Animal Spirit Interpretations
by Ronnee Ruselle
Animals share this planet with us. They have an awareness different to ours and sometimes that awareness is much deeper and clearer. They are our brothers and listening to them can bring great insight and help.
Before reading this article, you should read the one on interpreting their messages - click here.
The following are a range of animals and some of their traits. I'll leave you to use them how you see best analysing the information and putting together the pieces of the puzzle. Remember that if you feel that there is a particular message behind your animal visit, the information is most likely to have the meanings that you personally associate with each animal unless you feel it is to help identify another person or situation.
As there are so many animals in the world, this list is incomplete, but I will continue adding to it as I learn of more animals. I have listed what seemed to be major characteristics of each animal as I found them through research. I have then asked for inspiration as to a possible spiritual meaning for them and invited the guides to add their input.
When you read the list of words after each animal, you may be given an indication of which words apply to you. This could be through feeling a 'pull' towards one or more words, it could be a feeling of 'knowing' which are correct for you and it can even stand out visually to you - your eyes may be drawn to some words or they may even appear to be different in some way. This is your brain's way of telling you which words are closely associated with your message. If you find nothing from this list, then a good idea is to research the animal and its' behaviours, habitat and more. You will most likely find what you're looking for. The internet is a great tool for such research.
Ant
- Hard working, persistent, productive, strong, courageous, shares its food with others from its family but fights to the death with anyone not belonging, works well in a group, carries large loads, part of a large group - can work in harmony, productive, highly successful.
The ant is the caretaker. Each plays its' part to the benefit of the mass. It is an excellent communicator and a tireless worker. In a never-ending cycle, it works constantly to help its' colony. The ant may represent an awareness of the individual being part of the whole - the connection to all others. This is the sharing of your little bit of effort or love to benefit one and all.
Alligator
- Aquatic, heavy bodied, solitary, territorial, hibernation, predator, maternal protection. The alligator likes to bask in the sun and is an important part of their ecosystem. They are patient with an ability to wait for right time to take action.
The alligator may represent versatility and the ability to carry on even after things go wrong because even though they are territorial and protective of their home, they will relocate if conditions are unsuitable. It could also be said that something good can come from a bad situation when relating to an alligator, as their deserted domain becomes a home or haven for smaller animals. So it could be telling you to keep your chin up and move on continuing to look for the right answer when in any difficulty. You'll be surprised at what good results can come from a difficult beginning.
Badger
- Heavy set, gentle natured, lives in family groups, very clean, good routine, night feeder, tenacious, loyal. The American Badger is a solitary wanderer who inhabits temporary burrows often dug by (and even with) other inhabitants so if you are specifically connected to this badger, its meaning may be associated to this aspect of the badger as well as the aforementioned ones.
Mr Badger is a leader. He shows us maturity in behaviour and harmony with others. He represents clean living, organisation and the positive aspects to living or working closely with others. Even though this is a family creature, the energy suggests that this creature would likely be associated with a work issue or to do with effort. Working well within confines or boundaries is a key element to this animal's appearance.
Bat
- Nocturnal, excellent sense of smell and hearing, good listener, manage to survive through the lean times, can manoeuvre quickly and precisely, only one offspring per year.
The bat may represent efficiency and survival. Even though the bat does not have a good sense of sight and few offspring, it can survive very well and even prosper when outside influences do not affect it. To most people, the bat's use of sound and hearing is its most recognized feature so it could represent the ability to listen well or the need to.
Bear
- Patient, shy, winter sleeper, good fisherman, warm, big, needs plenty of space, dense, shaggy fur, excellent sense of smell and hearing, strength, mostly solitary, will travel long distances for food, excellent memory, will defend cubs ferociously, can move through rugged terrain without detection, will avoid contact with people unless threatened.
The wonderful bear can represent contemplation, patience and looking within. The bear lumbers along but not always slowly. He is very good at finding what he needs and will withdraw to the shelter of his den for the winter. This could signify your need to do your research, find out the truth or the facts and then withdraw to contemplate and analyse thoroughly what you have before deciding upon a course of action.
