Part 4, of four
November 5, 2025
“Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things,
man himself will not find peace.”
Albert Schweitzer
Remember, you usually have one primary power animal, but you can also have secondary animals, too. A primary power animal is usually your “animal for life.” Other animal totems come to you for a day, during a particular crisis, or for months at a time.
In less than one year, three different owls contacted me. I found a young little red owl lying dead in my backyard. Another sat in a tree, and as I came out of a building—smack in the middle of a business district—there it was, staring me right in the face. When I was talking to a woman in her driveway, a third owl, with a huge wingspan, flew over my head, and stared directly into my eyes. I asked the woman if she frequently saw owls there, and she said, “Never in thirteen years.”
Over the years, I’ve had contact with an extraordinary number of these solitary creatures. Once while walking in the woods, I came upon—and startled—an entire flock, a parliament of owls. They burst out from several tall trees, screaming as they flew and circled all around. It happened fast and they startled me too, but I’m certain there were well over five owls flying above my head at that moment.
The name “parliament” was popularized in C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” and in his book “The Silver Chair.” A collective noun Lewis borrowed from Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem “The Parliament of Foules.” Sometimes a flock of owls is called a “wisdom” of owls, because they’re often considered wise. Less common names for an owl group is a “bazaar” or a “diss” of owls. Or an “eyrie” of owls, a variant of “aerie” from the Old French word aire, meaning “nest” or “open space”.
Owl medicine represents silent wisdom and keen inner vision, a nocturnal creature, connected with the Moon and with feminine energy.
At that time in my life, unknowingly, I chose to be taught through turmoil and strife and, painfully, I learned a lot. But in retrospection, I could have, and should have, made much wiser choices. But during those years I was not open in many ways, particularly to my own passions and inner guidance. But with power animal awareness, I would have learned that I was not using my inner wisdom and that I was not seeing with my inner vision—this is what owl medicine sought to teach me.
Once you have met your power animal, begin to integrate its presence into your life by first becoming keenly aware of it, and how it may be whispering for you to take notice. Study it and learn all you can about it through any means that calls you. Keep a journal to record your insights. Post photographs and artwork honoring the beauty of your animal to remind you of its power—to remind you of YOUR power too.
The more you honor the strength of your power animal, the more significant it will become in your daily life.
There are many books available to teach you about the individual power animals, birds, insects, reptiles and plants, and about spiritually connecting with nature. There are far too many creatures, and their definitions are too vast for this blog, but here are a few to get you started:
BEAR This represents the bear family in general, i.e. black, brown, grizzly, polar and teddy. Bear medicine represents power, introspection, and the often-hibernating unconscious mind. Tapping bear medicine allows for enhanced recognition of our inner power and the confidence not to “hide” it, but instead to use it wisely. Author Ted Andrews points out that bears have a natural fondness for honey. He says that this is a reminder for those with bear as their totem, “…to go within to awaken the power, but only by bringing it out into the open and applying it will the honey of life be tasted.” Andrews articulates something very powerfully when he tells us that, “Like birds, the bear is often considered among Native American peoples as kin to humans because, like birds, it can stand and walk upon two legs.”
“For many, the bear and the wolf are the last true symbols of the primal, natural world, and many ecologists believe that how humans respond and protect their lands and their future will be the most honest depiction of how serious humanity is about preservation of our environment and the natural resources within it.”
Bear are omnivorous, so they eat fruits, plants and a little meat. Sadly, humans are the only enemy of bear.
BIRD Different birds have different attributes; the Eagle represents strength, the swan symbolizes beauty, and the rooster relates to fertility. There are many different “animals of flight,” and if you are attracted to bird energy, you should find plenty of information regarding each distinct species, including their prey and their adversaries. In general, bird medicine usually represents fertility, song, expression, communication, flight, and a need to free the inner spirit.
Natural enemies of birds include mammals like cats and foxes, other birds, reptiles like snakes and large lizards, smaller predators such as insects, spiders, and even large frogs sometimes preying on eggs and chicks. But humans and a contaminated environment are major causes of bird mortality.
