A power animal is a type of spiritual animal that acts as a guide. You may meet them as a child or well into adulthood.
These animals have a strong bond with you that cannot be severed, though it can be deepened. They appear in physical form, in dreams, and even visions.
Power animals offer you nothing but strength and positive vibes throughout your life.
What Is A Power Animal?
A power animal is a spirit guide that helps you through life. Everyone must overcome hurdles and challenges, so having an oracle to counsel you throughout your journey can bring you peace of mind.
Whenever you find your power animal, know that it will be every animal of that species, not a specific one like a Patronus. You may find that you only have one power animal (ex. raccoon) as that’s all you need, but many people have supporter animals as well.
To find these connections, we must open ourselves up to them, mentally and spiritually. With their help, we can overcome anything life throws at us, as well as learn to be kinder, more compassionate individuals.
Any animal, real or mythological, can be a power animal. Of course, unless it has a physical form, you will never see it in the real world.
That’s why most power animals are real creatures that can connect with you physically from time to time.
The relationship you have with your power animal is sacred and personal. It isn’t a subject for parties or rituals.
Instead, it’s a spiritual connection you have with an animal. You may share it, but in the end, it’s a private experience that only you can feel.
Difference Between A Power Animal And A Spirit Animal
The terms power animal and spirit animal are similar, with slight differences. You can use them synonymously most of the time.
But if you are struggling to convey your meaning, there are a few key differences that may help you.
Power Animal
- Chooses you
- Has similar traits to you
- Can communicate with you
- Usually appears in physical form at times
- Often kept secret/personal
Spirit Animal
- Usually assigned
- Personal protector
- Shared with the tribe
- Takes part in rituals
How To Identify Your Power Animal
Most cultures in the modern world are not granted knowledge of their power animal at birth. So we must go on our own journey to identify which animal we feel a connection to.
Everyone has one core power animal and multiple support power animals. The easiest way to identify your power animal is to go to a professional shaman. But there are also ways you can attempt to find your power animal without help.
Power animals often come to you in your time of need. If you haven’t gone through what you would consider a tough time, perhaps you haven’t needed your power animal. Or it was there, in the shadows rather than in front of you.
Your connection to that animal will always be there to help you overcome your weaknesses. For example, a frog will help those whom toxic relationships seem drawn to.
Most people find their power animals in physical form. If you see eagles often and during memorable moments, then your power animal may be an eagle. If your power animal cannot show up in physical form, it may do so in dreams, images, or on TV.
Ways To Connect With Your Power Animal
- Meditate – meditation is a wonderful way to connect with your power animal. Ask them to come to you, reveal themself, and open your connection up to possibilities.
- Find a Shaman – shamans are experts on power animals. If you cannot find one, then go on a shamanic journey alone.
- Create an altar – an altar honoring your power animal is a great way to bring it out of hiding.
- Dream – this is a great way to open up your subconscious mind and allow a deep connection to form.
Tips To Deepen Your Power Animal Connection
- Just ask – this is the best way to deepen your connection. Close your eyes and have a deep conversation, even without words.
- Reflect – take a look at your past and how your power animal has helped you through difficult times. Be grateful.
- Journal – keeping a record of how your power animal has helped you, how they’ve appeared to you, and what they’ve taught you is one of the best ways to deepen your connection with them.
18 Power Animal Examples
1. Bear
The bear power animal is strong yet gentle. It comes to those who are protective by nature yet can have a temper if provoked.
Bears can teach those who have trouble controlling their emotions to be aware of their own feelings and learn to accept them yet gain control over them.
2. Bee
Bees are hardworking power animals. If your power animal is a bee, you probably never stop going, enjoying your social life, and doing your due diligence.
Those who connect with a bee can learn to build immaculate worlds, use their energy for good, and seek harmony in the busy world.
3. Cat
Cats are independent power animals. They love to be with the people they care about but prefer to do things on their own most of the time.
A conduit of both light and dark, they represent balance. If you feel a connection to cats, you are a patient person who is courageous yet calm.
4. Crow
The crow power animal is intelligent and wise. They try to understand everything in life and can adapt to most situations.
When life gives those with a crow power animal lemons, they will make lemonade. Crows can help people avoid manipulation, both in themselves and others.
5. Dog
Dog power animals are loyal and friendly. They are always there for their friends and expect the same in return.
Dog power animals can teach their connections how to live with betrayal and not be afraid of rejection.
6. Dolphin
Dolphin power animals are peaceful and lighthearted. They love to play tricks on their friends, all in good fun. Dolphins can teach people to be more playful and joyful without throwing logic or people’s feelings to the wayside.
7. Eagle
Eagles are intelligent and grounded power animals. They take harmony to new heights by mixing stability with adventure. They can teach those with a connection to eagles to take care of themselves and learn that it doesn’t mean they are selfish.
8. Fox
The fox power animal is silly and cunning. They can adapt to any situation and outwit any opponent. Foxes can teach people with their power animals to make the most out of life and to increase their self-awareness.
9. Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are endearing and protective power animals. Those with a connection to hedgehogs are never what they appear to be, but not in a bad way. They don’t mean to be deceiving, but their self-reliance and curiosity can confuse people. Hedgehogs can teach people to learn their own strength and to trust their intuition.
10. Hummingbird
A hummingbird power animal live in the moment yet always work hard. They walk, or fly, to the beat of their own drum without neglecting others. These birds can teach people to enjoy life while still planning for a brighter future.
11. Lion
The lion is a strong and relentlessly powerful animal. They represent inner strength that cannot be matched. The lion can teach its followers to own their feelings, even if they are negative, and to move past them with that strength.
12. Owl
Owls are wise and intuitive power animals. They are perfect guides because they are both insightful and mystical. Owls can teach people to be independent but to be aware that they may self-isolate when life gets too much.
13. Panda
The panda is a peaceful and compassionate power animal. They bring good luck to all who are aware of their presence, gracing the world with a calm presence and positive outlook on life. They can teach people the importance of chilling and being sensitive to their own emotions.
14. Snake
Snakes are relentless and protective power animals. They change with every season and never cease to amaze those around them during challenging times. If you feel a strong connection to snakes, you can learn to self-heal and gain strength through tough seasons.
15. Spider
Spiders are creative and receptive power animals. They have world-building abilities and are aware of their dark side. If you have a connection to spiders, you embrace every aspect of life and appreciate all cultures.
16. Tiger
The tiger power animal is intimidating and authentic. It is the authenticity that often intimidates others. Tiger power animals teach people to accept every side of themself and to be transparent with those they care about.
17. Turkey
The turkey power animal is grounded and harmonious. It represents abundance in life, love, and family. The turkey may offer a plentiful bounty, but it also teaches us to be grateful for what we have and content with the love we have to give.
18. Wolf
Wolf power animals are intelligent and courageous. They offer a special balance between independence and connection. The wolf can teach anyone to be truthful in hard times, trust their loved ones, and to be a leader in every situation.