The bear symbolizes the need for spiritually 'going within' yourself and discovering the many layers of you or getting to know yourself. Are your views really yours or did you adopt the views of somebody else along the way? Do you know what your ethics are? Are you true to yourself by following your moral beliefs? Do you recognize the voices that speak to you and guide you? Do you listen? The list of questions goes on. They are for you to ask and to answer. At the end of this, you will know yourself and your place in this world better. This will bring security and the strength of the bear within.
Bull/Cow
- Large, strong, stubborn, reliable, dependable. Quiet unless it has wisdom to share. Calm unless riled. A bull can carry responsibility. It is a good worker.
The bull represents security and responsibility. Inner strength and perhaps even physical strength are represented by the bull. The energy suggests that this creature could be associated with money or finance. I see coins being gathered up through hard work so it could mean that hard work will pay off for you or some financial gain may be coming from your efforts.
Spiritually it means to give of yourself. Don't scrimp on your affections and love towards others. Sharing your love and emotions promises that you will reap the rewards later in that emotion being returned in greater amounts. Feel the love within. Think of the people around you kindly and of the things you love most about them. Then go and express that emotion. To do this on a daily basis will keep love alive and harmony within any relationship. The cow could represent nourishment or a feminine influence to the information above.
Butterfly
- Transformation, beauty, short lived but numerous, the ability to move around without disturbing others.
The butterfly could represent transformation or a growth of some kind. This could be physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. In any case, the result is one of beauty, grace and harmony with its' surrounds plus the admiration of all.
Transformation seems to have always been associated with this lovely little creature, but there's more to the message than that. Just as the butterfly proudly flutters around for all to admire it's beauty and transformation, the energy is encouraging you to go out and be proud of yourself and what you've achieved. Don't hide away - recognize that you have made good ground and have earned the right to be proud of your achievements. This is not arrogance, but recognizing and appreciating yourself. It also represents the possibility of further transformation for you. I hear the words "It has not ended yet." There is always so much more you can do to continue your beautiful growth and change. Enjoy it, love yourself for it and be proud of it.
If you're reading this information and feeling that you have nothing to be proud of, then perhaps it is a hint to find something new or to appreciate what you have around you and find that element of self-achievement that you need in your life. What is it that you're good at? Anything can be an achievement, you merely need to recognize it as one, but make sure it's something positive because the butterfly will be easily weight down by the weight of negativity.
Anyone who's ever tried to catch a butterfly with their bare hands knows it's no easy task. The visit of a butterfly who is out of reach could be an indication that you need to be like the butterfly and remain aloof, unreachable and untouchable.
Canary
- Delicate, sensitive, lover of spring, golden, beautiful call.
This beautiful, delicate creature celebrates warmth, sunshine and golden opportunities coming for you. It also represents delicacy so there may be a situation around you that requires some careful handling. I'm hearing the words "Be gentle." The canary may be representing the need for gentleness in dealing with a situation or person - I feel most likely a person - around you at the moment.
I also feel 'time' associated with the canary. It feels like something good is coming and it's almost here. The time for movement, action or good things is approaching. I feel that when it comes you should step lightly, lively and with joy just like the canary moving from branch to branch rather than in a heavy slow motion. The energy says "Be free, have fun" and the big word that keeps coming through is "Joy" so this is strongly associated with this lovely little creature.
Cat
- Independence, clever, Quick Recovery, Intelligence
The cat is an interesting creature. This animal represents somebody being underestimated. Be careful because the person you see who seems to be lazing about and relaxed like a cat really does have more going on behind that Cheshire smile. This is not necessarily a warning or negative message. It is simply saying not to misjudge another person or a situation around you. Give credit where it's due. This also has a feeling of 'cleverness' around it; the cleverness of a con artist or someone who will cleverly have you doing their work while they watch so be aware of that element.
On the positive side, the energy tells me that the cat represents intelligence. This creature rules its' own small domain and I'm told that it never relinquishes that rule. It only shares when it chooses to. I just heard "A great person to have on your team as long as you work with him and not try to rule him."
I also feel that the cat represents a person who can do well in their work, climbing the ladder of success, but he/she does it alone. The cat can work well in a team, but will always move away and return to it's own path so don't try to pin the cat down. Entice it, work with it and let it go its' own way and you'll get along fine.
I just saw and felt the word 'creativity'. The cat may represent creativity or the ability for creativity within a person. A very interesting creature.
