What’s your spirit animal - and what is it trying to teach you?

Have you ever felt deeply connected to a certain animal, as if its presence or image carries a message meant just for you? That feeling might be your spirit animal calling.

Spirit animals, sometimes known as totems or guides, are powerful symbols in many indigenous and spiritual traditions around the world. They often appear to us through dreams, synchronicities in nature, or even during life’s turning points. They remind us who we are, what we’re here for, and how we can navigate the unseen paths ahead.

My spirit animal is the red-tailed hawk. Whenever I see one soaring high in the sky or perched with that fierce, steady gaze, something stirs in me. The hawk is a messenger, a seer from above. It calls on us to rise above the noise, to see from a higher vantage point, and to trust our instincts when clarity is elusive. Red-tailed hawks are known for their keen vision and courageous flight - they don’t shy away from the wind. I’ve come to realize that, like the hawk, part of my path is to speak truth, even when it cuts through illusion. To stay attuned. To listen not just with ears, but with spirit.

A friend of mine, a US military veteran, has the great horned owl as his spirit animal. It’s easy to see why. Owls are fierce guardians of the night. They navigate darkness with quiet precision, perceiving what others can’t. The great horned owl in particular is a symbol of strength, protection, and deep inner knowing. For my friend, who has walked through real shadow - both on the battlefield and within - this spirit offers both refuge and resilience. The owl reminds him that wisdom is forged through silence and survival, and that true power lies in presence, not noise.

Spirit animals offer us ancient wisdom for our modern lives. You don’t need a textbook to discover your spirit animal. You just need to pay attention. Which animals show up when you're struggling? What creature do you keep dreaming of or seeing in unusual places? What animal traits do you most admire -or fear?

The more we attune to these quiet messages from the natural world, the more grounded and guided we become. Whether your guide walks, swims, slithers, or soars -trust that it’s with you for a reason.

If you know your spirit animal -or you’re just starting to uncover it - I’d be honored to bring it to life for you. I offer original watercolor portraits and textile spirit animal collages, created with intention, symbolism, and soulful detail. Each piece is a celebration of the bond between you and your guide - an heirloom reminder of your path and power.

What’s your spirit animal - and what is it trying to teach you?