaos, incomplete understanding, avoiding obstacles, transformation, and past lives. They are connected to Shou-Hsing and the Underworld.

Bear:Bears symbolize healing, divinity, invulnerability, spirit helper, protection, introspection, truth, female receptive energy, prophesy, stamina, harmony, patience, defense, revenge, transformation, intuition, answers from the Dreamworld, benevolence, strength, and bravery. They are connected to Artemis, Zeus, Callisto, Dea Artia, Thor, Odhinn, Freya, and Norse lunar water goddesses.

Cat:Cats as protectors. They symbolize strength, cunning, agility, aloofness, independence, and seeing spirits. They are connected to Freya, Artemis, Diana, Liberty, Shasti, Bast, and Pasht.

Coyote:Coyotes are tricksters telling you not to be so serious! They symbolize lessons about yourself, humor, whimsy, night, shape-shifting, opportunity, stealth, creativity, opportunity, and experience.

Deer: Deer symbolize gentleness, grace, swiftness, abundance, intuition, introspection, alternative paths to a goal, messages from guides, love, safety, serenity, sun, fertility, and the warrior aspect (stag). They are connected to Artemis, Aphrodite, Athene, Diana, Elaphaia, Dionysus, Apollo, Vayu, Lu-Hsing, Cernunnos, Cocidius, and Shou-Hsien.

Dog: Dogs are service-oriented protectors. They symbolize loyalty, friendship, unconditional love, compassion, understanding, need for approval, tracking, companionship, intuition and truth. They are connected to Gula, Belit-ili, Astarte, Ashtoreth, Amenti, Cybelle, Artemis, Diana, Hecate, Celtice Mother Goddesses, Arawn, Nodens, Hel, Odhinn, Saramam, moon goddesses, Quezalcoatl, and Xolotl.

Fox:Foxes are tricksters. They symbolize camouflage, observation, adabtability, cunning, family, travel, oneness, shape-shifting, slyness, wisdom, and invisibility. They are co nnected to Enki, Dionysus, and Inari.

Frog / Toad:Frogs and toads symbolize feminine energy, fecundity, water, new life, new beginnings, the mystery of creation, cleansing, refreshing, purifying, refilling, clearing negativity, replenishment, positive energy, transformation, beginning a new cycle, long life, good luck, changing luck, starting new projects and prosperity. They are a Goddess symbol and are connected to the moon. They are connected to Heket, Isis, Hathor, Ch'ing-Wa Sheng, Aphrodite, Sabazius, and Ahirman.

Horse:Horses symbolize strength, the ability to work alone or in groups, speed, stamina, endurance, faithfulness, friendship, cooperation, travel, overcoming obstacles, loyalty, independence, cautiousness, unconditional support, selflessness, freedom, power, balance, compassion, and sharing. They are connected to Epona, Kwannon, Anahita, Vesta, Apollo, Mithras, Surya, Odhinn, Freya, Rhiannon, Leukippe, Waelsi, and Volos.

Lion:Lions symbolize regality, calmness, family, strength, courage, and relaxation. They have a strong connection to the Sun and are connected with Ra, Osiris, Sekmet, Apollo, Durga, and solar dieties in general.

Lizard: Lizards symbolize understanding what you dream of, wisdom, good fortune, facing fears, confrontations, death and, rebirth. They are connected to the dreamworld, Hermes, Sarapis, Ahirman, and Moko.

Lynx / Bobcat:Lynx is the knower of secrets. They symbolize honesty, open-hearted, non-judgmental counsel, stealth, silence, clairvioyance of secrets of others, suspicion, and vigilence. They can help with psychic skills, specifically divination.

Mouse:Apollo holds the Mouse as a sacred creature, and the Greek Deity’s attributes correspond with some of the symbolic meanings of the Mouse. Seemingly everywhere, the prevalence of the Mouse, along with its ability to adapt to an array of environmental conditions, is equal to God’s omnipresent nature. Mice are weather prophets too, while Apollo is a God of Prophecy.