Crocodile
- Dangerous, large, fast, aquatic, heavily bodied, do not hibernate.
The crocodile is much like its' cousin the alligator, but the crocodile represents maternal security and protectiveness. I'm hearing the word 'rebirth' so this animal's appearance can have something to do with beginning again or restarting something.
I'm told that things will be calm while you respect the crocodile but if you threaten it, it will react with violence, giving no quarter. The crocodile sees no difference between protecting itself and protecting its' children. It is equal in its' treatment and in its' punishment. I'm told the crocodile works very closely with nature. It is nature's friend and understands nature and her place within it. The croc could represent a feminine, especially maternal energy as well as a connection with nature.
I'm asking for more information in relation to family as I feel that the energy has a feel of family and I'm given the word 'rules' so this animal may represent authority within the family or specifically an issue to do with rules. It could be a feminine authority figure. It could also represent rules or authority in any group situation where closeness is experienced such as a class or group of peers. I'm told that when the wisdom of the crocodile is listened to, fairness will prevail.
Deer
- Graceful, shy, coat changes to match season, shed antlers and regrow them in time for mating, peace, sensitivity, gentleness.
The deer represents a person who will normally try to blend in with the crowd rather than stand out. It may be telling you that this is a necessary behaviour for you at the moment or it could be describing someone's behaviour. I do feel that this animal is connected to a person or people - usually singular. Situations requiring fight or flight responses are not comfort zones for the deer, but it will act quickly when necessary.
It feeds off the tender grasses so it is selective and careful. The person that the deer relates to would be somebody who would look after himself and his appearance. He may tend to go for the finer things in life, walk carefully, think carefully, speak carefully. I'm hearing "This situation calls for a careful approach." So thinking before acting feels like a good action in any situation you may be dealing with. It represents shying away from anything that is not clean or above board. I heard the word 'meticulous' so the person involved is meticulous or it may call for careful handling of a situation.
I'm told that this animal represents taking no risks. So there may be an indication that you should not take a risk or that a risk may be involved in something around you and you may need to step carefully like the deer. Even though the deer seems shy, quiet, humble and fussy, it is also a wonderful survivor so learn from this unassuming creature that sometimes the best path is the one of the deer - quiet, thorough and long lasting.
Dog
- Loyalty, Friendship, playful, domesticated, social, pack animals, intelligent, predator, good hearing, good sense of smell, popular.
The dog suckles its' young and will adopt the offspring of other animals so a feeling of friendship comes through with this animal. The word 'sharing' also comes through along with a feeling of embracing the world, embracing all people of all nations and beliefs. This animal seems to have a connection to things on a world wide scale.
While he can be a loyal, close and personal friend, his vision is not limited to himself and the life around him. This creature I'm told represents compassion. He is understanding and welcoming. He will not leave in a crisis. He is a helper and a healer.
He is all things to all people but I'm told that the dog represents all dogs and this is how he can be all things to all people. Rather than bending over backwards to change to suit each person he associates with, he understands that his brother may be able to suit a certain person or situation better than he can so he does not overextend himself, but calls upon a friend to help fulfil the requirements. In this way, being all things to all people means understanding that all things are achievable when you use the resources and people around you to help rather than feeling that you have to achieve it all yourself. Understanding that you are not alone, that you are not one, but a part of many helps to ease worries and frustrations with getting things done. It calls upon you to ask for assistance, help or healing from those around you and not just physical, but spiritual help as well from the guides and loved ones who watch over you.
Likewise, it could represent the need to contribute to others around you or in a different way to how you normally would.
I'm told that the dog communicates with spirit regularly.
He enjoys a good sense of humour so this animal may represent humour and a relaxed approach to issues while you use all that is available to you to get the job done. I'm also told that he's efficient too so this may have some significance for you.
Dolphin
- Social, live in pods or schools, intelligence, streamlined, playful, predators.
This creature represents happiness and the understanding of happiness. Balance in nature and all things is the secret of happiness and the dolphin understands this. It uses it's senses to gauge what is happening around it, moving swiftly away from danger or standing its' ground. It communicates openly and freely.
Because it enjoys balance the dolphin is in the unique position to judge situations around it with an unbiased and well rounded view. They would make wonderful judges so perhaps fair and balanced judgement is an element of your dolphin experience whether in yourself or another.
