Many tribal cultures attributed particular importance to animals (and their spirits) and so shamanism (or shamanism), which developed in them. Although our relationship with animals has radically changed over time, we continue to feel deeply connected to them.
As Tom Cowan, author of “Shamanism – A spiritual practice for everyday life”, explains, animals have always played an important role for man, supporting him not only materially but also on a spiritual level. Ancient peoples, not surprisingly, considered animal spirits as precious guides.
Spirits that some native peoples of the north-western coast of North America, Cowan explains in his book, called “Guide Animals”, recognizing their specific spiritual powers. According to the shamans of these peoples, the various animal spirits choose a human companion to help them and be helped in turn, acting as protectors and guides.
How to find the Guide Animal
It is not certain, explains Cowan, that the Guide Animal corresponds to one’s favorite animal, it could be completely different and accompany us only for a certain period, because perhaps in that specific phase we need its help.
Be that as it may, how do you find the Guide Animal? Cowan explains that shamans traditionally used several methods:
Nowadays, Cowan explains, the modern practitioner can find their animal guide by isolating themselves in a simple room at home for at least 24 hours and praying to the spirits to reveal themselves. In this period of time you should eat what is strictly necessary, trying to limit the distractions of everyday life as much as possible, while keeping your limits in mind.
Another method, less difficult to practice, consists in asking the guide animal to manifest itself in a dream before going to bed.
The drumming method can also prove useful, in this case Cowan suggests isolating yourself in a room, darkening it, lighting a candle, burning some incense, sitting on the floor and starting to play the drum or rattles maintaining a regular rhythm, with your eyes closed or slightly open, facing the candle.
With an open mind and heart, one must allow the animals to emerge into consciousness. After 5 or 10 minutes a particular animal might catch your attention, for example staying longer than the others. Behavior that could signal that he is your Service Animal. Once discovered, you need to continue playing the drum or rattles, trying to sense its power and presence.
And again Cowan suggests the dance, which must be accompanied with the sound of rattles, gradually turning towards the 4 directions: east, south, west and finally north. Calling, from time to time, the animals that reside there.
Another method is that of the shamanic journey: if you want to learn more about it, we recommend reading his interesting book, which offers more detailed explanations also regarding the various steps described here.
Once found, the Guiding Animal according to shamanism would be able to influence our internal life but also our external one, offering precious advice, albeit in a different way than what we are used to.
List of Service Animals
There are countless guide animals and, as explained, they do not necessarily correspond to your favorite animals. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
Meanings of Guide Animals: a guide to the most common symbols
Each Guide Animal brings with it specific qualities and teachings. Knowing their symbolic meaning can help us better understand what type of spiritual support they are offering us at a certain moment in our lives.
Wolf
It represents intuition, loyalty and a sense of belonging to the group. The wolf as a spiritual guide teaches the balance between personal independence and the value of community. Those with the wolf as their guide may find themselves at a time when they need to trust their instincts more or strengthen family bonds.
Eagle
Symbol of higher vision, freedom and spiritual connection. The eagle flies high and sees from above, offering a broader perspective on life’s problems. This guide animal helps you look beyond appearances and rise above everyday difficulties.
Bear
It embodies inner strength, introspection and the power of healing. The bear invites us to spiritual retreat, to the rest necessary to regenerate (as in hibernation) and to explore the world of dreams. It is the perfect guide for those who need time for themselves.
Snake
It represents transformation, rebirth and ancestral wisdom. Like the snake sheds its skin, this guiding animal accompanies moments of profound personal transformation, helping us to let go of what no longer serves us.
Owl
Symbol of intuition, hidden wisdom and the ability to see in the dark. The owl as a spiritual guide helps to discover hidden truths, develop intuition and not fear the unknown. It is especially useful for those seeking internal answers.
Butterfly
It embodies metamorphosis, lightness and joy. The butterfly accompanies the great changes in life, reminding us that every transformation, however difficult, can lead to a wonderful rebirth.
Horse
It represents freedom, life force and journey (both physical and spiritual). The horse as a guide offers energy, courage and the ability to overcome obstacles with grace and power.
Dolphin
Symbol of playfulness, emotional intelligence and communication. The dolphin helps you reconnect with the joy of living, express emotions in a healthy way, and navigate the emotional waters of life.
Fox
It embodies cunning, adaptability and the ability to camouflage. The fox as a guide teaches you to move intelligently in complex situations, to observe before acting and to find creative solutions to problems.
Lion
It represents courage, leadership and personal dignity. Leo helps you recognize and claim your personal power, lead with confidence, and stand up for what you believe in.
Tiger
Symbol of passion, personal power and wild strength. The tiger as a spiritual guide accompanies those who have to face important challenges with determination and confidence in their abilities.
Bear
It embodies protection, inner strength and connection with the earth. The bear teaches you to find balance between action and rest, and to protect yourself energetically.
Deer
It represents kindness, sensitivity and grace. The deer as a guide helps one move through life gently without losing one’s dignity, and to remain alert without becoming suspicious.
Crow
Symbol of magic, mystery and transformation. The raven is a messenger between the worlds and helps to understand signs and omens, developing the ability to see beyond the veil of ordinary reality.
Turtle
It embodies patience, ancient wisdom and protection. The turtle teaches that there is no rush on the spiritual path and that bringing your inner “home” with you is a source of great strength.
Guide Animal vs Totem: what are the differences?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, in the shamanic tradition, Animal Guide and Totem have distinct meanings and different roles in a person’s spiritual path.
The Guiding Animal
The Guide Animal is an animal spirit that accompanies us for a specific period of our life, offering us support, protection and particular teachings linked to a specific phase or challenge we are facing.
Main features:
For example, you may have the snake as your guide during a time of great personal transformation, and then find that the bear becomes your guide when you need introspection and healing.
The Totem
The Totem, however, represents a permanent and ancestral bond that can be:
Main features:
The Totem is like a spiritual imprint that we carry from birth, while the Guide Animal is an ally that supports us in specific moments.
Can they coexist?
Absolutely yes. A person can have both a personal totem that accompanies him throughout his life, one or more guide animals that change depending on the needs of the moment, and a family or clan totem inherited from his own tradition
For example, your permanent Totem could be the eagle (representing your profound essence), while in a moment of difficulty you could receive the temporary support of the wolf as a Guide Animal.
How to recognize the difference?
According to shamanic traditions, if an animal has always been with you, constantly reappears in your life and you feel a deep and lasting connection, it is probably your Totem. However, if an animal appears insistently in a particular period, offers specific teachings and then withdraws, it is probably a Guide Animal.
Understanding this distinction helps deepen your relationship with both animal spirits, honoring both the permanent connection with your Totem and the temporary but precious teachings of the Animal Guides that cross our path.
Shamans: a bridge between the earthly world, the otherworldly and the forces of Nature
