:ghost_cat: Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Spirit Animals

[BryWisteria]

Merry meet!

Thank you once again to all those who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Casting with Candles

October’s arrival brings a season of spirits, when the veil is thin and many find it easier to connect with other beings and other planes.

The theme for this week’s challenge is inspired by the spirits of the season and is…

Spirit Animals

Animal guides, otherworldly messengers, symbolic entities, and more-
What animals are important in your practice?

The topic of “spirit animals” comes up often in witchy spaces - you may have heard the term in a forum discussion, mentioned in a magickal book, or perhaps noted in a spiritual course. The more you see it mentioned, the more you’ll likely see how it can be used in different ways - what defines a “spirit animal” can differ from one witch and one practice to another, and that’s okay!

In this challenge, we’ll explore some common examples of spirit animals: such as otherworldly guides, spirit messengers, power animals, totem animals, etc. For the sake of this challenge, a spirit animal can be any non-human entity that assists with, guides, or inspires a spiritual practice

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This week’s challenge is all about spirit animals - how you choose to take on this theme is up to you.

So are you ready? Because it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

Picture from Spells8: Familiar Spirits and Power Animals

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STEP 1 : Our Animal Guides

This challenge is all about spirit animals - but as always, feel free to explore the theme in a way that aligns with you and your unique practice.

Still not sure where to begin? To help you get started, here are a few ways in which a witch might approach this challenge.

Please make sure you are logged into your Spells8 Account so you can view all of the resources shared!

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Personal Guides & Spirit Helpers

From deities to guardian angels, there are many entities a witch can work with in their practices. Spirit animals (sometimes called totem animals or power animals) are one such presence. These are usually one or more specific, non-human beings that have their own name, identity, and/or representative purpose.

Do you work with a spirit animal in your practice? If so, feel free to share about it! If not but it aligns with your practice, consider reaching out to connect with and meet a spirit animal guide this week.

How to Find and Meet Your Spirit Guide

Related discussions and resources:

• 🐈 Familiar Spirits and Power Animals: What is the difference?
• How to call your spirit animal
• Lion spirit guide after my self dedication (Wicca)
• Do you know anything about Spirit Guides?

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Inspirational & Soul Animals

While a spirit animal may be one distinct creature who guides you, a spirit animal can also be a universal energy - the inherent nature of a type of animal. The energy of this animal may inspire, guide, or simply call to you in a deep way.

Is there a type of animal you encounter over and over? Perhaps you have a type of animal that resonates strongly with you? Feel free to explore it this week!

Owl: Symbolism and Meaning

Pigeon: Divine Messenger Birds

Hope Insect: The Meaning of the Praying Mantis

Dragonfly Spiritual Meaning

What is Your Spirit Animal? Take the Quiz!

Related discussions and resources:

• Exploring Spirit Animals
• Find Your Fylgja (Spirit Animal)
• No Dinosaur Ghosts? 👻 Animal Spirit Discussion!
• Spirit Animals 🐦
• Question about Animal Totems and Intuition

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Deity Animals

Some deities take the form of an animal or display animalistic traits. Other deities send animals as Their spiritual messengers, or to represent Them in the physical world.

Do you work with a deity associated with animals? Is one of your favorite animals associated with a deity or powerful spirit? Feel free to do some research or spellwork and share it as your challenge entry this week.

Bast: The Cat Goddess of Egypt

Goddesses of Wild Animals and Nature

Horus: Egyptian God of the Sky

Wolf Goddesses

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… And More!

The suggestions above are just a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity- if you feel called to explore spirit animals in another way, you are welcome to do so!

As always, all witches are encouraged to embrace their own unique practice with how they explore the challenge theme

Diana’s Deer Symbol from Diana: Goddess of the Hunt

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STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Click here for a note about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For lurkers and those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

Getting Your Credit

In order for your entry to be counted, all you have to do is write/share about your experience and label it as your challenge entry. There is a lot of chatting here (which is awesome- chatting and discussion are very welcome!) so please clearly write that it is your entry so I know to count it!

Where Should I Share My Entry?

Click here to learn where to share your challenge entry

You are welcome to post it right here- just click “reply” to this post and write your experience in the text box that pops up!

Alternatively, you could create a new post in the forum (this is good for when you have a lot to share and/or would like to discuss aspects of your entry not related to the current theme)

Note : If you do choose to create a new thread, please add the “challenge-entry” tag and/or add a hyperlink back to this post so that it can be easily found- thank you!

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Deadline

This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, October 8 at 7:00 AM EDT (Eastern US Time)
2024-10-08T11:00:00Z

(Note that the time zone is ET- if you don’t see your time displayed above, you can use this time zone calculator to check for your time zone!)

