The Maneki-neko (招き猫, lit. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. The figurine depicts a cat, traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail, with a paw raised in a Japanese. Use of the Maneki Neko or 'lucky cat'. Many businesses such as shops or restaurants have figures of such beckoning cats, which are considered to be lucky and to bring in money and fortune. A spider seen in the morning means good luck so the spider should not be killed. If a spider is seen at night means bad luck so it should be killed.
If you’re not already familiar with spirit animals and the messages they bring, this could be a really great and interesting read for you today.
I’ve gone through and listed the 25 major spirit animals, along with what they all mean, and how they will affect your life.
Other beliefs are rooted in ancient Pagan animist culture in Japan, and regards living and natural things as having spirits or powers, making some animals and depiction of animals as bringers of both good and bad fortune. There are several unlucky numbers in Japanese, aside from the numbers 4 and 9. This is an Engimono to wish for good health. Fukurou means owl in Japanese and owls are said to bring good luck. Also, the color red has long been believed to keep evil spirits away. Shigaraki-yaki No Tanuki (Shiga Prefecture) Tanuki means raccoon and this Engimono is considered to bring blessings of good business and economic fortune.
Before you read this article fully, it might be a great idea to take a spirit animal quiz online, which will basically reveal which of the 25 animals is currently present in your life.
Here are the 25 spirit animals and the amazing meanings behind them all:
1. The Bear
The bear is a symbol of strength and force. Bears have been worshipped throughout time as a powerful totem, filling people with the courage needed to stand up and fight adversity.
This spirit animal relates to the earth and nature, able to guide people and support them through physical and emotional healing.
The meanings behind the ‘Bear’ spirit animal:
Action & Leadership
Strength & Courage
Indication of Healing
Provides Strong Grounding Forces
2 The Butterfly
The butterfly is a symbol of incredible personal transformation. If this has come up as being your current spirit animal, you are most likely experiencing, or soon to be experiencing many changes within your life.
Those areas may differ, but keep an eye out, and see if you come to a realization that certain areas of your life are in great need of change.
The meanings behind the ‘Butterfly’ spirit animal:
Transformation
Playfulness
Rebirth
3. The Cat
The cat shows up for courage to act, and in essence shows up at a time when action needs to be taken. Those who have the cat as their spirit animal might want to start developing a strong balance between independence and togetherness.
The meanings behind the ‘Cat’ spirit animal:
Patience
Independence
Curiosity
Adventure
4. The Coyote
The coyote totem is strikingly paradoxical and is hard to categorize. It’s a teacher of hidden wisdom with a sense of humor, so the messages of the coyote spirit animal may paradoxically appear in the form of a joke or trickery. Don’t be tricked by the foolish appearances. The spirit of the coyote may remind you to not take things too seriously and bring more balance between wisdom and playfulness.
The meanings behind the ‘Coyote’ spirit animal:
Joker
Adaptability
Reveals All
Playfulness
5. The Crow
The crow is a spirit animal associated with life mysteries and magic. The power of this bird as totem and spirit guide is provide insight and means of supporting intentions. If the crow has become your spirit animal, it supports you in developing your vision and transformation in your life.
The meanings behind the ‘Crow’ spirit animal:
Fearlessness
Flexibility
Destiny
Higher Perspective
6. The Deer
When you have the deer as spirit animal, you are highly sensitive and have a strong intuition. By affinity with this animal, you have the power to deal with challenges with grace. You master the art of being both determined and gentle in your approach. The deer totem wisdom imparts those with a special connection with this animal with the ability to be vigilant, move quickly, and trust their instincts to get out the trickiest situations.
The meanings behind the ‘Deer’ spirit animal:
Gentleness
Innocence
Sensitivity
Vigilance
Ability to Regenerate
7. The Dolphin
37434763 – marine life background – jumping dolphins, beautiful red sunset on sea
The dolphin spirit animal represents harmony and balance. Dolphins are both highly intelligent and closely in tune with their instincts, striking a balance between the two states. Dolphins are also a symbol of protection and of resurrection. Their playful nature is a reminder that everyone needs to approach life with humor and joy. People who identify with the dolphin totem are usually peaceful and gentle, but with a deep inner strength.
The meanings behind the ‘Dolphin’ spirit animal:
Peace & Harmony
Resurrection
Protection
Inner Strength
8. The Dragonfly
The dragonfly totem carries the wisdom of transformation and adaptability in life. As spirit animal, the dragonfly is connected to the symbolism of change and light. When the dragonfly shows up in your life, it may remind you to bring a bit more lightness and joy into your life. Those who have this animal as totem may be inclined to delve deep into their emotions and shine their true colors.
