by D. Anderson

Created on: February 15, 2010   Last Updated: February 17, 2010

Contrary to popular misconception derived from ancient customs and Hollywood horror movies, animals are not sacrificed in pagan rites.  Animals have a revered and honored role that is highly respected and valued by pagans who use animals in their rites.

Known as Animal Magick, using animals in rites varies from just using parts of the animal (obtained naturally, without hurting the creature such as a feather found on the ground), to symbolism of animals, to having a living animal participate in magickal workings (otherwise known as a familiar).

Spirit Animals:  Similar to Native American customs, a spirit animal is a guardian that takes the form of an animal rather than human shape.  A spirit animal is a guardian and protector and can be any type of animal known to man, but the most common are wolves, foxes, bears, cougars, lions, tigers, cats, dogs and birds of prey.  It can be a deceased animal that a person once owned, or just a random spirit that has attached itself to the person.  Often seen in dreams, trances and meditation, a person may wear a symbol of this animal to remind them of the qualities of it.  Whenever they are in situations too tough to handle alone, they may call on their spirit animal for guidance or think of the qualities it has and use those to overcome the situation.  Do they need courage and bravery like a bear, or the cunningness of a fox or raccoon? 

Animal Symbolism:  Similar to spirit animals, a person can call up an image of an animal and use its qualities to overcome a situation.  However, this can also be used to interpret dreams or signs.  If suddenly seeing a particular animal in lots of places or if dreaming about an animal, look up what it means and use that knowledge.  A female deer might mean to tap into the feminine side whereas bees might mean creativity and prosperity.  There are hundreds of Internet sites for looking up animal symbolism but I recommend the book “Animal Speak” by Ted Andrews.  It covers every common animal a person can think of.

Animal Talismans:  This a nice phrase for “animal parts” and can include a wish bone, feather, talon, tooth (such as for a shark) or claw.  However, these items should be obtained naturally and not with any harm to the animal (with the exception of a wish bone which can only be obtained after a hearty roast chicken dinner).  Carrying these talismans can connect a person

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