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.