CAT This represents the feline family in general, i.e. bobcat, cougar, jaguar, leopard, lion, lynx, panther, puma, and tiger. Cats by nature are nocturnal, they roam and hunt at night, and sleep during the daytime. And when they tend to ignore us during the day, we think they are being aloof and unsocial, but it’s their bedtime! Cats have an air of untamed mystery about them; they are unpredictable, highly independent, and have an insatiably curious nature. Cats can be complex and difficult to figure out. The people attracted to them often carry similar traits. Cats are associated with feminine energy and with fertility, with plenty of history and magic to be examined. Their prey is mice, rats, birds, rabbits and small mammals. Their enemy is traditionally the dog.
Shamefully, people have also become the enemy of the large cats that grace our planet.
Years ago, I met a woman who ran a non-profit rescue organization. With the help of many, she quietly housed and lovingly cared for tigers and lions from all around the USA. There are many reasons these magnificent creatures end up being rescued by groups like this, but the biggest reason is that there are ignorant people who try to bring a lion or tiger cub into their home as a pet! After just a few weeks, this cute and cuddly little gift of nature grows into several hundred pounds of pure wild instinct.
These poor cats cannot be placed in a zoo because of “questionable blood lines,” and they cannot go back to their natural habitat (the one that they should never have been taken from), because they have not learned to hunt, to protect themselves in the wild, or to secure their own territory; so they usually fall victim to the owner’s abuse, neglect and even torture.
I visited this animal preserve several times and saw for myself the true definition of a loving heart, one clearly filled with spirit and “animal energy.” I also saw that it takes a lot of resources—and meat—to provide for these incredible creatures. To help feed these enormous cats, locals and hunters would often deliver roadkill and deer. Rescue groups often have Wish Lists, and theirs was long. On it was Skin-So-Soft bath oil, often used to help deter flies on animals, but they also needed freezers, the bigger the better. I happened to have a chest freezer, so I delivered it and was honored by a tour, and I had the privilege of meeting, and standing very near, to a huge male lion and several tigers. These were truly power animals.
Having a lion or tiger as your power animal points to an adventurous, passionate, powerful and protective nature. I urge you to support groups such as this, and like me, you may feel an “inner roar” to help protect these creatures—because together we just might be their last hope.
DOG This represents the canine family, which includes coyotes and wolves. The energy of dog medicine is as varied as the energy of people, with each of us carrying a bit of our inbred environment within us, whether we like it or not. As with all power animals, it is important to study their brothers and sisters, such as the coyote and wolf. In general, dog medicine is unconditional love, of their family, their pack.
Devotion is at the core of this medicine, along with companionship, protection, guardianship, loyalty and faithfulness. People who carry dog medicine have a deep need to serve humanity, and they are often attracted to the healing professions. Ted Andrews tells us, “It takes a lot to break a dog’s spirit. It’s ability to love, even when abused, is tremendous.” Canines are carnivores (meat eaters) and their enemy is traditionally the cat, specifically mountain lions. But like bear, their enemy is people.
Jamie Sams and David Carson have created a unique package called, Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals. These cards evoke ancient and traditional wisdom to teach the healing power of animal medicine.
In the beautifully written book that accompanies the cards, they tell us that when a dog is yelled at or abused, it will continue to give love to the person who abused it. They are quick to point out that this seemingly blind loyalty is not the result of stupidity, but of deep compassion and an uncanny understanding of their masters’ shortcomings.
There are some who have had the loyalty and love of humanity beaten out of them—a condition caused only by the most extreme abuse. Driven to completely abnormal behavior, they cower and hide at the slightest hint of human threat.
Sams and Carson explain in Medicine Cards, that the spirit of the dog is one of tolerance and of service, some serving even where their training runs against their basic canine nature, as with those who are taught to attack or fight on command. They will go to any length to please their masters, even allowing their instinct and genetic memory to be altered by people’s sometimes-unnatural demands.
In Women Who Run With the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estes tells us, “Dogs are the magicians of the universe. By their presence alone, they transform grumpy people into grinning people, sad people into less sad people; they engender relationship…Dogs represent, among other things, he (or she) who loves from the heart easily and long, who forgives effortlessly, who can run long, and fight, if necessary, to the death.”
ELEPHANT The largest of land mammals, the history of elephant is replete with mysticism and mystery. Symbolic of royalty, fertility, wisdom, power and strength, the elephant is considered sacred in many cultures. Their attributes are family loyalty and affection. Because of poor eyesight, this magnificent creature depends upon its amazing sense of smell, and its sensitive trunk is its most versatile tool.