The meanings behind the ‘Dragonfly’ spirit animal:
Transformation
Adaptability
Connection with Nature
Joy
9. The Fox
The fox is often associated with the figure of the trickster, but as a spirit animal, it can also turn into a teacher providing guidance on swiftly finding your way around obstacles. If you follow the fox totem wisdom, you may be called to use or develop quick thinking and adaptability. Responsive, sometimes cunning, this power animal is a great guide when you are facing tricky situations.
The meanings behind the ‘fox’ spirit animal:
Awareness
Cunning
Increased Perception
10. The Frog
The frog as spirit animal or totem reminds us of the transient nature of our lives. As symbol of transition and transformation, this spirit animal supports us in times of change. Strongly associated with the water element, it connects us with the world of emotions and feminine energies, as well as the process of cleansing, whether it’s physical, emotional, or more spiritual or energetic.
The meanings behind the ‘frog’ spirit animal are:
Ancient Wisdom
Rebirth
Cleansing
Transformation
11. The Hawk
When you have the hawk as a spirit animal, you may have an inclination towards using the power of vision and intuition in your daily life. The hawk totem provides wisdom about seeing situations from a higher perspective, using the power of observation, and focusing on the task at hand. It’s a good companion to develop spiritual awareness.
The meanings behind the ‘Hawk’ spirit animal are:
Messenger
Power of Focus
Clear Vision
12. The Horse
The horse spirit animal symbolizes personal drive, passion and appetite for freedom. Among all the spirit animals, it is one that shows a strong motivation that carries one through life. The meaning of the horse varies depending on whether this animal spirit guide is represented as wild, tamed, moving freely or constrained.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Horse’ spirit animal:
Strong Emotions
Sexual Energy
Driving Force
13. The Hummingbird
The hummingbird spirit animal symbolizes the enjoyment of life and lightness of being. Those who have the hummingbird as a totem are invited to enjoy the sweetness of life, lift up negativity wherever it creeps in and express love more fully in their daily endeavors.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Hummingbird’ spirit animal:
Enjoyment
Independence
Being Present
Resiliency
14. The Lion
40880901 – beautiful large african lion laying down with trees in the background
In the realm of spirit animals, the lion wins the prize for most relentless fighter in the face of life challenges. The lion spirit animal represents courage, strength in overcoming difficulties. The presence of this power animal could also mean that something “wild” or difficult to control is happening.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Lion’ spirit animal:
Strength
Personal Power
Assertiveness
Anger/Aggression
15. The Owl
Flying Eurasian Eagle Owl with open wings in forest habitat with trees, wide angle lens photo
The owl spirit animal is emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most. When the spirit of this animal guides you, you can see the true reality, beyond illusion and deceit.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Owl’ spirit animal:
Intuition
Change
Wisdom
Ability to Sense Deceit
16. The Panda
The panda is a powerful spirit animal inspiring tranquil strength and determination. Under its soft and fuzzy appearances, this animal totem brings forth the importance of strong personal boundaries to feel safe and grounded in life.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Panda’ spirit animal:
Peace
Good Luck
Gentle Strength
17. The Panther
The panther spirit animal is powerful and protective. The panther symbolizes courage, valor and power. If the panther is your power animal, you are blessed with a fierce guardian. The panther is the symbol of the mother, the dark moon and the power of the night.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Panther’ spirit animal:
Aggressiveness
Reclaiming Your Power
Death & Rebirth
Guardian
18. The Sheep
The presence of the sheep spirit animal offers ways to get in touch with the innocence and vulnerability in you. In the realm of spirit animals whether it’s in dreams or in physical reality, when you encounter a sheep, it usually represents an innocent, child-like aspect of yourself.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Sheep’ spirit animal:
Vulnerability
Childhood Innocence
Conforming to Social Norms
19. The Snake
The snake animal meaning is powerfully connected to life force and primal energy. In many cultures, it is revered as a powerful totem representing the source of life. When the snake spirit animal appears in your life, it likely means that healing opportunities, change, important transitions, and increased energy are manifesting.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Snake’ spirit animal:
Healing
Primal Energy
Transformation
Spiritual Guidance
20. The Spider
The spider is a remarkable figure of feminine energy and creativity in the spirit animal kingdom. Spiders are characterized by the skilled weaving of intricate webs and patience in awaiting their prey. By affinity with the spider spirit animal, you may have qualities of high receptivity and creativity.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Spider’ spirit animal:
Creativity
Patience
Feminine Energy
21. The Tiger
In the kingdom of spirit animal, the tiger puts a special emphasis on raw feelings and emotions. The tiger spirit animal symbolizes primal instincts, unpredictability, and ability to trust yourself. By affinity with this spirit animal, you may enjoy dealing with life matters spontaneously, trusting your intuition, and acting fast when needed.