I'm told that dolphin likes everyone and is a friend to all who is a friend to it so as long as you're not threatening the dolphin, you're fine. Also, those who threaten the dolphin are 'deterred' rather than destroyed so this creature has a strong connection to life and is not associated with destruction.
The dolphin feels no fear. This is not because of bravery, but because it understands nature and its' surroundings explicitly and therefore there is no guesswork. This brings security and the dolphin has no need to fear. This suggests that knowledge, information, research and understanding are an aid to removing fear. I feel education associated with this animal. Learning, exploring and expanding are words that come to me.
The dolphin is a thing of beauty, moving freely in its' domain confidently, but always aware of possible dangers. This could be a message to you telling you to stay confident, but also alert. Great positivity comes with the dolphin.
Eagle
- Magnificent, large, bird of prey, slow breeders, nests on high mountain ledges.
According to Native American Indian legend, the eagle is a messenger to the creator. Because he flies so high, he is considered to be the leader of birds. If you are aware of this or it is part of your belief system, then the eagle could represent communication with the other side or god depending upon your personal views.
I hear a male saying "The grandfather soars above and sees all that is within his domain even without necessarily interacting with it." So this animal could represent a message about being aware of all that is happening, even without being personally involved.
He continues... "When he strikes, he strikes quickly and seems to come from nowhere. His prey does not see him coming. He is the proud grandfather who sits back and sees the wonder of life. He appreciates the intricate workings of growth and change in nature around him and he takes advantage of it when necessary, but still keeps his nest separate." So he will partake of life what he needs of it without interrupting it too much and will look after himself and his own. You may feel the strike of the Eagle quite strongly and not expect it when it happens so this could indicate ensuring that you treat those around you with respect or you could see a reaction from the direction you least expect it.
I feel the word 'protectiveness' rather than 'protection' come through here so the Eagle could represent a protective element that comes from a person or creature rather than a situation.
"Gliding in the heavens, we watch with awe as we could only hope to reach his great heights." I feel that he is saying that the Eagle may represent the wish to do well or to achieve a goal. It may also represent somebody that you see as an eagle - someone who you perceive as being above you in some way or doing better than you in something.
"He says little, but when he does, his cry is heard for many miles. He is announcing that he has arrived." I'm asking what the significance is of these words and I'm told that they are very important. This is the true spirit coming through in a person - the finding of oneself. This is a person who finally knows himself and is comfortable with who he is. He has great knowledge because he is connected in all ways and therefore has the inner sight of the person who can communicate with the other side as well as understanding himself. He can be of great help to you and when he offers to help, it is a wonderful moment and his help should be accepted. Should this represent yourself, it could mean that you have had an awakening or a connection to the other side or your guides. You now feel like you are fully yourself and chances are that you are physically, emotionally and spiritually connected or balanced and you feel it.
Only good things come from connecting and communicating with the Eagle. The feeling is sort of like a superhero arriving and announcing that he will save you, but rather than doing the saving, the eagle will wisely assist in showing you the direction you can head in, so you can save yourself. This is important because he wants you to find the 'connectedness' that he enjoys so that you too can experience his freedom and amazing clarity. This is indeed a very spiritual creature and I give my warmest thanks to the guide who helped.
Earthworm
- Very important to the ecosystem, turns waste into fertilizer, burrower, enhance water filtration, it has 10 hearts, hermaphrodite (both female and male organs).
I'm told that the earthworm is perhaps the most helpful and hard working of the earth's creatures. It is there when all organic matter breaks down and helps with the process. It also helps to fertilize and nourish the earth's bed for the new growth of plants so this creature could represent ending the old and starting anew.
A very close connection with the earth, this creature works silently and invisibly doing the greatest work. Let's face it, the work they do feeds every living creature alive through the food chain so this creature represents the greatest deeds a person can do. On the positive side, it could represent charity and giving to others. On the negative side, it could represent sacrifice or giving without rewards.
I feel as if I'm being told that the earth worm does not know anything of balance as it always works in one way, but through its' efforts, it helps to create balance as if order comes from disorder. This could represent somebody who seems to be selfish, but still manages to create wonderful things that give meaning to other people.
