SPIRIT ANIMALS in the
​NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
Also known as a spirit ally or animal guide, a spirit animal is characterized as a teacher or messenger that comes in the form of an animal. Native American spirit animals hold a sacred place in tribal culture. 
Within any tribe, spirituality can take many forms but often emphasizes spiritual connection with the world around you. The spirit animal enhances this connection by teaching us different lessons about ourselves and our environment.
Traditionally, it is believed that we do not choose our own spirit animal; the spirit animal chooses us. Creating a bond allows the spirit animal to offer healing or “medicine” in the form of guidance, protection, power, or wisdom.
​We are not limited to one spirit animal in a lifetime; we can have multiple spirit animals come in and out of our lives, each providing us with unique knowledge.
​FINDING YOUR GUIDE ANIMAL
  • Have you ever felt drawn to a certain animal or have a favorite animal?
  • Why do you like certain animals or what qualities you admire in a certain animal?
  • What is your personality? What are your strengths?
  • Is there an animal whose character you wish you have, or you can relate to?
Some Examples:
  • Cat – Playful and Independent
  • Turtle – Wise and Truthful
  • Lion – Strong and Bold
  • Monkey – Fun and Curious
  • Peacock – Pretty and Particular
  • Horse – Quick and Passionate
  • Eagle – Honest and Powerful
  • Dog – Loyal and Happy
  • Goat – Kind and resilient
  • Dolphin – Intelligent and Spirited
  • Shark – Solitary and Deadly
GUIDE ANIMAL ASSIGNMENTS
1. Find your animal
If a particular animal comes to mind when answering these questions, this animal might be trying to tell you something. Your character guide animal should become clearer as you consider the characters of what makes you who you are and what you want to become… so let your spirit animal choose you.
Animals and Meanings 1 | Animals and Meanings 2 
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2. Sketches : Create at least two or three sketches of your chosen animal. Choose one to transfer to the wood slice.
2. Final Assignment: On your wood slice, create a final illustration of your spirit animal on one side. On the other side, write One, Two, or Three descriptive words about your animal.