List of Animal Totems And Their Meanings (+ Types of Animal Totems)

Have you ever felt a deep connection to a particular animal? Maybe you keep seeing the same creature everywhere you go, or you’ve always been drawn to a specific animal for reasons you can’t quite explain. If so, you might have encountered your animal totem—a spiritual guide from the animal kingdom that offers wisdom, insight, and support on your life’s journey.

Animal totems are more than just symbols; they’re messengers that connect with us on a soul level. They help us understand ourselves, our behaviors, and our place in the universe. For many, including Native American traditions, animals are seen as teachers and messengers of the Great Spirit, offering lessons and guidance that can transform our lives.

Types of Animal Totems

Animal totems are spiritual guides that come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. They can appear to us in different ways, depending on what we need at a particular moment in our lives. Here are the three main types of animal totems:

Journey Totem: This is an animal that stays with you for a specific phase of your life—whether it’s a week, a month, or even a year. It’s there to guide you through a particular challenge or period of growth.

Visiting Totem: This animal appears briefly, often with a specific message or lesson. It might feel like a gentle nudge or even a wake-up call, urging you to pay attention to something important.

Shadow Totem: At first, this animal might seem intimidating or even frightening. It represents the hidden or darker aspects of yourself that you need to confront. Once you overcome your fears, the shadow totem becomes a powerful ally.

List of Animal Totems And Their Meanings

Bear	Bear is known for its period of hibernation. Bear can help us with the ability to turn inward to access our strength and honor our natural cycles. He teaches us when it is time to act and when it is time to be still.
Beaver	Beaver has an amazing ability to build and create. Beavers can help you solve problems by creating solid solutions
Buffalo or Bison	Buffalo brings abundance and healing. The buffalo is sacred to Native American people.
Cougar	A symbol of power. Cougar responds to any challenge with swiftness and teaches you to balance your own.
Coyote	Coyote is known as the trickster. He calls on us to look truthfully at ourselves and our behavior.
Crow	A messenger and a keeper of sacred law who sees with a unified eye (non-duality).
Deer	Deer is alert and a symbol of sensitivity and kindness.
Dolphin	Dolphins are messengers between water and the sky. They are playful and intelligent. They bring the message of harmony and balance.
Eagle	A symbol of freedom and perspective. As a representation of the great spirit, the eagle carries our prayers to the sky. He teaches us to fly and soar high.
Elk	Elk teaches about stamina and the importance of pacing yourself, enabling you to complete your chosen task successfully.
Fox	Fox is cunning and clever. Since fox moves with the utmost discretion, it teaches us to slow down and observe.
Frog	Assists with the cleansing of our emotions. With the element of water, the frog shows us how to start afresh.
Hawk	A symbol of observation and awareness.
Horse	Represents strength and freedom. Horse teaches us how to use our power gracefully.
Mole	A mole explores below the surface by digging a little deeper. Therefore, he helps us with our subconscious minds. A mole will help you explore the hidden parts of yourself.
Moose	Moose teaches us to be proud of our accomplishments.
Otter	Otter is the master at enjoying life. Otter is playful and chatty and reminds us that play is an important aspect of enjoying our lives fully.
Owl	Represents wisdom. Owl has an amazing vision bringing the gift of insight.
Rabbit	A symbol of fertility. Rabbits help us reveal our hidden talents.
Raven	Raven is the messenger from the spirit world. He represents mystery and secrets.
Snake	The snake symbolizes transformation and the shedding of one’s skin.
Spider	Shows us the connection of all life through the power of its web.
Squirrel	Squirrel is prepared for anything that life may present. They are extremely adaptable and teach us to trust that with preparation, our own life will be simple and safe.
Turtle	Turtle is protected by her shell. She represents mother earth to some tribes.
Whale	Whales are the record keepers of the ocean. They bring us the gift of telepathy and teach us the value of sound.
Wolf	Wolf is a great teacher. He helps you find the answers within yourself. Associated with the moon, the wolf will help you develop your intuition.

How To Discover Your Totem Animal

Your totem animal is the one you feel most connected to—it’s like a part of your soul. You might notice it showing up repeatedly in your life, whether in dreams, during walks in nature, or even in books or movies. For example, if you keep seeing foxes everywhere, that might be your totem trying to get your attention.

Here are some signs that an animal might be your totem:

You’ve always been drawn to a specific animal, even as a child.

You feel a strong emotional or spiritual connection to a particular animal.

You keep encountering the same animal in different contexts.

You feel a sense of calm, joy, or inspiration when you see or think about the animal.

How To Work With Your Totem Animal

Once you’ve identified your totem animal, you can call on its energy whenever you need guidance or support. For example:

If you’re seeking abundance, call on the buffalo.
If you need to trust your instincts, connect with the wolf.
If you’re feeling stuck, the frog can help you cleanse and start fresh.

Pay attention to the signs and messages your totem sends you. Trust your intuition and let the animal’s wisdom guide you.

Final Thoughts

Animal totems are powerful allies on our spiritual journey. They help us understand ourselves, navigate challenges, and connect with the natural world. Whether you’re drawn to the strength of the bear, the wisdom of the owl, or the playfulness of the otter, your totem animal is here to support you.