Finally, the earthworm represents the person who gives their all for a long time without expecting anything in return. It has great heart (10 of them actually) and it does not give in easily. It works constantly creating a better world. I'm being given the example of a woman who works with foster children her whole life, taking them in, loving them and letting them go.
Basically this animal represents great giving and even though the information seems to suggest sadness, it's not really sad. It says that as the earthworm takes from its' environment what it needs and works in a slow and steady pace to achieve great things, so can you. The person or situation that this animal describes is one who gets satisfaction and pleasure from it's efforts. It shows calmness, quietness and satisfaction.
Fox
- Escape artist, wily, solitary, adaptable, survivor, can confuse pursuers, scavenger, cleverness, discretion, cunning.
The energy suggests that this creature represents speed in action and thought. Quick thinking can save the day and quick action can help avoid disaster. I get the feeling that it's quick, but not filled with folly or spontaneous as if it is action combined with intelligence and a sense of 'knowing' what one is doing. This is very good
It has a light feel to it too. I'm being shown an image of a fox jumping around and looking back as if it outran someone or something and is happy about it. He's not gloating, but he's celebrating his success.
I feel that the fox will do what needs to be done. He won't stand out so much as to be a target, but he won't hide either as he knows how to appreciate his achievements. He looks after those around him and shares his success.
This animal could represent the need to be clever and use strategy to achieve what you need to. It has a feeling of 'celebration' so it could be telling you that it's okay to celebrate what you've achieved or perhaps even that a celebration is on the way. Remember that quickness and speed are keywords here along with clever, clear thought. It's a combination of the two that will lead to success.
Gecko
- Can go places that others cannot, harmless, can escape trouble by losing its tail which regenerates, surprisingly loud for its size.
This is such a cute little creature, but one that has managed to achieve great things. Geckos can originate from one country and within the space of 10 years be found in many other locations around the world suggesting the work of a quiet achiever. It also has the feel of networking - sending out your eyes and your ears to gather in information.
I feel that this little fellow may represent spontaneity. It is not afraid to take risks. It knows that it can recover from any situation that it faces. It is no threat to others.
The gecko can blend in, but not disappear and even if you can't see them, you can hear them by their very loud 'chirp' so this may suggest that someone or something nearby is having an impact. It would likely be something nearby that's commonplace and not necessarily noticeable, but still visible.
The Gecko can move on and up any smooth surface with ease. It could represent the ability to tackle any problem with ease. The gecko female is parthenogenic meaning that it can reproduce without a male so it could also represent versatility and the ability to work alone without need of assistance from others.
Horse
- Freedom, strength, movement, pack animal,
This proud creature has allowed itself to become domesticated, but never ruled. Words that are coming through for the horse are "cooperation" and "strength of will and purpose". Personal strength is another thing that comes through to me with this animal and I'm told that he also represents a 'magnetic personality'.
A female guide comes through to say: "If one could see through the eyes of a horse, one would be looking through a window of kindness, forgiveness and understanding. In his wisdom, he tolerates us and in sympathy, he helps us."
When asking how the horse represents people and situations, I'm told that he represents "strength of purpose" so sticking to your goals and knowing that as long as your purpose is pure and good, you will ultimately prevail.
I'm now shown a horse changing direction so this is a reminder that changing direction is not moving away from where you are headed, but a correction that will ultimately lead to success so you must be prepared to change course sometimes in order to achieve what you need to. I'm told that this also includes changing your mind or thought patterns. "Change will lead you to destiny". I'm told that life changes should be viewed in a positive light where you welcome any new assistance or changes rather than viewing them in a negative way.
It is also a reminder that any path can lead to success even if you seem to be going around in circles. A horse could be ridden from one place to another and back again. At first it seems like nothing has been achieved and he's just returning to where he started and yet he still continues on his steady path and gives his service when needed again. Our understanding of the situation changes when we are told that the rider went to find a doctor to help a sick child. The limited view of a horse with blinkers does not mean that nothing is achieved, it simply means that there may be elements you don't see, keeping you unaware of what is being achieved so take the blinkers off and look again with fresh eyes at aspects previously unexplored.
Ibex
- Wild, lives at very high altitudes, agile, surefooted, heavy thick coat, horns, challenge.
