What Is Your Spirit Animal? 7 Ways to Find Out

Download Article

Discover how to connect with your spiritual guide

Co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and Sophie Burkholder, BA

Last Updated: May 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Figuring Out Your Spirit Animal

|

Connecting With Your Spirit Animal

|

History & Origins of Spirit Animals

|

Video

|

Q&A

|

Tips

|

Warnings

Is your spirit animal a wolf, owl, bear, crow, giraffe, lizard, or butterfly? Spirit animals can help us feel more in tune with the earth and guide us to make the right decisions in life. You can't just choose a spirit animal, though; according to ancient beliefs, your spirit animal chooses you. Read on to learn how to find and connect with your spirit animal, a quest that countless people have undertaken over thousands of years.

Finding Your Spirit Animal

Pay attention to what animals keep showing up in your life, whether as pets, imagery, or even in your dreams. Take note of any animals that act strangely or seem to be trying to communicate with you. Keep a journal to track which animals appear to you more than once.

Section 1 of 3:

Figuring Out Your Spirit Animal

Download Article

1
Pay attention to recurrent appearances of a particular animal in your life. Have you ever had a day or week when the same animal symbol seemed to keep coming to the fore? Perhaps you saw a mural of a wolf painted on the side of a building, and later that day, you looked down to see a wolf tattoo on a woman's ankle in the coffee shop.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The recurrence of animal symbols can mean your spirit animal is trying to get in touch.
- Consider any animals that were important to you as a child. For example, maybe you had a beloved pet hamster or have a vivid childhood memory of seeing a fox in the woods.
2
Take note of animals in your dreams. Spirit animals often appear to people at night in their dreams when the mind is at rest, and the subconscious is at work. If you tend to dismiss or forget your dreams, make a point of paying more attention and taking note of the animals you encounter.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Write down your dreams and pay attention to patterns over time. What message do the animals seem to be communicating? Keep an open mind and try to interpret them.
- Sometimes, the appearance of a spirit animal is not straightforward. You may dream of an animal in a painting on the wall or a conversation in which the other person mentions a certain animal. All references to animals are worth noting.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
Many have reported encountering their spirit animal in physical form. Do not dismiss it if an animal comes close to you, makes sustained eye contact, runs ahead of you, hangs around your yard, or otherwise appears to be trying to communicate something.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Some animals may come and go, and some may stay. Keeping a journal of your interactions with these animals will help you learn more about yourself and your spirit animal. Take note of any significant dreams or incidents involving animals, as well as the emotions you felt during the encounter.^{[5]
X
Research source}
5
Meditate and pray. Finding your spirit animal is a spiritual and supernatural exercise. Perform a meditation or prayer session during which you concentrate on being open to communications from your spirit animal.^{[6]
X
Research source} Meditate in a natural place like a meadow, beach, or park.
- Remember that this has to be a mutual connection; you cannot "conjure" the spirit animal at will. You gain the most by being open to all possibilities.
- If you want a concrete answer to a yes or no question, you probably will not find that in a spirit animal. It is not about getting what you want; it is about forging a deeper connection to nature, which will eventually lead you down the right path.
- If your meditations and prayers seem fruitless, do not force it. Try again during a different season or when your mind is in a different state. In the meantime, work on being more open and spiritually aware by spending even more time out with Mother Nature.
EXPERT TIP

Jennifer McVey, Cht
Spiritual Director
Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions.

Jennifer McVey, Cht
Spiritual Director

Find kindred spirit animals in meditations and life. To find your kindred spirit animal, meditate and envision yourself in your favorite nature setting, whether forest, desert, or water. Notice which animals appear in your meditations or keep showing up in your life, art, or stories. These recurring animals are likely your kindred spirits, offering guidance and reflecting your inner nature.
6
Consult with a shaman. Look for an authentic and reputable shaman who practices shamanic healing or learning experiences. Shamans must go through many years of rigorous training before being able to practice as healers—not just anyone can be a shaman.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Ask around for recommendations in your area, or use this database of shamanic healers in the U.S. and abroad.
- These spiritual mediums may have methods or advice for finding your spirit animal.
7
Spend time in nature. The Earth is populated by innumerable animal species that all have something to teach us. If you are lucky enough to have a pet, you interact with animals often. But many people spend almost all of their time with other humans. Making the natural world a bigger part of your life opens you to the possibility of connecting with a spirit animal.
- Don't go out searching for a spirit animal—just be open to learning more about all non-human creatures.
- Look for inventive ways to spend more time in nature. If you don't live near the wilderness, go to a state or national park or a city park.
- When you spend time outside, remove your headphones and cut out any distractions. Become aware of your surroundings and notice things you might usually overlook: a bird peeking out of a bush or a caterpillar walking across the sidewalk.
- When time does not permit a long trek outside, make your inside space more open to the natural world. Turn off the air conditioner. Open the blinds and the windows. Listen to the wind and the crickets instead of playing music.

