They are symbolic representations of our character and personality, and when life gets confusing, our spirit animals act as guides that are there to help influence our lives in a positive way. RELATED: Spiritual Animal List & The Symbolic Meaning Of Power Animals Spirit animals are spiritual guides that take the form of animals or other creatures. They are just as important as totem animals, which also guide us and help unveil the meaning of one’s true self, as well as some teaching valuable lessons like death and rebirth. The term spirit animal comes from the ancient concept of animal guides. The term was mainly used by Native Americans and other Indigenous religions and cultures, and adopted in the 1990s by the Pagan and Wiccan spirituality. Not all indigenous people believe in spirit animals, however, and each tribe’s practice is unique and sacred, with rituals and traditions for assigning a spirit animal. Spirit animals are also a form of a spirit guide said to be with you since birth. Other spirit guides include archangels, guardian angels, ascended masters, departed loved ones, and helper angels.
What is the significance of a relationship with a spirit animal?
The animal itself may differ, but relationships with animals are powerful and influential. The relationship you have with your spirit animal should not be taken lightly because it involves matters of the heart. This is not meant for entertainment value — it is a tribute to our personal journey in life, and a way for us to better understand the lessons we go through, both good and bad.
What are the zodiac signs’ spirit animals?
Certain zodiac signs are considered archetypal spirit animals of sorts. In terms of signs of the Zodiac, all Sun signs, with the exception of Libra (the Scales) and Virgo (the Maiden), represent a type of animal that provides some form of insight into a person’s personality and purpose here on earth through spiritual energy. Depending on your zodiac sign, you have a spirit animal that depicts the kind of person you are, as well as what you should always strive for in life. RELATED: 6 Signs A Spirit Is Trying To Warn You
Your Spirit Animal, According To Your Zodiac Sign
Aries Spirit Animal: Cheetah
Photo: Anna Om / Shutterstock Like the cheetah, you’re full of energy that demands to be let free not pent-up or tamed. Being able to embrace your ferocity and speed is what makes you inimitably you. Born under the Aries sign, you embody the cheetah in your hyper-focus. When you lock eyes onto your prey — or a goal you’re determined to achieve, in your case — you don’t let up until you get what you want. You’re a force to be reckoned with, and people listen when you speak. RELATED: 5 Zodiac Signs That Are Aries Soulmates
Taurus Spirit Animal: Bear
Photo: Marek Stuchly / Shutterstock The bear symbolizes strength and stability, which are two very valued traits in your life. In everything you do, Taurus, you always try to put up a strong foundation, as well as stand up for what you believe in. The bear is also a symbol of protection. Not only can that be seen in the lengths you go to create a stability, but also when it comes to protecting the people you care about most, you’re like a mama bear with her cubs. RELATED: Why Are Taurus So Difficult To Understand?
Gemini Spirit Animal: Dolphin
Photo: FineShine / Shutterstock Underneath all of that playfulness and curiosity of yours, Gemini, you’re one of the most intelligent zodiac signs, just like the dolphin is one of the most intelligent animals. You both share a need to learn more and explore the world, and you’re great listeners. In addition to that, you’re curious and lively like a dolphin. Dolphins are playful and fun-loving creatures, and often do things just for the thrill of it. Like the dolphin, you’re all about creating memorable experiences in your life, not just living by a set of rules. RELATED: The Best & Worst Personality Traits Of The Gemini Zodiac Sign
Cancer Spirit Animal: Rabbit
Photo: Eric Isselee / Shutterstock Similar to a rabbit, you can be timid and shy at times, Cancer, but you can also be clever and creative. The rabbit teaches us to not let our fears overwhelm us, which is something you try to live by every day. Like the rabbit, you’re a very complex creature. There’s more than one side to your personality, which all mesh together to create a one-of-a-kind person with a big heart. You may feel defenseless and overwhelmed at times, but you know how to think outside of the box and are stronger than you look. RELATED: 5 Things That Make Cancer Women Completely And Utterly Irresistible
Leo Spirit Animal: Dragon
Photo: PeartVision / Shutterstock Like the dragon, Leo is the one whose sheer presence can make an impact on the people around you, no words needed. You’re powerful and courageous as a Fire sign, always willing to fight for what’s most important to you. Leos are considered natural-born leaders and dragons represent leaders who are masterful creatures, which are two things you always strive to be in your career and personal life. Like the dragon, you’re also noble and majestic, always looking for ways to show off your power and prove yourself. RELATED: 10 Stereotypes About The Leo Zodiac Sign That Are 100% Wrong
