# Symbolism Directory - Spiritual Meaning of Animals **URL:** \ **Category:** Witchy Wisdom\ **Tags:** animals\ **Created:** [August 21, 2025, 12:24pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650 "2025-08-21T12:24:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 12:24pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/1 "2025-08-21T12:24:51Z")
Merry meet, Want to learn the spiritual meaning of an animal? Whether you spot an animal in your tea leaf or candle wax readings or suspect an animal visitor may be a sign from a deity, it can be helpful to look up potential meanings. This animal symbolism dictionary created by the coven aims to provide a quick overview of common meanings of animals. Feel free to use it to help examine signs or guide your divination readings. * * * ## **ANIMAL SPIRITUAL MEANINGS - INFINITE ROOTS COVEN** \*_Note that animals may have different or even contradictory meanings in different traditions or cultures. It is recommended to also consider your intuition and personal beliefs when making interpretations_ > **Bat** - Intuition, transformation, unseen realms > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Bear** - Endurance, strength, hibernation, patience > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Boar** - Aggression, being rash, strength > **Bull** - Steadiness, stability, endurance, determination > _See also: [Taurus season](https://forum.spells8.com/t/here-comes-taurus-season/37152)_ > **Cat** - Patience, multiple chances, aloofness, curiosity > _Associated deities: [Bast](https://spells8.com/lessons/bast-cat-goddess-symbols/), [Freyja](https://spells8.com/lessons/freyja-goddess-worship/)_ > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Crow** - Life and death, transformation > _See also: [Corvidomancy or Crow Meanings](https://forum.spells8.com/t/corvidomancy-or-crow-meanings-what-does-it-mean-to-see-a-single-crow/50856)_ > **Deer** - Cycles, hunting, grace, gentleness, royalty > _Associated deities:_ [The Horned God](https://spells8.com/lessons/the-horned-god-symbols/), [Cernunnos](https://spells8.com/cernunnos-prayer/), [Artemis](https://spells8.com/lessons/artemis-goddess-symbols/) > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Dog** - Loyalty, trust, dependence, companionship, devotion > _Associated deities: [Hekate](https://spells8.com/lessons/hecate-goddess-symbols/), [Hades](https://spells8.com/lessons/hades-greek-god/), [Artemis](https://spells8.com/lessons/artemis-goddess-symbols/)_ > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Dolphin** - Connection, communication, playfulness > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Eagle** - Grace, strength, independence, majesty, strength, awe > _Associated deities: [Zeus](https://spells8.com/lessons/zeus-the-greek-god-of-thunder/)_ > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Elephant** - Kindness, humility, empathy, strength, wisdom > _Associated deities: Ganesh_ > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Falcon** - Focus, vision, perception > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Fox** - Cunning, trickery, divine messengers, adaptability, resourcefulness > _Associated deities: Loki, Inari_ > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Frog** - Transformation, water, metamorphisis > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Giraffe** - Vision, patience, majesty > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Hawk** - Vision, perception, purpose, decisive action > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Hedgehog** - Grounding, introspection, rythms > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Horse** - Freedom, power, community, healing, independence, loyalty, friendship > _Associated deities: Epona, Rhiannon, Macha, Poseidon, Odin_ > _See also: [Goddess Rhiannon](https://spells8.com/lessons/rhiannon-goddess-symbols/), [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Jaguar** - Fearlessness, navigating shadows, strength > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Leopard** - Grace, agility, independence > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Lion** - Courage, leadership, self-expression > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Lizard** - Resilience, determination, observe, survival in harsh conditions > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Monkey** - Flexibility, perseverance, playfulness, community, curiosity > _Associated deities: Sun Wukong_ > **Mouse** - Stealth, silence, family, humility > _See also: [Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1)_ > **Owl** - Wisdom, death, change > _Associated deities:_ [Athena](https://spells8.com/lessons/athenas-symbols-wisdom-goddess/) > _See also: [Owl Omens](https://spells8.com/owl-omens-is-seeing-an-owl-good-luck/), [Bird Omens](https://spells8.com/birds-messages-meanings-explained/), [Seeing a White Bird at Night](https://spells8.com/seeing-a-white-bird-at-night/)_ > **Peacock** - Protection, pride, flamboyance, royalty > _Associated deities: [Hera](https://spells8.com/lessons/goddess-hera-queen-of-the-gods-symbols/)_ > **Rabbit** - Haste, courage, fertility, spring > **Ram** - Aggressive, determined, stubborn, acting rash, fast movement > _See also: [Aries season](https://forum.spells8.com/t/here-comes-aries-season/36066)_ > **Rat** - Illness, infestation, infiltration, cunning > **Raven** - Life and death, cycles, divine wisdom > _Associated deities: [Hekate](https://spells8.com/lessons/hecate-goddess-symbols/), [Odin](https://spells8.com/lessons/odins-symbols-norse-god/)_ > **Sheep** - Docile, domestic, peaceful, group mindset, naivety > **Snake** - Change, cycles, stealth > _Associated deities: Loki, [Cernunnos](https://spells8.com/cernunnos-prayer/)_ > **Swan** - Grace, elegance, ferocity > **Wolf** - The wild, survival, packs and community > _See also: [Wolf - Inner Guidance](https://forum.spells8.com/t/wolf-inner-guidance-and-intuition/62058)_ > _Associated deities: [She-Wolf Goddesses](https://spells8.com/9-wolf-goddesses-unleash-power-she-wolves/)_ * * * * * * **Additional Resources:** Didn’t find the animal you were looking for above? Feel free to check these other guides: - [Exploring Spirit Animals by Cosmic\_Curiosity](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380/1) - [Animal Guides Reference (Source Unknown)](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/12) * * * * * * Please note this directory is a work in progress. If you know a common meaning for an animal and would like to add it, feel free to share them in the comments below. Blessed be! ---
**Author:** ![Amethyst](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/amethyst/32/1750_2.png) [@Amethyst](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Amethyst)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2025, 11:41pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/2 "2025-08-21T23:41:15Z")
This is great! I look forward to seeing stuff being added to it! ---
**Author:** ![georgia](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/georgia/32/36283_2.png) [@georgia](https://forum.spells8.com/u/georgia)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 3:51am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/3 "2025-08-22T03:51:03Z")
Cernunnos is associated with the snake and the deer. Wasn’t Zeus an eagle? Grace, strength. Hera was a peacock because of honoring the memory of her thousand eyed protector. Thus the peacock is protection as well as pride (nature note: I have seen a peacock display his feathers as an intimidation to protect his hen and chicks. When he realized I wouldn’t harm them, he put his feathers down until more strangers arrived, and then he protected me, too). Dragonfly was known for curiosity and illusion by some Native American tribes, according to Jamie Sams From the same book and card set, deer was gentleness, rabbit was facing fear… Trying to remember more… Brilliant idea, @BryWisteria. Thank you. When we get it more filled out, maybe @Francisco can make a course out of it? > [@Wolf - Inner guidance and Intuition](https://forum.spells8.com/t/wolf-inner-guidance-and-intuition/62058): > > Wolf – Inner Guidance and Intuition Symbolism: The wolf represents instinct, loyalty, freedom, and the strength of community. It also connects deeply with personal intuition, self-discovery, and trusting one’s inner voice. Guidance in Meditation: The wolf encourages you to trust your inner wisdom and instincts. It helps you build confidence in your ability to navigate life’s challenges, whether you are walking alone or relying on your pack (community). Find a comfortable spot where you won’t … ---
**Author:** ![anon59397935](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/5f8ce5/32.png) [@anon59397935](https://forum.spells8.com/u/anon59397935)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 10:59am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/4 "2025-08-22T10:59:29Z")
Love this! ---
**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 11:48am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/5 "2025-08-22T11:48:15Z")
@Amethyst and @anon59397935 - Yay! I’m happy you both like the directory 🥰 I hope it can be useful for you! @georgia These are wonderful associations! Thank you so much, Georgia, I’ve added most of them in. About the dragonfly, because this list has the potential to get very long very quickly, I’m going to stick to just animals for now. We can potentially open up an additional insect directory in the future if there’s a demand for it. I’ll save the dragonfly notes for then! Thanks again 🙏 ❤ ---
**Author:** ![tanya](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@tanya](https://forum.spells8.com/u/tanya)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 9:19pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/6 "2025-08-22T21:19:20Z")
@BryWisteria I’d like to add a couple to the list, if I may?? I’m not actually sure I even know how to add to the list!! Lol . Help?? 🧐 ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 9:21pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/7 "2025-08-22T21:21:28Z")