There is a phenomenal documentary entitled, Why Dogs Smile and Chimpanzees Cry, (on the Discovery Channel) wherein elephants—traditionally known for their memory—are shown in their natural habitat to recognize, by scent, the bones of a fellow pack-member. This film captured a touching display of grief and sadness on the part of the elephants that came upon this elephant “graveyard.” Elephants are plant eaters, and their natural enemy is poachers—again, the human.
FROG This represents toads as well. Frog medicine is that of metamorphosis, and of change. They are connected to water and land energy—both feminine in nature—as well as to the weather. Frogs are associated with fertility and abundance and have a keen sense of smell. People with frog medicine usually have a strong sense of smell and of intuition, being able to “smell trouble,” and to read people well.
If you are attracted to frog medicine, you may cry easily; tears are the water that flows from your sensitive nature. Frogs prey upon insects, and their enemy is birds and amphibians larger than they are.
HORSE A person attracted to “horse power” is one who craves freedom, movement, and the wild journey of life. The horse is found richly represented in human lore and mythology—not surprising given its enormous contribution to the spread and advancement of civilization. Horse, like dog, has many qualities attributed to different types within the family of this animal.
And like dog, the horse has been the servant of humanity and should be honored and respected for its power and its contributions. Horses are often depicted with wings to represent their mystical power of spiritual flight. A horse combined with a simple horn becomes a magical unicorn. Horses are herbivores and survive by eating plants. Their enemy, again, is the people they lovingly serve.
SNAKE The medicine here is death and rebirth, the shedding of the skin and resurrection of the life force. Snakes are associated with psychic energy, wisdom and guardianship, with sexuality, creation and new perspectives. Those attracted to snake medicine are usually very unique individuals, often with a strong need for change in their lives.
The symbolism of the snake is plentiful and deserves much study for those who are drawn to snake medicine. The jaws of a snake unhinge to allow them to swallow their prey—meat—whole. The enemy of snake is usually birds.
I encourage you to investigate the many fascinating books and films about the natural world; so many brilliant animal-lovers have worked tirelessly to share this precious knowledge with us.
In the video Why Dogs Smile and Chimpanzees Cry, (seen on the Discovery Channel), elephants are shown to recognize and respond to bones of a family member; a wolf pack grieves for weeks after the death of a family member; rats are clearly shown laughing while being tickled; and chimpanzees are effectively taught sign language, and then the chimps teach it to their own offspring!
This is a testimony to the emotional capacity of animals, one that scientists are now beginning to recognize and document. This changes not only the way we look at the web of life, but it changes the way we look at ourselves.
Particularly, it is important to share these messages with our children, because as the ancient proverb reminds us, “Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.” If children do not learn how to connect with the natural world, their lives will not be complete, and they will grow to be fearful; what is feared is ultimately destroyed.
As adults, it is up to us to teach children about nature and the beauty of the animals that grace our planet. Perhaps with these insights children will be able to identify their own power animal early in their lives.
Many indigenous peoples continue to hold a deep reverence for and connection with animals and with the Earth. Across the globe and through many ways, including the use of power animals, they have tried to maintain this ancient and sacred bond, even in light of encroachment by the “civilized world” and the industrialization and contamination of their land.
As humans, we seem to place belated value in what we have lost or nearly destroyed. I see the recent interest in the ways and customs of the American Indian as a similar attempt at reconciliation; and like a left-handed compliment, we name vehicles and sports teams after them.
I think that the “return to nature” ethic is another Aquarian Age attempt—albeit better late than never—to “reclaim” our planet; this is coupled with a seemingly new respect for many species that are threatened with extinction due to our actions and negligence.
However, I feel that any effective mechanism that we—as one people—can use to learn to respect and honor all people, the animals, and our planet, is a mechanism to be encouraged and pursued. This phenomenon represents an awareness of the interconnection and interdependence we all share. Wipe out one, wipe out all; it’s just a matter of time. Preserve and honor one, preserve and honor all—the clock’s ticking.
“We need another and wiser concept of animals. In a world older than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not our brethren, they are not underlings, they are other nations caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the Earth.”
Henry Beston, naturalist
——end of Part Four and of this Power Animals Blog
Based on The Spirit of Health: Mind-to-Toe Self-Care for Women
From the segment: Tools for Self-Discovery & Life Enhancement
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