What is the Magical symbolism of animals? What does the appearance of an animal mean, spiritually? What is the magical significance of a specific animal?
The crashy-moment was happening at Spirit Northwest – our inaugural conference of Magick-seekers. It was the end of the second full day and I was feeling all kinds of wiped out sitting at the registration table. When I’m tired, the little nagging thoughts start to creep in. Am I do life right? Should I be doing something else with my time? Am I making the most of this one wild, precious life?
And then, I turned over this little notebook…and saw an old friend: Dragonfly.
For me, the Dragonfly represents doing something right. Why, you may ask? Well. From what I understand, the dragonfly is one of the best hunters in the animal kingdom. They are very good at what they do. I also understand that they haven’t had to evolve much since the dinosaur era. They kinda got it right the first time. And over many times in my life, when I’m in the right place, I will usually see a dragonfly. And if I see a lot of dead dragonflies over a period of time…it’s usually a time when I need to change directions.
The message: I am exactly where I need to be in this moment.
When Magickal people encounter animals, they often wonder if it means something.
Maybe it does, or maybe it’s just an animal. Typically, if the animal crosses your path in an unusual way or an unusual time, that’s when it may signify something.
If you repeatedly have encounters with specific animals and you wonder what they may mean, ask yourself these questions:
What is happening in my life when I see these creatures? Has a murder of crows flown low over your head when you are navigating a major personal change? Maybe for you, the crow means incoming change. Did a snake cross your path when you were trying to decide whether you should leave a relationship? Maybe, for you, snakes mean shedding an old life, in the way a snake sheds its skin.
What are my thoughts, feelings, fears, and/or joys when they appear? Do you feel at peace when you see a swan? Or joyful when you see a squirrel? Could it be that those creatures represent for you a message of joy or peace?
What traits makes them special among other animals? Are they known for their wonderful vision? Their acute hearing? Their fierce protection of their young? Their ability to camouflage? Could it mean that when they appear you need to see, to listen, to protect a vulnerable person, to focus on blending in?
What does folklore say about them? Looking up the folklore around a creature is an extraordinary way to see what their appearance might mean for you. For example, foxes often show up as tricksters or thieves, but ladybugs often represent love and romance in many stories. When you look up the folklore around a creature, what does it stir within you?
Most importantly….what do they mean to your own personal story? Do the sound of crickets remind you of visiting a beloved family member’s house? Does the sound of a hooting owl fill you with fear as, growing up, you heard scary stories about owls? Does the sight, or smell, of a skunk remind you of a time you got in trouble with a friend at summer camp (a memory which may be upsetting…or hilarious?)? The appearance of such a creature may mean love, a threat, or an upcoming slip-up (hilarious or otherwise!).
Understanding our personal relationship with certain creatures is a life-long journey…and a wonderful one!
So much of Magick is in the noticing. What do YOU notice?
And, one more thing….
A HUGE thank-you to everyone who attended our inaugural Spirit Northwest!!!
I’m fresh home, but a lovely piece of my Spirit still remains, there. I cannot believe the love and support we experienced this weekend! Of course, I SHOULDN’T be surprised…you all are so, so wonderful! And it was SO good to meet so many readers from this Substack!!!
Thank you, thank you all again. And yes! There WILL be more Spirit Northwest to follow!