Panther / Leopard: Panthers and Leopards symbolize the unknown, stillness, silence, stealth, night, healing, darkness, hidden truth, fearlessness, swiftness, perserverance, beauty, cunning, and strength. They teach you to not fear the future. They are connected to Dionysus, Pan, and Argus.

Praying Mantis:The praying mantis symbolizes strength, adaptability, and ease of communication.

Rabbit:Rabbits are tricksters, companions to witches, "gatekeepers" to the night and to a different type of consciousness. Rabbits symbolize fertility, mystery, fear of tragedy, long life, quick-thinking, strengthening intuition, illness, and disaster. They call your mental fears to you in real life. They teach you to stop "what if" thinking. They are connected to Eostra, Holda, Andraste, Freya, Hermes, Aphrodite, Eros, and Chandra.

Raccoon:Raccoons symbolize ingenuity, adaptabilty, generosity, caring for others, benevolence, lack of greed, creativity, playfulness, curiosity, new ideas, and new jobs or schooling. They are protectors of those who cannot protect themselves.

Rat:Rats symbolize fertility, wealth, cunning, timidity, meanness, wisdom, ingenuity, prudence, and foresight. They are connected to Daikoku and Ganesha.

Scorpion:Scorpions symbolize revenge, returning negativity to those who send it, and dark magick. They are often thought of as a sign of evil. They are connected to South and Sun, Ishtar, Nanna, Siduri Sabitu, Set, Selket, Isis, Dadophori, and Sabazius.

Snake:Snakes symbolize knowledge, change, creation, wisdom, secrets, mystery, reincarnation, immortality, sexuality, reproduction, the element of Fire, duality, solar/lunar, good/evil, healing/poison, life/death/rebirth. They are an early symbol of the Great Mother Goddesses. They are connected to Isis, Thoth, Apep, Hermes, Sabazius, Bel, Ra, Ahriamn, Mithras, Kadi, Kadru, Akkadian Ninhursag, Atargatis, Syria, Asclepias, Hygeia, Persephone, Apollo, Hera, Athene, Hecate, Gaea, Domovoj, Shakti, Ananta, Susanoo, Uga-Jin, Nu Kua, Fu Xi, Brigit, Quetzalcoatl, Kulkulcan, Coatlicue, Coyolxauhqui, Huitzilopochtli, and Julungghul.

Spider: Spiders are weavers and tricksters. They symbolize fate, female energy, creative energy, female energy, wisdom, creativity, new life, entanglement, caution, divine inspiration, starting a project, becoming pregnant, being industrious, warning signals, illusions. They can act as hazard ahead signposts. They are connected to Neith, Ishtar, Atargatis, Athene, the Fates, the Norns, Holda, Inktomi, Kokyangwuti, Tsitsicnako, and Sussistanako.

Squirrel:Squirrels symbolize gathering, foresight, energy, eratic behavior, storing, gossip, warning, change, discovery, truth, balance, and harmony. They are messengers of the Gods and mischief-makers. They warn you to be careful of useless hoarding and teach you to take life lightly.

Tiger: Tigers are quick to act, subtle, and inconcspicuous. They symbolize ferocity, royalty, fearlessness, authority, the warrior aspect, a lack of procrastination, and will-power. They are connected to Duga, Shiva, Dionysus, and Tsai Chen.

Turtle / Turtoise: Turtles and Tortoises symbolize longevity, strength, endurance, wisdom, patience, knowledge of the defensive position, goddess energy, grounding, shielding, treachery, perserverance, and slowing down to enjoy life. They are connected to the elements of earth(turtle and tortoise), water(turtle), and the moon. They are connected to Prajapati, P'an Ku, Pan, Aphrodite, Venu, Hermes, and Mercury.

Wolf:Wolves symbolize family, teaching, co-operation, insight, stealth, strength, leadership, loyalty, freedom, individuality, psychic energy connected to the moon (hidden wisdom), sharing knowledge and wisdom, cunning, hunting, seeking, introspection, listening, magick, and dreams. They are connection to the moon and to Wepwawet, Zeus Lycaeus, Apollo, Ares, Mars, Silvanus, Cernunnos, and Odhinn.

