Spirit Animals: Insights from a 5 Year Series

Have you ever felt an inexplicable connection to an animal? For many, the concept of spirit animals sparks a deep curiosity that resonates on multiple levels. When I finished painting my Spirit Animal series in 2018, it had made a significant impact on my life. I didn’t just learn about their symbolism; I discovered how they can guide us towards personal growth and self-understanding. I thought I'd share the insights I've gained from my journey and offer tips on how you can find your own spirit animal.

Understanding Spirit Animals

So, what are spirit animals? At its core, the idea is that certain animals embody traits or lessons relevant to our personal journeys. They serve as guides, helping us navigate life's hardships and recognize our strengths and weaknesses. By uncovering the meanings behind these animals, we can reveal deeper layers of ourselves.

In many cultures, people believe everyone has a spirit animal that becomes clear during life-changing moments. Others believe that one is assigned to us a birth and/or shift as we evolve. Whatever perspective you align with, I've come to understand that having a spirit animal is not simply about liking a particular animal, nor is it about picking a favorite. It's about recognizing yourself in the traits and energy of that animal.

a painting of a hawk on a wooden post, by Ellen Brenneman

The Role of Intuition

Intuition played a key role in recognizing my spirit animals. Some of the strongest connections aren’t things you figure out—they’re things you feel. I started noticing little patterns and coincidences, like how I kept seeing hawks whenever I was feeling unsure of myself or overwhelmed. Hawks are all about helping us see the bigger picture instead of getting stuck on what might be happening in the moment. For me, this was a reminder that everything is temporary, and that whatever I was going through would eventually pass.

Listening to my intuition also meant allowing my spirit animals to inspire my decisions. In times when fear held me back, I'd think about the wolf. Known for its loyalty, strong instincts, and connection to community, it helped me find the confidence to go after opportunities I might’ve otherwise avoided.

A painting of a wolf spirit animal adorned in a feathered headdress, painted by Ellen Brenneman

Engaging with Your Spirit Animal

Curious about how to find your own spirit animal? Here are some engaging techniques that worked wonders for me:

• Meditation: Set aside time for meditation. In this world of constant distraction, offering your mind a few moments of quiet can help animals present themselves to you through visions or feelings.

• Nature Walks: Spending time outdoors can foster connections. Pay attention to the behaviors and traits of any animals you meet; they may carry messages for you, taking particular notice of any behavior that is out of the ordinary.

  
  

Exploring these practices can lead you toward a deeper connection with your spirit animal. Keeping a journal of your thoughts and animal encounters can also provide insights and highlight patterns.

What I've learned

This five-year series started out as a desire to learn more about my Native American heritage but ended up teaching me a great deal more than just knowledge about animals. Each spirit animal shared critical lessons about resilience, intuition, transformation, and bravery. Reflecting on my journey, I can now see how these animals have shaped my personality and the way I tackle challenges.

They've reminded me to trust my instincts, welcome change, and stay true to myself.

A few final thoughts

Spirit animals present a mystical approach for navigating life's journey. As you explore their symbolism and meaning, remain open to the insights they provide. Each animal embodies unique traits and lessons that can deepen your understanding of your life path.

Through a bit of personal exploration and a willingness to learn, you may uncover a spirit animal that resonates with your true self. The more you foster this connection, the richer your spiritual journey will be. Finding your spirit animal is more than symbolic; it's a genuine interaction with the universe that can enhance your self-awareness.

So, what animal might be walking beside you on your journey?

a painting of a Black Panther spirit animal by Ellen Brenneman