Recent research has shown that archetypes are one of the levels of building-blocks of this entire physical-universe . . . this was known by ancient societies, we are just currently re-learning it! Archetypes are fundamental definitions that can be found anywhere on earth on any continent in any culture . . . even before that society has any degree of contact with other cultures.
Every human on earth has some degree of natural connection to one or more animal archetypes . . . it is up to each person to decide to either acknowledge and use that part of us, or be used by it. Anything which exists which you refuse to see, controls you!
Carl Jung (aka. Karl Jung) found various types of archetypes in his extensive research, including animal archetypes. He found that their influence on people is normally beyond conscious control, although it is possible, with training, to learn to control them to varying degrees (genuine shamans, etc.).
Children find it easy to identify with animals as can be seen from the fact that animals are very common elements in children’s stories from anywhere in the world. In what we think of as “primitive” civilizations animals are deified and a direct relationship with animals (as food or danger) is very necessary for survival. Although, from the data here it should be obvious that so-called “primitive” societies knew much more about certain things than most “civilized” people do today.
A totem is an element of nature (including plants, animals and other elements) which is seen to have some particular relationship with a person. The totem is not associated with a single member of a species, but with the whole species, ie. Its relationship is with the archetype rather than a specific manifestation of that archetype into a specific body.
Many cultures are well known for their use of animal archetypes including native Americans, Australian aborigines, Celtic cultures, ancient Egyptian, South American and Indian gods, Chinese civilizations and many others across the globe.
Animal archetypes include . . .
Alligator :- survival, stealth and mothering instinct
Ant :- working hard for the community
Antelope :- movement with speed, grace and awareness, and peace and harmony
Badger :- well-organized and tidy, bravery and connection with the underworld.
Beaver :- building, good at finding hidden things.
Bear :- knowing oneself, hidden and inner strength.
Bird :- freedom, and both individual and united with others.
Blackbird :- mystical and hypnotic, can traverse both unseen and seen realms.
Buffalo or Bison :- at home while traveling
Butterfly :- ability to change, grace and beauty, focusing on outcomes
Camel :- clarity of perception, centeredness
Cow :- abundance through numbers, ability to heal
Chicken :- inquisitive and observant
Cougar :- self-assured leader and ability to move unseen
Coyote :- humorous and ability to deceive (without malice).
Crane :- good fortune and long life, stability of emotions and awakening of spirituality.
Crow :- spiritual strength, creation, opportunity
Deer :- gracefully moving forward
Dolphin :- joyful in harmony with self and environment.
Dog :- unconditional love and compassion
Donkey :- dedication and persistence
Dove :- peace, compassion and sensitivity
Eagle :- messenger with far vision
Elephant :- loyalty and strength, compassion and intelligence. Power to create a path for others
Flamingo :- illusion and changed appearance
Fox :- cleverness and subtle change
Frog :- peace loving, healing and spiritually cleansing, ease of transition
Goat :- independent and sure of its grip on reality, willpower to follow-through
Gorilla :- compassionate, insightful and loyal.
Goose :- home protector, safety.
Hawk or Falcon :- awareness of truth, and protection from unwanted guests
Heron :- dynamic balance
Hippopotamus :- intuition and stability
Horse :- power and freedom by movement
Jackal :- stealthy opportunist.
Kestrel :- creative, intuitive, patient and agile.
Kingfisher :- ability with expression and fearless exploration of the unknown.
Leopard :- can see without being seen.
Lion :- fearlessness, leadership with balance, and ability to be heard.
Lizard :- elusive and willing to let go.
Llama :- self-confidence and pride
Jaguar :- communication and guidance, and the balance between flexibility and persistence.
Magpie :- intelligent and resourceful
Monkey :- ability to see what is hidden
Moth :- healing and perception
Mouse :- ability to charm and create illusions
Otter :- lightness of touch, joy and laughter, playfulness
Owl :- wisdom and insight
Panda :- willpower and ability to learn
Panther :- invisibility and shape-shifting, the power of silence.
Parrot :- confident communication
Pelican :- abundance
Rabbit :- innocence and in the moment.
Rat :- Adaptable, confident and aware
Raven :- destruction and rebuilding, mystery.
Rhinoceros :- solitude and idealism, ability to break through barriers
Robin :- joy and love
Salamander :- subtlety and dreams.
Salmon :- determination and ability overcoming things.
Scorpion :- vigilance and self-defense.
Seal :- intuition and agility
Sheep :- balance between giving and receiving
Snake :- rebirth, see without being seen
Spider :- interconnections
Swan :- serenity
Tiger :- focus and patience, power and ability
Tortoise :- determined and self-reliant, deep wisdom
Turkey :- to perceive subtleties
Turtle :- awakening of senses both physical and spiritual
Vulture :- resourceful and adaptable
Wolf :- teacher or guide, balanced between self-reliance and group effectiveness
Woodpecker :- discrimination and rhythm
Zebra :- protection and willingness to enjoy the challenges.