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Prizes

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

Picture from Spells8: No Dinosaur Ghosts? Spirit Animal Discussion

A warm reminder that the challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team.

And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways

Spirit Raven picture from Canva

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Big or small, with tails or scales
Cats and crows, or wolves and whales
However they may choose to appear
Your spirit animal will steer you clear!

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Blessed Be!

[AIRAM]

“challenge-entry”

Your Spirit Animal is a… CANINE

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend” for their loyalty and devotion to their chosen people. Although strong on their own, both wild and domestic canines are most powerful when surrounded by their friends and family.

Like your spirit animal, you are dependable and trustworthy. You have a good heart and try to help your loved ones whenever you can. The people in your life are truly blessed to have you at their side!

Your canine spirit animal is particularly strong when it comes to assisting with Self Care Work and Relationship Spells– call on their help to mend bonds or create strong new ones!

[penny4]

This is my challenge entry

I’ve always felt connected to great herons, although I’ve never tried to include them in spellwork. I should fix that. Thoth’s head, although an ibis, always reminded me of herons.

[amanda6]

I have always been surrounded by cats. Stray cats always find me and I always bring them home. I’ve got 7 right now lol. My first experience with signs and deities was Bastet reaching out. My kids joke that I was a jaguar in a previous life because I am so cat like the cats recognize me.

[Artemisia]

Hmmmm I’ll have to let it brew overnight and see what comes up tomorrow after my procedure. I don’t have a spirit animal nor do I have a familiar. Well, that’s not true, I’m working on getting a plant familiar so I’ll have to see how to approach this one.

Couldn’t stop thinking about this one and I have strong connections to two animals, I’ve got a few ideas on exploring the potential of either or both as my spirit animal(s) including meditation, tarot and bone throwing. So now that I have a plan, I’ll see what happens tomorrow after my appointment!

[john1]

This is my entry: I work with k-9 sprits alot and my dog who did pass on works with me , one of my spirit guides is a wolf

[Mystique]

Challenge entry

I don’t feel I have one spirit animal guiding me, but many. I love all animals and they in return, love and trust me.

I have a couple owls that show up every morning outside my bedroom window at the same time and hoot back and forth. I feel that to be a powerful sign that they are watching over me.

Their are coyote’s that run through our woods howling at the same time every morning and then back the other way exactly a half hour later. I feel that these are bringing me strength and courage every day.

The deer that walk through the yard every morning and evening bring me peace. They remind me of all the beauty in the world.

[georgia]

Challenge entry

In my youth, I “collected” a few rare creatures whose appearance were a message.

Hawk: danger.
Heron: patience.
Falcon: I own all I see.
Blue Jay: guidance.
Robin: hope, and a messenger.
Crow in flight: pupil of the Creator’s eye, enemy of the hawk. I’m being watched and cared for.
Sea Gull: joy.
Hummingbird: the Creator’s presence in my life.
Pigeons: safety.
Swallow: communication among friends.
Toucan: intelligence.
Crane: balance.
Dove: peace.
Cardinal: predicting rain.
Squirrel: predicting heat or cold (yet it was just that one squirrel. Maybe I shouldn’t include him here?).
Chipping Sparrow: stand your ground.
Woodpecker: confidence and emotional support.
Kingbird: enjoying the rain.
European Grackle: self expression.
Junko: friendliness.
Canadian Goose: faithfulness.
Scobie Duck: sparks of beauty in ugliness.
California Vulture: clear skies.
Beaver: peaceful industry.

Lately, I’ve been having a flock of house finches greet me from the tree outside my window each morning. At least one of them hears my quiet greeting and imitates my welcome. It seems he has been bringing more and more of his flock each morning. I will be sad when the mornings get too cold for open windows because of his friendliness.

[Pigeon]

challenge entry

Your Spirit Animal is an… AVIAN

With the open skies as their domain, members of the bird family have a freedom that few other creatures can enjoy. While trained domestic birds can adapt to live peacefully alongside humans, wild birds are masters of their own destinies

Like your avian spirit animal, you crave your own freedom. You thrive when you have control of yourself and your situation. There’s a part of you that craves the open road and clear sky- you have a natural desire to learn, explore, and become a better version of yourself

Associated primarily with the Air Element (although some birds such as the fantastical Phoenix, are associated with Fire), avians have a connection to many of the most popular deities, including Hekate, Odin, Horus, and Zeus.

You can count on your avian spirit animal to lend you their strength during spells for cutting free from negative influences, working with the Air Element, and making wishes come true.