This is a wild spirit who dares anyone to try and keep up with him. He does what he says he will do. He can claim to reach heights and prove it. He's challenging and proud, but also friendly and sociable. He rarely makes a mistake, but when he does, he will get up and keep moving.
This could represent a warm and friendly person who achieves a lot or it could be an indication that you need to just 'get on with it'. It could also be a hint to aim high. I get the feeling of freshness - fresh air and I'm told that this is related to ideas so that's new ideas or fresh ideas. I feel that he may be strongly related to work in terms of achievements and success, but in more personal issues, he could also be representing friendliness or someone who is a good example or role model.
Otter
- Beautiful, charming, inquisitive, playful, love water, grace, flexibility, need lots of food for high metabolism.
The otter is the essence of fun and ingenuity. This gorgeous creature loves to slide down mud and snow banks and interacts happily with it's friends. Seeing an otter could indicate the need for more fun in your life or something to do with play.
He's very creative and can find a way to get to the most difficult food cleverly using tools to do so. He may represent finding a solution to a puzzling problem.
Salmon
- Determined, stay on course, self sacrificing, navigation, keen sense of smell, the young change to suit their environment as they grow. Salmon is generally one of the least tainted by methyl mercury of all fish.
The salmon in a vision or message could symbolise someone who should return to their past, settle down or return home.
This amazing creature goes to the ocean and amid all the dangers and trials it faces, it still returns home to reproduce. This suggests great success against all odds. It may represent a fight to succeed/achieve your goals. Determination and persistence are key words associated with the salmon. Tradition may also be an element of the Salmon.
Whale
- Huge, peaceful, conscious breathers, survival.
These big earth brothers have no real natural enemy other than man. It's sad to know that even though we are aware of this, their numbers dwindle rapidly each year. Yet they continue on their yearly journeys reproducing and living their peaceful lives.
The energy coming to me from the whale is almost a dreamy, floaty energy with a lovely flowing feeling. They are greatly loved by those who do not hunt them and are a natural wonder to us when we see them or come near them. They represent the beauty and fluid movement of nature - slow, steady, gentle and still powerful, forever continuing on its' course.
Their communication is legendary and hauntingly beautiful. If whale song is a major part of your vision or message, then it seems likely that communication is an area that you need to be aware of or to act on.
Although whales do not reproduce often, their devotion and time spent with their young ensures a good survival rate. A whale could suggest warmth, comfort and devotion. I doubt that anyone who spent time watching and listening to these large creatures could not admire them and wish them a long life. Physically, the whale could suggest someone who is a big person with a gentle personality or even a big presence, but with great understanding and patience.
Wolf
- Fidelity, love, family, communication, teaching skill, loyalty, cooperation
The wolf is a keystone species meaning that the ecosystem is so dependant upon them, that the extinction of such a species will have sudden damaging and dramatic effects on the ecosystem. It is possible that the wolf appearing in a vision or message could be telling you that you, somebody else or an issue is centrally very important in some way. As family is very important to the wolf, it may refer to the central figure of a family.
This amazing creature is found in many different habitats suggesting a possible reference to versatility and good survival skills. Like humans, wolves tend to move away from the family and set up a pack of their own possibly indicating independence and the ability to achieve a decent lifestyle by oneself.
Wolves remain bonded with a mate until one of them dies. This aspect of the creature could refer to fidelity, loyalty, love, strength in a relationship or the need for these things.
I feel that the wolf to a large degree will represent family and family matters. Those situations and people whom you hold close and love such as good friends etc. may be included in this group. The raising and caring of the young is a major part of the wolf pack responsibilities. This is an important thing to remember should your wolf appear to you with cubs.
It is familiar in that it resembles the familiar and friendly domestic dog, but it still has that element of wildness and the wolf commands respect simply from its' way of life. These could be important elements in your message or vision if you associate them with the wolf. There is intelligence behind those eyes and they are wonderful teachers to their young so your message could be related to intelligence, learning or teaching.
Affection and communication are also strong elements of the wolf. He understands that playfulness, nuzzling, close contact and communication are key elements of a good relationship. Often the wolf is also a guide leading you to something important so watch for the signs.
We would love to hear about your animal spirit experiences. Why don't you share them by writing them down for an article or by discussing them in the forum? They're always so interesting and full of meaning.