How to Find Your Spirit Animal and Understand the Signs Around You

Have you ever had a vivid dream about an animal you couldn’t shake? Maybe you keep seeing hawks overhead, feel deeply calm around horses, or have always been strangely drawn to wolves for reasons you can’t explain.

In a recent episode of Dear Gabby, Gabrielle Bernstein sits down with intuitive medium and author Shawn Leonard to explore the meaning behind spirit animals, power animals, and totem animals. Certain animals may appear in our lives to reflect qualities we need most—whether that’s courage, wisdom, love, or truth.

Here’s a guide to help you figure out yours.

What is a spirit animal, exactly?

Leonard explains that spirit animals are guides whose “medicine” can support us through different phases of life. In this context, medicine doesn’t mean something physical—it means the wisdom or energy an animal represents.

He also distinguishes between different forms:

• Spirit animals can offer emotional or spiritual guidance
• Power animals may be called on for strength during challenges
• Totem animals can be long-term companions connected to your life path

And you don’t need to have just one. In fact, Leonard suggests people may connect with different animals over time.

Signs your spirit animal may already be showing up

According to the episode, these connections often begin before you consciously recognize them. You may notice:

• Repeated dreams about the same animal
• Seeing one animal often in unexpected places
• Feeling emotionally affected by an encounter
• A lifelong fascination with a specific creature
• Sensing comfort or meaning when the animal appears

What different animals may symbolize

The episode shares several examples of symbolic “medicine” tied to animals:

• Bear: bravery and courage
• Wolf: humility and teamwork
• Eagle: love and higher perspective
• Turtle: truth and patience
• Buffalo: respect
• Beaver: wisdom and building something that helps others

How to connect with your spirit animal

Leonard leads listeners through a meditation where they imagine a peaceful place, walk down a path, and allow an animal to appear naturally. The key, he says, is not forcing it. “Don’t allow your mind to get in the way,” he advises. “Just allow it to manifest.”

You can also try:

• Journaling after dreams
• Spending quiet time in nature
• Asking internally for guidance before sleep
• Noticing recurring symbols during stressful seasons

What to do once an animal appears

Instead of asking, Is this real? ask, What might this represent for me right now?

If a bear keeps showing up, maybe life is asking for courage. If turtle energy resonates, perhaps it’s time to slow down and move truthfully. Even if you see it as symbolism rather than spirituality, it can still be meaningful.

To hear the full conversation and get more information on spirit animals, listen to Dear Gabby wherever you get your podcasts.

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