Air Animals

Bee: Bees symbolize industry, community, concentration, planning and saving, working with the spirits of the deceased, industry, prosperity, purity, acheiving the so-called impossible, birth, death, resurection, luck, misfortune, and Otherworld wisdom. They are connected to Bridgid, Ra, Vishnu, Krishna, Indra, Aphrodite, Demeter, Cybele, Artemis, aDiana, Rhea, Zues, Dionysus, Pan, and Priapus.

Butterfly: Butterflies symbolize joy, freedom, living in the moment, transformation, the birth-death-rerbirth circle, mental powers, reincarnation, magick, divination concerning the life cycle, understanding where you are in the cycle of your life, inspiration, immortality, leisure, beauty in old age, longevity, love, happiness, falseness, vanity, and the soul. They are connected to the element of Air and the Horae and Zochiquetzal.

Crow / Rook: Crows and rooks symbolize resourcefulness, survival, death, a call to the magick and the mystery around us, the law, the supernatural, the mysteries of creation, shape-shifting, change, harmony, justice, integrity, bad omens, boldness, skill, cunning, prophecy, eloquence, and divination. They are tricksters connected to Morrigan, Varuna, Rhea Kronia, Apollo, Hermes, Macha, and Babd.

Dragonfly: Dragonflies symbolize illusion, dreams, change, enlightenment, irresponsibility, unrealiability, weakness, instability, swiftness, dreams, and seeing the truth. They are messengers of the elemental world and the god/esses. They are connected to Summer.

Eagle: Eagles symbolize nobility, clarity of vision, balance between the spirit world and everyday life, the ability to soar above everyday life, lightning, rising above material in search of spiritual, connecting with the spirit world, helpful rain, the warrior spirit, fearlessness, keen vision, war, freedom, majesty, authority, strength, victory, and courage. They have a connection to the divine and to the Sun, as well as to Air, Fire and Spirit. They are connected to Ninurta, Marduk, Asshur, Pan, Zeus, Indra, Vishnu, Mithras, and Ohdinn.

Falcon: Falcons symbolize freedom, speed in action, far-sightedness, magick, astral travel, clear vision, and healing. They help those who are dying through the process. They are connected to Horus, Circe, Ra, Menthu, Freya, and Odhinn.

Hawk: Hawks are observant and perceptive messengers from the spirit world. They symbolize noticing the big picture, using your talents, omens, dreams, courage, defense, wisdom, illumination, truth, and experience. They are connected to Horus, Ptah, Rehu, Seker, Amenti, Apollo, Artemis, Indra, Ahura Mazda, and Mithras.

Hummingbird: Hummingbirds symbolize freedom of movement, energy, tireless joy and living from life's nectar, accomplishing things that are said to be impossible, finding the joy in living and learning from your own life experiences, flowers, love, beauty, art, relaxation, and fearlessness. They are connected to Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli.

Owl: Owls symbolize wisdom, the ability to see things that are hidden, stealth, swiftness, darkness, freedom, dreams, shape-shifting, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magick, deception, observation, total truth, night, death, and misfortune. They are connected to the Underworld and the Moon. They are connected to The Goddess in general, as well as Athena, Mari, Lilith, Anath, Gwynn ap Nudd, Blodeuwedd, Yama and Cailleach. Barn owls, however, are the ones who see without seeing and hear without hearing; the ones who can hear what is not spoken and ones that see things without physical sight.

Raven: Ravens symbolize magick, inner fears, the spirit world, a change in consciousness, healing, dispelling "dis-ease," the unknown, mischieviousness, adabtability, intelligence, ingenuity, death, war, bloodshed, battle, divination, and the destruction required for creation. They are the messengers of the spirit world. They are connected to the Crone, the Sun, and to Odhinn, Apollo, Athene, Cronus, Asclepias, Brahma, Morrigan, Babd, Nantosuelta, and Lugh.

Swan: Swans symbolize grace, healing, altered states, intuition, transformation, transitions, spiritual evolution, hunches, omens, spiritual divination, dignity, monogamy, loyalty, and silence. They are connected to Apollo, Aphrodite, the Muses, Venus, Zeus, Aphrodite, Sarasvati, Brahma, and Devi.