Sometimes the appearance of a spirit animal is not straightforward. You may dream of an animal in a painting on the wall or a conversation in which the other person makes mention of a certain animal. All references to animals are worth noting. Write down your dreams and pay attention to patterns over time. What message do the animals seem to be communicating? Keep an open mind and try to interpret them.
Do not go out searching for a spirit animal; that is not the way it works. For now, be open to learning more about all non-human creatures. [2] X Research source Look for inventive ways to spend more time in nature. If you do not live near the wilderness, go to a state or national park, or a city park. When you spend time outside, remove your headphones and cut out any distractions. Become aware of your surroundings and notice things you might usually overlook: a bird peeking out of a bush, or a caterpillar walking across the sidewalk. When time does not permit a long trek outside, make your inside space more open to the natural world. Turn off the air conditioner. Open the blinds and the windows. Listen to the wind and the crickets instead of playing music.
Intelligence is more than just being able to solve math problems. Think about what type of intelligence different animals have. Migratory birds, for example, can fly thousands of miles to a pre-planned destination without a map. Do not anthropomorphize animals. They are not human, so do not expect them to express themselves the same way. It is important to respect animals for who they are, rather than assuming they will communicate on your terms.
If you want a concrete answer to a yes or no question, you probably will not find that in a spirit animal. It is not about getting what you want; it is about forging a deeper connection to nature, which will eventually lead you down the right path. Seek out your spirit animal if you are ready to be open to a different kind of wisdom and intelligence and connect more deeply with the natural world. Remember that this has to be a mutual connection; you cannot “conjure” the spirit animal at will. You gain most by being open to all possibilities. If your meditations and prayers seem fruitless, do not force it. Try again during a different season, or when your mind is in a different state. In the meantime, work on being more open and spiritually aware, by spending even more time out with mother nature.
An animal’s particular wisdom is called its “medicine,” or power. This medicine can be used to help during a time of need. For example, a hawk’s medicine might be its ability to see clearly when others cannot. If possible, spend time near your animal’s habitat. Do not be disruptive, but try to learn as much as you can about how the animal exists in the wild.
What emotions do you feel when the animal comes? Does the animal seem to be a sign of foreboding or comfort? Does the animal seem to be leading you in a certain direction?