Virgo Spirit Animal: Fox
Photo: AngelaLouwe / Shutterstock Foxes may be small, but what they lack in physical form, they make up for ten-fold in their mental agility. Myth and fables always portray foxes as sly and devious, but, in reality, foxes are quick and very smart. Not only do you share vast mental intelligence, Virgo, but you’re also adaptable, as you have a sense of home to your surroundings. You’re able to get comfortable and find your fit in a new, and sometimes tricky, situation pretty quickly. You’re very analytical and cunning, two traits that can lead to infinite intelligence and wisdom. RELATED: 4 Best Romantic Matches For Virgo (And The Zodiac Signs Who Don’t Stand A Chance)
Libra Spirit Animal: Swan
Photo: Dima Zel / Shutterstock What spirit animal is Libra? Without even knowing anything about a swan, you can tell just how elegant and gentle it is just by looking at it. Libra, you have unmatched beauty and softness, inside and out. Finding balance and ease in troubled waters in life is very important to you. Even when surrounded by other people, you’re comfortable and happy. You have originality that others can’t copy or imitate, and you believe in the value of inner spirituality. Like the swan, you’re graceful, peaceful, and pure. RELATED: What Libras Are Like In Relationships
Scorpio Spirit Animal: Phoenix
Photo: TheDinar_art / Shutterstock The phoenix represents your personality, which is two-fold, Scorpio. There’s the outer personality you may use as a way to protect yourself from danger, heartbreak, or addictive traits, but underneath that part of you there’s a softer, gentler side that is open and vulnerable. In order to embrace that vulnerable side, you must first go through an important transformation. This is a turning point in your life that takes you down a path you might not have expected before. Like the phoenix, you’re a symbol of growth, renewal, and inner strength. RELATED: The Best & Worst Personality Traits Of The Scorpio Zodiac Sign
Sagittarius Spirit Animal: Cat
Photo: Eric Isselee / Shuttertock Like the cat, you aren’t one to be tied down or told what to do, Sagittarius. You prefer to march to the beat of your own drum and not change who you are for anyone or anything. You and a cat have very similar traits. You’re both fiercely independent, curious, and free. There is a good chance you’re off experiencing everything the world has to offer, or enjoying your freedom and alone time. Like cats, you refuse to answer to anyone but yourself. RELATED: The Pros And Cons Of Falling In Love With A Sagittarius
Capricorn Spirit Animal: Alligator
Photo: Robert Eastman / Shutterstock Like the alligator, you have a sort of primal energy when it comes to latching onto your “prey” — in other words, Capricorn, once you sink your teeth into something, nothing can shake your determination to get what you want. Like this creature, you can also be patient and assertive. You will bide your time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to snap, before opening up your jaws and taking everyone by surprise at your strength and agility. You do look fierce, but you can still surprise people who are unsuspecting of your abilities. RELATED: 5 Reasons Why A Capricorn Zodiac Sign Is The Best Friend You’ll Ever Have
Aquarius Spirit Animal: Spider
Photo: popox / Shutterstock Aquarius is known as the Water Bearer, and spiders are adapted for life around or even on water. Spiders represent patience, creativity, territory, and dark versus light. Like this animal, you spend a lot of your time creating something beautiful, which, in turn, can lend itself to your independent and aloof character. Sometimes, you prefer to be alone, working on what makes you happy. Just like there are friendly spiders, there are also very territorial spiders. You embrace both the positive and negative sides of yourself, in everything you do. Your complex nature makes it hard for just anyone to understand who you are, which is why some people fear you (like they fear spiders). RELATED: 6 Zodiac Signs That Are Aquarius Soulmates
Pisces Spirit Animal: Deer
Photo: Tom Reichner / Shutterstock Like the deer, you’re a very compassionate, calm, and open creature, Pisces. One of the main things you value in life is being able to find your tribe and surround yourself with like-minded people. You’re also sensitive and shy like deer. You don’t respond well to people or opinions that are harsh, offensive, or vulgar. People close with you know to approach you quietly and calmly to get you to open up to them. You and the deer are soft, gentle creatures that prefer the finer, sweeter things in life. RELATED: What Makes Pisces The Most Beautiful Zodiac Sign In The World Emily Ratay is a full-time writer living in Pittsburgh. She’s passionate about the environment and feminism, and knows that anything is possible in the right pair of shoes.