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That’s soooo weird. Me? Love birds? Never.

All jokes aside, I do become pretty elated when I see birds outside my window. Even envious. These days I’ve been more “domesticated homing pigeon” than “feral and free.”

Maybe that’s something I can meditate on. Or I can just dive into befriending the corvids who fly around my neighborhood.

[georgia]

@Pigeon

Me? Love birds? Never.

I’m a bird brain.

I took this quiz almost a year ago. Got Avian. The first time, I was less than healthy. Today, I took it again, in an angry mood, wondering if changes in my health and emotions might make a difference. Nope! That shows me this was a very well put together quiz. Great Job!

[Jeannie1]

Hello,
I did a meditation with the purple candle and since its a dark moon decided to give a offering to Hecate and its so crazy cause I am in school and my husband gave me a wooden amulet so I can paint it. There has just been so many synchronicity! the mountains, and is a reminder to me to climb the mountain and to continue my path in park and rec. Also the fact that it has two sides of duality. One side is the thinking brain and the other is the heart.
I wanted to give the thinking mind a break and I listened to my heart. I have an animal totem which is a snake because it reminded me to stay balanced because I don’t want to much of one side. Since we are in Libra, and also I am a Libra I have to remind myself to stay balanced. It just so happened that when I did today’s meditation I found out that the animal totem is the snake. I need to shed the old and release what no longer serves.
I am taking a course with Journeywithjaynihypnothearapy.com
She does past life regression and she is going to help me with self empowerment as well. Experience hypnothearapy with the elements
I am not quite done with my amulet Since we are in Libra, and also I am a Libra I have to remind myself to stay balanced.

I will post later when I’m finished with my amulet so you guys can see it!

Jeannie

[Artemisia]

Challenge Entry - Spirit Animals

I took the quiz when it first came out and took it again last night, both times I got Avian. Which makes sense as I’ve always loved birds from spending hours at the Wildlife Refuge’s bird watching with my family, to breeding and hand-raising Peach-faced lovebirds as pets for 25 years, to seeing at least one crow if not more almost every day. The crow would be one of my spirit animals.

I’ve always always had cats in my life. I’ve owned several, and worked with them in my career. Volunteer at an exotic animal facility and have formed relationships with tigers, lions, Eurasian lynx, and servals. I also work with a cat fostering program from which I’ve adopted 2 cats (now have three). My soul animal was a cat - Donut. 13 years was too short and I still miss him. The cat would be the other of my spirit animals.

I chose to both do tarot and casting bones to find out more about these two potential connections. I picked the items in each casting based on the information I was seeking to have answered.

For the Crow Spirit

For the Cat Spirit

This is a longer work in progress than just a week, but at least I’ve made my first inquiries and explorations.

[georgia]

Thank you for sharing the pics of your “bones.” I collected a set like this once, long ago, but I was afraid I wasn’t doing it right. Then the set got too big and unwieldy, so I lost connection with it and let it go. You have given me a bit of confidence in recreating the idea.

[MeganB]

I wasn’t sure what direction to take this challenge in because I don’t really have a connection to any spirits right now, let alone many animals. So, I went to Ecosia (my search engine) and typed in quizzes for finding your animal spirit. Here is a collection of my results

Quiz # 1 (https://www.spiritanimal.info/spirit-animal-quiz/)

Quiz # 2 (What's your spirit animal? Take the quiz!)

Quiz # 3 (Quiz: What Is My Spirit Animal?)

Quiz # 4 (https://fauna-protect.com/en-us/pages/test-animal-totem)

Quiz # 5 ( What is Your Spirit Animal? Take the Quiz!)

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There are a few birds in there but I am actually freaked out by birds… I’m not sure which of the descriptions fit me best nor which animal I’m more connected to. It was a fun little exercise, though!

[Susurrus]

# Challenge Entry

I can remember when I first changed to my current path and the first time I realized there were differences between Spirit Animal, Familiar, and Animal Guides, even though they seem to be used interchangeably at times.

Many people in the NeoPagan community have adapted the term to mean an actual, living animal. You’ll encounter many Pagans who have an animal companion that they consider their familiar - even though this is a co-opting of the word’s original meaning - and most people no longer believe that these are spirits or demons inhabiting an animal. Instead, they have an emotional and psychic bond with the cat, dog, or whatever, who is tuned to the powers of its human partner. (Patti Wigington, What is an Animal Familiar?

Some time ago, when my conditions started flaring, and procedures were being done, a friend of mine said that my spirit animal is the Turtle because what I needed to do was slow down and stop pushing myself and my physical body past its limits. I have to accept what is happening, as it isn’t something that will just go away, and neither will the comorbidities. So, I needed to embody the spirit of the turtle.