The meanings behind the ‘Tiger’ spirit animal are:
Willpower
Strength
Personal Power
Aggression
Unpredictability
22. The Turkey
The Turkey is a spirit animal closely associated with honoring nature and the Earth. Symbol of abundance, this totem animal encourages us to honor our sources of nourishment, whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Turkey’ spirit animal:
Generosity
Abundance
Nourishment
Importance of Community
23. The Turtle
The turtle totem wisdom teaches us about walking our path in peace and sticking to it with determination and serenity.
Slow moving on earth, yet also incredibly fast and agile in water, those who have the turtle as totem or spirit animal may be encouraged to take a break in their busy lives and look around or within themselves for more grounded, long-lasting solutions.
The meanings behind the ‘Turtle’ spirit animal are:
Emotional Intelligence
Humble
Persistence
Pacing Yourself
Determination
24 The Whale
The whale spirit animal is the earth’s record keeper for all time.
As a totem, the whale teaches you about listening to your inner voice, understanding the impact your emotions have on your everyday life, and following your own truth. When the whale enters your life, it may be time to closely examine where you are.
These are the meanings behind the ‘Whale’ spirit animal:
Communication
Wisdom
Healing
History
25. The Wolf
The wolf offers some of the most striking animal meanings in the realm of spirit animals. The power of the wolf brings forth instinct, intelligence, appetite for freedom, and awareness of the importance of social connections.
This animal can also symbolize fear of being threatened and lack of trust. When the wolf shows up in your life, pay attention to what your intuition is telling you.
Instinctive
Sharp Intelligence
Lack of Trust
Thanks for checking out this awesome compilation of spirit animals!
Which spirit animal is currently present in your life?
Info collected from SpiritAnimal.info
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Japan’s traditional religion is Shinto. It focuses on ritual practices that links modern Japan to its ancient past. Shinto practices can be traced back to the written historical records of the Kojiki (oldest extant chronicle in Japan) and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan, the second-oldest book of classical Japanese history) in the 8th century. Shinto in modern times is the religion of public shrines devoted to the worship of a multitude of “spirits” or kami that are suited for many purposes.
The Japanese cultural belief in animals for purposes such as good luck and good fortune stems from the ancient religious traditions of Shintoism that has rich animist beliefs. The most significant animals are honored in many ways such as in shrines, artwork, sculpture and folk lore for many centuries up until today.
Here are just some of the significant animals in Japanese culture:
Best Of Luck In Japanese
Cats – Cats are revered by Japanese, and different types of good luck charms and temples are devoted to cats. The Maneki Neko “good fortune” cat, depicted as a sitting cat waving one paw, is seen in most Japanese business establishments because it is believed to draw in good business. Japan’s history indicates that cats have played an important role in Japanese culture and society, hence the number of shrines and temples dedicated to cats in the country.
Crane – Japanese mythical beliefs say that cranes can live as long as a thousand years. Cranes aptly symbolize longevity in Japan. The elegant long-limbed bird is used to decorate many things such as bridal kimonos, and even used in brands and even the popular origami crane, senbazuru. Senbazuru (千羽鶴), or the thousand origami cranes, are commonly seen at temples in Japan. Senbazuru, when grouped and held together by a string, are called orizuru. According to some stories, the thousand origami cranes must be made within the span of one year and only by one person, and anyone who completes this daunting task shall be rewarded with a wish.
Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin fox figures.
Red fox – Red fox or kitsune is often depicted as a paranormal trickster who can take on human form and can consume spirits. Other myths depict them to be guardians, friends and even lovers. Fox statues guard a number of Inari temples in Japan.
Inari is the name of the Shinto god of crops, and the fox is considered to be a form of his spirit. There is also the Zao Fox Village, a preserve with small houses and structures to house foxes. There is a shrine with statues and a torii. The animals roam freely, there is a petting zoo, and visitors are rewarded with the beautiful Miyagi Zao mountain scenery. The Fox Village is close to the town of Shiroishi that can be conveniently reached by a bullet train to Shiroishi Station. From there, it’s a quick 20-30 minute drive to the picturesque mountain preserve.