In general, Shamanic practices include animals more often than Witchcraft. However, as the Craft has blended and evolved over time, many Witches have incorporated animals into their practices in the form of Familiars, Spirit Guides, or Animal Totems. One often connects with Spirit Animals through meditation.
Even if you do not choose to actively incorporate animals into your practice, their representation may be present. Have you noticed a certain animal crossing your path often (in books or in television)? Refer to the animal correspondences to learn what that presence may indicate for you.
Note: All birds are considered messengers from the divinities.
Badger:
– tenacity and courage
– teaches perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity
– a powerful protector of both material possessions and ideals held close to your heart
Bat:
– a messenger
– may bring a message from either the otherworld or your subconscious
Bear:
– Strength and stamina
Bee:
– symbolizes industriousness, hardworking and very family/clan oriented
Boar:
– a sacred animal
– is both cunning and ferocious
Bull:
– strength and potency
– a symbol of mobile power
Butterfly:
– if seen while vision questing, no negative energy will be in the immediate area
Cat:
– a strong protector in confrontational situations
– a prowling animal, the cat is also a strong guardian of inner powers
Crane:
– the bird of the Moon, magick, shamanic travel, secrets, and reaching deep mysteries
– represents the logical mind as well as patience while healing occurs
Crow:
– a symbol of conflict, war, and death
– its skill is wisdom with trickery
– also a protector of sacred records
Deer or Stag:
– the white Stag is a messenger from the otherworld
– following the animal often leads to a quest through the Otherworld
– represents grace, swiftness, and gentleness
Dog:
– Underworld hounds are white with red ears, they hunt and punish the guilty
– they represent tracking skills and companionship as well as loving protection
Dolphin:
– represents harmony, balance, and traveling from rough to smooth waters
Dragon (lizards):
– wealth, raw powers of nature, the treasures of the unconscious mind
Eagle:
– wisdom and long life, keen sight, knowledge of magick, and swiftness
– a strong ally when traveling into new territory
Eel:
– adaptability, wisdom, inspiration, and defense
Fox:
– cunning, slyness, Perceptive
– makes fools of those who chase it.
Frog:
– shamanism, magick, illusion with something wonderful hidden inside
Hawk:
– clear-sightedness
– teaches how to receive and interpret inner and outer signals
Heron:
– of the Moon and magick, shamanic travel, secrets, the logical mind
– through the heron one can find magick in nature
Horse:
– stamina, endurance, and faithfulness
– a faithful guide to the otherworlds
Magpie:
– Omens and prophecies
Mouse:
– secrets, cunning, shyness, the ability to hide
– if you see a mouse in a vision quest–pay attention to the details
Otter:
– enjoying life, recovering from a crisis, faithfulness, friendliness, and being helpful to others
provides valuable assistance in the otherworlds
Owl:
– teaches us to silently observe life, and gather information to gain understanding
Raven:
– the battle cry of an upcoming life crisis
– a powerful protector if one can gain its favor
Snakes:
– wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning
– if you see a snake while vision questing, be prepared for the power of transformation to enter your life
– represents the life-death-rebirth cycle
Swan:
– Helps to interpret dream symbols, smoothes transitions and spiritual evolution
Tiger:
– Passion, power, devotion, and sensuality
Vulture:
– Purification; Death and Rebirth, New Vision
Wren:
– wren’s song was used in divination
– the power of strengthening and cleansing.