In my mind, that is what a Spirit Animal is for us. It’s not a living animal or a pet. Having a connection with your pet is something different, but embodying the spirit of that animal is what your spirit animal is for you. A spirit guide would be another form of spirit. Whether it’s a loved one, animal, angel, deity, etc., their spirit is guiding you.

If I’m going by my deities, then a cow, bee, swan, or crow is appropriate for Brigid. The Morrigan is a crow; she is also very connected to the Wolf and Eel. She is a beautiful representation around me as a crow; I can only think of a few times that there was anything to do with a wolf for me with The Morrigan. Either 1 or 3 crows will be around my yard, whichever side I am on, because yes, we have them usually, but sometimes I come across them when they wouldn’t usually be so close or persistent around my yard in 3s.

[Artemisia]

I’m still collecting and building my set. I’ve got a few more bones, claws and a deer antler to add but I figured that these odd little bits and baubles I’ve collected over the years deserve a try. If I get time this week, I’ll take more time to try to connect with each of the optional pieces and see what wants to be part of the set and what does not. I’m intrigued with it for sure, but it’s a whole different way to practice divination - where they fall on the mat, what’s close to other objects, and what crosses other objects. I love that some call this magpie or crow oracle. It fits in my opinion, I’m always looking for the little pretty or shiny things to collect

[Cosmic_Curiosity]

CHALLENGE ENTRY

Practice Related

Because I work with the Egyptian deities, animals play a big part in my practice because many of these deities have animal heads or take on the form of animals.

It is a common misconception though that the Egyptian deities were these animals or that they walked the Earth with animal heads. Infact, the Egyptians did not view their deities literally as these animals. Instead, they believed that the gods possessed qualities that were beyond our human understanding. Their divine nature was too complex and beautiful to be easily described or depicted in imagery. The meant that artists and worshippers needed a way to represent them that acknowledged their power but also in a way that was relatable. Animal heads from wildlife that was commonly found around them allowed for this. They were carefully chosen for their attributes that were relatable to the powers of the Gods.

Ra and Horus were represented by falcons.
Horus symbolises kingship, protection and the sky. The falcon’s keen eyesight represents the ability to see everything, making it a perfect representation for a god of protection. The sun god Ra as a falcon symbolises his dominance in the sky and the bird’s flight at high altotude reflects the sun’s journey across the sky.

Anubis was represented by a jackal. He is the god of mummification and the afterlife, Jackals were often seen in cemeteries, scavenging on the remains. Anubis’ association with the jackal links to his role in funerary practices.

Bastet was represented by a cat. She is the goddess of home, fertility, and domesticity. Cats were revered in ancient Egypt for their grace, motherly instincts and hunting abilities particularly in controlling pests. Bastet’s association with cats reflects her protective qualities, nurturing aspects and link to motherhood.

Thoth was represented by an ibis. He is the God of widom and communication. The ibis is known for its long beak and intelligence. It was observed digging deep into the mud for food, linking to the idea of digging for knowledge. Its beak also resembled the reed pens used to record information thus linking it to Thoth’s qualities.

Personal

Two animals that I have always had a thing for are penguins and turtles. So i looked a bit closer at them to establish how they embody qualities that I can use in my life.

Penguins thrive in harsh climates. I admire how they huddle together, moving around and taking turns on the outside of the circle agains trhe harshest winds on the planet just to protect the most vulenerable ones in rhe centre. It shows their resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges. Their strong social bonds also emphasise the importance of community, teamwork and nurturing ties with those closest to us. There is a light hearted side too. I love their little woddling walk and the playfulness of them sliding on their bellies. Its a reminder to habe fun and find joy, even in difficult circumstances. However, it all changes in the water and you see their grace and agility. It shows how we all have our unique talents, even if they are not always on display. For me, the penguin encourages me to embrace adaptability, foster community and find joy in my life. My sister “adpoted” a penguin for me so i have my little penguin cuddly toy that sits on my bed. Cuddling into it (yup 40 and i have a bedtime teddy) actually helps me to sleep at night when i am particularly anxious.

My other animal is the turtle. They are often seen as symbols of wisdom and knowledge. Maybe my love of learning and being a teacher is reflected here. Turtles are also known for living a loooong time. This is a symbol of endurance, patience and the importance of having long-term goals and a wider outlook. Their slow and steady movement also act as a reminder for me not to rush, to take my time…a bit like my Taurus sun sign. Slow and steady wins the race. As animals of both land and sea, they represent harmony with nature and encourage a deep connection to the environment. This could link to why I love the beach so much…its the only land them come on to. Turtles are als seen as keepers of ancient wisdom and are associated with journeys and transformation. They embody my spiritual growth and the quest for deeper understanding. I am always striving for answers to the big question. Why is my favourite word! . For me, the turtle promotes wisdom, patience and a connection to life’s deeper, unknown wisdom.

