The Many Benefits of Having a Power Animal

Power animal is another term for a spirit helper in animal form. Each of us has at least one and, more commonly, numerous power animals and those animals can change over time. They come to us because they have a lesson we need to learn or a power or skill they are willing to share, such as fearlessness, strength, gentleness, understanding and patience.

Several of my own power animals have been with me for several years and I have experienced firsthand and observed with fascination how spirit helpers can enter our lives when we most need their unique expression of power and then leave, typically because the relationship has served its purpose and another animal is or will be entering your life.

Consider the cougar, for instance. A powerful, agile and unhesitating animal, it shares lessons on how to be a balanced leader who doesn’t rush into the attack but doesn’t lurk in the brush either. The cougar can help you decide how best to use your personal powers, particularly when defending yourself from aggressors.

If you’re going through a period of transformation, meanwhile, a butterfly may enter your life. Butterflies represent joy, freedom, creativity and change. Take a look at what’s going on in your life and consider if it’s time to make some changes. If you’re already in the midst of a transformation, this power animal will give you the strength to gracefully navigate your transition.

A power animal can be a mammal, bird, reptile or even a mythical creature, such as a unicorn or dragon. Your power animal isn’t just a single animal, but the entire species. If your power animal is a hawk, for example, it will represent all hawks.

You can let your power animal come to you when it thinks the time is right – perhaps through a vision or dream – or you can ask it to show itself to you through meditation. Some people have direct encounters with their power animals in nature. As a Shamanic Practitioner, I can do a power animal retrieval for you and help you learn about and connect with your power animals.

You may love a particular animal or would like to have a certain animal on your team, but don’t be disappointed if an entirely different animal shows up. Remember, power animals come to us and we need to trust their ability to share important lessons and wisdom with us. Many people have had longstanding relationships with power animals without even knowing it and upon learning about one of their animal spirit helpers, immediately recognize an existing relationship.

Just as our ancestors watched animals and their traits, abilities and habits very carefully and learned to respect them, Shamanic Practitioners around the world have relied on the guidance and wisdom of spirit animals for centuries.

Our power animals are valuable allies and can be exceptional teachers if we’re receptive to what they have to share with us. Be open to feel and experience the presence of the spirit animal who has chosen to guide, support and teach you.  Identifying your spirit animal is just the beginning. I encourage you to study their life, habitat and characteristics to better understand how they can help you. Find a picture of your power animal and mediate on it.

Truly connecting with your power animal can help you learn more about your authentic self and life purpose and how you can overcome challenges and bring more meaning to your life. I look forward to helping you identify and get to know your power animal! 

~ The Wired Shaman