Section 2 of 3:

Connecting With Your Spirit Animal

Download Article

1
Learn about your animal. Once you have identified your animal, learn everything you can about it. What does it eat, and where does it live? Read about its history, behaviors, and the way it is portrayed in literature and the media. What does this animal represent?
- If possible, spend time near your animal's habitat. Don't be disruptive, but try to learn as much as you can about how the animal exists in the wild.
2
Incorporate your spirit animal into your daily life. If your spirit animal has been domesticated by humans, such as a cat or snake, adopt it as a pet. If it’s unrealistic or impossible to adopt your spirit animal, bring it into your home in a different way. Purchase a piece of artwork that depicts your animal, like a painting or statuette.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Many people also look for jewelry or charms that represent their animal spirit guide.
- Once you have a physical representation of your spirit animal in your home, speak to it as if it’s your close friend.
- This action may feel odd at first, but it will feel more natural over time and can help you better connect with your spirit animal.
Take what you have learned and use it to help you deal with making big decisions, confronting difficult situations, and reaching your goals. You can draw on your animal's wisdom in everyday life, too, in your treatment of others and the earth.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Be open to messages. Pay close attention each time your animal appears to you in any form. Do your best to interpret the messages the animal seems to be sending.^{[10]
X
Research source} Remember, the messages will not be straightforward since animals do not communicate the same way humans do, so you will have to do some deep thinking to understand. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What emotions do you feel when the animal comes?
- Does the animal seem to be a sign of foreboding or comfort?
- Does the animal seem to be leading you in a certain direction?
5
Honor your animal. You may gain a deeper connection with your spiritual animal by honoring it. Stand up for the environment and animal rights, especially when it concerns the well-being of your spirit animal. In honoring your spirit animal’s life and purpose, you are letting it know that its assistance with your life is appreciated.
- Remember that each time an animal species goes extinct, we lose the wisdom of that animal.
6
Recognize the wisdom and intelligence of all animals. Spending more time in nature, especially around animals, will help you start to think of them differently. Notice their habits, how they communicate with one another, and the elements of their behavior that surprise you.
- Animals have intelligence of their own, different from but equal to that of humans. If that is difficult or impossible for you to see, it will be hard to find your spirit animal.
- Think about what type of intelligence different animals have. Migratory birds, for example, can fly thousands of miles to a pre-planned destination without a map.
- Do not anthropomorphize animals. They are not human, so do not expect them to express themselves the same way.
- It is important to respect animals for who they are rather than assuming they will communicate on your terms.

Section 3 of 3:

History & Origins of Spirit Animals

Download Article

1
Animals are sacred and honored spirits in Native American culture. Many indigenous tribes of North America use animals to represent their spiritual values and beliefs. Animals are an important part of Native creation stories, clan stories, and spiritual practices. However, the animals worshiped in Native American culture are not referred to as “spirit animals,” and the steps in this article are not authentic to indigenous practices.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Avoid using the term “spirit animal” in relation to Native traditions, as this trivializes the sacred relationship between indigenous tribes and the animal world.
- To avoid further cultural appropriation, refrain from referring to your spirit animal as a “totem” or copying images from sacred Native imagery, such as totem poles or pictographs.
- If you’d like to show respect to the animal world in the same way that Native Americans have throughout history, take steps to help the environment.
- Advocate for wild animals and the protection of their natural habitats.
2
In popular astrology, spirit animals are meant to guide you on your life path. They are believed to be divine creatures that were once part of the animal kingdom but now exist in the spiritual realm. In this modern-day interpretation of spirit animals, people typically pick animals that they feel reflect their personality, energy, and approach to life.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- They may look to their spirit animal as a source of inspiration and guidance during difficult moments.
- For example, if someone is facing a crossroads in life and chooses one path over another, seeing their spirit animal shortly afterward may reassure them that they’re on the right track.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can you trust a quiz to tell you your spirit animal?

Community Answer

Most likely not, as a quiz has very limited answers and is not always right. Look at your own life to find your spirit animal, not somebody else's guess.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 40 Helpful 355
Question

How will I feel when a spirit animal chooses me?

Community Answer

Warmth, like a connection/tingly feeling. It will feel "right", as if this is something that you have always known.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 35 Helpful 410
Question

What will my spirit animal give me?

Community Answer

A sense of peace and personal empowerment. A form of guidance for your skills and interests.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 32 Helpful 333

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you do not know your animal, say, "You are welcomed into my dream" before going to sleep. Your spirit animal may reveal itself to you during your dream.

Thanks
Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
Your spirit animal picks you. You may find that your spirit animal is not the animal that you originally expected to come to you.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
Consider that your spirit animal may not be a “nice” animal or a land creature. Your spirit animal could be something far more vicious, like a snake or a lion, or something that resides in the ocean or flies in the sky.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Some people believe that you can figure out your spirit animal through your Zodiac sign. However, these pairings aren't always accurate and you may feel that another creature represents you better.
Just because you've had a certain pet all your life doesn't mean that it's your spirit animal. Your spirit animal might not even be a real animal. It could be a unicorn or gryffin, for example.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Your spirit animal will provide enlightenment, but that does not mean that you can approach it in nature. If you find that your spirit animal is a bear, do not approach or confront a bear when you are out in its natural habitat. This is a risky venture and could cause you to become injured or worse.

Thanks
Helpful 45 Not Helpful 2