I also have an “adopted” turtle. It is in the form of a bracelet with a little tracker that lets me see where it is currently located in the world.

This is also my unexpected close encounter with a turtle in Mexico in July.

19 July 2024

I also did one of the spirit animal quizzes. this was my result:

My final animal is the cat, not because of my unexplained love for them but for my fear and dislike of them. Since a young age, I was scared of cats, always hearing the associations of them being nasty, sly and vicious. I experienced this myself when a neighbours cat swiped at me as I walked along the street. This then created a negative and lasting impression. As an adult, my best friend got 2 cats and I actually would not visit. Eventually I did, although i was uncomfortbale. They rubbed against me and purred but this just made me even more uncomfortable. Her cats had kittens and there was one that she could not sell. I dont know why, but I said I’d take it…reluctantly I did even though I had no desire for a cat. Something told me to take it. It was the best decision I made. My little Luna was 8 weeks old when I took her home.

Now she is 6 and I could not be without her. She is my comfort when things are tough and knows when i need a “hug” i.e. when she comes and sits on my chest and purrs to calm me down. I ask her for a “kiss” and get a gentle head knock or nose bump and i just love waking up during the night to find that she has cuddled in beside me. She completely changed my perception of cats. Here she is now:

Before she was neutered, she accidently got caught by a male and had 2 kittens.

Unfortunately one died and i could not bring myself to give the other away. So i now have 2 cats. Mother and daughter. Luna and Nova. This is Nova the “kitten” now.

Never in my life would I have said I’d have one cat, let alone two. They comfort me, the protect me, not to mention they hunt the moles that keep digging up my garden! Similar to why the Egyptians loved them so much. Perhaps it was Bastet who told me to take that little kitten 6 years ago. Perhaps this was the start of my journey with the Egyptian deities. Who knows. Lunas favourite place to sit is on my altar! Whoever it was…im glad they gave me that nudge.

Blessed be

Alan

[Phoenix_Fire]

challenge entry
So fitting as ive been embracing the phoenix which as you see my name reflects my connection to the phoenix animal. I shared my redo of my altar with my phoenix painting and candle in celebration of my 40th bday. So suprised am i that survived 40 years with a body feeling twice my actual age but being a big kid at heart. Lol i made a AI song " 40th bday song with theme of phoenix " or something like that and even got a proof of creation as a momento of te day . The phoenix image anf symbol is a constant reminder that i can rise again from the ashes of any challenges or crash and burn. Im stronger than i give myself credit for at times. Its not obvious strength but that fire and passion inside that will push me to break free from the darkness of the past, everyday challenges and ongoing pain and health issues and to keep hoing and to keep shining a light for others to help them see they are strong and amazing too. Share the light and tye fire. Its ok i spend the day alone as i am embracing my needs and who i am . Being kind to myself but still doing what i need to manage tge week . It seems small but its meaningful to me and impact me far more positively than a big party. And less overstimulating or overwhelming . I am a phoenix through and through . And the phoenix is my spirit animal that ive connected to the most. Todays words that come to mind is " keep burning cause you shine light to others around you" and thats are the encouragemrmt i need and brings hope and a smile . No special food or event but connecting with my spririt animal has been more meaninful and ive shared the song made with donna app with parents and my best friend…they were the ones to send me bday text nessage and i knew theyd like it . I didnt even knkw thiscweeks weekly challenge but was on here and saw it and was like booya so relevent love it.

I angled this photo so it kinda looked like tge phoenix was coming out of my phoenix candle lol

[georgia]

Glorious happy phoenix birthday!

[Amethyst]

Weekly Witchy Challenge for Amethyst:

I found a awesome quiz on Spirit Animals and took the test! My Spirit Animal is the Turtle!

I really vibe with this because I take things slow and tend to pull into myself when I’m upset or uncomfortable. Information on the Turtle Totem goes like this:

# What It Means To Be The Turtle

The turtle totem wisdom teaches us about walking our path in peace and sticking to it with determination and serenity.

Slow moving on earth, yet also incredibly fast and agile in water, those who have the turtle as totem or spirit animal may be encouraged to take a break in their busy lives and look around or within themselves for more grounded, long-lasting solutions.

I this this was a great quiz and a lovely site!