> [@tanya](#): > > Help?? 🧐 The post itself isn’t editable by everyone right now, but feel free to drop your additions here in a comment and one of us mods will get it added for you 😊 ---
**Author:** ![tanya](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/35a633/32.png) [@tanya](https://forum.spells8.com/u/tanya)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/8 "2025-08-22T21:38:12Z")
Oh that would be great!! I just thought they’d go along with the rest of them nicely. Butterfly - Transformation, Rebirth, Personal Growth, Self discovery, Change and Evolve Associated deities: Psyche Horse - Freedom, Power, Community, Healing, Independence, Loyalty, Friendship Associated deities: Epona, Poseidon, Oden ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2025, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/9 "2025-08-23T15:15:20Z")
Of course! I think Bry was potentially making a different thread for insects, but I can get the entry for Horse added! 🐎 :pink_heart: ---
**Author:** ![Cosmic\_Curiosity](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/cosmic_curiosity/32/32009_2.png) [@Cosmic\_Curiosity](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Cosmic_Curiosity)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2025, 8:01pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/10 "2025-08-23T20:01:33Z")
> [@Exploring Spirit Animals](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-spirit-animals/54380): > > Recently, I have become drawn to the idea of spirit animals. It was after my close encounter experience in Mexico with a beautiful green sea turtle that I began to consider the signs that our animal friends may be communicating to us, even subtly. play_button What is a Spirit Animal?play_button How do you Discover your spirit animal?play_button How do you get to know your spirt animal?play_button What do different spirit animals represent? I hope you find this both useful and interesting. blessed be Alan Just wanted to post a link back to this that I posted a while back as things can get lost in the forum ---
**Author:** ![MeganB](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/meganb/32/42726_2.png) [@MeganB](https://forum.spells8.com/u/MeganB)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2025, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/11 "2025-08-23T23:42:14Z")
Oh, perfect, @Cosmic_Curiosity 👏 :pink_heart: Thank you for adding it! I’m not sure how @BryWisteria would want it formatted in the post, so I’ll leave it for her to add 😊 ---
**Author:** ![Rayven](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/rayven/32/67243_2.png) [@Rayven](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Rayven)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2025, 4:10am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/12 "2025-08-25T04:10:17Z")
I can’t remember where I found this but was a while ago and I found this extremely helpful [Animal Guides.pdf](https://forum.spells8.com/uploads/short-url/kjIkfHTC3tFKBWoWrvnn2yohuZW.pdf) (2.2 MB) ---
**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2025, 11:57am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/13 "2025-08-25T11:57:03Z")
@tanya Thank you so much for your additions! 🙏 ❤ @Cosmic_Curiosity That’s a treasure trove of animal meanings! Apologies I forgot about that resource, Alan - it’s a fantastic one. If it’s okay with you, I’d love to borrow some of your notes there to add to this directory (along with links to read the full blurbs in your original post, of course) 😀 @Rayven That looks like another handy directory! Since it’s so long, rather than try to add them all one by one, I’ll add it as an additional resource folks can reference. Thank you for sharing, Rayven! 🙏 ---
**Author:** ![Cosmic\_Curiosity](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/cosmic_curiosity/32/32009_2.png) [@Cosmic\_Curiosity](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Cosmic_Curiosity)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2025, 5:15am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/15 "2025-08-26T05:15:33Z")
> [@BryWisteria](#): > > If it’s okay with you, I’d love to borrow some of your notes there to add to this directory Of course. Feel free to use it in any way you wish 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BryWisteria](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/brywisteria/32/1632_2.png) [@BryWisteria](https://forum.spells8.com/u/BryWisteria)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2025, 11:25am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/symbolism-directory-spiritual-meaning-of-animals/63650/16 "2025-08-26T11:25:14Z")
Thank you very much, @Cosmic_Curiosity! ❤ I’m in the process of adding the notes and links now 😊 📚👍